Jonjo Shelvey believes he has just finished one of the most important seasons of his professional career and is now keen to push on and become a regular in the Liverpool first team next season.

Shelvey made the move from Charlton to the Reds in 2010 and spent some time on loan at Blackpool in 2011 as he looked to build game time in the hopes of proving himself to his parent club.

Jonjo Shelvey
Jonjo Shelvey says this last season has been a defining one for him at Liverpool.

Since Brendan Rodgers came into the fold last summer Shelvey has signed a long term deal with the club, and the midfielder has made 32 appearances for Liverpool over the last season as well as receiving a call up for the England squad against San Marino.

The youngster believes that he has shown just how much potential he has and wants to improve on that further next season.

"I think this has been one of the most important [seasons] in my career so far," he told Liverpoolfc.com.

"The last three months has been a bit stop-start for me. The first part of the season I was enjoying my football but the last three months I haven't been because I haven't had as much game time as I would have liked.

"I suppose looking back I have played a few games in the first team, had some crazy moments and good moments. I would say it has been a good season for me personally.

"I made my England debut as well and I have learnt a new way of playing football with the new manager coming in. The defensive side of your game helps your attacking side so I feel I have learned that."

Many of the younger players in the Liverpool line up have continually praised Rodgers' approach to handing them chances in the first team and Shelvey is no exception, insisting the manager has been particularly supportive of his development.

He explained: "It's nice to have a manager like Brendan who plays the young lads and has trust in you to go out and prove yourself."