Agger glad to be back

Last updated : 14 July 2008 By Al Campbell
The Danish centre-half missed almost all of last season after picking up a metatarsal injury in September that ruled him out for the rest of 2007/8.

That's why playing 75 minutes against Tranmere in the Reds' first pre-season friendly of the new campaign meant so much to him.

"I am delighted to be back. This has been the most frustrating time of my career. I have just had to look forward, concentrate, and work hard to get myself back to fitness," said Agger.

"This season ahead is now all-important to me. I have missed so much football over the past year that I feel I am almost starting my career at Liverpool all over again.

"You can say that I have missed a lot of football, or you can say that there is a lot to come.

"I didn't play and that's how it is. I am focused on this season and I really, really have been working hard to keep my fitness level up.

"I am ready. I have been working hard right through the summer to get myself fit for this level of football.

"It has been important to get myself ready so I can be available for the first day of the season."