Jay Spearing: Bolton midfielder 'had to leave Liverpool'

Bolton midfielder Jay Spearing believes he had to move from Liverpool to make the most of his career.

The 24-year-old returned to the Reebok Stadium for an undisclosed fee last week after making only 45 starts for Liverpool since his debut in 2008.

"I've been there since the age of seven and I've known nothing else," he said.

"Once you get to this age now and the first-team regular football wasn't coming at Liverpool, it was time for me to move on."

Spearing spent last season on loan at Wanderers playing 39 times and winning the club's player of the year award.

Bolton fans were singing Spearing's name at the opening game of the season against Burnley before he signed and although Blackburn were also reportedly interested in signing him, he said it was the club's vision which persuaded him to come back.

"I wasn't expecting to [return], I had to keep my options open," he told BBC Radio Manchester.

"Once [Bolton manager] Dougie [Freedman] got on the phone to me again, then the chairman and a few of the lads, I was really excited about the way the gaffer wants to do it.

"As soon as they [Liverpool players] heard the news they all texted me wishing me the best and they knew it was the right decision for me to move on and get regular football.

"The Championship standard is getting a lot closer to the Premier League so I don't see it as a massive drop down.

"I see it as nearly the same level to play in and show exactly what I'm capable of doing and hopefully me and the lads will get this club back where it belongs."