Liverpool loanee targeting potential first-team spot

Matt Stead

Ryan Kent is hoping to break into Liverpool first-team contention under Jurgen Klopp next season.

Kent has been with Liverpool since 2003, and made his first-team debut for the club in the FA Cup third round draw with Exeter last January.

The winger, now 20, impressed on loan at Coventry last season, and is currently enjoying a spell with Championship side Barnsley.

He expects to return to Anfield in the summer and “push forward for the first team”.

“The manager gave me my debut last year when I came back from Coventry and to see him giving out even more debuts this year and putting his trust in young players in big games is pivotal – it inspires you,” he told LFC.TV.

“Not many clubs are giving young players these opportunities, so that’s more inspiration for me to go back to Liverpool in the summer, work hard in pre-season, and push forward for the first team.”

Kent has scored two goals and assisted two in 33 Championship games for Barnsley, and he feels that he has learned from his spell with the side, who are currently in 1oth place.

“I’m really enjoying my time here,” he said. “I’ve fitted into the team really well and I was given a great welcome here.

“It’s very exciting for me and a great experience to be playing in front of big crowds in big stadiums and it’s something I’m really relishing.

“I think it has helped my game playing in front of big crowds because I like to showcase my ability in front of crowds like that.”