Jay Spearing says Brendan Rodgers' inability to offer him regular first-team football at Liverpool was the major reason he opted to leave the club. The 24-year-old midfielder completed a move to Championship side Bolton Wanderers earlier this month, after spending last season on loan at the Reebok.

Jay Spearing
Reuters

"I sat down with Brendan [Rodgers] and we had a good chat and it came to a point that [playing regularly] wasn't going to happen at Liverpool, and we both ended it in a nice way. Last year was a massive time for me as I played nearly 40 times and it was something I wanted again," Spearing told Sky Sports News Radio.

Spearing made 36 appearances for Bolton last season, helping them to seventh in table and earning Player of the Year awards from the club and its fans.

"Regular football for me is the main thing for me now. Last year's loan was a massive part of my decision. I really enjoyed my time there, the lads, the backroom staff and everything about the club was something I really enjoyed and, as soon as I knew the manager was interested again, it was a good and easy decision to make," he added.

Spearing, who graduated from Liverpool's academy, thanked the Reds' fans for the support he received during his time at the Merseyside club.

"I will always be a Liverpool fan. It's been a massive part of my life and I thank everybody who helped make it happen for me. A lot of dreams came true, but now in football terms it was time for me to move on and get regular football," the former Liverpool midfielder said.

Meanwhile, winger Stewart Downing says he is happy that striker Daniel Sturridge will be available for the start of the 2013/14 Premier League; Liverpool open against Stoke City.

"Daniel has looked really sharp and it's great to see him back training again. Hopefully he can get some minutes against Celtic and then be ready for the Stoke game. It's a big plus for us to have him back fit before the start of the season," Downing explained.