Harry Wilson “Loving” Chance to Play Star Role in Derby Promotion Push

With Liverpool rather lacking depth options in attack this season and Harry Wilson in top form at Derby County, there had been talk this month about the possibility of Liverpool recalling the 21-year-old from his season-long loan.

With the deadline for that having officially passed, though, it’s now certain the young winger will be with them for the remainder of the season—and Wilson says he’s pleased by that, as it means a chance to finish the job he signed on for.

“That was always my focus,” Wilson told The Derby Telegraph following a goal and assist in a 2-1 victory over Reading on Saturday. “I signed a season-long loan, so it was always in my head that I was going to be here for the season.”

Wilson has been Derby’s player of the season so far, with 12 goals and four assists in 26 total appearances, and without him it’s almost impossible to imagine Derby being in contention to earn promotion to the Premier League.

It’s no sure thing, though, promotion. A top two finish appears out of reach, and Derby are currently in sixth—the final playoff spot—and with Bristol close on their heels. Finishing the year anywhere from third to seventh seems possible.

And if they do manage to avoid seventh, then there’s the playoffs, something of a frustrating proposition for Derby and their fans who have found themselves repeatedly falling just short of promotion with frustrating regularity.

Wilson, though, is only focused on the role he’s playing for Derby in the present as they push to, this time, earn their elusive promotion. However things go in the end, that will be an invaluable experience for the young star.

“Now that window has gone, everyone knows I’m here to stay,” he added. ”I want to help Derby get into the Premier League. I want to keep scoring and assisting, helping the team and getting us as high up the league as I can. I’m loving it.”