Jonjo Shelvey believes the fact that Liverpool are in contention for a place in Europe is a testament to the work of Kenny Dalglish.
A defeat to Tottenham last weekend means that Liverpool will go into their final game of the season requiring a win at Aston Villa to have a chance of finishing fifth in the Premier League.
But a draw could also be enough for the Anfield club, if Spurs slip up at home to Birmingham, as their superior goal difference would then secure a place in the Europa League.
And 19-year-old Shelvey thinks that Dalglish deserves immense credit for his revitalizing impact after inheriting a side from Roy Hodgson at the beginning of 2011 which had been struggling in the bottom half of the table.
Shelvey, a summer signing from Charlton in 2010, said at an event to launch the new Adidas Predator boot in London: "In January, when the boss took over, you would not have expected us to be fifth come the end of the season.
"We were struggling, even though the training was good and Roy was a good manager.
"I just think Kenny has got everyone going and you can tell around the place there is a massive team spirit and it is showing in our performances.
"He has got us passing and moving, which Liverpool fans want to see, and I think it is good because he has given a lot of youngsters a chance as well."
Shelvey missed more than two months of the season with a knee injury, but since returning in the draw with Arsenal in mid-April he has been given regular opportunities by Dalglish.
Although mainly used as a substitute, Shelvey has been offered words of encouragement by his manager, as the midfielder explained: "He has said that I am in his plans. I have got a lot to look forward to.
"I am still a young boy, I'm still learning, which is why it is good to play with players like Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt, and learn day in, day out from them."
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