Shelvey: Why QPR is vital for me
Jonjo Shelvey is aiming to use Sunday's final game of the season against Queens Park Rangers as an opportunity to show Brendan Rodgers and the Liverpool supporters he can be a real force in the first team next term.
With Steven Gerrard recovering after his shoulder operation, Rodgers handed the Reds' No.33 a starting role during the 3-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage - and now Shelvey is hoping for another chance to show what he can do.
"It was nice to get some game time under my belt because I go away with England U21s for a big tournament during the summer, so it was nice to get some minutes and it's always a pleasure to play for Liverpool," he told Liverpoolfc.com.
"I was happy with my performance and thought I did well. I was fortunate to get in with the injuries but it was good to play again.
"You've just got to go in each day and prove yourself to the manager. He gave me that chance last Sunday and hopefully I can get another opportunity on Sunday."
The outing in London was Shelvey's first in the starting XI since the Anfield defeat to West Bromwich Albion on February 11.
Since then he has appeared in a number of games for Alex Inglethorpe's U21 side and he insists that has been of great benefit to him.
He added: "When you are out of the team there's not a lot you can do and you've just got to keep training and working hard.
"I asked the manager to play in a few of the U21s games, which keeps your fitness up, because there's nothing worse than training all week and not playing. It's the worst feeling in the world as my life is all about football and all I want to do is play football.
"I have benefitted from playing for the U21s. It has kept me ticking along. Alex is a great manager and they were a bit unlucky not to make the national final. It was good to get games as it gives you that excitement of playing again."
All attention at Anfield on Sunday will be on Jamie Carragher as he prepares to bid a fond farewell to the Kop and Shelvey insists Liverpool will be giving it everything they have got to make it a winning end for the vice-captain and send the loyal supporters home for the summer happy.
He said: "The manager has always said the season ends when the last game finishes so we are very professional in that manner.
"He won't let us slack off so I'm sure that he will be on our toes until that last ball is kicked and that final whistle is blown.
"We go out to win every game but with it being at Anfield it is extra special and for Carra as well. We want to give Carra and our fans a good send-off for the summer."