There is no doubt that Liverpool fullback Nathaniel Clyne is at a crossroads in his career. The 28-year-old has a big decision to make about his future at the club.

Midway through last season, he reportedly asked manager Jurgen Klopp if he could be loaned out so he could get more first-team football. He was given his wish and he played the second half of the campaign at Bournemouth.

Clyne had hardly featured for the Reds up until Christmas, being named as an unused substitute just twice in the Premier League between August and early December.

The injury to Joe Gomez against Burnley, though, gave him an opportunity to make his mark, and he played his first 90 minutes of the league season in the 3-1 win against Manchester United.

The irony was that if he had been more patient, he would have played far more regularly for Liverpool in the second half of the campaign.

Gomez took longer to recover from a fractured leg, and with Trent Alexander-Arnold having knee issues, Jordan Henderson had to be employed at right-back in a 1-1 draw against Leicester. The following week James Milner was picked in the position in the stalemate against West Ham.

Whether the Reds would have won both games if they had had a recognised right-back, we shall never know, but Clyne’s decision to leave did seem to come at the wrong time.

The fullback did do well out on loan at Bournemouth, but there has been no indication yet that the Cherries will come back in for him with a permanent deal.

So does he have any future at Anfield? It’s hard to see him getting his first-team place back, but there is room for him as a squad player.

With Gomez likely to switch back to centre-back next season, a backup for Alexander-Arnold will be required. On the opposing flank, the departure of Alberto Moreno means Clyne could be employed as a reserve for Andy Robertson until a time when Klopp opts to sign new left-back.

The fullback may follow Daniel Sturridge’s example. The striker went out on loan to West Brom before returning to impress in pre-season for the Reds. He went on to make some vital contributions in front of goal for Liverpool.

Clyne could easily stick around and hope to make an even bigger impact. As a former England international, he gives the Reds added depth, and it would only need one injury to a first choice fullback for him to get a chance in the first team.

Like last season, the decision is in the player’s hands. I don’t think Klopp would force him out, and if he’s happy playing a squad role next campaign, I think most fans would be content to keep him.