Hyypia hoping for recall

Last updated : 18 October 2005 By Al Campbell
Sami Hyypia played in every minute of Liverpool's last 52 european games, a run he hopes to continue by earning a recall to the first team for tomorrow's game with Anderlecht.

Hyypia was rested against Blackburn at the weekend after playing two games in four days for his country during the week. However, Rafael Benitez has hinted he might return Hyypia to the first team alongside Jamie Carragher.

"I try to use the squad. It is impossible to play every single match we have 100 per cent, so at the weekend I preferred to use players who had not been involved in internationals," said Benitez.
 
"Sami is in my thoughts to come back. He has my confidence. He is a clever player and that might explain how he has been able to play all these games without injury or suspension. Maybe it shows that the team are strong in defence and can protect the defenders.
 
"Sometimes, it is difficult to prevent players receiving red or yellow cards but, if you work hard in defence and with the goalkeeper, you can.
 
"He has quality and experience, which will be important, and he knows Jamie Carragher because they have played alongside each other for so long. It is important to have players like that."

Liverpool are currently having a good european run having avoided defeat since an iffy 1-0 loss to Monaco in last season's group stages. Since that defeat the Reds have beaten some of Europe's on form teams and picked up the European Cup and the Super Cup.