Former Liverpool full-back Stephen Warnock has opened up about his time at Anfield, suggesting he was used as a "scapegoat" during his tenure with the Reds. Despite this, he expressed his fondness for his spell at Aston Villa.

Warnock, who joined Liverpool's youth setup at just 10 years old, eventually made his first-team breakthrough under Rafael Benitez in 2004 following a series of injuries, including a broken leg. The defender went on to lift the UEFA Super Cup with Liverpool in 2005, but not before experiencing the disappointment of being left out of the squad that triumphed in the Champions League against AC Milan that same year.

Now 42, Warnock reflects on his Liverpool days as challenging, feeling that his academy roots put him at a disadvantage compared to players brought into the club. Looking back on his career, Warnock felt more valued during his stints with Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa.

Speaking to World Football Index, Warnock shared: "I came through the academy from the age of 10, and then I was in and around the first team as a teenager and got called up to the first team at the age of 16. When I was just moved from the academy, I broke my leg. So, I had a period of about three years where I was injured.

"Then when I came back into the fold, Gerard Houllier was manager, which was a change from when (former Liverpool manager) Roy Evans was in charge as it was him who initially wanted to call me into the first team. So, when Gerard Houllier took sole charge of the team, things changed and there was just a huge influx of French players, whether it was youth or first-team players."

"From there, I always knew it was going to be tough to break through, having come from the academy and recovered from a broken leg and other injury setbacks."

His loan spells at Bradford and Coventry City proved pivotal, with 44 appearances for the Sky Blues bolstering his profile. Upon his return to Anfield, Benitez had taken the helm, offering Warnock the fresh start he needed.

"When I came back after that loan spell, it was Rafa Benitez who had taken over as manager at the club and that was where I got my opportunity. It was a completely fresh start for me," he expressed gratitude for the chance Benitez gave him.

Despite this, Warnock felt the weight of being an academy product: "Whereas, as much as I enjoyed my time at Liverpool, I always felt like I was treated as an academy graduate and treated as someone who you can almost scapegoat and leave out at times because you haven't been brought into the club."

Stephen Warnock revealed that feeling wanted by Mark Hughes at Blackburn and playing alongside top talent at Aston Villa greatly boosted his confidence throughout his career. Speaking of his transfer to Villa in 2009, Warnock said: "I was equally as lucky when I moved to Aston Villa, where I had Richard Dunne alongside me, who was a magnificent player, again someone who talked me through the game and helped me.

"Then, in front of me at Villa, I had Ashley Young and Stewart Downing who were brilliant wingers who made me look a little bit better (laughs)."

Warnock, who has since transitioned to a media career, expressed his gratitude towards Villa, stating: "Villa is a massive club steeped in history, so it was an honor to play for them. I loved my time at Villa even if it didn't come as easy as I'd have liked it to because there were some tough times as well, but I really enjoyed it when I look back on it now."

Warnock's time at Anfield was marred by the perception that he was not given the same opportunities as players who had been brought in from other clubs. This was particularly evident in his exclusion from the Champions League final squad in 2005, despite his contributions to the team's success in the UEFA Super Cup earlier that year.

The former England international felt that he was often treated as a scapegoat, a sentiment that was particularly amplified during his time under Gerard Houllier. Warnock's claim, however, shouldn't overshadow the positive impact he made during his time at Liverpool. His contributions to the team's success in the UEFA Super Cup and his ability to consistently perform at a high level for other clubs after leaving Anfield, showcase his talent and dedication to the sport.

While Warnock's experience at Anfield may have left him feeling undervalued, his time at Blackburn and Aston Villa brought him a renewed sense of belonging and appreciation. His stints at these clubs, particularly his spell at Aston Villa, allowed him to flourish alongside talented players like Ashley Young and Stewart Downing, showcasing his abilities as a left-back.

The former Liverpool defender's story serves as a reminder of the complexities of a football career. It highlights the importance of finding a sense of belonging and appreciation within a team, regardless of the club's stature or the player's background. Despite the challenges he faced at Anfield, Warnock's journey through the game ultimately led him to a fulfilling career, filled with memorable moments and lasting friendships.