Wisdom back 'better' from Derby loan
Andre Wisdom is confident that he will return to Liverpool as an improved player after his 'brilliant experience' of almost securing promotion during his loan spell with Derby County.
The defender started the season at Anfield but, in pursuit of games and experience, completed a move to the Rams last October for the remainder of their Championship campaign.
He thrived there. Stationed at right-back, Wisdom exhibited the same powerful play, positional awareness and game intelligence that Kopites had witnessed on occasion the previous year.
In total, he clocked up 38 appearances for Derby, although his temporary stay ended with disappointment as they were stunned by a last-minute winner in the play-off final last month.
Nevertheless, the 21-year-old was left to reflect on an overwhelmingly positive seven months away from the Reds - and pledged that Brendan Rodgers can welcome back a better asset.
"I have had a brilliant time at Derby County and every minute of it has been a real pleasure," Wisdom said. "The aim was to come out and play games and I have done that for the last seven months.
"Under Steve McClaren, I think I have grown as a player and a person and when I report back at Liverpool for pre-season training, I'll be a better player for the brilliant experience I have had.
"I think I have improved as a result of being at Derby and it is just a shame we didn't get the promotion we deserved.
"The lads were brilliant from the minute I arrived. It's not just them, though; the staff and fans have shown so much support to me.
"I've made some good friends as a result of coming to Derby and I can't speak highly enough of the place. I am just gutted I didn't get a goal; I had a few chances and in such an attacking side, but just couldn't score."