Harvey Elliott: Forgotten Liverpool star desperate to win back place as transfer future in flux | OneFootball

Forward was limited to just nine appearances in dismal Aston Villa loan spell but now needs to impress Andoni Iraola

Harvey Elliott says he is desperate to win back his place at Liverpool after a dismal loan spell at Aston Villa, which he insists he does not regret.

The forward spent last season at Villa Park but found himself in no man’s land as he was left out of Unai Emery’s plans and Liverpool refused to cut his loan short.

He made just nine appearances over the course of the season, but still picked up a Europa League winners’ medal at the end of the season.

Elliott has now returned to Liverpool and has featured in both of the club’s pre-season matches under Andoni Iraola.

He remains unsure, though, whether his future lies at Anfield or elsewhere. He told reporters: “I’m not too sure yet [if he fits into Iraola’s plan]. That’s a conversation for me to have more in detail with him.

“Right now I’m just thinking about making sure I’m physically and mentally 100 per cent, and trying to impress on the pitch.

Back in the fold: Harvey Elliott is hoping to impress Andoni Iraola this summer

Getty

“When it comes to the right time for asking him, that’s when I’ll go and ask. But, ultimately, it’s just down to me, as long as I’m putting in the effort, the hard work and the desire on the pitch, then I feel like I have the opportunities to go in and ask.”

Elliott has now spent seven years at Liverpool, the club he supported as a boy, and is desperate to play his way back into contention under Iraola.

“Everyone knows how much I love the club, I’ve supported them from a very young age, so the feeling never goes, of putting a shirt back on and representing the club, and doing your childhood dream.

Harvey Elliott won the Europa League during his loan spell at Aston Villa

AFP/Getty

“I need to be more cautious in my decisions. Ultimately, I’m still wanting to be selfish, from that aspect of doing what’s right for me, and whether I’m staying here and fighting for my place, or whether that’s potentially going elsewhere, I’m still unsure at this moment until I get some more intel.”

He remains adamant that his Villa stint was not a waste of a season, despite it appearing to be a sideways step in his career.

“I wouldn’t say it was a lost year, because at the end of it I won the Europa League, and to have that on my CV is incredible, especially with Villa.

“It’s a situation I couldn’t control. It was just a case of accepting it, and trying to get my head clear and in the best position to come back here, and I tried as hard as I could.

“Mentally, it was a very tough one. It was a learning curve, as much as I didn’t want it, and I don’t wish it upon any other player, because it’s not nice at all.

“It was tough, mentally and physically, but I’m on the other side of it now. My focus is on this season, at Liverpool, and I just need to see what happens.”