LFCTV
On Saturday April 5, 2008, Sean Highdale gave a typically committed performance as Liverpool under-18s suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to Derby County.
Less than 48 hours later he was involved in a horrific car accident that saw two of his friends killed on Speke Boulevard.
At the time, the 17-year-old had developed a reputation for showing the type of fight that embodies the very spirit of Liverpool Football Club and he would need every bit of that grit and determination to pull through and rebuild his life.
The next year and half would see him embark upon an intensive rehabilitation programme and after a series of highs and lows he returned to action as a substitute in a behind closed doors friendly at the Academy in December.
Just to be able to pull on his football boots and kick a ball again was a victory in itself, but as we found out in an exclusive interview following a training session at the club's Kirkby Youth base, the thought of giving up never entered the 19-year-old's mind.
Well Sean, it's two years in April since the accident. You're back training now. How does it feel to have returned to football?
It's great. I've worked so hard to get back to this point. The accident came at the worst possible time for me. I was playing well. Everything was going for me, I was playing for England and I was captain of the under-18s. It's one of those setbacks you can get in life and I've just been trying my hardest to get over the hurdle ever since. I'm training again now, so I'm made up.
You actually played 20 minutes as a substitute in a friendly with Wrexham before Christmas, didn't you?
Yes, I played about 20-25 minutes. All I wanted to do was get back out there on a football pitch. The feeling was great and all my family were there to see me too. They've put in so much effort with me and it was great for them to have me back playing.
Just how difficult has it been to get to the point where you can pull your boots on again?
It's been very hard. I always knew it was going to be difficult. I was never going to give up though. I was so determined to return and all the hard work has paid off. Hopefully, in the future, it'll pay off even more.
What would you say has been your main motivation to remain in football?
Well it's just the game of football itself. I just love it and I couldn't do without it in my life. Most of all, I wanted to do it for my family - my mum and Dad. I know how much time they have put into my life as a footballer. They used to bring me into training when I was a little kid and they've just been brilliant.
Who do you think has helped you the most at the Academy, during these tough times?
Everyone has been great with me. I wouldn't want to pick just one person out because every single one of them has been great. Whenever I have felt down someone has been there to talk to me. Everyone at Liverpool Football Club has been fantastic and they've stood by me all the way.
What kind of rehabilitation programme have you undertaken?
When I had the first operation I couldn't do anything. I just had to start off by doing upper body weights. As the weeks have gone on, I've progressed and moved into light training. Now I'm finally at the point where I'm back in full training with the team. I haven't had any problems and it's been great.
How would you say this experience has changed you as a person?
It's been massive. I'm much more mature and I've had to grow up a lot faster. That's probably one of the positives to have come out of it. I've sacrificed a lot to get where I am now. I couldn't really go out with my mates because any slight bang on my leg could have set me back.
Much has changed at the Academy since you were last playing. How have you found Rodolfo Borrell and his coaching staff?
It's been good. Rodolfo is a nice man. I've had some good chats with him. He wasn't really aware of what happened to me at first, but he's been very supportive.
And finally, what are your hopes for the future?
I don't want to think too much about the future now. As you said, I've only played the last 20 minutes in the Wrexham game, so I just want to get match fit and see where that takes me.
Good to see this lad back in the game and continuing his rehabilitation from not only his injuries but the mental scars he also must be carrying.
Well in Shaun good to have you back.
