Diarra set to fight for place

Alou Diarra played alongside his more illustrious future Liverpool team-mates for French club Le Havre last season, and proved his ability by consistently outshining both talents. With the time to become a fully-fledged member of the Anfield squad now upon him, Diarra has made it known that he is ready for first-team action.

Diarra said: "Rather than play the last few minutes of some games with Liverpool, I thought it best to play a whole season in France.

"The only thing I asked for was to do all the pre-season work with Liverpool. Of course I hope to go back there next season. I'm someone who is ambitious and I hope to win my place at Anfield next season."