Skrtel keen to get going

Slovakian defender could make his debut against Villa

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 19th January 2008

Skrtel keen to get going

Skrtel: Not played for a month

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Martin Skrtel could be handed his Liverpool debut against Aston Villa on Monday and has revealed that he cannot wait to start playing again.

The defender arrived at Anfield from Zenit St Petersburg having not trained for two weeks and not played for a month.

However, after building up his fitness during training, Rafa Benitez is contemplating throwing the Slovakian international straight into Premier League action when Villa arrive on Merseyside on Monday night.

One option

"I am really pleased with him and am thinking about using him now," the Reds boss said.

"He can be available against Villa, in the FA Cup next weekend (against Havant and Waterlooville) or maybe in the reserve game against Wigan on Tuesday. But he is certainly one of the options for the Villa game on Monday."

Best supporters

Skrtel knows all about the tradition surrounding the club and is looking forward to becoming part of Liverpool history when he is handed his first appearance.

"To be the first Slovak to play for Liverpool makes me very happy," he said.

"Not many Slovakian players have had the opportunity to play in the English league. I have and I will give it everything to succeed here.

"I can't wait to play at Anfield. The stadium is beautiful and Liverpool have got the best supporters in England, if not the world. I can't wait to play there for the first time."

Improve fitness

The defender was also happy to hear that his new manager has already compared his style of play to fellow centre-half, and Kop idol, Jamie Carragher.

Despite this praise, Skrtel is prepared to wait for an opportunity to show the supporters what he can do and in the mean time will continue to work hard on adapting to his new surroundings.

"I obviously knew about Jamie before I came here. He is a very good player and it's a compliment for me to be compared to him," he said.

"The manager has told me he will give me time to improve my fitness and fit in and I know about how tough the competition for places is here.

"That is a good thing for a club to have and I will give it my very best.

"I will be working as hard as I can so I can get into the squad and I will also try to learn to speak English as soon as possible."