Liverpool FC's Jonjo Shelvey signs long-term deal

Jonjo Shelvey spent part of last season on loan to Blackpool but scored against the Reds' 4-1 win over Chelsea Credit: AP Photo / Jon Super

Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has signed a new contract with the club.

The 20-year-old has found himself on the fringes of the first team at Anfield, making 37 appearances in all competitions since joining from Charlton in May 2010, but the club today confirmed he has put pen to paper on a new long-term deal.

Shelvey played 10 games in the first half of last season while on loan at Blackpool before returning to the Reds and making 16 appearances.

The midfielder told the Liverpool club website, Liverpool.tv: "I am really happy. Last season I was itching to try and push for a new contract. Now it's happened and I am ready to kick on again now."

Shelvey started Liverpool's last four Premier League matches of the season and scored in the 4-1 triumph over Chelsea at Anfield.

And the midfielder is hopeful of more first team opportunities under Brendan Rodgers, believing his reputation of playing passing football will aid his own progression.