Shelvey: I started as a 'keeper
Jonjo Shelvey has explained how his football journey began far further back on the pitch than midfield and backed teammate Jon Flanagan for a career in professional comedy.
In a Q&A with the official LFC matchday programme, the midfielder who turns 21 today also reveals the truth behind his unique goal celebration, shirt number and passion for darts.
Read on for the full chat with the Reds' No.33...
Your first game?
It would have been a game for Harold Hill near Romford, one of my dad's teams, when I was a little kid. I played a couple of years above in my brother's age group. I would have been in goal too.
First position?
As I say it would've been goalkeeper and then I moved up to centre-forward. I just loved diving around and making saves so that's why.
First boots?
Umbro Specialis. They were all red but with a luminous yellow Umbro badge. They used to score me a lot of goals so I loved them.
Shirt number?
To be honest, I don't really have a favourite. When I play for England it's normally 10 or four but when I arrived at Liverpool I became 33 and have stuck by it.
Favourite other stadium?
I've never been to any of the big Spanish stadiums so I'd like to play in the Nou Camp or Real Madrid's stadium just so I can experience that and say that I've played there.
Any famous shirt swaps?
I've not really swapped shirts. I'm not a big one for going up to players after games and asking for their shirts. I prefer to keep hold of them and pass them on to members of my family. I have been asked for mine by opponents when we've played against smaller clubs but it hasn't happened to me yet in the Premier League.
Goal celebration?
The glasses celebration has become known as my own now. Every member of my family wears glasses - I don't even wear contact lenses. It started out as a bit of banter for my brother but I've stuck by it and now it's become second nature to do it when I score a goal.
First record?
It was a Chris Brown record. I was away in Qatar with Charlton and one day we went to the mall and I bought a Chris Brown CD. My mum picked me up from the airport and I stuck it on in her car.
Last download?
The new Rihanna album Unapologetic. There's two songs on it that I really like - Nobody's Business and Loveeeeeee Song.
Last movie?
The Impossible. It was about the tsunami and was quite emotional. Before that I saw Gangster Squad as well and that was really good. I try to get to the cinema quite a bit as I like to spend some time watching films.
Were you in the school play?
I played Potiphar in Joseph once. I had to shove some pillows up my top as he was a bit fat. That was the only school play I was in but I enjoyed it. I was only a kid so it was good to be involved in.
Favourite other sportsman?
I really like my golf so I would say a player like Tiger Woods or Rory McIlroy.
And sports event?
The Ryder Cup. I enjoy watching the big competitions and it would be good to see that one day in person. I'd make sure it was in America, though, because it's a little bit warmer!
Which of your teammates is the best at darts?
I think I'm up there. I've got a dartboard indoors and I like to play my darts. I think Johnno would give me the best game.
And the daftest?
I'd have to say Flanno. In a way he's clever but then at other times he just comes across really silly.
The funniest?
Pepe is quite funny but I'd also have to say Flanno. I think he could have a great career as a comedian. He's got a bit of banter about him. He is very funny.
The impressionist?
Lucas does a good Scouse impression.
The clever clogs?
I'm going to go with Hendo. He's quite sensible and I think he's got an old head on a young boy's shoulders.