John Aldridge has welcomed the news of Andre Wisdom's loan switch to Derby County, asserting that the 20-year-old defender could return to Anfield an even better player.

It was announced today that the Reds' No.47 had completed a temporary transfer to the Rams, who are currently chasing promotion from the Championship under Steve McClaren.

Since making his senior debut for Liverpool in September 2012, Wisdom has impressed - often at right-back - in making a total of 22 appearances for Brendan Rodgers' side.

Now former Reds striker Aldridge believes an extended spell in the notoriously competitive Championship will enhance the youngster's budding potential.

"Andre Wisdom is off to Derby County on loan and I think that's a great move for everyone concerned," he wrote in his Liverpool Echo column.

"The Liverpool youngster has got plenty of potential but to realise it he needs to be playing regular football.

"There is no point him just warming the bench and getting the occasional run-out for our U21s.

"The Championship is a tough league and it will do him good to experience life in that division.

"Hopefully he will establish himself in the Derby side under new boss Steve McClaren and come back to Anfield a better player.

"In the long-term, I think Wisdom has got all the tools required to be a very good centre-back."