Smicer hoping to stay

Last updated : 23 June 2004 By Al Campbell
Smicer has been linked with a move back to his former club Lens, but the player has dismissed the story saying he wants to remain at Anfield and play a key role for the new-look Reds.

Smicer said: "I hope Rafael Benitez knows us. I'm not sure if he's seen us play much, but the better we do for the Czechs the more he will see of us.
 
"He didn't come to talk to me and Milan and I know he went to visit the England players, but I'm sure that's because he's worried about Steven Gerrard being linked with Chelsea.
 
"Next season could be a fresh start for a lot of us. I hope he wants me at the club. If he tells me I'm not in his plans, then I will have to think about the future but I want to stay at Liverpool.
 
"I don't know where the stories about Lens have come from. Definitely not from me.
 
"I will go back to Liverpool after the tournament and talk to the manager. I'm looking forward to working with him and hope he wants to work with me."