Igor Biscan has told the Liverpool website he is keen to stay at the club and earn a place in the team after impressing in their pre-season games.

The Croatian was mainly used in defence by former boss Gerard Houllier but new manager Rafael Benitez has played him in his preferred position in midfield.

"Whether it's down to the new manager I don't know but I'm playing better and hope to continue," he said.

"I'd like to continue playing there but competition for places is strong."

Biscan was often a target for abuse from Liverpool fans last season but he said he understood their frustration and sympathised with them.

"That was not a problem. They were expecting us to challenge for the title and in the end we were only just about good enough to qualify for the Champions League," he said.

"I know we have to do better if we are to make them happy."