LIVERPOOL FC defender Martin Skrtel knows a thing or two about the demands a centre-back faces adapting to English football.

So the Slovakia international speaks from experience when assessing the impact of Sebastian Coates since his arrival at Liverpool FC in August.

The Anfield outfit splashed out £7million to bring Coates from Nacional after he starred alongside Luis Suarez in helping Uruguay win the Copa America in the summer.

The defender then endured a baptism of fire on his debut during the 4-0 thrashing at Tottenham Hotspur in September.

And although at fault for Stoke City’s opener in the Carling Cup victory at the Britannia Stadium last week, Coates was otherwise hugely impressive in dealing with the anticipated aerial assault.

And Skrtel, who played the second half alongside Coates that evening, believes the 20-year-old is only going to improve at Anfield.

“He’s doing well,” says the Liverpool defender. “I know he made a mistake against Stoke, but that’s part of being a footballer.

“Every player who has ever played has made a mistake at some time. He was unlucky because the other team scored from it. I think it’s good for him to be at a club like this at such a young age.

“For a youngster to be training with people like Stevie, Suarez, Carra and more can only help him. I think he will become better and better.

“In English football you get very little time on the ball , away from home sometimes you don’t even get a single second.