The 29-year-old says the Reds are prepared to battle all the way through until the end of the season to claim their place in Europe’s elite club competition

Martin Skrtel is confident that Liverpool are capable of maintaining their strong start to the season and can qualify for the Champions League.

The Reds sit two points off Premier League leaders Arsenal in second place after 11 games, as they aim to finish in the top four for the first time since the 2008-09 campaign.

And the Slovakia international feels Brendan Rodgers’ side have what it takes to qualify for Europe’s elite club competition this term.

“A good start was something we targeted and prepared for,” he told the Liverpool Echo.

“But the season is very long and we just go from game to game trying to get as many points as possible.

“All of us believe that this season we can stay towards the top positions and get back into Europe. To play in the Champions League is the dream for every player.

“We are working hard every single day to achieve that. I hope at the end of the season we will be happy.”

Skrtel had been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer but ultimately stayed, and he says he is happy with his decision.

“I have been here at Liverpool for six years and it’s been a great six years for me,” he continued.

“Playing for such an illustrious club like Liverpool for six years is something any footballer would be proud of.

“I will be 29 in December, I have a contract here for three more years and I am very happy. I will keep striving to do my best and see what that time brings.

“Now I am just trying hard to keep myself in the team, and that’s not easy with six centre-backs competing for two or three places.”

The Southampton captain played his first two games for the Three Lions against Chile and Germany, prompting his national manager to offer him praise for his undaunted performances

England manager Roy Hodgson says that Southampton captain Adam Lallana has played himself into World Cup contention, proving himself a “major find”.

The 25-year-old made his debut against Chile on Friday before starting Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to Germany and, despite the Three Lions losing both games, his national boss was impressed with the attacking midfielder’s displays.

Asked by reporters if Lallana had put himself into the frame for Brazil, Hodgson replied: “Yes he has, there is no doubt about that. He was very good. I was very happy with his two performances.

“He has shown he is comfortable on this stage and has a lot of skill. He’s been a major find.”

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart put in a strong performance against Germany, marking his return to first-team action after being dropped by his club, and the 66-year-old believes that his faith in his No.1 was rewarded.

“Joe Hart proved I was right about him,” Hodgson enthused. “He played very well.

He added: “If I am optimistic we do have the quality [to do better], it is there. We have players to come back, too, but we were just lacking the quality in those key areas.

“[Steven] Gerrard wasn’t at his best after recovering so recently, Jack [Wilshere] is still finding his best form. Steven missed all of last week’s training and was stiffening up a bit. Ashley Cole felt his rib at half-time and couldn’t continue.”

The former Anfield striker has urged the club not to sell the Uruguay international, who is the Premier League’s joint top scorer despite missing five games through suspension

EXCLUSIVE
By Lunga Ntuli and Ignat Manjoo

Liverpool legend John Aldridge has urged the Reds to do everything possible to keep Luis Suarez at Anfield and believes the striker has “grown up” after a string of controversies.

The Uruguay international, the subject of several unsuccessful bids from Arsenal during the summer, is the Premier League’s joint leading scorer despite missing the first five games of the season through suspension.

The 26-year-old, who has struck up a formidable partnership with Daniel Sturridge, remains linked with the Gunners and La Liga gaints Real Madrid, but Aldridge is adamant that Liverpool must retain his services.

“I don’t think it would be a wise decision to let Suarez go,” Aldridge told Goal.

“I know that it will also depend on the player as well, but I believe he must continue at Liverpool next season. He is one of the best strikers in the world – we must never forget that.”

Suarez entered the new season carrying over a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic, one of many misdemeanours committed since joining Liverpool from Ajax in 2011, but Aldridge believes he has put those controversies behind him.

“That [indiscipline] is the only problem about him, but I am sure that he is growing up and starting to take responsibility for his actions,” Aldridge added.

Suarez has netted eight times in the Premier League this term, level with team-mate Sturridge and Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero, and has scored or assisted a goal every 53 minutes since returning to action for the Reds.