Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan is unfazed by the competition for places at full-back, and is keen to return to the squad and fight for a place.
The 22-year old has been absent all season with a knee problem that resulted in surgery in September, but he hopes to be out running again in a fortnight, and back in full training in four weeks.
Since the final day of last season – Flanagan’s last outing in a Liverpool shirt – the Reds have recruited two full-backs; Spaniards Alberto Moreno and Javier Manquillo.
Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique will also provide competition for the academy graduate, who remains as determined as ever.
“When I saw that we signed two full-backs, I immediately thought ‘I need to up my game now’,” Flanagan told the official Liverpool FC magazine.
“I know I need to consistently do well if I’m to get in the team and then stay there. I want to keep developing as a footballer. That’s why not being available has been so frustrating. But competition for places doesn’t bother me. I’m always up for the fight.”
Fans on Merseyside have been eagerly awaiting the return of Flanagan, and this has given the England international further incentive to make his comeback as soon as he possibly can.
“It’s great to hear that the fans haven’t forgotten me,” he said.
“When you hear that, you know people are rooting for you and want to see you back playing again. It gives me even more motivation to recover and get back out on the pitch as soon as possible.”
“I’ve been out for what has felt like a really long time. It’s been very frustrating. When the rest of the lads have been travelling to away games, I’ve been in having treatment or doing rehab work.”
“That is one of the downsides of football that people don’t see. You’re out of routine because you are used to training and playing, being around the squad and having a laugh on a daily basis.“
“Once you are injured, your schedule changes completely. You have to rest on different days and work on other areas – it’s not nice but it has to be done and will be worth all the effort in the end.“
“I’ve got in the team before and kept my place. Now I need to do that again.”
Doubts were raised when Flanagan was brought into the team for Liverpool’s trip to Arsenal in November 2013, as he hadn’t played a league game in over 18 months.
But the youngster went on to make 25 appearances last season, and was one of the Reds’ most consistent performers as they ran Manchester City close in the Premier League title race.
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