Jonjo Shelvey
Liverpool's Shelvey challenges Napoli's Dossena during their Europa League match at Anfield in Liverpool. REUTERS

Jonjo Shelvey admits his recent loan spell away from Anfield has only served to heighten his desire to break into Kenny Dalglish's first team.

The evidently gifted 19-year-old scored six goals in ten appearances during his recent hiatus away from the Liverpool first-team and although the midfielder admits to enjoying his loan spell at Blackpool, the starlet concedes he is delighted to back in the first team setup at Anfield.

Liverpool's depleted midfield, following the injuries sustained by Lucas Leiva and the suspension to Jay Spearing, has afforded Shelvey a rare opportunity to impress manager Kenny Dalglish in the first team and the former Charlton starlet is eager to grasp it with both hands.

Shelvey believes his loan spell away from Liverpool has served as great motivation to spur him on to establish himself at Anfield and he intends to do just that over the busy festive period.

"I feel that the time I spent away from the club really helped me come on as a player," Shelvey told the Liverpool Echo. "But it also made me realise just how much I want to be playing in Liverpool's first team.

"There's a big difference between Championship football and Premier League football." The precocious Liverpool midfielder continued.

"It's so good to be back in and around the squad. I only got on for a few minutes on Saturday but it was really special to be back out there on the pitch in front of the fans. It's always a great honour to play for Liverpool.

"Kenny (Dalglish) called me back and hopefully now I can show the gaffer what I can do. I've got to deliver day in, day out in training and try to force my way into his plans.

The midfielder's opportunity in the Liverpool first team has come about because of the injury sustained by Lucas Leiva, and while he acknowledges the misfortune of his Anfield colleague's unfortunate hiatus, Shelvey concedes it has presented the perfect chance to show Dalglish his undoubted promise.

"Obviously it was really unfortunate for Lucas to get such a bad injury and then for Jay to get a ban as well. With a few players missing there's definitely an opening there but it's down to the gaffer whether he wants to pick me." The Liverpool youngster said. "When my time comes I'll be waiting and ready to take my chance."