Calum Scanlon has opened up on his Cardiff City loan spell and revealed his determination to make up for lost time after enduring a frustrating run of injuries.
The Liverpool left-back played his part in Cardiff's promotion-winning campaign after joining Brian Barry-Murphy's side on loan for the second half of the season.
While he made only eight appearances for the Bluebirds, having to wait patiently behind Joel Bagan who was included in the League One team of the season, the 21-year-old says every minute on the pitch meant plenty after spending almost a year on the sidelines.
Having endured back and hamstring injuries which kept him sidelined for months, the Cardiff stint was important for his confidence and development.
"I've had a lot of injuries, a lot of setbacks as well, but I've managed to get through them," Scanlon told Liverpool's website. "I've kept my head down, no matter what has been thrown at me.
"Sometimes football throws these things at you. It's just how you deal with it and I know now that I'm mentally strong.
"I was in the gym the whole of last year but it just spurs you on more. It is very tough. If I'm being honest, some days there's little motivation but I try to stay disciplined. That's what gets me through anyway - my discipline.
"I know, even though the motivation might not be there, my goal never changes. So, that's the important one for me - just keep knocking down the days, no matter how long it is, because I know eventually it will work out."
After nearly a year without competitive football, Scanlon finally returned in January, starting for Liverpool's Under-21s in a friendly against Wrexham before sealing a loan switch to Cardiff just a couple of weeks later.
He arrived with the Bluebirds flying high in League One and went on to help Barry-Murphy's side secure promotion back to the Championship.
The defender admits the experience has reignited his ambition after such a prolonged spell on the treatment table.
"I waited 11 months for that," Scanlon points out. "It's been very disrupted but it did feel amazing just to get out on the pitch again in front of fans because that's what I'd love to do every week.
"It was brilliant to be back in a men's environment – I think that's what I need now. I learned a lot at Cardiff and I was very grateful for them bringing me in.
"Being around good players as well, such an amazing team, who I'm sure will do very good in the Championship, [with] a good manager, good fans, it was good for my development. I did learn a lot and it was a great experience."
The England youth international now faces a crucial summer as he returns to Liverpool looking to build on the momentum gained during his time in south Wales.
With Arne Slot having been sacked by the Merseyside club, Scanlon has a new chance to impress incoming boss Andoni Iraola. And one thing is for sure, he is hellbent on staking a claim for his spot at Anfield next term.
"For pre-season I'd love to show what I can do," he added. "My eyes are set on playing for Liverpool – it always has been.
"So whatever opportunity I get, I'm sure to do my bit, I'll work hard and whatever happens, happens.
"But I'm just ready for whatever's thrown at me, and then I'll try to do what's best for me and my development."
