Daniel Agger happy to be back

Jan 10 2008 Liverpool Echo

DANIEL AGGER today spoke of his delight at finally being ready to return to action for Liverpool.

The defender was set to hand Reds boss Rafa Benitez a huge boost after being named in the squad for tonight’s reserve match at Blackburn Rovers.

But the game was called off after heavy overnight rain left the pitch at Morecambe waterlogged.

The newly crowned Danish Player of the Year has been out since breaking a metatarsal bone in September against Portsmouth, and in his first interview since suffering the injury spoke of his desperation to return.

He said: "I’m almost there, but of course I am going to need some playing time.

"Running around on the training ground is not the same as doing it on the pitch, but I’m almost back to full fitness now."

Agger, 23, added of his long spell on the sidelines: "I can’t describe the feeling really. Especially as I’m here in Liverpool to play football. When you’re not able to play, then well, I won’t say there’s no point in me being here, but it can sometimes feel that way.

"I’m looking very much forward to getting back. It is not fun being on the sidelines, especially not when you’re at a club like this.

However, the Danish star, who could still be in contention for the weekend’s fixture at Middlesbrough, now faces a longer wait.

He said: "There is massive competition for places, and it’s all about giving your absolute best every time you play.

"It goes without saying that it’s hard to do that when you’re out, and being out for four months over such a small bone in my foot has been very frustrating."

Agger joined in January 2006 from Brondby in a Danish record £5.8m deal.

Under Benitez he has established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting defensive prospects.

And the Reds boss is delighted at the imminent return of the Danish international.

He said: "The injury he had wasn’t a bad one but we had problems also with Xabi Alonso so we needed to be careful and we have missed him.

"We will be much better in the second part of the season."

No new date has yet been set for the fixture.