Sheyi Ojo on tour invite and Sturridge advice
Sheyi Ojo has underlined his determination to make the most of this summer's pre-season tour ahead of what he believes could be a pivotal campaign on a personal level.
The young winger joined up with the first-team squad earlier this week after helping England to the semi-finals of the European U19 Championship in Germany.
And he returned to action for the Reds as a second-half substitute during the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
Reflecting on his participation in the tour, the former MK Dons wideman revealed just how much it meant to him to be asked by Jürgen Klopp to join the training camp in the United States.
"Before I went away with England, he mentioned that he wanted me to be on this trip so that was a big confidence boost," he told Liverpoolfc.com.
"After we got knocked out I got another phonecall saying I should fly when I’m next available so I was eager to get out here."
Ojo also explained how the boss' support stretches beyond simply inviting him to join the travelling party out in the States.
"It’s going well. I’ve only been here a couple of days but I’m enjoying it and hopefully we can continue [building] fitness and finish strongly," he added.
"When you’re starting to get a bit of fatigue in the heat, it’s a mental test as well as a physical one. But everyone’s really enjoying their time out here and trying to get through it.
"The manager has been really supportive in training sessions and everybody’s just looking forward to the upcoming games."
And it is not just Klopp who is keeping an eye out for one of the club's brightest young starlets, either.
When asked to single out a senior colleague who has helped his progression, Ojo said: "It’s a hard one. I get along with everyone, [though] I’d probably say Daniel Sturridge has been really supportive since I came into the team.
"But everyone is supportive, it’s a great team to be with."
The No.54 significantly enhanced his CV last term as he made 19 appearances for Wolves on loan before returning to Anfield to clock up 11 further outings.
He wants to add to that next time around and believes the experiences of 2015-16 will stand him in good stead to do so.
"My main focus is just to keep working hard, to keep my head down, and if I get more opportunities hopefully I can impress the manager," he continued.
"I just want to kick on and hopefully get as many games as I can this season. I think last season was more of a taster but I think I’m ready now and hopefully if I get my opportunity I can take it.
"Last season, I was coming into the Premier League and hadn’t played in it before. But I think now that I’ve got the experience I know I can impact on games more than I did last season."