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The full back, who signed for Liverpool from Fulham in 2003, has made almost 150 appearances for the club and has enjoyed a successful spell at Anfield winning Champions League and FA Cup medals.

However, the Irishman lost his place in the starting line-up towards the end of last season, making only nine league appearances in 2008, which has led to speculation that he no longer features in manager Rafael Benitez?s plans.

This speculation has reappeared this summer as Benitez has increased his defensive options by bringing in Philipp Degen and with Andrea Dossena also thought to be close to signing a deal with Liverpool.


Yet neither the new signings nor the lack of first team action appears to be phasing Finnan, who admitted that transfer speculation was something he had learnt to live with. He said: ?Rumours about new signings appear on a regular basis, it’s part of the job.?

Everybody Loves A Little Competition

The full back went on to say that he felt competition for places was important at a club like Liverpool, by saying: ?If the manager wants to add more I’ve got no problem with that. Obviously it benefits the team and it means those of us already here have to keep improving.?

Finnan also admitted that a big squad was vital and helped players to improve and avoid complacency. He said: ?At a club like this there will always be competition for places. We’re all aware of that. Nobody can afford to take anything for granted.?

The Irishman also highlighted the strength in depth that the club now has and which Liverpool hope will be enough to help them clinch their first ever Premier League title. Finnan revealed: ?You look at our squad now and you can see we’ve got two top players in nearly every position.?

He also went on to reveal that despite speculation linking him with a move back to former club Fulham, he was keen to stay at Anfield, despite falling down the pecking order.

?I?m not going easily!? he said good naturedly before adding, ?I think every player welcome competition. I?m no different.?

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