Flanno: We have an opportunity
Jon Flanagan today stated his determination to seize the opportunity being given to the club’s youngsters during pre-season under new manager Brendan Rodgers.
With the team's international representatives yet to return to Melwood following their summer exertions, Rodgers has been running the rule over those hoping to break into the first team during the 2012-13 campaign.
Flanagan is among them, having made 15 appearances in a Liverpool shirt already - and the defender wants to progress even further under the new boss.
"I'm delighted to get back into it," the 19-year-old told Liverpoolfc.com. "I've had a bit of time off now and everyone is itching to get back into it and start the games.
"I've spoken to the boss. He just said to keep working hard, train 100 per cent and see what happens. Hopefully I can try to get more games this year and go on from there."
Handed a surprise debut by Kenny Dalglish in a Barclays Premier League encounter against Manchester City in April 2011, Flanagan has been the subject of much praise from supporters ever since.
He finished the 2011-12 season with an injury but returned to training earlier than anybody else in an effort to earn more appearances this year.
"I had a slight injury before we left so I came back a week earlier than everyone else," he explained.
"No-one was around, only me and the fitness coaches. It's always good to get back into it and start early.
"I'm fully fit now, back in full training so that's good for me. I'll just carry on and hopefully no more injuries. I'm raring to go now."
Being back so early also gave Flanagan the chance to make an instant impression on Rodgers, who has wasted no time in introducing his own methods to the squad.
Flanagan continued: "He has a different style of play, he has told us all how he works and it sounds good. I can't wait to work with him and see what this year brings.
"We're working every day on the training pitch, working the way he wants and it seems good. It seems to suit most of the lads so everyone is delighted with what his plans are.
"He has told us all that we are going to be pressing and working harder to win the ball, then when we get it just keep it, so that works out great for everyone."
Seeing a fresh crop of youngsters learning their trade with the older professionals brought back memories for Flanagan, who revealed that the new batch are loving life at Melwood.
"They are all loving it," he said. "It's always good for them to come up as I did a couple of years ago. It's great for all of them to get the experience in and around Melwood and the first-team players."
After making a total of eight appearances last season, Flanagan said his aim for the upcoming campaign is to add to that tally.
"I want to try to get in the first team, play more regularly and just push on now," concluded the Academy graduate. "I just can't wait to get started now to see what this year brings and hopefully we do well. It's a fresh start - all the fans are raring to go as well so I just can't wait now."