Joe Gomez discusses plans to celebrate first Liverpool goal

Joe Gomez has promised not to take his shirt off like Mohamed Salah when he finally scores his first goal for Liverpool.

The 26-year-old defender is now the Reds' longest-serving first-team player, but is – famously – yet to register a strike in eight and a half years at Anfield.

The topic of Gomez's (hopefully inevitable) first Liverpool goal has become a popular one this season, with the fanbase willing the former Charlton man to get on the scoresheet.

In his 26 appearances in all competitions so far this season, Gomez has managed 17 shots already and came close to scoring in the goalless draw with Manchester United last month.

Asked about the interest in breaking his duck, Gomez said (via Liverpoolfc.com): "I've gone eight years and now everyone is talking about it, I don't know what sparked it!

"I want to affect the game when I'm forward as well and be positive."

Regarding his celebration plans, he added: "Hopefully it comes, we'll see how I celebrate. I'll leave taking my shirt off to Mo [Salah]!"

Goals (or lack thereof) aside, Gomez has impressed for Liverpool this season, featuring in every role across Jurgen Klopp's backline – most recently deputising as a left back in the absence of injured Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas.

The position is not an entirely alien one to Gomez, who began his Reds career in the role under Brendan Rodgers way back in 2015. However, he has mostly been used at centre back and right back since.

Discussing the adaptation to the left-sided role, he said: "It's different at left-back.

"It's been a challenge to adapt. Small, minor differences that maybe aren't noted – maybe how you receive the ball and so on. But people at the club know me now, they know I will give my all.

"I've been here long enough now but I'm grateful to play for the club. Attack each game, dig in as a team and try to do what we can do as a collective. We have some injuries but we will keep persevering."