WITH an uncle and father who both know a thing or two about scoring goals Owen Beck appeared destined to be a striker.

But the talented teenager is plotting his own route to the professional game, Beck recently signing a first professional contract with Liverpool after impressing from left-back.

Owen’s father, Shaun, is well-known throughout the Welsh pyramid for his goal-scoring exploits, while uncle Ian Rush is simply a legend of the game both home and abroad.

“Owen has found a position that he’s more suited to,” said father Shaun. “Growing up he’s play up-front and in midfield, and even in his first few years at Liverpool he played in midfield at times.

“But he’s made left-back his position and he’s produced some consistent performances.

“He enjoys playing in that position.”

A quick Google of Beck, who played came through the ranks at Flint Town under the guidance of Steve Williams, brings up a report featuring his stoppage-time winner from the Welsh youth international against Southampton in November.

The modern day full-back has to be as capable in the final third as he is stopping crosses into his own penalty area.

“Full-backs have to get forward now,” said Shaun. “The way Liverpool play - and you only have to look at Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold - is about getting the full-backs high up the pitch.

“It’s not about defending all game. It’s about fitness and he’s encouraged to get forward, to get high up the pitch whenever his team have the ball.

“Years ago, full-back wasn’t a glamorous position, but now it’s not and it’s fun to watch.”

The Beck family are big Liverpool supporters, so the chance to watch his son run out with the Liver Bird on his chest is something Shaun relishes.

“Either me or his mum try to go to every game,” said Shaun. “We try to make sure someone is there to watch him, even though he says we don’t need to.”

Owen has had a taste of men’s football when making a two-minute cameo for the Under-21s in their 5-2 EFL Trophy group stage defeat to Accrington Stanley.

“He just takes it all in his stride,” said Shaun. “He’s quiet off the field and doesn’t let anything faze him.

“He’s filling out now, he’s growing and he can only get better.”

Owen, signed by the Reds from Stoke City five years ago, will make a permanent step up to the Under-23s next season, but the ultimate goal remains following fellow north Walian and housemate, Neco Williams, into the first-team picture.

“The aim is to train at Melwood with the first-team,” said Shaun.

“Last year he trained at times with the Under-23s and there would be a few first-team players dip in and out to get their fitness up, like Divock Origi.

“Neco has had a taste of action and done a good job, so now he’s with the first-team on a regular basis - that’s the ultimate aim.”

Has Shaun ever pictured Owen, who picked Liverpool over the likes of Manchester United and Everton, running out at Anfield for Jurgen Klopp’s men?

He said: “That’s the dream. But there’s a lot of hard work to do.

“With Ian Rush as your uncle he’s got good advice on the end of a phone and when someone like Ian speaks, you tend to listen.

“The important thing is making sure he’s in the right place and being looked after.

“Hopefully, as he progresses, it gets to a point where he can make a living out of playing football.”