Cape Town - Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana admits it is a dream come true to finally be playing in the Champions League as he gears up for another run out in Europe's premier club competition on Wednesday.
The £25m off-season arrival got his first taste of European Cup football last month as the Reds saw off minnows Ludogorets 2-1 in their Group B opener, and is now in line to make his second start in the competition, against FC Basel.
Speaking ahead of another European outing, the former Southampton ace said: "I've always dreamt about playing in this competition as a kid.
"I feel I am more or less there (in terms of fitness). I knew it was going to be tough, I am just delighted to be back playing for such a fantastic club.
"I think it gives you more game opportunities to get up to speed, to knit with the group and your new team-mates.
"It is obviously a tough competition and there is no easy game but, to take the positives out of it, it is another game."
The £25m off-season arrival got his first taste of European Cup football last month as the Reds saw off minnows Ludogorets 2-1 in their Group B opener, and is now in line to make his second start in the competition, against FC Basel.
Speaking ahead of another European outing, the former Southampton ace said: "I've always dreamt about playing in this competition as a kid.
"I feel I am more or less there (in terms of fitness). I knew it was going to be tough, I am just delighted to be back playing for such a fantastic club.
"I think it gives you more game opportunities to get up to speed, to knit with the group and your new team-mates.
"It is obviously a tough competition and there is no easy game but, to take the positives out of it, it is another game."