"I think I've shown what I am capable of and starting in the Champions League final must show that, in the boss's eyes, I'm doing something right for him to have picked me," said the £6m signing from Birmingham City.
"I feel I have matured so much since I came to Liverpool. If you want to progress in your career and move on to bigger things and achieve a lot then you have got to mature.
"I needed to do that and now I am. All I wanted when I was at Arsenal was a chance to play and shine but I never really got it so it's great to be getting that chance now.
"I want to be an important part of this club. Rafa told us to keep our heads up after the final because we've got next year now and we have got to start plugging that gap between Chelsea and Manchester United next season, and hopefully we can do that and concentrate on the Champions League as well.
"It's time for a little break but when we get back it's got to be about concentrating on the Premier League.
"This has given me a taste. It's a blow to be runner-up and I want to be a winner. The experience will do me good."