Ox determined to make up lost time

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain wants to make up for the lost year in his Liverpool career after signing a contract extension at Anfield.

The 26-year-old, who made just two appearances last season after being sidelined with a serious knee injury, inked his new deal ahead of this weekend’s clash with former club Arsenal. Having moved to Merseyside for £35m two summers ago, the England player was starting to find his feet before injury set him back during a Champions League semi-final first leg in April last year.

He has already made more appearances in this campaign than he did in the whole of the previous one and he’s eager to do himself justice for the European champions. “I feel like I missed out on a year, which I obviously did, so it’s really exciting for me to be able to sign,” he told Liverpool’s website.

“It’s something that I feel is an opportunity to give that year back and make up for lost time – and hopefully put in some good performances to make amends for not being around last year. “You’ve got to count your blessings every time you get an opportunity like this, you don’t get the chance to play for Liverpool Football Club every day.

“I am really excited to be able to extend my time here.” Manager Jurgen Klopp sees Oxlade-Chamberlain having a role to fulfil in his team and has paid tribute to the midfielder’s determined comeback. “What has impressed me and everyone is his attitude to dealing with setbacks and his character,” said Klopp.

“That’s why none of us were ever in any doubt about him fighting his way back in the way he did. To see him play almost the whole game at Southampton on Saturday was such a positive moment for all of us, especially him.

“Now he is no longer injured, he is fit and he can kick on and show once again just how good he is. But there is still a lot of hard work on that road.” Liverpool are 1.50 to beat Arsenal on Saturday evening, the Gunners are 6.00 while the draw is 4.50.