NewsHow a summer plan is working out 'perfectly' for Calvin Ramsay

Earlier this season, the full-back made his first competitive appearance for the Reds in nearly three years by starting the Carabao Cup tie with Crystal Palace at Anfield.

In between those outings were injuries and four loan spells with varying amounts of game time.

But the 2022 arrival from Aberdeen now considers himself to be in an excellent place on and off the pitch.

Speaking to the official matchday programme, Ramsay said: "I spoke with my agent and the club at the start of the season and, off the back of the loans that I've had, the best solution was to stay around the club here, play with the U21s, get back to full fitness and get opportunities with the first team like I've got.

"I've trained with them, played against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup. That was the plan really and I think it's worked out perfectly because I feel fit, I feel good training with the first team and hopefully it puts me in a good position now.

"Obviously after a few loan spells where I didn't play too much, to be back involved and training with the first team is good. It's good for my development to be around world-class players."

He added: "I had two knee injuries and didn't play a lot when I was out on loan, but I've always believed in myself.

"I think that's how I'm at this club in the first place. I've always believed in myself, knew what I can do and I just knew I need to keep working hard and when I got an opportunity, like the Palace game, to take it.

"I think I did take it, so hopefully I can just keep going and maybe get some more opportunities."

Including his outing against Palace, Ramsay has been part of Liverpool's matchday squad on nine occasions so far this season.

That experience and training with Arne Slot's side on a daily basis has also allowed him to learn from right-back colleagues Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong.

"Conor Bradley went to Bolton and I think he played 50-odd games, which is a lot," Ramsay said. "When I went there it didn't quite go as planned, but I think every player has got a different career path. I just need to keep working hard and hopefully follow in his footsteps.

"Obviously Jeremie Frimpong is here now too and I think Conor and Frimpong are two completely different right-backs in the way they play.

"But to learn from them both and just pick little bits from their games can hopefully make me a better player.

"I'm sure it will, so hopefully I keep training with them for as long as I can and take my opportunity when it comes."

Ramsay became a dad for the first time in early December, as he and his partner welcomed son Colby to the world.

Naturally, such a milestone moment has given the 22-year-old a new outlook in all aspects of life.

"It's been really good, to be honest. Probably the proudest moment of my life so far," the Scot said. "He's been really good.

"My missus has been unbelievable as well and just going home to him every day and seeing his face, it's amazing. It definitely changes your perspective on life.

"I spoke to people before it happened and they said it was hard and things like that. I didn't actually know if it would be that hard but it is, it is definitely hard!

"You've got to focus on everything that you do around him and now it's made me want to do even better in football, whether it's here or on loan.

"I just want to go out and work hard and do everything for him, I guess."