Liverpool loanee Leighton Clarkson has discussed the positive impact that his time on loan at Aberdeen.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a rollercoaster spell at Pittodrie, under boss Jim Goodwin and his replacement Barry Robson. Clarkson was brought to the Scottish Premiership by the now-Dundee United manager Goodwin but after a strong start that saw them challenge the top two they suffered a dismal patch which included their cup upset to lower-league opposition, Darvel.
Despite the managerial change with Robson installed as his successor, Clarkson has enjoyed a fruitful spell north of the border with a number of highlight-reel moments, including a debut goal hours after his arrival.
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The Blackburn-born playmaker spent time away from Liverpool's academy last season when he signed for his local club, Blackburn Rovers. However, he failed to stamp his place in the squad, managing just seven Championship games before being recalled in January and spending the rest of the season back with the Reds.
"This is an experience that I have enjoyed and have learned a lot more from than I thought I would do," he said speaking to RedTV via Aberdeen Live on the impact of his current spell away from Merseyside.
"I would say to most young players that coming up here is a great league to learn in and develop. I came up here to learn and see a different side of the game to what I have been used to at Liverpool, and have also played in and scored goals in front of big crowds.
"This club has really helped me going forward, not just on the pitch but around the place by meeting new people. There is a really good environment here and I would say that to anyone who is thinking of coming up."
Clarkson has credited Robson for helping unleash him in the second half of the campaign in Scotland as the Dons look to continue applying pressure on third-placed Hearts in the closing stages of the season.
He added: "Barry knows how I see the game, and has put me in a position where I am starting to get on the ball a lot more, get involved in duels like in the Hearts game and have the freedom to go and put pressure on people. Before that I wasn't as free to play as I had a job to do, whereas as now I am a bit more free to try and get us playing.
"I do feel like my performances have been better, and that's maybe because I am playing in a more natural deeper role to the attacking one that I was playing in before. But the whole team have been improving and we all seem to just be clicking at the minute."
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