'11-12 will be big season for LFC'

Sunday's last day 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa ensured Tottenham Hotspur took the final Europa League place at our expense.

While it was a disappointing way to end the campaign, Liverpool's No.33 insists the future is bright with Dalglish at the helm.

"I believe next season will be a big one for Liverpool," Shelvey told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"I think with the way we were ending the season, apart from our last two games, the fans have got to be very optimistic about the future.

"There is always big expectation about Liverpool FC but we have got the King in charge and I'm confident about next season.

"There is a buzz about the club under Kenny and it shows in every game we play.

"The fans love him, almost every song they sing is the 'Dalglish' chant and even when you are on the bench you find yourself joining in with them!

"It's just immense for me to be working with someone like him."

Reflecting on the disappointment of not having European football at Anfield next season, he added: "We are disappointed we didn't qualify.

"Playing in Europe is a great experience for the young players and it's also a great chance to prove yourself to the manager.

"I got the chance to play in the Europa League this season and I enjoyed it.

"I heard some supporters say they'd much rather we weren't in it because they want us to concentrate on the league and I can see where they are coming from, but as a player you just want to play as many games as you can."

Click on the play button below to watch our exclusive chat with Shelvey

A brilliant strike from Stewart Downing ensured the three points for Villa, and Shelvey admits the squad were frustrated they couldn't give the travelling Kop a great send-off for their fantastic support.

He added: "It's disappointing to lose because I thought we deserved something from the game.

"We are disappointed we couldn't give our fans a better send-off because they always give us great support.

"We had the better chances in the second half and Brad Friedel kept them in the game with an incredible save from Raul Meireles.

"It was such a great turn from Luis Suarez to set it up, and to be honest as the ball came to Raul I was getting ready to celebrate with the fans!

"It was a good strike from Raul but if it had been in the corner of the net it would have been a goal, and if that had gone in I think we would have gone on to win the game.

"I really felt we created the better chances but in the Premier League you've got to take them because if you don't you get punished."

The midfielder also reflected on his debut campaign at Anfield and added: "To get the opportunity to play for this club is the best thing that could happen to me in my life.

"I love the club to bits and the word to describe the experience so far is unreal and a dream come true."

Click on the play button below to watch the contenders for best goal of 2010-11