Jon Flanagan admits he can take no satisfaction from a return to the first team against Wigan Athletic on Saturday after Liverpool went down to a 2-1 defeat.

The 19-year-old marked his first start since August with an assured display at right-back, but was on the losing side as goals from Shaun Maloney (pen) and Gary Caldwell cancelled out Luis Suarez's strike.

Flanagan told Liverpoolfc.tv: "We worked hard and we're obviously disappointed with the result but we've got to pick ourselves up for the next game.

"Everyone in the dressing room is very disappointed. We dominated the game but we have to pick ourselves up.

"I think I did alright, but the result is the main thing and we're all disappointed with that.

"I'll keep training hard and try to impress the boss and hopefully get more game time."

Having gone in at half-time trailing by a goal, Liverpool made a lively start to the second half and duly drew level via Suarez.

The Uruguayan had the ball in the back of the net again moments later, but his celebrations were cut short by referee Lee Mason who deemed the No.7 had handled it over the line.

Wigan struck soon after, with Caldwell netting at the Kop end.

"We got the goal early on in the second half and then almost straight after that we scored a goal that was disallowed," said Flanagan. "It didn't look like there was much in it to us and we were unlucky.

"They got their (second) goal at a bad time for us and we were chasing the game."

Liverpool are not back in action until next Sunday when they travel to Newcastle United, and Flanagan insists the Reds will be working hard at Melwood all week to ensure they're ready to try and secure a return to winning ways.

He added: "We've got to train hard all week now, pick ourselves up and get ready for Newcastle. Hopefully we can get a win up there."

Flanagan was one of three youngsters used by Kenny Dalglish against the Latics.

Jonjo Shelvey also entered the action as a second-half substitute, while Raheem Sterling made his senior debut with a late cameo - and Flanagan was pleased for the 17-year-old.

"I was delighted for Raheem," he said. "Kenny gave the young kids a chance again, which is great for the club.

"It shows what we've got coming through."