Liverpool teenager Rhian Brewster says Jurgen Klopp's support has played a vital role in his "frustrating" recovery from an ankle injury.
The 18-year-old striker has not featured since January 2018 after he suffered ligament damage to his right ankle during an U23 match against Manchester City.
In the initial statement 13 months ago, Liverpool said Brewster would "begin a period of rehabilitation at the Reds' youth base in Kirkby".
But manager Klopp ensured the England U17 World Cup winner remained with the first team during his recovery, with Brewster keen to ingrain himself among the squad and earn his Liverpool debut.
"It has been a frustrating time, I've been out for a long time and I don't wish that on anyone," Brewster told Press Association Sport.
"It's happened and I'm finally back fit and doing what I love and pushing to get back in the team.
"To know that the boss really wants me to be in his plans for the future is amazing, especially a boss like him.
"They could easily have left me at the academy to do my rehab but they wanted me to do my rehab with them, so I can't thank them enough.
"During this injury I've had that, he has been there from beginning to the end and to know he still wants me - even though it's been so long - gives me a great boost.
"Every time I see him he gives me a big hug. Not only him, every time I see the players they are asking about how I am, 'How long?', they can't wait for me to be back in training and hopefully make my debut this year, if not next."