ANDRE Wisdom has spoken of how much he learned during his loan spell at Derby County.
Wisdom, not one for doing interviews in his time with the Rams, has praised Steve McClaren and the players for the support he received at Derby.
The 21-year-old defender made 38 consecutive starts at right-back after signing on loan from Liverpool in October. He returned to his parent club following the Championship play-off final defeat by Queens Park Rangers.
Wisdom is now back in training with Liverpool and featured in the first pre-season friendly in Brondby on Wednesday night as he looks to stake a claim for a regular place in the Reds' first-team squad.
He believes his time with Derby has helped his progress.
"I really enjoyed the loan at Derby. I learned a lot and it was a good experience," Wisdom told Liverpoolfc.com.
"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."
Wisdom was also impressed by Derby's style of play.
"They like to pass the ball," he added. "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.
"It was really good and I wish Derby all the best for the new season."
Wisdom helped Derby to finish third. They then swept Brighton aside over two legs in the play-off semi-final before suffering Wembley heartbreak in May.
"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," he said.
"There were around 80,000 people there and it's always great to play in front of a big crowd.
"It was a good game. Unfortunately, we didn't get there (the Premier League) but I'm sure they will get there this season.
"We dominated the final so much and for them (QPR) to get the late winner, it was more disappointing than maybe it would have been had we suffered a heavy defeat but it was a good experience. I'll learn from it and I'm sure Derby will also."
Wisdom said Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers kept in touch while he was at Derby.
"The gaffer has been really supportive," added Wisdom.
"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."
