Hyypia shock

Last updated : 09 September 2008 By Al Campbell
New regulations this season means clubs have to name four 'association trained' players- players that have come through any English academy, and four 'domestic association trained' players- players that have come through Liverpool's academy, in their 25 man squad.

Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Stephen Darby and Jay Spearing are the domestic association trained players while Robbie Keane, Jermaine Pennant, Steve Irwin and Martin Kelly are the association trained players.

With only 17 foreign players allowed in the squad Sami Hyypia is the suprise ommision by Rafael Benitez. The decision was obviously a shock to the defender.

"The manager's decision to leave me out of the squad is a big disappointment for me," said Hyypia.

"I understand it's partly because of the UEFA regulations, but despite that, the news came as a surprise to me and a shock too.

"But the club had a 'perfect' timing for this: they didn't want me to move elsewhere, so that's why I was told the news of having been left out, just after the transfer window had closed. The club went public to say there had been offers for me, but turned them down.

"So perhaps that means I am still part of the plans for this season. I don't know if I would have wanted to move on, had I heard news about the squad when the window was still open."