Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey feels that he has been singled out by manager Brendan Rodgers after failing to play a single league game since the team's poor performance in the surprise 3-1 loss to Stoke.

Shelvey had been in impressive form in the early stages of the season and it had looked as though he would quickly become an important figure in the Liverpool first team.

Jonjo Shelvey
Jonjo Shelvey had initially impressed in the Liverpool first team but has not played in the league since before Christmas [Reuters]

His all action displays in the centre of midfield even caught the eye of England boss Roy Hodgson who handed Shelvey his debut in October's World Cup qualifier against San Marino.

The 20-year-old featured on 14 occasions before Christmas but, after the loss at Stoke, he has found himself pushed down the pecking order as Jordan Henderson has rediscovered a new lease of life.

With Liverpool securing two impressive draws away from home, against Arsenal and Manchester City, it seems as though Rodgers has discovered his preferred midfield, which does not currently have room for Shelvey.

The young midfielder admits that he feels that he has been made somewhat of a scapegoat for the team's poor display, but knows that he must now simply work even harder to push his way back into contention.

"I played against Stoke and obviously I didn't have too great a game," Shelvey told the Independent. "I had a few personal issues that were going on in my life. I didn't think I was the only one that had a bad game that day but I was the one that suffered if you know what I mean.

"You just have to take it on the chin and work hard in training and try to get myself back in the team which I'm trying to do."

Shelvey has featured twice in the FA Cup since the loss at the Britannia Stadium but will be hoping that as Liverpool continue their push for fourth place, and challenge for the Europa League, that he will be handed another opportunity to impress.