Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has revealed that he has been lending support to Jon Flanagan during the popular defender’s injury nightmare.
Flanagan made his first Reds appearance since May 2014 as a substitute in the 3-0 win over Exeter City in Wednesday’s FA Cup third-round replay.
He was given a warm reception from the Anfield crowd, and has also been feeling the love from former teammate Carragher during his knee troubles.
The 37-year-old revealed that he sent Flanagan a good-luck message before his comeback and has been in contact with him throughout his difficult time.
Carragher wrote in the Daily Mail: “Jon had endured 18 months of frustration because of a knee problem so it was great to see him back in a Liverpool shirt for his first competitive match in 619 days.
“I sent Jon a message on Wednesday morning to wish him all the best and I’ve kept in regular contact with him during his time out. I know how difficult it has been for him but, to his absolute credit, he never allowed himself to get too despondent.”
Carragher also thinks that he noticed improvements in our defensive organisation – badly missed in yesterday’s 5-4 win over Norwich City – during Flanagan’s 40 minutes or so on the field.
Liverpool’s second-leading appearance maker added; “You can say it was only a game against Exeter City in the third round of the FA Cup, but the difference he made when Jurgen Klopp introduced him was noticeable, with the way he organised Liverpool’s defence and the quality of his passing.”
But it would be unfair to risk Flanagan’s health by rushing him back into the Premier League team. He might get another run out when we host West Ham United in the FA Cup fourth round.
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