Andre Wisdom has thanked Brendan Rodgers for the support he has provided since taking over at Anfield two years ago.
The England Under-21 international joined Liverpool's youth setup from Bradford City in 2008, but was overlooked by three Anfield managers before being handed his debut by Rodgers shortly after the Irishman joined in 2012.
After breaking into the side, Wisdom was sent on loan and spent the majority of the 2013-14 season at Derby County, and Rodgers remained in constant contact.
"The gaffer has been really supportive," he told Liverpoolfc.com.
"When I was at Derby he was always sending me good luck messages and telling me to stay confident, keep playing the way I was playing and try to express myself."
Wisdom, 21, impressed during his seven-month spell with Steve McClaren’s outfit.
Andre Wisdom in action for Derby County
He narrowly missed out on securing promotion in the play-off final, before Bobby Zamora’s last-minute strike broke the Rams’ hearts.
However, the Leeds-born defender said he will look back on his time in the East Midlands with great fondness.
"I really enjoyed the loan at Derby," he added. "I learned a lot and it was a good experience, and I'm glad I'm back and I'm training well and trying to get my fitness back to its peak.
"I wish Derby all the best for the new season. We did really well last season when we got to the play-off final at Wembley and we lost in the final, but it was a good experience.”
Wisdom was a regular in McClaren’s starting eleven, and made 37 appearances after signing for the remainder of the season in October 2013 – and said the experience will become a vital part of his development.
Brendan Rodgers handed Andre Wisdom his Liverpool debut in 2012
"Derby was really good for me because I played in all of their games. It was good to find a consistency in playing and the lads there helped me a lot,” he continued.
“In the Championship there are a lot of long balls and it's very physical, but Derby have some good players and I learned a lot about the tactical and positional side of my game.
Now back at Liverpool, he featured in the pre-season friendly against Brondby on Wednesday and emphasised how pleased he is to be back and in pre-season training.
"It's always a time to impress in every training session and every opportunity you get to play or train in front of the manager.
“It's always good to show what you can do and what you are capable of doing."
