LIVERPOOL’S reserve team boss believes Stephen Darby will return to the Premier League club a better player thanks to his County Ground play-off exploits.

The 21-year-old full-back, pictured right, signed on loan in March and has impressed during his 14 appearances in Swindon’s League One promotion push.

Darby will be involved at Wembley next Saturday as Town take on Millwall in the play-off final for a place in the Championship, and John McMahon is confident that the defender has displayed all the attributes needed to be a top talent.

“Stephen will benefit a lot,” explained McMahon.

“He’ll benefit from being at Swindon initially under Danny (Wilson), who is an excellent manager, and playing regularly in a higher division than the reserves. It’s a much tougher and competitive league.

“The experience of the play-offs and going to Wembley, which is a fantastic arena, will stand him in good stead for the future.

“I think he’s made progress this season. He's got the mentality, desire and passion to work hard, take knocks and set backs, and push on and strive for more.”

Darby netted the decisive spot kick in Town’s play-off semi-final penalty shoot-out win over Charlton on Monday night to set up their Wembley date.

And McMahon revealed he was sure Darby would succeed from 12 yards, largely because of the youngster’s strength of mind.

“He was terrific. If ever the game was set up for someone, it was Darbs,” said Liverpool’s second string manager.

“His temperament is fantastic and he was coolness personified with the penalty. He was calm and assured - it was a great penalty for a full-back.

“He is unbelievably strong. Physically he doesn’t look the strongest, but he is.

“The mental side of Darbs is excellent too, he is a tough character.

“He will work hard and when things are getting tough he has the mental strength to find more from somewhere else.”

Swindon’s chiefs have spent the last few months creating links with Liverpool in order to benefit from the top flight outfit’s brightest young stars.

And McMahon has been delighted with the way Darby has settled in to life down south.

“Going out on loan has done him the power of good and we’ve had some excellent feedback from Swindon manager Danny Wilson about Darbs,” he said.

“He’s told us what a good lad he thinks Darbs is off the pitch and in the dressing room, and also what a credit he is. I am so pleased for him and I just hope he can go on and win the final now.”