InterviewCurtis Jones: I just want to get back in the team and help as much as I can

The midfielder made his comeback as a second-half substitute in Thursday’s 3-1 win over Sheffield United at Anfield, his first appearance since picking up an ankle issue against Brentford in February.

Jones’ return comes at a vital time, with the Reds top of the Premier League table with eight games remaining and set for a crucial trip to face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, before their Europa League quarter-final against Atalanta begins next week.

And the 23-year-old has told Liverpoolfc.com of his desperation to make a big impact during the remainder of the campaign.

“[It is] mixed emotions, if I’m honest,” Jones said of his spell on the sidelines. “Of course it has been tough. I was on a good run, the opportunities were coming around, it was game after game and I was playing a lot.

“Then it’s part of the game, I pick up an injury and I’m out for a while. But I’m sat there on the side and the lads who are playing are smashing it, they’re doing well, they’re winning games.

“I come back and of course we’re out of a competition [the Emirates FA Cup] but I’m coming back into a team who have already won a competition [the Carabao Cup] and we’re top of the league.

“It was hard but I’m coming back with a smile on my face and I just want to get back in the team and help the team as much as I can.”

Jones had enjoyed a strong campaign prior to his injury at Brentford; he has now made 29 appearances in all competitions and contributed five goals and three assists in the process.

The Academy graduate believes the work he has put in behind the scenes at the AXA Training Centre during his rehabilitation means he is returning to the fold in good shape, ready to make a positive impact.

“I just know how hard I work,” he said. “You can ask the lads, you can ask the staff and the physios. On days off I’m coming in.

“I’m not here to brag in front of the cameras, it’s just me. But I know how hard I work.

“It was obviously a hard time but I knew if I could get myself back fit, I think I’ve earned the right to come back and play. So I’ve worked even harder, I’ve come back in and I’ve trained well.

“I was expecting a chance there [against Sheffield United]; I’ve come on, I’ve played and done well. I’m happy to be back and I’m grateful to the manager and staff for the trust they have put in me, of course.”

Jones also paid tribute to the in-form Alexis Mac Allister, whose stunning strike proved vital as the Reds edged past a spirited Sheffield United on Thursday night.

“I mean, you saw it [the goal] yourself, it doesn’t have to come from me,” he said. “I was saying it was a little bit of a mishit! But it was struck so clean.

“We have seen it already, his goal against Fulham [in December] where he has put it in the far corner. He is a big part of this team and ever since he came, you can see he is playing with a confidence and ease.

“He gets hold of the game by the scruff of the neck. He showed it again there. For somebody like me coming back after a long time [out], it’s good that a lad like him is on the pitch – it helps me, it helps the team and he showed that again.”