Skrtel eager to face Gerrard

Last updated : 28 March 2009 By Al Campbell
The Liverpool defender will come up against his club captain today when Slovakia play England at Wembley. It's a clash Skrtel is eagerly awaiting.

"The match against England will be special to me," he said.

"To play against people like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Crouch is a challenge for me and a good match.

"This is a friendly of much prestige for Slovakia. To play at Wembley generates an extra incentive and the squad is very much looking forward to it.

"During training my team-mates have asked me questions about the English players. I have told them what I know and asked for a little luck.

"Slovakia is a team that progresses game to game and this match is very important for us to learn from.

"We want to show a good level in London and show that for us this game is not a holiday.

"During the previous week I have spoken with my companions in Liverpool and what has become clear is that we won't help each other - this is the professionalism in each footballer.

"There has been a bit of joking in the dressing room between me and Stevie.

"He has been performing brilliantly for Liverpool and battles with him are very difficult."