Jordon Ibe identifies pre-season tour to make his mark

Wednesday 22 Apr 2015
Jordon Ibe has made eight appearances for Liverpool so far this term
Jordon Ibe has identified Liverpool’s pre-season tour as the ideal time to cement his first-team place for the start of the 2015-16 season.

Liverpool travel to Malaysia and Australia during the summer and the England Under-20s international says it provides the perfect platform for him to showcase his skills.

"It's really important to get into the gaffer's mind of who could be in the starting 11 for the first Premier League game, and just do well and keep your fitness up," he told LFCTour.com.

"I'm looking forward to it a lot. We went to Asia two years ago and it should be good to see the amazing fans. In America and Asia I've seen so many fans. 

Jordon Ibe in action for Liverpool in the UEFA Europa League

“I've experienced a lot being on tour with the first team, I enjoy it."

Ibe has enjoyed a breakthrough season with the Reds. 

After impressing while on loan at Derby County during the first part of the campaign, manager Brendan Rodgers decided he was ready for first-team action and recalled him in January.

The south London-born wide man returned and made seven appearances, before picking up an injury in February that kept him out until the Reds' recent 2-0 home win against Newcastle.

Confirmed pre-season fixtures

  • Brisbane (17 July)
  • Adelaide (20 July)
  • Malaysia XI (24 July)

And although the season may be coming to an end, Ibe is hoping for another exciting pre-season.

He added: "When we got off the plane last time in Asia, I saw so many fans at the airport. 

“We couldn't even get on the bus to drive us to the hotel. I'm imagining it will be crazy again.

"It's very important because we don't really go to that side of the world a lot, so when we get the time to go and see fans and sign some autographs.

"It's great for us and great for them to watch us play."

So far Liverpool have confirmed fixtures in Australia against Brisbane and Adelaide on 17 and 20 July respectively.

Following those games they travel to the Far East to take on a Malaysia XI on 24 July.

By Jamie Reid Senior Writer