Raul Meireles hails recent performances of ‘fantastic’ Liverpool team-mate Jay Spearing

Jay Spearing,Liverpool(Getty Images)

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Raul Meireles has lavished praise on Liverpool team-mate Jay Spearing for cementing his place in midfield recently.

The Reds lost skipper Steven Gerrard for the remainder of the season due to injury, and the youngster has been filling in for the captain since.

And having put in strong performances for Kenny Dalglish’s side, the Portuguese midfielder has maintained that the 22-year-old deserves his place in the side.

“Jay is a fantastic player and a fantastic team-mate,” Meireles told the club’s official website.

“He has worked hard in training, he deserves his chance and he is doing well.

“He is a good lad off the pitch as well and I am pleased for him.

“I think it’s good seeing some of the young lads getting a chance and for the future of the club it’s important.”