Gerrard: Jonjo deserves it
Steven Gerrard insists Jonjo Shelvey is fully deserving of his first ever call-up to the full England squad – and believes Liverpool will benefit from Roy Hodgson's decision.
On Monday, it was announced the 20-year-old had been drafted into the senior side for the forthcoming World Cup 2014 qualifiers against San Marino and Poland.
Gerrard feels the news is just rewards for an impressive start to 2012-13 from Shelvey, which has seen him net three goals in nine appearances so far.
"I'm really pleased for Jonjo," said the Liverpool captain.
"He has been improving all the time since he arrived at Liverpool and has grown into a good footballer with good vision who can create and score goals.
"He also listens which means he will only get better with more games and experience.
"Jonjo is playing with confidence at the moment and is in good form.
"This experience of being in the full England squad will be great for him and hopefully Liverpool will benefit from it as well."
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Gerrard's sentiments were echoed by Brendan Rodgers, who has had no qualms about pitching Shelvey into action during his time at the helm so far.
The Reds boss believes the midfielder has demonstrated exactly why he can develop into a key player for his Liverpool side over the coming years.
"Jonjo is an example of how the young players have been developing at the club," said the Rodgers.
"There's a real big future here for those young players and Jonjo is one of them.
"He has been excellent in his work on a daily basis since I arrived here.
"He has shown in the early stages of the season that he will play a prominent role in the development of the team over the next couple of years.
"To get called into the full England squad is testament to what he's done so far. It will be a great experience for him.
"He's gone down there to work with some top players and that can only benefit him. Hopefully he will come back a better player."