JONJO SHELVEY hopes to force his way into the Liverpool first team picture, and believes his impressive loan spell at Blackpool has helped his development as a player.

The 19-year-old netted six times in 10 appearances for the Championship outfit, including an eye-catching hat-trick at Leeds United.

But with Liverpool’s midfield options diminished by injuries to Steven Gerrard and Lucas Leiva, and with Jay Spearing picking up a three-game suspension for his red card at Fulham, the former Charlton starlet was recalled to Anfield last week, and appeared as a late substitute in the win over QPR.

And having made 21 appearances, largely as a substitute, last season, the England U21 international hopes he can now establish himself as a regular under the tutelage of Kenny Dalglish.

“I feel that the time I spent away from the club really helped me come on as a player,” Shelvey said.

“But it also made me realise just how much I want to be playing in Liverpool’s first team.

“There’s a big difference between Championship football and Premier League football.

“It’s so good to be back in and around the squad. I only got on for a few minutes on Saturday but it was really special to be back out there on the pitch in front of the fans.

“It’s always a great honour to play for Liverpool.