Shelvey ready for Reds reunion

Jonjo Shelvey says he is relishing the prospect of facing his former club - but insists that it is just another game.

The midfielder, who swapped Liverpool for Swansea back in the summer, will face the Reds for the first time since arriving at the Liberty Stadium when the two sides meet on Monday night (8pm).

Shelvey made 31 starts at Anfield during three seasons, and has impressed since his move to south Wales.

The England international has slotted in seamlessly to the Swans midfield - and the 21-year-old admitted that he is benefitting from regular game time.

"I am excited for Monday," said Shelvey. "Anyone who says they weren't looking forward to facing their former team would be lying, but it's important to not get too emotional and try to treat it as any other game.

"I was there for nearly three years and I had a great time there. It was a great club to play for, with such a great history. 

"It was a big decision [to leave Liverpool], but I felt it was something I needed to do. I just felt it was time for me to leave and get some game time, and get the consistency us young players need to make it to the next level.

"I'm just glad that a club like Swansea were interested and as soon as I heard what Michael and the Chairman had to say then I couldn't wait to sign."

Shelvey started his career with Charlton, becoming their youngest-ever player when he made his senior debut against Barnsley in April 2008.

It wasn't long before the big clubs came calling, with the youngster moving to Liverpool in 2010.

But following three years at Anfield, the midfielder insisted it was time for a change - and he is blossoming under the tutelage of boss Michael Laudrup.

"I didn't see joining Swansea as a backward step," he said. "I wanted to come here and feel part of a team.

"I knew they were playing in Europe this year and how well they've done in the past two seasons, and obviously with the great manager that this club has I thought he could help me develop.

"Right now, I'm enjoying my football and I feel as though this club is going places."

Shelvey's performances this season has seen him win a string of plaudits, with some calling for Roy Hodgson to hand him a second England cap.

But after the midfielder was asked whether he watched England's draw with Ukraine this week, he said: "I didn't actually watch the whole game - I think I was watching Eastenders at the time! I was changing between the England, Wales and Northern Ireland matches after that but normally I don't get to watch too much football in my house!"