“I waited 11 months for that,” Scanlon points out. “It’s been very disrupted but it did feel amazing just to get out on the pitch again in front of fans because that’s what I’d love to do every week.
“It was brilliant to be back in a men’s environment – I think that’s what I need now. I learned a lot at Cardiff and I was very grateful for them bringing me in.
“Being around good players as well, such an amazing team, who I’m sure will do very good in the Championship, (with) a good manager, good fans, it was good for my development. I did learn a lot and it was a great experience.”
A summer holiday with a few Liverpool teammates is next on the agenda, before Scanlon returns from the off-season refreshed with renewed motivation.
“For pre-season I’d love to show what I can do,” he says. “My eyes are set on playing for Liverpool – it always has been.
“So whatever opportunity I get, I’m sure to do my bit, I’ll work hard and whatever happens, happens.
“But I’m just ready for whatever’s thrown at me, and then I’ll try to do what’s best for me and my development.”
Scanlon, who joined Liverpool’s Academy in 2021 from Birmingham City, has already represented the Reds’ senior team in competitive matches on two occasions.
He debuted at Anfield in a Europa League meeting with Toulouse in October 2024 and was then given another opportunity by Jurgen Klopp against Union SG when the group stage wrapped up.
His half-hour run-out in L4 is never too far from mind as his boots and shirt from that night take pride of place in the living room.
