The opportunity to impress Jürgen Klopp in pre-season is something Jon Flanagan is determined to seize upon following his return to Liverpool.

Flanagan spent last term on loan at Burnley after injury had ravaged his previous two campaigns, but the fit-again Academy graduate is pleased to be back at Anfield and has his sights set on being a valued member of Klopp’s squad in 2017-18.

“It feels good [to have returned]. Obviously it’s our first day of pre-season today and I’m glad to be back, raring to go,” the defender told Liverpoolfc.com on Wednesday.

“I’ve been doing work over the summer, trying to keep fit and ticking over. We know it’s going to be a tough pre-season so it’s vitally important for me to come back raring to go and in good shape.

“I can’t wait to get started. I think it’s a bit of a fresh start. I had a few injuries [but] hopefully they’re past me now and hopefully I can kick on and show what I can do.”

LFCTV GO: Flanagan relishing pre-season

Flanagan was restricted to 10 appearances across all competitions last season, but the 24-year-old has taken plenty of positives from his time at Turf Moor.

“The main thing I went for was to play football,” he reflected.

“I didn’t play as much as I wanted to but going there, training every day, I felt fit. I’m coming back here after a full year of training on my knee, so [it’s] all good.”

Flanagan also recognises the importance of remaining healthy ahead of next season if he is to force his way into Klopp’s plans.

“The last two pre-seasons have been stop-start, really, so this one is to be clear-minded. [I need to] go straight forward and stay fit,” he said.