Stephane Henchoz admits the possibility of a new central defender arriving at Anfield would not worry him. Instead, he sees it as a challenge and one he would thrive on.

Ever since Rafael Benitez took charge of the Reds in June there has been talk that new faces will be brought in. A centre back is rumoured to be among them and if this is the case Henchoz's position could be under threat.

But rather than concern himself with the possibility of such a scenario, the Swiss star, who finally opened his goalscoring account for the Reds against Celtic on Monday, believes it will be to the benefit of the club if competition for places is increased.

He told the Official Site: "We know if we want to play in the Champions League and win trophies then we can't go into the season with only two or three centre halves.

"That's why the manager wants to buy another one and I have no problem with that. Added competition will keep everyone on their toes and that can only be a good thing. It won't be the first time a new player has been brought in to play in my position and I'll have no problem with it, if it happens."

Henchoz's 45-minute run-out against Celtic in Connecticut was his first in a red shirt under new manager Rafael Benitez and, while he admits it will take him a bit more time to fully find his feet, he's glad to be involved again at club level following his summer exertions at Euro 2004 with Switzerland.

"It was good to be back and play. This is a really good tour, the facilities and stadiums are excellent. It's all very positive. but it's only one week since I have been back training and I still feel I need at least two more week's training to be fit and ready for the new season.

"We are doing a lot in training with the ball, passing it more and working hard with our fitness. We are working to keep the ball and it's bit different from before but I think it's very good."

Liverpool's performance on Monday was one that bodes well for the future under Benitez and Henchoz adds that he's been impressed with the new look Reds.

"The manager knows what he wants from us and he knows his stuff. I think you can see he has gotthe experience and he is very professional and very strict, but it's very good. We are really enjoying the training and progressing every day.

"Djibril Cisse is also settling in well. I played against him twice before for Liverpool when we won 2-0 on aggregate against Auxerre in the UEFA Cup and then for Switzerland against France when he came on as a substitute. He is definitely very quick!"