Liverpool’s 19-year old right-back, John Flanagan has revealed that he is mentally prepared to feature in his side’s starting-eleven during their upcoming Europa League qualifier against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Belarus-c2849 on Thursday.
The door was left ajar for the juvenile player to make a start for the Reds in a competitive game, after some reports surfaced that the club’s first choice right-back http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Glen-Johnson-c15050 might sit out the game on Thursday. The English International is reported
to be still suffering from his European Championships fatigue.
With http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Martin-Kelly-c24395 also nursing a mild injury, it is likely that the Anfield boss, Brendan Rodgers will opt to start with the 19-year old defender, who has until now capped 15 professional appearances for the Reds.
After featuring in all three of his team’s pre-season friendly games during their North American tour, Flanagan unearthed that he was currently high on confidence, and was desperate to cash in on any opportunity that comes his way.
He told the reporters in an interview, “There’s good competition here for the full-back spots. I’m up against one of the best right-backs in the world in Glen… If there’s an injury I’ve got to be ready to slot in and I can play on either side at the back.”
The defender also revealed that he had set himself the target of cementing his place in the team this coming season, and has been sweating his brow ever since he recovered from his knee injury.
Since taking over the reins of the Merseyside club, Rodgers has come out with an approach of testing some of the younger players in the squad, as he explores his options ahead of the next season.
Having received a good share of representation during the pre-season fixtures, Flanagan heaped praise on his manager for reaching out to all the members of the squad, and believed that his appointment had given a huge lift to the younger players in particular.
“He has come in and given all the young lads a massive lift. He has said that if we do well there will be opportunities for us and that’s good to hear.”
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