Liverpool goalkeeper Danny Ward hopes his loan experience with Aberdeen can help him become first-choice goalkeeper at Anfield.
The former Welsh under-21 international returned to England last week after being recalled by Reds manager Jurgen Klopp.
Ward’s impressive displays for the Dons have catapulted him to second choice ahead of Adam Bogdan in the Anfield pecking order behind Simon Mignolet and the 22-year-old was on the bench for Liverpool’s last two matches against Arsenal and Manchester United.
Ward knows he has a fight on his hands to replicate his successful spell with the Dons back at his parent club but is relishing the challenge.
He said: “You don’t to try and run before you can walk. Obviously, it would be nice to try to get a game in any competition for this club. But take it day by day, work hard and catch the eye.
“I’ve just got to keep an open mind, train as hard as I can. I know it’s a bit of an old cliche but I’ll take one day and one session at a time and see what comes around.
“The manager is just expecting me to come back and obviously challenge with Simon and Adam and train as hard as I can, like I have done since I signed for Liverpool. Hopefully, I will catch the eye.”
Ward believes his experience gained at Pittodrie has made him better prepared for the challenge which lies ahead under Klopp.
He is highly regarded by the Liverpool hierarchy, who gave him a five-year contract last summer before loaning him to the Dons.
He kept 12 clean sheets in 29 appearances for Aberdeen and was an ever-present during his loan spell at Pittodrie.
He said: “It was massive for me this year to go and get games. I’m just thankful that a club as big as Aberdeen gave me the opportunity to play and get games and exposure which has done me the world of good.
“You never know how you’re going to react in pressure situations in front of big crowds until you’re actually there and experiencing it.
“I’m thankful that I’ve had the ups and downs of football while I’ve been to Scotland.
“We had a little run in the Europa League where we went to Rijeka in Croatia who had this formidable home record.
“I think it was nearly 60 games undefeated and we weren’t given a chance but we kept a clean sheet and won 3-0 which was really satisfying.
“I’m obviously sad to leave Aberdeen but that’s football and I’m looking forward to the challenge that lies back here.”