ROY HODGSON has urged Ryan Babel to make the most of his latest Liverpool chance after hinting the Dutchman may have only three months to save his Anfield career.

Hodgson admitted yesterday that Babel would have left the club on transfer deadline day had he been able to bring in a new striker, with both West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur potential suitors.

Instead, the 23-year-old stayed put and, after holding talks with the Liverpool manager, has been given assurances there will be first-team opportunities in the coming weeks.

Hodgson could renew his search for a forward in the January transfer window with the lack of backup for Fernando Torres exposed by injuries to Dirk Kuyt and David Ngog.

But the Anfield manager has challenged Babel to render such a move unnecessary, with the Holland international hoping for a first Premier League start of the season at Birmingham City tomorrow.

“For two years, Ryan hasn’t had much of a look in,” said Hodgson. “He was brought in with a lot of pomp and ceremony after winning the European under-21 Championship.

“I saw him play several times there as I was working for UEFA. He was being chased by clubs all over Europe at that time.

“But since coming here he hasn’t fulfilled that potential. So when there were offers for him, we were prepared to allow him to go and speak to those close but making it perfectly clear that other things would have to slot into place to allow him to go.

“They never slotted in to place but I have to say I am more than happy to work with Ryan Babel. It is up to him to convince me. No doubt that if by January he hasn’t succeeded in convincing me that he is the player we need, then maybe we will be in the transfer market.

“But he is working very well and, perhaps, we will all be happy in the end that the last minute transfer did not come about.”