'I'd play left-back if necessary'

The 20-year-old featured regularly under Brendan Rodgers during the first half of 2012-13, but has not been used in a Barclays Premier League fixture since the Boxing Day defeat at Stoke.

Shelvey excelled against Mansfield in the FA Cup earlier this month, though, and is confident of overcoming illness to make the team for the trip to Oldham on Sunday.

"I'm really looking forward to Sunday and if I start then I've got to take my chance," the midfielder told the Liverpool Echo.

"I haven't played in the league since the defeat at Stoke on Boxing Day. That wasn't a great game for me personally but the team didn't play well either.

"Since then I'm the one who has suffered a bit with coming out of the team but you have to accept it. It's the manager's decision and I'm just working hard every day to try to get back in the team.

"I know I'm still young and I've played in 26 games already this season but that's not enough, I want to play more.

"I've been a bit ill this week but I'll be fine for Sunday and if I get some game-time I need to prove myself.

"This is Liverpool Football Club so I'd play left-back if it meant getting a game.

"If the team is struggling for a left winger or a No.10 or a striker, the manager knows I can fill in there.

"It's been good experience for me and it's helped me develop as a player. When you look at the likes of Steven Gerrard, he has always played in a variety of different positions.

"I'm not comparing myself to him, but it shows that it's good experience that will help me later on down the line in my career.

"Eventually I want to play centre midfield as I want to be more in the thick of things, but I'm happy playing further up the pitch and at the moment the manager sees me as a more attacking player."

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The FA Cup holds special memories for Shelvey, who struck his first Liverpool goal against Sunday's opponents in the third round of the competition last season.

He reflected: "To open my account for Liverpool that night was special and it's been good to get a few more since.

"I took it off Stevie's foot if I remember rightly! I didn't bother keeping any special mementos because I had confidence that there would be plenty more where that one came from.

"Last year's cup run was great for the club but when you're not in the side you don't really feel fully involved.

"I'd love to help Liverpool get back to Wembley this season and this time play a part but we need to take it game by game. Let's take care of Sunday first and then see what comes up next.

"With the FA Cup, the Europa League and fighting for fourth place in the Premier League, there's still so much to play for this season.

"The gaffer's signings have improved the squad and he always said that he believed we would get stronger and stronger in the second half of the season.

"These are exciting times but we can't afford to look any further ahead than Oldham."

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The Latics are the second lower-league team to stand in the Reds' way so far, following the 2-1 triumph over Mansfield at the previous stage.

Shelvey warned that his teammates will have to perform to their maximum if Rodgers' side are to progress into the fifth round of the tournament.

"We came through a tricky tie at Mansfield where winning was the most important thing," the No.33 continued.

"The pitch wasn't great and there was a noisy atmosphere and Sunday will be a similar kind of game.

"When you are playing in the FA Cup, I don't think league form comes into it at all. You can be top of the Premier League and it doesn't matter.

"This is a one-off game and it's a big day for Oldham. Their players might not get the chance to play against Liverpool again and they will want to make the most of it. The atmosphere will be lively and the adrenaline will be pumping.

"It's only down the road so you've got that bit of rivalry between the Mancs and the Scousers thrown in.

"It will be a tough game and we have to go there and be professional. If we do our jobs then our ability should see us through.

"We have to show our fans and the manager why we play for Liverpool and why we deserve a shirt.

"The TV cameras are there hoping for a shock. They want the favourites to be beaten so there is plenty to talk about. But we have to make sure that doesn't happen."

History could be made on Sunday if new signing Daniel Sturridge can extend his scoring streak to four matches - a feat never previously achieved by a Liverpool player.

Shelvey expects that record to fall.

He said: "When you consider all the big names who have played here over the years, if Daniel could make it four goals in four games that would be some achievement.

"I fancy him to do it. No disrespect to Oldham but they are from a lower division and it's a great chance for him to make some history.

"Daniel has settled in really well and gets on well with all the lads.

"His finishing is there for everyone to see. If we can keep creating chances then I'm sure he will keep sticking them away.

"I only met Daniel for the first time when he started training with us a few days before that game [at Mansfield] but I was really looking forward to playing with him.

"I knew he had pace and good movement and I enjoyed putting balls through for him.

"He has done brilliantly for us so far."