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JOSE ENRIQUE is on a mission to force his way back into the Liverpool FC side after making his comeback from injury.

The Spanish full-back, who was sidelined for a month with a knee problem, returned to action as a second-half substitute in last Saturday’s 1-0 win over Reading.

It’s been a frustrating campaign so far for Enrique who has slipped down the pecking order since Brendan Rodgers took over.

However, he is in contention to start tomorrow night’s Europa League home clash with Anzhi Makhachkala and is out to prove that his strengths are ideally suited to the style the manager has brought to Anfield.

“It’s been difficult as every footballer just wants to play,” said Enrique.

“I tried to but was getting a lot of pain in my knee and because of that I couldn’t perform at my true level.

“I got injured in training when I tried a shot. I twisted something and it didn’t feel right.

“It took a few weeks to recover but now it finally seems to be okay again.

“Brendan Rodgers’ style of play suits me. His formation and tactics are the type of football I like to be involved in.

“It’s probably different to the way most football teams in this country normally play. It’s a style that is more like the way football is played in Spain or by the Spanish national team.

“All of our training is done with the ball and it’s a very enjoyable way to work. We are trying to play a different way under the manager and it’s worked at times. The way we’ve played so far this season has probably deserved better results, especially at home when we’ve dominated but not taken the points.”

During his time on the sidelines, Enrique was buoyed by the sight of teenagers like Raheem Sterling, Suso and Andre Wisdom making such a big impact in the first team.

Since Martin Kelly suffered a cruciate ligament injury, Wisdom has established himself at right-back with Glen Johnson showing his versatility by shining on the other flank. Enrique faces a real challenge dislodging either of them from Rodgers’ first choice line-up. He added: “It can be hard sometimes. When you’re injured you can be down, but the fact that so many young players have come in and done so well helped to lift spirits.

“It’s really great to see youngsters doing a good job for the team and I hope that continues. It’s clear that the lads who have come in are really good players. They also have lots of confidence because they know that the manager believes in them.”

Enrique has also been impressed by the development of midf-ielder Jonjo Shelvey. He said: “I think he’s an amazing player.”

Rodgers is expected to ring the changes for the visit of Anzhi with one eye on Sunday’s league derby at Goodison. Jamie Carragher, Sebastian Coates, Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing and Oussama Assaidi are among those expected to be handed starts.