Ryan Kent 'inspired' by Jürgen Klopp faith
Ryan Kent is hoping his season-long stay in the Championship with Barnsley can help him make an impact at Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp next term.
The 20-year-old has been in impressive form for Paul Heckingbottom's side in 2016-17, establishing himself as a favourite among supporters in his 35 appearances.
Kent made his senior debut for the Reds during last season's FA Cup third-round tie at Exeter City, and has watched from afar this term as Academy graduates Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Woodburn, Ovie Ejaria and Harry Wilson have taken the same step.
For that reason, the winger retains a belief that he will be given another chance to shine when he returns to Melwood at the end of his stint in Yorkshire.
“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,” Kent told LFCTV's 'Academy Show'.
“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.”
LFCTV GO: Ryan Kent on his loan at Barnsley
Kent will come up against a fellow Reds loan star in goalkeeper Danny Ward when Barnsley host Huddersfield Town at Oakwell this afternoon.
Reflecting on his own experiences of a stay in the Championship, the wide-man expressed delight over the steps he has taken.
He added: “I'm really enjoying my time here, I've fitted into the team really well and I was given a great welcome here.
“We've had some great results. Some people wrote us off at the start of the season but we have showed what we can do.
“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.”
When asked why he chose to sign for Barnsley specifically, Kent revealed that his mind was made up after speaking with Tykes boss Heckingbottom.
He said: “There were numerous clubs interested in taking me on loan at the start of the season, but after speaking to Paul Heckingbottom about what his philosophies are and how he wanted the team to play football, my mind was made up.
“I was impressed by what he had planned for me and developing my career. That really fitted in with what I needed to do around my identity as a football player.”
One of the highlights of the campaign so far for Kent was scoring during a 3-2 win over Leeds United back in January.
“It was a really big moment for me in my career so far,” he said of the goal.
“I really enjoyed it. I have been unlucky with a few shots this season that have hit the bar and post.
“I think it's a case for me of not trying to score the perfect goal and it was nice to score, especially in a local derby.”