Jay Spearing believes learning to deal with recent disappointments has helped make him a better all-round player.

The midfielder served a three-match suspension in December after being sent off during Liverpool's 1-0 defeat against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Spearing returned to the starting XI for Barclays Premier League matches against Newcastle United and Manchester City at the turn of the year, as well as the FA Cup third round tie with Oldham, however a hamstring injury forced him to limp out of the Reds' Carling Cup semi-final, first-leg encounter with City at the Etihad Stadium.

The 23-year-old missed four matches while on the treatment table, before making an impressive comeback against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday night.

Now back in action, Spearing is determined to try and hold down a regular place in Kenny Dalglish's team over the coming weeks.

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"The support I had from the club and people around helped me after that red card," he said.

"Some people thought it was (a sending off), some thought it wasn't but it was one of those things in my career I had to learn from.

"I've done that and I've come back fighting stronger and harder.

"I've got to get out there and show exactly what I'm capable of doing and play my game.

"There's no point in being nervous because then I'll start playing silly passes.

"The lads who I've got around me help me massively. Charlie (Adam), Jordan (Henderson) and Stevie (Gerrard) all give me a lot of confidence and a lot of help. That makes my job a lot easier."

Liverpool will contest the Carling Cup final against Cardiff City last this month and Spearing is determined to impress and try and earn himself a place at Wembley.

"I've got take it day by day, keep improving and keep getting better," he added.

"There is a lot of competition in the club. We're known worldwide and anyone would love to come and play for us, so I've got to keep on my toes and keep fighting to get that place.

"I've got to nail it down, get the games going and try to get that Carling Cup final place."