Darby: My learning curve

Academy graduate Stephen Darby admits he must learn from a difficult full debut against Fiorentina if he is to make the grade in the Liverpool first team.

The right-back did not do himself justice in December's 2-1 defeat but bounced back with a typically assured display in last weekend's draw with Reading.

Darby even earned the praise of fellow Scouser Jamie Carragher after being selected to start the Cup clash.

But the 21-year-old remains his own worst critic.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It was a proud moment for me to start in the FA Cup. It's a massive competition and after the game against Fiorentina it showed the manager has confidence in me to throw me back in.

"It was a strong starting XI, so it was a massive confidence boost for me. It showed that if you work hard and have to right attitude, the manager is willing to throw you in.

"Everyone was giving me advice after the Fiorentina and I think what came through was you've got to be mentally strong as well as having ability.

"I think the Fiorentina game was a tough learning curve for me. I've got to take something from that game and ensure it makes me a better player. I've got to keep focused, keep working hard and keep having the right attitude.

"I am my own worst critic. You have to be. If you want to improve you have to look at your faults.

"You're competing with players from all over the world but you've got to expect that at the biggest club in the world."

Darby is hoping for more Cup action tomorrow night when Reading travel to Anfield for the third round replay.

And he claims there is a real appetite for Cup glory inside Melwood.

"This competition means everything to me," said the youngster. "I've watched it over the years on TV and to be part of that now and play for the biggest club in the world in that competition is fantastic.

"It would mean everything for the lads to get to Wembley. It would mean a lot to win a trophy for the fans."

Meanwhile, Darby has sent a good luck message to Liverpool Under-18s as they prepare for tonight's FA Youth Cup clash with unbeaten Leicester City.

The defender captained the side which lifted the trophy in 2006.

"I'd tell them to just go out there and enjoy it," he said.  "It'll be a good experience to go out there in front of the crowd.

"We were the underdogs playing against Southampton in a semi-final and then against Manchester United in the final. But when you cross that white line it doesn't count for anything if you work as a team. "

Watch our interview with Darby now>>