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The date April 11 will forever be etched in Jon Flanagan’s memory banks.

It was three years ago tomorrow that the Liverpool FC youngster was handed his first-team debut.

An injury to Glen Johnson meant opportunity knocked for the Academy graduate and he grasped his chance with both hands.

Flanagan played his part with a faultless display as Manchester City were hammered 3-0 on a memorable night at Anfield.

Liverpool haven’t beaten the big-spenders in Premier League action since but Flanagan says the Reds are in the mood to put that right in Sunday’s “must-win” title showdown.

“This is definitely the biggest game of my career,” Flanagan told the ECHO.

“Playing Manchester City at Anfield in a top of the table clash with both teams going for the title – it doesn’t get any bigger.

“I’ve got great memories of the first time I faced City. Walking out at Anfield that night was very special.

“I only found out I was definitely playing when Kenny Dalglish told me two hours before kick-off.

“There were a few nerves but as the game went on I settled and just focused on doing my job. Winning 3-0, it was a brilliant night to be part of. I’d settle for the same result on Sunday.”

Flanagan’s emergence from the Anfield shadows this term epitomises Liverpool’s remarkable transformation under Brendan Rodgers into title contenders.

He hadn’t graced the Premier League for 19 months prior to being called up for the trip to Arsenal in November after Johnson was sidelined by a jaw infection.

The full-back repaid Rodgers’ faith and his performance in the Goodison derby later that month lit the touchpaper on his season.

There was a stunning first senior goal in the rout of Spurs before he missed the festive schedule due to a hamstring injury. Since returning to face Everton in late January he has been ever present – a model of consistency in a title-chasing side.

Rodgers has already vowed that his form will be rewarded with a new contract this summer.

“So much has happened over the past three years,” Anfield-born Flanagan said.

“Initially, I had a good run following my debut but then I got a couple of injuries and my form dipped. I wondered if I’d get another chance but I just kept my head down and worked hard in training.

“Brendan put me back in the team and since then I’ve just given it everything to stay there. You’ve got to keep your standards high to stay in such a talented team.

“It was great to hear the manager talk about a new deal for me. As a local lad who has supported Liverpool all my life I’m living the dream. I want to stay here for as long as I possibly can.”

The in-form Reds go into Sunday’s showdown with a two-point lead over Chelsea at the top of the table. Third placed City are two points further back with two games in hand.

It may not be a title decider but Flanagan knows the outcome will have a major influence on who goes on to lift the Premier League trophy.

“We’re going into it full of confidence on the back of nine straight wins,” he said.

“We’ve got five games to go and we want to extend this winning run right to the end.

“We were not expected to be up there at this stage of the season. We’re at least a year ahead of schedule. But now we find ourselves in the title race and we want to take advantage.

“In terms of the title, Sunday is a must-win game for both teams. I know there could still be some twists and turns, but winning this game would give you a massive boost going into the final four matches.”

City were 2-1 winners when the sides met at the Etihad on Boxing Day but this time Rodgers will be able to call upon Steven Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge and Flanagan, who all missed that game due to injury.

The stakes are high but Flanagan is convinced the Reds will rise to the occasion.

“We all know that City are a great side with top players. Going forward they are a real threat but we’re going into it with no fear,” he said.

“You could say there’s more pressure on them than us as they were expected to be up there.

“We should have got something out of the game at their place. We had a goal wrongly disallowed for offside. Hopefully this time luck will be on our side.

“We know what they’re all about but we’re just concentrating on ourselves and what we do. We’ve got our game plan. We’ve done well in a lot of big games this season and this is another one we believe we can win.

“The manager has been brilliant with us. His message has been to keep calm and stay focused. I don’t think nerves will play a part.

“We’re on a great run and this team has been dealing really well with pressure. We’ve had a great week on the training ground and there is a buzz around the place.”

Flanagan knows a spine-tingling atmosphere awaits Rodgers’ men when they emerge from the tunnel.

And he believes those supporters fortunate enough to have a ticket for the club’s biggest league game in nearly a quarter of a century could help make the difference.

“The fans are going to be massive,” he added.

“They have been with us throughout the season. They are one of the big reasons why our home form has been so good.

“The roar from the Kop after the Tottenham game a few weeks ago was unbelievable. They all stayed behind to show their support.

“All the supporters I’ve spoken to can’t wait for it. Everyone wants to be there for this one.

“They’re our 12th man and having that kind of support inspires you as a player. It spurs you on and makes you go that extra mile. The fans want this as much as we do.”

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