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Cameron Brannagan comments on the positions he could play but will he get first-team opportunities?

Liverpool's Cameron Brannagan in action with Swansea's Kyle Naughton (Reuters)
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Brannagan was set to go on loan, but a deal falling through means he is sticking around until January at least, so what are his chances of first-team action?

Liverpool's Cameron Brannagan in action with Bournemouth's Matt Ritchie

Liverpool midfielder Cameron Brannagan is still looking to impress manager Jurgen Klopp, despite his chances of first-team football becoming that bit more slim this season because of the absence of European football.

However, his versatility may count in his favour as he listed the positions he feels he can play in an interview with the Liverpool Echo.

Brannagan said: “I’d say the right of the attacking midfield is my best position.

“I like to get forward, but I like to get back too. I’m a bit of a box-to-box man to be quite honest. I’d say the right of the midfield in the centre – the No. 8. or No. 10. role.

“There’s many positions that I could probably play. Over the years I’ve learned so much from all the positions I’ve played.

Manchester United's Andreas Pereira and Liverpool's Cameron Brannagan in action

“If I ever got put somewhere that I wasn’t too comfortable, I could do a job. I can play on the right, the left – I don’t mind, as long as I am playing. That’s all I’m concerned about.”

Brannagan managed to make nine appearances for the Liverpool first-team last season as Klopp rotated his side and gave a couple of the younger players an opportunity to impress.

Clubs from the Championship had expressed interest in loaning the player but for one reason or another no deal was completed, with the Echo reporting a deal with Wigan Athletic had fallen through.

Liverpool's Cameron Brannagan in action with Swansea's Kyle Naughton

Competition for places is strong at Liverpool and Brannagan would have a fight on his hands to get himself into the side in a role he likes. Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Adam Lallana can play in central midfield roles, or in some cases an advanced role, while Philippe Coutinho could probably operate in the middle as well while in the opening games in the season he has come in from wide positions as part of the forward line.

Emre Can could play further forward although a lot of his work may be from a deeper role, so already there are at least five names ahead of him in the pecking order there.

Also, for him to play out of wide, it could require a change of dynamic in the side given that Liverpool have used the pace of Sadio Mane to great effect so far this season.

Brannagan showed plenty of promise, and if injuries and suspensions become an issue in Liverpool’s midfield then there is probably a chance he could get his opportunity.

With no loan now possible until January, working under Klopp’s guidance every day can only benefit him, as the Liverpool boss will see for himself if there is any progression that satisfies him that Brannagan is worthy of a place in the side.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp before the match