Ilori glad to be back in Reds action
Tiago Ilori expressed delight over pulling on a Liverpool shirt again after a 45-minute run-out for the U21s against Everton on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old, who spent the summer helping Portugal reach the final of the European U21 Championships, saw his preparations for the new domestic season disrupted by injury.
But having recently returned to training, he featured in the first half of an incredible 3-3 draw with the Toffees at the Merseyrail Community Stadium before being replaced by Tom Brewitt.
And, after enjoying loan spells with Granada and Bordeaux over the course of the last two seasons, Ilori was pleased to be back representing the Reds once more.
"It felt great [to be back]. I haven't been here for a while, it feels good to get some more minutes in a Liverpool shirt - that's what I need," he told Liverpoolfc.com.
"It's different [being back in English football] but everything's good to learn and get more experience.
"I haven't played for a few months so the most important thing for me was to get back in my rhythm."
The centre-back even reflected positively on his recent injury, stating: "I hadn't had a holiday and it's difficult to go two years straight.
"You need time off so it was at the right time."
The London-born stopper also underlined his main aim for the 2015-16 season: earning a place in Brendan Rodgers' first team.
"I want to play for Liverpool," he explained.
"I'm here to play, I don't want to be at Liverpool just to be sitting around.
"My objective is the same as every other player, we all want to play, so everyone is going to fight for their place."