Flanagan: It's been a hard time but it's great to be back
Jon Flanagan has spoken of his 'relief' over bringing an end to his 20-month injury nightmare and thanked Liverpool fans for the unforgettable Anfield reception he received upon his return.
The Scouse defender had been sidelined since the final game of the 2013-14 season after undergoing two knee operations, but made his first-team comeback as a substitute against Exeter City last week.
He then followed that up by putting in a selfless 105-minute long shift in Tuesday's Capital One Cup semi-final second leg victory over Stoke City, having been drafted in to replace the injured Nathaniel Clyne.
Reflecting on a week that has seen him get his career back on track and reestablish himself as a Reds first-team player, Flanagan told Liverpoolfc.com: "It's a brilliant feeling.
"A lot of relief to be back out there, it's been a hard time for over 20 months now so just to get back in the swing of things is a great feeling.
"To come on against Exeter like that and for the crowd to give me that reception was brilliant for me and it was an emotional night.
"All the hard work I've put in, just to be back playing on the pitch and for the fans to give me that reception was amazing.
"[The Stoke game] was brilliant. I think I played longer than I expected but it was just a great feeling to get to a final. It's a great achievement."
Jürgen Klopp singled the right-back out as his Man of the Match against the Potters, hailing the 'unbelievable' durability he showed in lasting so long in his first start.
Flanagan is now focused on doing all he can to keep impressing the boss and ensuring his claim for a place in the starting XI cannot be ignored.
"It's always nice to hear what the manager is saying," the defender enthused.
"It was nice for him to say that but it was a great all round really and especially to get through that amount of game time.
"Ever since he has come in, all the lads are trying to impress. I'm going to do the same and hopefully I can keep a spot in the team.
"I've trained a few times and worked on a few things [with Klopp]. I've adapted quite well to be honest and I think it suits me the way he's planned."
Flanno also took time to pay tribute to the Melwood staff who have diligently overseen his recovery and lengthy rehabilitation process.
"I've been working day-to-day with Matt [Konopinski], Dave [Rydings] and Jordan [Milsom]. They've been a massive help in my comeback everyday," he added.
"I know sometimes it's not easy but they're always picking me up and stuff like that.
"They have just been a massive help and got me through this. I can only thank them."