Liverpool have rewarded 18-year-old John Flanagan with a new contract after the youngster impressed in the first team at the tail-end of last season. The defender made seven appearances at the culmination of the 2010/11 campaign, and will now look forward to senior side involvement next term.
Director of football Damien Comolli feels it is just reward for a promising start to his professional career, and that the full-back has a bright future ahead of him.
“The first thing everyone will say is he deserves it because he did so well for us towards the end of last season. Flanno had a long time left on his current deal but we felt it was the right thing to do, to reward him for what he’s done,” he told the club’s official website.
‘His attitude is absolutely terrific. As you see him on the pitch – committed, dedicated, the intensity of his game – is what he’s like off the pitch. He’s very professional, he knows how to look after himself and who to listen to, and I think that’s why he’s improved so quickly.
“He’s only 18 years old and he’s still got so much room for improvement in every area of his game – but he’s already very good going forward, technically he’s very sound. I’m sure in two years’ time we’ll talk about him having made even bigger progress. We’re really looking forward to his development and seeing how he’s going to do,” the former Spurs executive concluded.
Flanagan’s new deal comes in quick succession to fellow defender Glen Johnson extending his Anfield stay, as Kenny Dalglish looks to keep hold of his homegrown players.
