Spearing: I'm up for challenge
Jay Spearing has welcomed the added competition for places in Liverpool's midfield, insisting he is relishing the battle to win a place in Kenny Dalglish's side.
The 22-year-old is determined to build upon an impressive 2010-11 campaign, in which he made 20 first-team appearances and signed a new long-term Anfield contract..
And while the Reds have drafted in Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing so far this summer, Spearing is ready for the challenge of trying to hold down a regular place in the team.
"I've got more competition to fight against now but that doesn't bother me," he said.
"When you are at a club of this stature you know that in the transfer window they are going to spend money on buying top class players.
"I'm delighted with the signings we've made. Adding Adam and Henderson to the squad is a massive improvement for us. They are both great players.
"From a personal point of view, I wouldn't say them coming in puts extra pressure on me but it makes me fight more.
"I know I need to step up again and prove I can play alongside them or in front of them."
Spearing's extended run in the first team largely coincided with Dalglish's return to the helm in January.
The boss handed the Wirral-born star a regular starting berth as the season drew towards a conclusion, and Spearing is determined to repay the faith show in him.
"Last year was a massive season for me. Roy Hodgson gave me a lot of games and I owe him a lot for that," he added.
"Then as soon as Kenny came in he showed confidence in me straight away by chucking me into the derby.
"Hopefully I repaid that and then he gave me a string of games - nine on the bounce. I just had to keep going and prove that every week I deserved to be out there.
"I've got a lot of thank Kenny for. Hopefully I can now kick on even with the signings who have come in."
