SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo is so eager to force himself into manager Jurgen Klopp's plans that he turned down the offer of a holiday this summer to start preparing for the upcoming season.
The 19-year-old flew straight to the United States to join the Reds on their preseason tour in the International Champions Cup after appearing for England at the Under-19 European Championship.
Ojo and his side were eliminated at the semifinal stage of the tournament, and he said Klopp then gave the option of a period of rest.
However, the promising winger wanted to get back to work as soon as possible and flew out to California to join the Liverpool squad at their base in Palo Alto.
"The manager asked me if I wanted some time off after the Euros but I said I wanted to come straight here," Ojo said. "I was keen to be out here. I wanted to be part of this. I'm not too fussed about a holiday.
"It's been busy. After the end of last season I was working hard in the lead up to the Euros with the England training camp. It all paid off. The Euros were a great experience and I'm feeling fit now.
"Being out here is definitely best for my development. It's been a good experience to be back with the team. Now I just want to kick on."
The former MK Dons trainee hopes to build on his landmark 2015-16 season. After being recalled from a loan spell at Wolverhampton Wanders in January, Ojo made his Liverpool debut against Exeter City in the FA Cup.
Ojo continued to impress and finished the campaign with 11 first-team appearances under his belt.
"I'm pleased with how last season went but I know I still need to improve," he added. "The highlight was probably my first Premier League start [against Stoke City].
"It could have gone better but I learned a lot from that experience. I think that helped me to push on."
Ojo is currently on his second preseason tour with Liverpool after he was included in then-manager Brendan Rodgers' team who travelled to the Far East and Australia 12 months ago.
Liverpool have added a significant number of players since then, including attacking options Sadio Mane and Georginio Wijnaldum, which makes Ojo's competition for games much greater.
"It does feel different being on this tour," Ojo continued. "I am just eager to get on the pitch and try to impress the manager and everyone connected with Liverpool.
"There are a lot of great players in this squad. It shows the direction the club is moving in and I am happy to be a part of it.
"I am just going to keep my head down and keep working hard. I want to get as many minutes as I can in the friendlies to try to show that I should be in and around the squad when the Premier League starts.
"I want to try to make an impact in every game. I need to make sure that if I get opportunities, I take them."