Use your head like Sadio and subscribe to the Liverpool FC newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Liverpool youngster Ryan Kent says he is relishing the challenge of proving himself in the Championship.

The 19-year-old winger is on a season-long loan with Barnsley, where he has made 16 appearances so far.

Having made his senior debut for Liverpool against Exeter in the FA Cup back in January, Kent still harbours genuine first-team ambitions at Anfield.

And he believes impressing at Oakwell will be key to that.

“It’s a lot more difficult to play in this division than it would be for me to be back in Liverpool playing in the U23s or whatever,” he told Barnsley’s official website.

“It’s a lot more physical, more demanding and the players in the league are much tougher. It’s a challenge in my career that I’m relishing.

“Barnsley are giving me everything that I need to get to that next level, they’re really helping me in my career and I’m hopefully helping them in the process. That’s my focus right now, helping this club push to the top of the division.”

Kent has been a regular starter for Paul Heckingbottom’s side since moving to Yorkshire in August, but has so far managed just one goal – an issue the teenager knows he must rectify.

“I need to improve in terms of my numbers, an end-product” he said. “I feel my performance levels have been good, but there’s nothing much to show for it at the moment.

“In the last year or so both here and at Coventry on loan last season, it’s clear I need to improve my end-product. I need to add numbers to my game.

“Assists, goals, it’s a key area for a forward player. It’s what keeps you in teams, it’s what managers want from you. It’s something I need to improve. And I’m working really hard on the training field to get better.”