“I think it’s more difficult to come through the ranks now than when I was a youngster,” said the centre-back. “There are a lot more foreign players at the club, and now with the level the team is at, basically if they want to come through then they have to be ready to play Champions League football. That shows how difficult it is.”

Darby, the current reserve team captain who won the FA Youth Cup in 2006 and 2007 and the national reserves league trophy in 2008, admits his mistake against Fiorentina played on his mind in the days after the game.

But he says the support of Carragher and the rest of the Liverpool squad has helped him relaunch his career.

“It was a big confidence booster to be selected for the game and it shows the manager has faith in me,” said Maghull-born Darby. “I tried to repay that faith by putting in a good performance.

“It hurt for a couple of days after the Fiorentina game, but that’s where you’ve got to be mentally tough and overcome it in training sessions. The lads got behind me and gave me great advice and encouragement.

“Hopefully there will be a couple of more chances in the next couple of weeks. You’ve got to be level-headed and realise the hard work is only just beginning.

“It gives you a lift to hear the likes of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher saying good things about you, but at the same time you have to remain level headed and keep your feet on the ground. It’s important to realise the hard work has only just begun.”