Liverpool's Jamie Carragher has praised Stephen Darby's character after his fellow defender played in Saturday's 1-1 FA Cup draw with Reading.
Darby, 21, made an error in his previous start in the Champions League - a 2-1 defeat by Fiorentina.
"I think everyone was pleased for him because of what happened in the last game," former England international Carragher told BBC Radio Merseyside.
"I didn't want him to not play again and maybe it would have been his last."
He continued: "His first and only time playing for Liverpool and making a mistake at the end, but he played very well in that game and it was unfortunate at the end.
"I thought he was superb and not only in his performance [against Reading] but showing the character to come back after what happened in his last game - he has a very strong character.
"Credit to him and everyone is delighted for him as he is such a nice lad."
Darby believes he is gaining in confidence following his selection against Reading and he hopes run in the team will continue.
But it is the praise from manager Rafa Benitez and big names in the squad which have helped his progress.
"It gives you that confidence boost and it shows the manager has got faith in you," said Darby. "I have got to try and repay that faith and put in a good performance.
"Its a real confidence boost when you hear the likes of Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard saying good things about you.
"But at the same time you've got to be level headed and you've got to keep your feet on the ground.
"You've got to realise the hard work has just begun."
Darby, 21, made an error in his previous start in the Champions League - a 2-1 defeat by Fiorentina.
"I think everyone was pleased for him because of what happened in the last game," former England international Carragher told BBC Radio Merseyside.
"I didn't want him to not play again and maybe it would have been his last."
He continued: "His first and only time playing for Liverpool and making a mistake at the end, but he played very well in that game and it was unfortunate at the end.
"I thought he was superb and not only in his performance [against Reading] but showing the character to come back after what happened in his last game - he has a very strong character.
"Credit to him and everyone is delighted for him as he is such a nice lad."
Darby believes he is gaining in confidence following his selection against Reading and he hopes run in the team will continue.
But it is the praise from manager Rafa Benitez and big names in the squad which have helped his progress.
"It gives you that confidence boost and it shows the manager has got faith in you," said Darby. "I have got to try and repay that faith and put in a good performance.
"Its a real confidence boost when you hear the likes of Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard saying good things about you.
"But at the same time you've got to be level headed and you've got to keep your feet on the ground.
"You've got to realise the hard work has just begun."
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