Liverpool right-back Jon Flanagan was delighted with his first Premier League start since May 2014 after suffering a serious knee injury as it ended in a 3-0 victory for the Reds over Manchester City.

"It was something I had to do to get the crowd up," the 23 year old said. "The crowd have been fantastic, always right behind me even in the dark days.

"Me and Raheem (Sterling) were good mates at Liverpool but now he's gone to City it is just business on the pitch."

"It is great to be back in the Premier League. It has been a nightmare with injuries," he added. "I am feeling good and fit and sharp so I am just trying to get as many games as possible.

"I am just leaving the contract side to my agent to see what happens."

Liverpool gained some revenge for their Capital One Cup final defeat to City on penalties and moved within six points of their fourth-placed rivals with the victory.

"I think we put a statement out. We had to bounce back as we were all disappointed after the final," said Flanagan.

"I think we were 11th before the game and that is not us, we are not going to stop there, we are going to climb the table because it is quite tight round there from fourth to eighth or ninth."