EMILIANO INSUA believes he has finally settled into life at Liverpool – as left-back rival Fabio Aurelio suffered another injury blow.

Insua arrived at Anfield initially on loan from Boca Juniors in January 2007 but played only five senior games in his first 18 months in England.

The 23-year-old made 13 appearances the following season, competing against Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena for the left-back spot.

But injuries to the former and the January departure of the latter has elevated the Argentina international to first choice under Rafael Benitez.

Indeed, only Pepe Reina, Dirk Kuyt, Lucas and Jamie Carragher have had more playing time in the Premier League for Liverpool this season.

And with Aurelio now ruled out for up to three weeks with a thigh strain Insua is set to continue his spell in the first team.

“For me this has been a special season because I’ve played many games in a row so I’m really happy,” said the left-back.

“It has given me a lot of confidence that I can do the job so I have to keep working hard and doing the same on the pitch.

“If you are playing so many games in a row you get experience if you are a young player.

“I think this season will help me for the future and give me experience.”

Insua scored his first Liverpool goal in the Carling Cup defeat at Arsenal in October, just a fortnight after making his Argentina debut.

And the defender believes playing alongside national-team captain Javier Mascherano and compatriot Maxi Rodriguez has made his life easier on and off the pitch.