Jon Flanagan
Jon Flanagan can become a star for Liverpool along the likes of Jamie Carragher, John Aldridge claims.

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has praised Jon Flanagan's efforts for the club in the Merseyside derby with Everton at the weekend, claiming the youngster didn't put a foot wrong.

Flanagan had featured just once for the Reds so far this season, in their 2-0 loss to Arsenal, before taking to the pitch against Everton on Saturday. Brendan Rodgers' men were unable to take all three points but salvaged a draw in the final minutes thanks to Daniel Sturridge scoring in the 89th minute.

Flanagan put in a positive performance and with rumours circulating that he might head out on loan this season, Aldridge believes he's showing much promise to be a local star for Liverpool and can see comparisons with another Reds legend in Jamie Carragher.

"It was great to see a local lad like Jon Flanagan do so well in the derby," Aldridge told the Liverpool Echo. "I thought the young full-back was brilliant - he was the only player who didn't misplace a pass. Flanagan did nothing wrong and has really come of age.

"He showed his versatility by playing on the left-hand side and along with Simon Mignolet was our best player.

"I've been watching him closely for the past three years and he has ability mixed with gritty determination - he's a typical Scouser.

"There are similarities between Flanagan and Jamie Carragher early in his career. While Jose Enrique is out injured, Flanagan has a great chance of getting a run in the team."

Flanagan's efforts against Everton were also lauded by Rodgers who has now revealed he will consider keeping the young star on board rather than sending him out for a temporary spell.

"If he plays like he did against Everton, he is going to get football," the manager explained. "I'm a big admirer of John because he has just kept persevering. It has been remarkable really, that we haven't had any clubs come in for him to take him on loan.

"We would always facilitate his wages. We only had one club come in for him, a League One club.

"I had to keep him back because I thought I was going to have to play him at Arsenal. He is a young player that needs to play."