Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan has insisted that he is relishing the challenge to regain his place in the team when he returns from injury next month.

The 22-year-old full-back has been out of action since July, since which Reds boss Brendan Rodgers added Alberto Moreno and Javier Manquillo to his squad.

Flanagan, who broke into the England team last season, says that he is not concerned by the arrival of the Spanish pair.

"When I saw that we signed two full-backs, I immediately thought 'I need to up my game now. I know I need to consistently do well if I'm to get in the team and then stay there," the Liverpool Echo quotes him as saying.

"I want to keep developing as a footballer. That's why not being available has been so frustrating. But competition for places doesn't bother me. I'm always up for the fight.

"It's great to hear that the fans haven't forgotten me. When you hear that, you know people are rooting for you and want to see you back playing again. It gives me even more motivation to recover and get back out on the pitch as soon as possible."

Flanagan made 25 appearances for Liverpool last term.