Smith open to loan move from Anfield

Cape Town - Liverpool defender Brad Smith concedes he may need to leave Liverpool on loan in order to develop as a footballer.

The Australia international had a season of contrasting fortunes with the Merseyside giants as he was set to be released by the club.

However, with the arrival of manager Jurgen Klopp, Smith enjoyed some first-team football, scoring his first goal for the Reds and earning a new long-term contract while making 10 appearances in all competitions.

"I've played 10 times this season. I'm enjoying my football and hopefully I can just keep it going," the-22-year-old left-back told FourFourTwo.

"We'll play these (international) games, have a little bit of time off, go back for pre-season, stay fit and work hard and see what happens there really.

"Hopefully do well at pre-season and stay at the club. But if not, speak to the manager and if he wants me to go out on loan and get experience I'm happy to do that as well."

Smith, who joined Liverpool as a 14-year-old, admits this season was testing on his mental strength but has hailed the influence of Klopp in helping him regain his confidence.

"I was keeping in contact with a few of the staff members at the club, I was training on my own, training with a few clubs and just keeping fit," he said.

"Keeping in contract with the club and we managed to sort it out, and went back, signed the deal. The manager saw a liking in me and then went from there really.

"It was difficult time for me and my family but we're back from that now, It's been a great season, the manager's given me some chances and a few of the young boys as well."