'Describe the derby win? Phenomenal'

Having endured a recent spell on the sidelines, the 21-year-old Scouser was reinstalled at right-back from the start for the visit of the Blues and provided another assured display.

With Flanagan and his defensive colleagues offering a reassuring platform at the back, Philippe Coutinho, Raheem Sterling, Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez were free to run riot in attack.

After the final whistle had been blown, the No.38 departed Anfield with adrenaline coursing through his body and subsequently highlighted several reasons why the win was so important for the Reds.

He explained to the Liverpool Echo: "It's a local lad's dream just to play against Everton, and to come out 4-0 winners was just phenomenal.

"We knew we had pace in behind and caught them on the counter-attack with Sturridge on the left and Sterling on the right. We just kept it tight at the back and let them do the work up top.

"Sturridge has been on fire since he came back from his injury. He has scored in every game.

"All the lads were buzzing afterwards and it was nice to send the fans home happy. The atmosphere was amazing, the fans were great and just to get those three points was crucial for us.

"We want that top four spot and we put a marker down with that performance. We are not going to give it up easily."

Flanagan featured on just two occasions during Brendan Rodgers' maiden campaign at the helm; in contrast, the full-back has now clocked up nine appearances already in 2013-14.

With Glen Johnson currently ruled out indefinitely, the youngster envisages an opportunity to carve out a regular spot in the manager's line-up and put injury problems firmly behind him.

"For me it was just about getting that chance and taking it," he added. "Now I've taken it I just want to push on.

"I'm feeling good in training and hopefully the injuries are behind me. Everyone wants to be a first-team regular and hopefully I can achieve that."