JON FLANAGAN admits his delight at returning to Liverpool’s first team was tempered by their dismal 2-1 defeat to Wigan at Anfield.
With Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly both ruled out, the 19-year-old right-back made his first Premier League appearance since the opening day draw with Sunderland last August.
Flanagan impressed but too many of his team-mates failed to deliver as the Reds crashed to a fifth league defeat in their last six matches.
“We worked hard and we’re obviously disappointed with the result but we’ve got to pick ourselves up for the next game,” he said.
“Everyone in the dressing room is very disappointed. We dominated the game but we have to pick ourselves up.
“I think I did alright but the result is the main thing and we’re all disappointed with that. I’ll keep training hard and try to impress the boss and hopefully get more game time.”
Liverpool trailed at the break to Shaun Maloney’s penalty but Luis Suarez fired them level early in the second half.
The Uruguayan then had another effort ruled out for handball before Gary Caldwell restored Wigan’s advantage.
After a hectic schedule of six games in 21 days, Kenny Dalglish’s side now have the benefit of a full week to prepare for next Sunday’s trip to Newcastle United.
“We got the goal early on in the second half and then almost straight after that we scored a goal that was disallowed,” Flanagan added.
“It didn’t look like there was much in it to us and we were unlucky. They got their second goal at a bad time for us and we were chasing the game.
“We’ve got to train hard all week now, pick ourselves up and get ready for Newcastle. Hopefully we can get a win up there.”
Flanagan was one of three Reds youngsters in action against the Latics.
Jonjo Shelvey came off the bench before Dalglish handed a late debut to winger Raheem Sterling.
“I was delighted for Raheem,” he said. “Kenny gave the young kids a chance again, which is great for the club. It shows what we’ve got coming through.”
