Darby reveals dressing room support

STEPHEN DARBY today revealed the support inside Liverpool’s dressing room was the key to helping him relaunch his career in style at Reading.

The young defender made his debut last month in the Champions League dead rubber against Fiorentina at Anfield but it proved to be a bittersweet experience.

His mistake in the dying seconds led to Alberto Gilardino's winning goal and it was an incident that Darby has had trouble shifting from his mind.

However, he showed there was no hangover when manager Rafa Benitez gave him a recall in the FA Cup third round tie at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday, as Darby was Liverpool's best player.

But as he reflected on Saturday's 1-1 draw, he was quick to acknowledge the backing he has received from, among others, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher in recent weeks.

"It's something I've got to learn from and I couldn't dwell on it too much," said Darby. "I tried to put it behind me quickly and use the experience to make me a better player.

"It was a night of mixed emotions; obviously it was amazing to make my debut at Anfield but to concede a goal like I did in the last minute was very disappointing.

"It really hurt for a couple of days after, I can safely say that. But the lads got behind me and gave me great advice and encouragement.

"Hopefully there will be a couple of more chances in the next couple of weeks. You've got to be level-headed and realise the hard work is only just beginning."

Only time will tell whether Darby has done enough to get a run in the side but, with Glen Johnson expected to be sidelined for more than a month, the opportunity is there.

That's why the 21-year-old has promised he will be knuckling down at Melwood this week to see if he can catch Benitez's eye.

"It was important to get another game," he said. "Now it's just a question of continuing to work hard and hopefully showing enough to impress the coaching staff.

"There are a number of possibilities for the manager and he can change things around; the competition for places is massive but all I can do is keep working hard."

Liverpool, who are hoping to hold further talks with Atletico Madrid winger Maxi Rodriguez today, were below par against Reading and thankful to get an Anfield replay.

Darby admitted the performance was not what was expected but, at the same time, he felt there were still some positives to take from the tie.

"We were disappointed to go a goal down but I thought we fought back well but, at the end, we were disappointed not to win the game," said Darby.

"They put us under a bit of pressure and we had a couple of chances but, unfortunately, we didn't take them; as a team I thought we battled well after going a goal down. It's only half-time, we've got the replay to come and hopefully we'll put it right.

"We were really compact and defended well; it was just a big confidence boost to start and shows that the manager has faith in me. Now I have got to try and repay it."

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