Liverpool midfielder drops major hint over swift return after summer transfer

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Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballLiverpool FCLiverpool loanee Luca Stephenson continues to impress in Scotland with Dundee United this seasonLuca Stephenson has indicated he would rule out a return to Liverpool in January despite the Reds' ongoing concerns at right-back. Stephenson is on a second season-long loan at Dundee United where he is once again an ever-present for the Scottish Premiership side.The 22-year-old has been playing at right wing-back for the Tangerines and scored in their 1-1 draw at leaders Hearts on Sunday.While having spent much of his time at the Liverpool Academy in midfield, Stephenson impressed at right-back during pre-season with the Reds before signing a new contract and returning to Scotland on loan.READ MORE: Arne Slot faces tough Ibrahima Konate decision as Liverpool consider major changeREAD MORE: Liverpool contact PGMOL over disallowed Virgil van Dijk goal as significant concerns raisedLiverpool boss Arne Slot has had to be creative with his right-back options this season given spells out through injury for Conor Bradley and summer signing Jeremie Frimpong, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Calvin Ramsay - after three years without a Reds appearance - also featuring in the role this season.But when asked about the prospect he could be recalled by his parent club in January, Stephenson made clear his preference.“I want to stick around for the full season here,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter how well I’m doing or how well I did last season, when I join a club, I commit to a full season.“I almost try and forget about being a Liverpool player a little bit. I’m a Dundee United player and that’s my only concern.”Stephenson impressed at the weekend up against in-form Hearts left winger Alexandros Kyziridis, and believes his development at Liverpool has served him well.“Where I’ve come from in the past couple of years – playing and training at Liverpool – I don’t really fear playing against anybody,” he said, speaking to The Courier.“When I’m training with the best in the world every day, it’s natural to gain confidence.

If I can get through a 11 vs 11 against Luis Diaz, I can get through a 11 v 11 playing against anybody in this league.“The three I played against in the summer and throughout pre-season would have been Diaz, (Florian) Wirtz and (Cody) Gakpo – which is a decent range of players!“People like to speak about the negatives of bringing in lads from the big academies, but I also think it does bring that inner belief.“If you can control that, and make sure it’s not an arrogance, and then that can be a big positive."