MATT Baker is just 22 but the Hereford United keeper can already boast an appearance in front of Liverpool's famous Kop.

That occasion was all the more rewarding because it came after serious injury following routine surgery that briefly threatened his career at just 18.

Baker began as a YTS player with Hull City but his fledgling career was thrown into doubt when he picked up cruciate damage and then an infection which put him out of the game for a year-and-a-half.

Ironically it was a similar scenario to the one that was to face Scott Cooksey whose Edgar Street playing days were ended by blood poisoning following an operation on a broken wrist.

Fortunately Baker escaped Cooksey's fate but any hopes of making a name for himself at Boothferry Park were blocked by two senior keepers ahead of him in the pecking order.

However their knack for picking up injuries and suspensions did afford him some opportunities notably at Anfield.

"Lee Bracey was sent off after 20 minutes against Liverpool in a Worthington Cup tie and I came on," recalls Baker.

"It was amazing but I wasn't that nervous surprisingly but I got a great reception from the Kop."

Baker's switch to Edgar Street took off last season when, due to Cooksey's injury, he played the entire season and he has not looked back since.

"Last year I could not have asked for better and although we didn't have a good league season personally I was pleased with the way it went," he sent.

Two days trial with Third Division Leyton Orient in pre-season came to nothing but Baker has been honing his skills with weekly training sessions with Aston Villa.

"It's brilliant and I play with the first team players when they split the squad into practise games," he said.

"The first touch and awareness of the players is the biggest difference but to be at that level you have to talent but work hard and enjoy a slice of luck."

Baker's impressive form for Hereford was capped recently with a call up to the England Semi Professional side to face Italy and he was pleased to be involved.

"It's a good advertisement for the league and there are some quality players in the Conference and if they are given a chance can play at a higher level," he said.

Baker, there can be no doubt, is in that bracket.