Jay Spearing is hoping to seize his chance to replace Steven Gerrard in the Liverpool midfield, as the Reds prepare for tonight’s Europa League D-Day.
The Reds take on Portuguese outfit SC Braga at Anfield tonight looking to overcome a first-leg deficit and book their place in the last eight.
And while skipper Gerrard is expected to be out for at least four weeks after undergoing surgery on a groin injury, his 22-year-old understudy is eager to convince manager Kenny Dalglish that he is worthy of a regular first team place.
“In every game we play Stevie is a massive influence,” says Spearing.
“He showed that in this competition earlier in the season when he came on (against Napoli) and got a hat-trick. That showed the presence he has.
“With him out it’s up to us to step up and stake our claim for a regular place.”
The Wirral-born midfielder has enjoyed the most productive season of his fledgling career so far, making a total of ten appearances – including a surprise start against Everton in Dalglish’s first home game in charge back in January.
And though ankle and foot injuries have limited his involvement over the past three months, Spearing is determined to continue his ascent towards a regular senior spot.
“Obviously it was frustrating getting injured,” he says. “When the manager picked me for the derby it was a massive confidence boost for me.
“To play in that game and then pick up an injury so soon after coming back was a blow, but I’m over that now.
“I got a few games in the Europa League under Roy Hodgson, and then the new boss has come in and shown confidence in me. Kenny has given me a few games and now I have got to keep going.
“It’s a big time for me to show what I am capable of doing.”
Spearing played 90 minutes in north west Portugal as the Reds were beaten 1-0 by Domingos Paciencia’s side seven days ago.
And while the youngster admits last week’s performance was disappointing and that Braga remains a formidable opponent, he insists confidence is high at Anfield.
“The Europa League is a massive competition for ourselves,” he says, “especially as we’re out of the FA Cup and Carling Cup.
“It is a chance to pick up some silverware. Hopefully that can start in this game and we can get through to the next round.
“Braga showed in the first game what they can do. They put us under a lot of pressure in the first half. We weren’t happy with the way we played.
“But in the second half we improved and put them under pressure. Andy Carroll, with the presence he has, caused them a lot of problems.
“We all believe we can win at home.”
His manager, meanwhile, has paid tribute to the midfielder and says the emergence of the likes of Spearing and fellow academy graduate Martin Kelly is good news for the club.
“Jay started the Merseyside derby and we didn’t know he was injured at that stage,” said Dalglish.
“It was disappointing for him to come back in and find out he was injured.
“Jay is a fantastic character. From working with him I’ve seen things I didn’t notice about him before.
“Martin, too, was fantastic before he pulled his hamstring.
“To get a young boy in the squad challenging for positions is great for everyone connected with the football club. It gives everyone a lift.
“We’ve always said it doesn’t matter where you were born, but obviously to see local, home-grown lads coming through is great for the club.”
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