'Shelvey will be a top player'
Ian Holloway admits he would have liked to have kept Jonjo Shelvey at Blackpool a bit longer - but believes the midfielder has returned to Liverpool a better player.
The Reds recalled the 19-year-old from his loan spell with the Championship club last week following the news Lucas Leiva will sit out the rest of the season after picking up an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Shelvey's form was impressive at Blackpool, where he scored six goals in 10 appearances, and Holloway was left delighted with his impact.
"It is a shame he has had to go back, because Liverpool are playing exceptionally well and I had been hoping that might leave an opportunity for us to keep Jonjo until the end of the season," said the Tangerines' boss.
"All I know is that Jonjo is a fantastic young man who has all sorts of ability. I have no doubts whatsoever he will be a top, top player.
"He is already at a top, top club and he had been helping us try to get back to where we want to get - the Premier League. He has improved in the time he's been here and that pleases me."
Holloway's sentiments are echoed by Shelvey himself, who believes his spell with Blackpool could prove invaluable in his development.
In addition to regular first-team action, the midfielder played alongside veteran Barry Ferguson while at Bloomfield Road and feels he learnt much from the Scot's experience.
"Barry Ferguson is a top player and I didn't realise how much history he's got until I looked him up on Wikipedia!" said Shelvey. "He's a great leader and a great player. You have to listen and learn from people like him.
"I've been in the game for three years and someone like Barry has dealt with being a footballer for his entire career.
"Also Ian Holloway is very different to previous managers I've had but he's been first-class with the way he's handled me.
"I'm quite a feisty character on the field because I want to win, and he's given me a boost of confidence that I needed to take back to Liverpool.
"It's been a pleasure playing for him, and I think I'm going back fitter and stronger.
"I think I did well at the club and I hope I've given the fans something to remember."