Ex-Liverpool defender who made Champions League squad let go by Championship club at 24 but immediately finds new side

EX-LIVERPOOL defender Conor Masterson is taking another step down the leagues - five years after a career high as an Anfield teenager.

The centre-back made Liverpool's squad for a 3-0 Champions League quarter-final win over Manchester City in 2018.

But after switching to QPR the following year, the Irishman has now been released by the Championship club and instantly snapped up by League Two Gillingham.

It's no great surprise, however, because the 24-year-old has spent the second half of both the last two seasons on loan with the Gills.

Before that QPR also sent him for temporary spells in the lower divisions at Swindon Town and Cambridge United.

In all, the former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international made just 21 appearances for Rangers, netting once.

But he impressed in both stints at Gillingham.

And after completing his move to Kent, Masterson told the : "I'm delighted to get it done.

"I have really enjoyed my time at Gillingham during the last two loan spells so to come here permanently, I can't wait."

Gills' director of football Kenny Jackett is also hoping Masterson maintains his previous form at the Priestfield Stadium.

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The ex-Watford and Wolves manager said: " He has done very well in his loan spell this year in our resurgence during the back end of the season.

"Everybody at the club is looking forward to working with him in 2023/24."

Masterson joined Liverpool from his local side Lucan United on his 16th birthday in 2014.

He was an unused sub two years later for an FA Cup third-draw at Exeter.

After becoming a regular member of the Reds' Under-23 squad, he was then on the bench for two prestigious first-team games in April 2018.

He looked on as Liverpool beat Pep Guardiola's City 3-0 at Anfield on the way to a 5-1 aggregate triumph in a Champions League last-eight tie.

And three days later Masterson was in the squad for a 0-0 Premier League draw at Everton.

Now, three levels lower with the Gills, he's looking for not just stability but a promotion bid.

That should be easy enough - if he maintains his end-of-season form.

He said via Gillingham's media team: "I am playing my best football of my career at Priestfield.

"I really didn't want this season to end, as a team and as a group we have enjoyed everything since January.

“We won 10 out of our 12 games at home, that was massive for us.

“We are going into next season where we want to be pushing for promotion, that's the aim for this club and I think we should be.”