Liverpool's Jon Flanagan enjoys Premier League return

Liverpool right-back Jon Flanagan was a satisfied man on Wednesday evening after helping the Reds claim a 3-0 victory over Manchester City at Anfield.

The 23-year-old was making his first Premier League start since May 2014 after suffering a serious knee injury and he is now hoping to make his mark during the remainder of the season with his contract set to expire in the summer.

Flanagan certainly made his mark on former Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling with some crunching tackles, with a first-minute challenge setting the tone for the game.

"It was something I had to do to get the crowd up," he said. "The crowd have been fantastic, always right behind me even in the dark days.

"Me and Raheem were good mates at Liverpool but now he's gone to City it is just business on the pitch."

Flanagan made his senior comeback in the FA Cup replay against Exeter in January after two knee operations sidelined him for a season.

"It is great to be back in the Premier League. It has been a nightmare with injuries," he added. "I am feeling good and fit and sharp so I am just trying to get as many games as possible.

"I am just leaving the contract side to my agent to see what happens."

Liverpool gained some revenge for their Capital One Cup final defeat to City on penalties and moved within six points of their fourth-placed rivals with the victory.

"I think we put a statement out. We had to bounce back as we were all disappointed after the final," said Flanagan.

"I think we were 11th before the game and that is not us, we are not going to stop there, we are going to climb the table because it is quite tight round there from fourth to eighth or ninth."