Steven Gerrard hails progress of Liverpool team-mate Jonjo Shelvey

Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey (GETTY IMAGES)

England captain Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool team-mate Jonjo Shelvey's call-up to Roy Hodgson's squad is just reward for the progress he has made at Anfield.

The 20-year-old, who has made 46 first-team appearances since joining from Charlton two summers ago, was promoted from the under-21s to the senior side yesterday.

Gerrard has watched the youngster develop around the edges of the squad and this season Shelvey has been in decent form with three goals in his last two Europa League matches.

"I'm really pleased for Jonjo," Gerrard told the Liverpool Echo.

"He has been improving all the time since he arrived at Liverpool and has grown into a good footballer with good vision who can create and score goals.

"He also listens which means he will only get better with more games and experience."

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers sees a lot of promise in Shelvey and hopes his England experience will enhance his progress.

"Jonjo is an example of how the young players have been developing at the club," he said.

"There's a real big future here for those young players and Jonjo is one of them.

"He has shown in the early stages of the season that he will play a prominent role in the development of the team over the next couple of years.

"To get called into the full England squad is testament to what he's done so far. It will be a great experience for him.

"He's gone down there to work with some top players and that can only benefit him. Hopefully he will come back a better player."

PA