Jonjo Shelvey
Reuters

Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has urged his team mates to improve results, following the club's disappointing start to the new season. The Reds are yet to win a league match this term and were most recently held to a 1-1 draw at Sunderland. Brendan Rodgers' side are 17th in the table, after managing just two points from four games.

The Merseyside outfit had a poor end to the summer transfer window, failing to bring in a replacement for striker Andy Carroll, who joined newly promoted West Ham United in a season-long loan on deadline day.

"As a team, when the transfer window passed we were all disappointed that we didn't get to bring anyone in but that's when we've all got to step up to the plate. We're going to have to break down teams because we haven't got a plan B," talkSport quoted Shelvey as saying.

"We can't lump it up the pitch because we haven't got the kind of player to do that. We need to keep being patient and keep working on openings. [Rodgers] said he sees me as a goal threat and I had a few chances [against Sunderland] but I couldn't score but hopefully it will come," the 20 year old added.

Hillsborough Families an Inspiration

Shelvey also revealed the courage shown by families of the Hillsborough tragedy, all through their 23 year fight for justice, provided inspiration for the Reds against Sunderland. The England U21 star said last week's independent panel report, which established that Liverpool fans were not responsible for the 1989 tragedy that claimed 96 lives, had an impact on everyone in the squad.

Hillsborough banner
Reuters

"What happened last week was inspiring. They fought for so many years to get that verdict. The boss' team talk and his message to us before the game was about doing it for the 96," the club's Web site quoted Shelvey as saying.

"We wanted to come to a stadium like this in our first match since and do it for them. There was no way we could allow ourselves to lose on a day like this. We didn't get the win but we played for them. We dominated the game from start to finish and should have got the three points," the player added.

Liverpool welcome rivals Manchester United to Anfield next week.