Woodburn has no regrets over Hearts move despite Liverpool’s stellar season
He could have had a front row seat as one of the greatest Liverpool side’s of all time served up one of the finest seasons.
The Anfield side are still in the hunt to end the season with the League Cup, FA Cup, Premier League title and the Champions League honours but Liverpool loanee Ben Woodburn says he has no regrets about heading to Edinburgh at the start of the season and is more focused on playing his part in the Scottish Cup final than what is happening down south.
“Sitting around watching them do things, probably not playing, isn't really going to benefit me. I have got to focus on myself, be selfish,” explained the 22-year-old Welshman, whose Liverpool contract expires this summer and hasn’t ruled out an extended stay in Gorgie and the promise of European football. “As much as it would be amazing to be a part of and obviously I would learn from the top players, I think for me right now it is best to just try and play as many games as I can.
“Especially with the last few seasons I’ve had, it was definitely the right choice to come and play games.
“There have been ups and downs this year. But I feel in a good place right now. The team is too, obviously we’ve got the Scottish Cup final which we’re all looking forward to. I’m just buzzing to finish the season, hopefully on a high.”
And, while he hasn’t been able to tap into the experience of guys like Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino et al this term, his football education has been overseenbythelikesofhearts captain Craig Gordon.
“I don’t think there is ever a point where you can stop learning from players,” said Woodburn. “You do have to take things into your hands at times, but I always like asking players their opinions.
“We’ve got Craig Gordon here, who is probably one of the best professionals I’ve ever seen. It’s been great to learn from him and I’m sure I’ll carry on trying to do that.”
Vying for first-team recognition, he has learned how to remain resilient and focused even when he is not in the starting line up.
“Ithinkdefinitelythebiggest thing I have improved is keeping my standards high and training 100 per cent when I’m not in the side,” he added. “Just so when I am given that opportunity to play I am ready. I’d say that’s my biggest improvement this year.”
Itmeansthat,ifcalledupon, he should be ready and willing to contribute to the quest for Scottish Cup final glory against Rangers on May 21.
“It’s going to be a really tough game, they’ve got some good players,” he said. “But I believe we can win.”
He says that Rangers’ progress to the Europa League final will have altered perceptions of the Scottish game, though, admitting he has been surprised, since journeying north. Which is why he wouldn’t rule out staying, if the club follow through on manager Robbie Neilson’s stated desire to retain his services, especially with Hearts’ European involvement secured.
“Europe’s massive, isn’t it? That’s another big experience, playing abroad and playing in different countries and different atmospheres. It’s going to be amazing. I’d be looking forward to it a lot.”