Flanagan: I have to make the most of every opportunity I get

The Scouser marked an impressive first top-flight start for 22 months with his display during Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Manchester City at Anfield.

After a nightmare spell on the sidelines through injury, Flanagan is desperate to make an impression.

Speaking with the Liverpool Echo, Flanagan said: “Just to get back playing in the Premier League, it was a great feeling.

“I’d missed that buzz and it’s fantastic every time I pull on the shirt for Liverpool.

“When your chance comes you have to take it and I was satisfied with how it went. The manager gave me a chance and I was happy with my performance.

“I just have to do my stuff on the pitch and show the manager what I can do.”

Liverpool’s No.38 received many plaudits against City for a firm challenge on former teammate Raheem Sterling in opening 40 seconds that set the tone for Liverpool’s determination to put things right after the Wembley disappointment.

He added: “The ball was just there to be won.

“It got the crowd going and all the lads followed. Raheem is a good lad and one of my mates, but business is business.

“We all knew before the game how big it was after what happened in the final. After the defeat on Sunday everyone knew that we owed City one.

“We had to put that right. To come out 3-0 winners was the perfect way to bounce back.”

Reds boss Jürgen Klopp maintains Liverpool still have to tread carefully with Flanagan and manage his game time.

While the full-back understands why he is being held back, he admits his knee is now feeling fine.

He said: “I feel fit, ready and raring to go.

“I’m ready for Sunday. The knee isn’t a problem at all.

“Most of the lads have two recovery days after a game. That’s not an issue.

“I’m pretty much on the same schedule. Maybe just one or two days here and there are different, but I am available. I’ve been available for every game since January. I feel great.”

For a young man who has been at the club since the age of 11, Liverpool FC means everything to Flanagan.

He admits he has been through a tough period but believes he has come out of the experience a stronger person.

He said: “I’ve been through a lot. There were days when I wondered if I would ever play for Liverpool again. When the club sign a full-back you think: ‘Is my time up? Am I going to be able to get back in?’

“But I stuck at it. It was mentally tough but I never gave up. It was horrible but I got through it and those days are gone.

“It was always my dream to play for Liverpool. I pinch myself every day when I think about what I’ve done so far but hopefully there’s a lot more to come.

“Carra and Stevie were both massive for me. From the first day I went to Melwood, they were giving me great advice and guiding me.

“Being local lads themselves, they knew the situation I was in. I learned so much from them.

“I’m a local lad and this is my club. I want to stay here and help Liverpool win trophies. I want to be a one-club man.”

One forthcoming game Flanagan will have no involvement in is the Europa League last 16 clash with Manchester United.

With Klopp short of central defensive cover at the time of having to submit his squad to UEFA last month, and Flanagan only just becoming available again, Steven Caulker was selected instead.

However, Flanagan will be cheering on his teammates from the stands and is desperate for the Reds to put one over their arch-rivas.

He added: “Of course I’d have loved to play against United but that’s not going to be possible.

“I’ll be there cheering the lads on and we’ve certainly got a squad capable of going all the way in the Europa League. I fancy our chances against United over two legs.

“Not being able to play in Europe makes every Premier League game even more important to me.

“After Sunday, I can’t play again for two weeks. That’s not good. I have to make the most of every opportunity when it comes along.”