[lfc-news] Sami: I'll fight to keep shirt - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 19 July 2005
I'll fight to keep shirt - Sami
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

SAMI HYYPIA today issued a defiant message to any centre-halves seeking
to take his Liverpool place: "Bring it on."

Hyypia is still in talks on extending his Anfield contract amid reports
Newcastle are sniffing around the Finn.

However, the defender made it clear he sees his future at Liverpool and
is relishing the chance to fight for his position.

Rafa Benitez has made it known he's seeking defensive reinforcements
having bid for Real Zaragoza's Gabriel Milito, but Hyypia said: "On the
first day back in training the gaffer told me a new centre-half would be
coming. I just said 'bring it on'.

"Whoever joins this club has to earn his place in the team as much as
everyone else.

"The competition keeps everyone on their toes. I feel fine and I think
it will make me play even better.

"With regards the new deal, nothing is done yet but we're in talks.

"It's good for me the manager has shown his faith in me. I've always
said I'd like to stay so we'll see what happens over the next few weeks."

Hyypia and his team-mates play the second leg of their Champions League
qualifier with TNS tonight, with the defender insisting the tie isn't
finished.

He said: "The game is not over and we have to have a good attitude and
treat TNS with respect. I thought they did well at Anfield. We had more
chances to score but they made it difficult for us.

"The game was only nine days after the start of training, which was a
strange time for us to play. But UEFA made the decision and we had to be
ready.

"It's been hard because we're not in the best position physically, but
we're working towards where we want to be.

"There are always high expectations at Liverpool Football Club and I
don't think we should lower them. We should aim to be as successful as
possible.

"We have a stronger squad now and I hope we don't have so many injuries.
Everything looks good and we're very confident.

"Last season the Champions League saved our season but we know we must
be more consistent in the Premiership."

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