SMICER: I THOUGHT MY DAYS WERE NUMBERED

Vladimir Smicer, Liverpool's two-goal hero against Thailand, is happy to be back in business following summer fears over speculation linking him with a move away from Anfield.

The Czech international has enjoyed a flying start to the Reds' pre-season campaign after taking on the No.11 shirt at Anfield, and seemed revitalised during the 3-1 win in Bangkok.

He insists that he would be delighted to prove the doubters wrong and stay at Liverpool for as long as Gerard Houllier wishes to retain his services. He said:

"All summer all I've read that Smicer won't be playing for Liverpool again, so any chance I get to prove people wrong I intend to take.

"Of course it did worry about it. There has been a lot of talk about who will come to Liverpool this summer and that I wont be playing or getting another chance.

"But I told myself to try and not think about it, just play my game, do my best and if the manager wants me, he'll give me a chance. I didn't ask the manager if I was in his thoughts. He knows me very well and he'll tell me if he wants me to look for another club, but he hasn't and I just want to do my best in pre-season.

Smicer also revealed that an injury free run, which has eluded him in his 4 years at Liverpool, will go a long way to helping him show his best form, something that Kopites have not always seen during his Anfield tenure.

"I have the motivation to put it right, but now all I wish for is a change in luck and fitness and I'm sure it will be ok," said Smicer.