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Jon Flanagan has his sights set on regaining a place in Liverpool's starting 11 when he returns from his loan spell at Burnley.

The 23-year-old is still working his way back to full fitness after a torrid run of injuries which have limited his appearances over the last couple of seasons.

He has only recently battled his way into Sean Dyche's plans and has featured in Burnley's last three league games.

The Liverpool-born defender played a key role in Liverpool's tilt at the title in 2013/14, filling in for the injured Jose Enrique and even earning an England cap.

His spells on the sidelines cost him his place in the Liverpool side as Nathaniel Clyne and James Milner continue to win plaudits for their performances at full-back for the Reds.

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But Flanagan is hoping to use his spell at Turf Moor as a springboard to regain his place in Jurgen Klopp's plans.

"I just want to play regular football and get back into the routine I was in two years ago," he told the Mail on Sunday.

"I never doubted for one second I'd be back, I'm mentally tough."

"We'll see where it goes from there, and hopefully get back to Liverpool and a starting place. My ideal season? Burnley to qualify for the Europa League and Liverpool to win the League."

Sean Dyche's side travel to West Brom tomorrow evening as they bid to win their first away game of the season.

Their struggles on the road are in stark contrast to their impressive home form which has seen them beat Watford, Everton and inflict Liverpool's only league defeat of the campaign in August.

Flanagan did not feature against his parent club and he admitted the result was bittersweet.

"It was strange," he said.

"Every week I want Liverpool to win - my dad used to take me home and away, my idols were Stevie G, Michael Owen, Jamie Carragher - but this is my club now. Getting the three points against them was a good day."

Flanagan is set to stay with Burnley for the duration of this season.

And the defender revealed one fellow scouser was a surprising influence on his decision to move to Turf Moor - former Manchester City and Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton.

"I was on holiday with him so I was able to ask him about Burnley. We spoke again later and it was all good. He said I couldn't go wrong here," Flanagan said.

"I know Burnley aren't going to be challenging for the league title, but I've come here to play games, get my fitness levels back up and hopefully help keep Burnley in the Premier League.

"I think my mind was already made up really, but getting that advice pushed me even more towards joining them, and I'm enjoying it."