Jay Spearing admits he's had to fight for everything he's received at Liverpool.
Ten of his 19 appearances in 2010-11 have come in the league - more than tripling his previous tally.
All this has come after a loan spell to Leicester City last season.
Spearing told the liverpoolfc.tv: "I really needed to get out on loan to get some first-team football in order to progress, so my time spent playing for Leicester was good for me because it helped to bring my football education on to the next level.
"I enjoyed it but I was always determined to come back and prove myself at Anfield.
"I remember at one point there were six players in my position in front of me and it was hard to see when I could possibly be given the chance to break into the first team.
"Many of the lads I played with back then have moved on but, fortunately for me, times have changed and I have been given a chance to show what I can do.
"I certainly didn't expect to be involved without putting in the graft to get into the side but, after Roy Hodgson came in, I got the opportunities to play.
"He, and then Kenny Dalglish, showed faith in me and I can't thank them enough for that."
