Liverpool legend Alan Hansen is a big fan of local lad Jay Spearing.

Spearing's ability to slot straight back into the side, especially after disruptions such as his sending off against Fulham and injury at Manchester City, is what Hansen feels marks him out as a key part of Kenny Dalglish's squad.

"Just in front of the two centre-backs, Jay Spearing has done very well," the Scot told LFC Magazine. "He suffered the setback of being sent off at Fulham and then got injured against City in the League Cup after that.

"But he's always recovered from those knocks and come back stronger. That's the mark of a player for me. Every time you see Jay play, he looks as though he's been there forever.

"He's a typical Liverpool player: he gets it, he gives it, he always takes it and that's what makes it so difficult to shift him. For Kenny, it must be brilliant to have players with an attitude like that."