Hyypia welcomes Paletta challenge

Last updated : 17 July 2006 By Al Campbell
Paletta had an impressive debut against Wrexham and his signing, along with that of Daniel Agger back in January, means Hyypia's place in the Liverpool first team is under threat. However, the Finn welcomes the challenge.

"[Paletta] has all the qualities of a good centre-back and he can adapt very quickly to the English game. We will see the best of him when he starts to learn better English and adapts to the team better," said Hyypia.

"When Daniel Agger came here, and now Paletta, it makes the team stronger and I'll do everything I can to help the team to win.
 
"If that means my experience helping the other players actually get a place then so be it. But of course I want to play and I'm not finished yet. I feel fit and there's no reason why I shouldn't play.
 
"I played 59 games last season and I was a bit surprised at how many games I played. This time last year the manager told me there was going to be another centre-back but by the end of the season I had played 59 games. Now there are two more young players and it's a challenge for me
 
"As you get older you notice that the recovery time after games is longer than it was 10 or 15 years ago. Last season was quite difficult in that way."