With most of Liverpool’s World Cup representatives absent, Spearing finds himself one of the more experienced players in a youthful training camp.

The midfielder played the full 90 minutes of Wednesday’s goalless friendly draw with Grasshopper – ending the game as captain after being passed the armband by the substituted Lucas just past the hour – and can expect another run-out in tomorrow’s warm-up game at Kaiserslautern.

And of the pre-season preparations, Spearing admits: “There is a different kind of vibe. Whether the youngsters were here or not, there is still Aquilani, Lucas, Soto, Milan and Joe Cole has just come, they are big players.

“But for the young lads, and maybe even some of those players I have mentioned, it is a chance to stake a claim and show what they are capable of. We all want to stick around and be part of the manager’s plans next season.”

Of his role as skipper in midweek, Spearing adds: “As a Liverpool lad, it was a dream for me to captain the side and I have to say thanks to Lucas for passing the armband on. Hopefully it won’t be the last time.”

Indeed, concerns over the match fitness of so many regular first-teamers means Spearing should have some involvement when Liverpool begin their Europa League campaign next Thursday.

With fellow central midfielder Javier Mascherano increasingly likely to leave for Inter Milan and Liverpool working within significant financial restraints, there is an opportunity for Spearing to perhaps save the club money in the transfer market.

But for now, the player is simply concentrating on proving himself good enough to Hodgson.

“I don’t really want to think about the rumours of who might be leaving or who might be coming in,” says Spearing.

“I’ve just got to keep working hard and prove to the boss I am good enough and better than what else he has got, and that I can handle the pressure of playing for Liverpool.”