Spearing insists he ‘deserves’ place at Liverpool

Jay Spearing has insiststed that his performances this season have resulted in a 'deserved' place in Liverpool's first-team.

Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam were signed for more than £20 million last summer, but Spearing says he never considered leaving Anfield and has since been able to force his way into his Kenny Dalglish's side.

Injuries to captain Steven Gerrard and midfielder anchorman Lucas Leiva have helped him cement a place in the Reds’ team recently, but the 23-year-old believes he has earned his spot in the Liverpool side.

"I thought to myself I would get myself ready and fight and earn the place I personally think I deserve,” Spearing told The Independent on Sunday.

"I had that confidence to prove to the boss exactly what I could do. There was never any inkling to move on. Liverpool is where I have always wanted to be a part of.

"I want to get better and follow in the footsteps of players like Steven Gerrard, who also came through the academy like me, and if I can do that I will be very happy."

The 23-year-old admits that last season was a breakthrough campaign for him, as he made 20 first-team appearances and was rewarded with a new contract.

"I was fortunate enough last season for the manager to put me in for the last 10 or 11 games on the bounce and that gave me a lot of confidence going into the summer," he said.

"We knew new players would come in and that was something I'd have to deal with. I had to show my capabilities of competing against them and try to get in the first-team before them.

"I sat down with my family and my agent and we said that this year was going to be a big year to show exactly what I'm all about.”