JONJO SHELVEY is hoping his match-winning double in Liverpool’s thrilling 5-3 victory over Young Boys has earned him a starting spot against Manchester United on Sunday.
The 20-year-old midfielder starred during a remarkable night in Bern as he came off the bench to help the Reds fight back from 3-2 down to get their Europa League Group A campaign off to a winning start.
Shelvey doubled his account for the club with two clinical finishes and then set his sights on repeating the trick against Alex Ferguson’s side.
“I hope I’ve played my way into the side for Sunday,” said Shelvey. “I don’t know what the manager is thinking regarding that game but since he came in the manager has been first class with me.
“He has given me opportunities and hopefully by coming off the bench and scoring two goals tonight I repaid him.
“Games don’t get any bigger than playing for Liverpool against Man United. It’s what dreams are made of.
“The atmosphere at Anfield will be electric and I want to be a part of that.”
The Reds were twice pegged back by their Swiss hosts after taking the lead courtesy of Juhani Ojala’s own goal and a thumping header from debutant Andre Wisdom.
Young Boys took the lead midway through the second half, but Brendan Rodgers’ inexperienced line-up responded with Sebastian Coates equalising before Shelvey came on to net twice in the final 15 minutes.
“I was disappointed to start on the bench so when I came on I wanted to make an impact,” added Shelvey. “It’s great to get two goals and help the team get the win we wanted to get us off to a good start in this group.
“Obviously the boss wasn’t happy we conceded three away from home but I think we made a statement tonight that there are goals in this squad.
“People label it as a weakened side but those players who went out there were desperate to do well. It’s a big occasion every time you play for this club.
“We all gave it 100% and I thought it was a great performance from the younger ones, especially lads like Suso and Andre Wisdom.”
Liverpool flew straight back to Merseyside last night and will reconvene at Melwood today.
Rodgers will have the benefit of a refreshed Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez, Pepe Reina, Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel, Martin Kelly, Glen Johnson and Joe Allen after leaving them out of the trip to Switzerland.
