'Competition? It doesn't worry me'
Injury might have prevented him from kicking a ball since September, but Martin Kelly's hunger to challenge for a place in the first team hasn't diminished in the slightest.
The defender's stature has grown season upon season since breaking into the senior side consistently in 2010 - but an impressive start to 2012-13 was cruelly cut short when he sustained an ACL rupture in his right knee during an Anfield clash with Manchester United.
Since then, Andre Wisdom has stepped up from the Academy to the first team, further bolstering the competition for places amongst Liverpool's defensive ranks.
Kelly, though, isn't daunted by the prospect of trying to force his way back into Brendan Rodgers' plans when he looks to return towards the end of the season. In fact, quite the contrary.
"It's always good at any club to have competition for places," he told Liverpoolfc.com. "Whether you are looking to take someone's place, or you are looking behind at someone who is pushing for yours, it's always a great thing to have. It helps you progress as a player.
"At Liverpool, the competition is at its highest because it is a top club. But I can learn from everyone in the team, not just the defenders."
Kelly has predominantly operated at right-back in Liverpool's first team, though he did make his name in the centre of defence as he made his way through the youth ranks.
It is a position he believes he can fulfil once again for the Reds.
He added: "Once I'm fit, if I just keep working and stay injury free, my game can progress really well and I can be dangerous as a full-back and a centre-back."
While Kelly is still carving out a career in the Barclays Premier League, another Liverpool defender is coming to the end of his.
So what did Kelly make of Jamie Carragher announcing he would retire at the end of 2012-13?
"He's been fantastic for the club and for me personally as a player," said Kelly. "Pretty much every time I have played he has been there alongside me. He has helped me through each game.
"I'll be really sad when he goes because there is so much more there for me to learn from Jamie. I'm sure he'll be around the club anyway, so he'll always be able to offer that experience.
"But he is a great player, a great person and I'll be very sad to see him retire."