Spearing ready for crucial season

Jay Spearing is on a mission to become a permanent fixture in the Liverpool side.

The 21-year-old midfielder has made four appearances under Roy Hodgson so far this season but has had to settle for games in the Europa League and Carling Cup.

Wirral-born Spearing is desperate to impress the manager and prove he's got what it takes to play in the Premier League.

"This is a crucial season for me," he said.

"The aim is to try and get in the side on a more regular basis and to be in the ideas of the manager.

"I needed to break in early. It was a clean slate for everybody with a new manager coming in.

"Everyone had to stake their claim and at the moment things are going well."

Spearing believes he's reaping the rewards of his loan spell at Leicester City last season and is enjoying life under Hodgson's reign.

"Leicester was a massive confidence boost because I was playing first-team football every Saturday and Wednesday," Spearing added.

"We were playing for a play-off position and I played nine straight games. Having to move away from home took getting used to.

"I was in a little hotel room for two months. I had to grow up a lot, and I think that will stand me in good stead back here.

"The manager has been really good with me and I'm pleased. He talks about shape and what to do when the team hasn't got the ball.

"With the ball he wants us to do what we're capable of doing - get the ball down and play. In training we work more on the defensive shape."

Meanwhile, Liverpool duo Raul Meireles and Dirk Kuyt both celebrated victories in the latest round of Euro 2012 qualifiers.

Midfielder Meireles played all 90 minutes for Portugal as two goals from Nani and another from Cristiano Ronaldo helped secure a 3-1 victory over Denmark. Christian Poulsen lined up for the Danes.

Kuyt also completed the match as Holland claimed a 1-0 win in Moldova.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.