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Marko Grujic is on a mission to prove to Jurgen Klopp that he can deliver for Liverpool on the big stage this season.

The Reds may have spent the summer pursuing a bumper deal for RB Leipzig’s Naby Keita but the young Serbian midfielder insists he can step up and mount a serious challenge for a starting spot.

The 21-year-old endured a tough first year at Anfield following his £5.1million move from Red Star Belgrade.

Grujic made just two starts and six substitute appearances as injuries hampered his progress. However, he kicked off pre-season in style as he capped a highly encouraging 45-minute outing with a stunning 25-yarder in Wednesday night’s 4-0 rout of Tranmere Rovers.

“It was a good match for us,” Grujic told the ECHO.

“It was nice to get a goal but there’s a lot of work ahead and tomorrow is a new day.

“The first win of the new season is always important. We will go again and prepare for the next game on Friday at Wigan.

“I want to show all the members of staff that I am ready to play and ready to be in the squad this season. It’s down to me to prove that I can help the team to achieve some nice things.

“We will have more games this season. We have Europe and the two cup competitions as well as the league. We will need fresh legs.

“Of course we don’t want them but in every season you have some injury problems. We have to help each other and do the best we can to go as far as possible in the Champions League and to again be in the top positions in the Premier League.”

(Image: 2017 Getty Images)

There’s no danger of Grujic getting carried away with anything he achieves in pre-season. A year ago he made a huge impact when he netted in the friendlies against Fleetwood, Huddersfield and Barcelona before his progress stalled.

Injuries held him back with a hamstring tendon problem forcing him to sit out nearly half the season.

There was plenty of frustration for the youngster as when fit he struggled to secure game time, but he believes the lessons learned during his first year in England will stand him in good stead for the challenges ahead in 2017/18.

Working with Klopp on a daily basis at Melwood proved to be an education for the combative midfielder.

“From my point of view, I am now much better than when I first came to Liverpool,” he added.

“That’s physically and also in terms of football things as well. I will try to show that as soon as possible.

“I started really well last pre-season and then I had two bad injuries around the new year. I worked a lot to get back and then I felt really good with my body.

“I still think it was a good year for me, personally. I developed a lot as a player. Now as I prepare for this second season at Liverpool I should be much better compared to the first one.

“The goal against Tranmere will give me more confidence to really push on.”

The focus now turns to Friday night’s friendly against Paul Cook’s Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium. It promises to be a hectic few weeks with Klopp’s squad flying to Hong Kong on Sunday to take part in the Asia Trophy.

A week in the Far East is followed by a training camp in Bavaria with Liverpool playing matches in both Berlin and Munich before a short trip to Dublin.

“We will try to be better and better from match to match to ensure we’re ready for the new season,” Grujic said.

“For young players like me, we need to use these games to show the manager that we can play. We’re looking forward to the games in Hong Kong and Germany as it’s about trying to show our qualities to him.”

LFCTV and LFCTV GO will be bringing you all the action as the team prepares for the new season and a return to UEFA Champions League football. Go to www.liverpoolfc.com/watch to find out how to see every game and enjoy behind-the-scenes access every step of the way.