Liverpool FC news: Jon Flanagan commits long-term future to Reds

Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan has signed a new three-year contract to signal the end of a two-year injury nightmare.

talkSPORT told you earlier this week a deal was close to completion with the 23-year-old's current deal was due to expire at the end of the season.

Following 20 months out with a knee problem, he made his comeback in the FA Cup third-round replay at home to Exeter in January after an absence of 619 days and has impressed in his four appearances since.

It is understood Flanagan's new contract is for an initial two years with a 12-month extension option.

"I've been through a lot in the last two years with the injury, and maybe a few people thought my future was in doubt but I've worked hard and this is a bonus at the end of it," he told liverpoolfc.com.

"I think this is my third professional contract with Liverpool now, so I'm really happy.

"It's brilliant - it's something I've always wanted to do since I was a child.

"Any doubters who have said I was finished and stuff like that, it has made me come back stronger."

Earlier in the day manager Jurgen Klopp revealed how he had been the one to push for a new deal for the academy graduate.

"I was a little bit involved in these negotiations," said Klopp, who was always keen to retain the services of the Liverpool-born right-back.

"It is good for us but I think in this special case, with his long injury, it is better for Flanno.

"There are a few other full-backs in the world but not so many Scousers and not so many came back after a difficult injury.

"He is our boy and we are really happy to have him here."