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Harry Wilson found himself stuck in the middle.

The Liverpool Under-23s captain consistently proved he was too good for life in Premier League 2 but securing a foothold in Jurgen Klopp's senior squad eluded him.

The Wales international needed something to bridge the gap. He needed to perform in more testing circumstances and show he could handle the physicality of life outside the Academy bubble.

The flying winger, who turns 21 next week, has done that with relish since joining Hull City on loan on deadline day in January.

It was a late decision by Klopp to sanction the deal at the end of the winter window. Liverpool had been inundated with offers but they would only let Wilson leave if he penned a new long-term contract.

Once the ink was dry, it was decided that Hull would be the best place for Wilson to continue his education. So far it's been massively beneficial for all parties.

Wilson, whose only first-team outing for Liverpool came in the FA Cup against Plymouth in January 2017, has played a starring role in dragging the Tigers nine points clear of the Championship relegation zone.

In five league appearances he has contributed three goals and two assists for Nigel Adkins' side. His involvement would have been greater but for the shoulder injury he suffered in their FA Cup clash with Chelsea last month.

(Image: Ashley Allen/Getty Images)

Last Saturday he was Hull's matchwinner, skipping past a defender and hammering home the winner as they fought back from 3-1 down to beat Norwich City 4-3.

Wilson repeated the trick on Tuesday night as he arrived at the far post to volley home Ola Aina's cross from a tight angle in an emphatic 3-0 victory at Ipswich Town. It was a tricky finish made to look easy.

Loans don't always work out. They place young players out of their comfort zone and some struggle to handle it. But Wilson has embraced the challenge and is reaping the rewards.

He's currently outshining fellow rookie Liverpool wingers Sheyi Ojo and Ryan Kent, who are also playing in the Championship and trying to catch Klopp's eye.

The Reds boss wasn't a fan of the loan system when he first arrived in English football but over time he has learned to see the value of it. The gulf between under-23s football and the Premier League is far too great.

Wilson desperately needed a spell away from Liverpool in order to kick on. Now he's starting to fulfil that rich potential. This summer will be key to his chances of forcing his way into Klopp's plans.

But after being stuck in the middle for so long, he's now taking some decisive steps forward.