Shelvey backs Hodgson choice
Jonjo Shelvey has backed the appointment of former boss Roy Hodgson as England manager.
The FA announced today that Hodgson was their successor to Fabio Capello after he signed a four-year contract.
The new Three Lions coach gave Shelvey his Liverpool debut as a teenager, and though his time at Anfield ended after a disappointing six months, he made a positive impression on our young midfielder.
"I owe a lot to Roy because he gave me my Liverpool debut," Shelvey told Liverpoolfc.tv. "He is a good manager and although things didn't work out for him here it wasn't just him to blame.
"There were a lot of us to blame as well because we weren't producing the performances on the pitch.
"He's a top man and a top manager, and it's a great achievement for him."
Shelvey is a regular in the England U21 squad, and while he is hopeful of catching Hodgson's eye, he knows there is a lot of hard work ahead before he can start thinking about a first cap.
"First of all I've just got to be on my game for Liverpool first," said the 20-year-old.
"I haven't featured for the senior team so I just want to carry on playing for the U21s and hopefully get a few starts alongside Jordan (Henderson)."