Jon Flanagan set his sights on a return to first-team duty and declared: 'I'm ready for Spurs.'

The 18-year-old right-back started Liverpool's opening day clash against Sunderland but has not featured in the last three outings.

Kenny Dalglish currently boasts a wealth of options in the youngsters preferred position, but Flanagan insists he is ready for the challenge.

"Hopefully I can get back in the team - that's my target," Flanagan said.

"We've got a few injuries at the moment so maybe I'll get another chance soon. When I do get back in there I'll have to show what I can do.

"Kells is back in training so it all depends what Kenny wants to do but if he needs me at Tottenham I'll be ready.

"All I can do is keep working hard in training and keep listening to the coaches.

"Kenny has massively helped me and shown a lot of trust in me. I need to keep repaying that faith."

Flanagan's rise to prominence began with a superb display on his home debut against Manchester City last season.

The Academy graduate impressed enough to remain in the side for the final seven matches of the campaign and he admits that he has been delighted by his development throughout 2011.

 "Last season everything went great for me," he said.

"To get a run of games like I did towards the end was amazing. I'm a Liverpool fan and I was originally from Anfield but we moved to Childwall when I was about 10.

"This season hasn't gone as well as I hoped so far but it's still unbelievable what I'm doing at such a young age.

"It's every kid's dream to play football in the Barclays Premier League. I've already played nine games for the club I support and I want to play more. I just need to ensure I keep progressing."