NewsCalum Scanlon interview: 'Rollercoaster' year, Cardiff loan and pre-season aims

A smile on his face, the left-back is conversing with Liverpoolfc.com a month or so on from helping Cardiff City secure promotion to the Championship while on loan there.

He only made eight appearances during his time in the Welsh capital, but every second on the pitch was savoured – for good reason, too.

"It's been a rollercoaster," Scanlon admits in a side room at the AXA Training Centre.

It started on his debut for Millwall shortly after completing a season-long loan switch there in August 2024.

Scanlon came on for a late cameo but a back injury meant he would not be seen at The Den again until the start of 2025.

Having worked his way back, he tore a hamstring in his third game back and the season was done.

Little did he know, it would take just shy of a whole year to return to action.

"I've had a lot of injuries, a lot of setbacks as well, but I've managed to get through them," the 21-year-old says. "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.

"I think it's ignited something in me where I'm hungry and I just want to go out and just show everyone what I can do, not only show everyone but myself as well because I know what I'm capable of."

Scanlon made his comeback with a start for Liverpool U21s in a friendly against Wrexham in the middle of January.

Around two weeks later, he signed temporarily for League One high-flyers Cardiff for the second half of their successful push to go up.

The feeling of being back on the grass, in front of supporters, with an objective to chase was unrivalled.

"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."

A summer holiday with a few Liverpool teammates is next on the agenda, before Scanlon returns from the off-season refreshed with renewed motivation.

"For pre-season I'd love to show what I can do," he says. "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."

Scanlon, who joined Liverpool's Academy in 2021 from Birmingham City, has already represented the Reds' senior team in competitive matches on two occasions.

He debuted at Anfield in a Europa League meeting with Toulouse in October 2024 and was then given another opportunity by Jürgen Klopp against Union SG when the group stage wrapped up.

His half-hour run-out in L4 is never too far from mind as his boots and shirt from that night take pride of place in the living room.

Scanlon finishes: "They mean a lot to me. They're always there. They're right by the dinner table actually, so I see them every day and I don't forget what I've achieved and what I hope to achieve as well.

"That's one of the biggest moments in my career. What I've worked for ever since I was not only a child but since I've come to Liverpool.

"So, that's definitely such a key moment for me in my career that spurs me on to keep going and then get another chance at Anfield hopefully in the future.

"It's a feeling that you chase after and you keep working towards. You want it to almost happen every day.

"Ever since that moment, and even before that, I've always wanted to play for this club. I'm still chasing that spot and I believe in my abilities, so hopefully I just kick on now and keep working hard."