Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan has admitted that he must keep working hard to maintain his place in the first team at Anfield.

Flanagan has featured at left-back in Liverpool's last four Premier League games, but the England Under-21 international is not taking his recent progression into the starting lineup for granted.

The 20-year-old told the club's official website: "After playing a couple of games on the bounce, you feel more involved and feel part of the squad.

"I take it game by game and I've got to continue working hard. If I keep getting the opportunity to play, I've got to take that chance.

"To be picked ahead of some top names is great and it shows that the manager has got trust in me. I've got to do everything that I can to keep my place in the team and keep them out."

Flanagan has made 22 appearances for Liverpool since making his debut for the club in 2010.