Smicer ready to prove doubters wrong

Last updated : 25 July 2003 By Chris Maxwell
The arrival of Harry Kewell - who took 29-year-old Smicer's number seven shirt upon arrival at the club - had looked set to hasten the Czech star's exit from Liverpool, but the player himself insists that he is desperate to finally display his undoubted talent on a consistent basis.

An impressive brace in the Reds 3-1 victory over Thailand is, according to the midfielder, just a small taste of what the former Lens man plans to bring to the Liverpool team during the forthcoming season.

Smicer said: "All summer all I've read that Smicer won't be playing for Liverpool again, so any chance I get to prove people wrong I intend to take.

"Of course it did worry about it. There has been a lot of talk about who will come to Liverpool this summer and that I wont be playing or getting another chance.

"But I told myself to try and not think about it, just play my game, do my best and if the manager wants me, he'll give me a chance. I didn't ask the manager if I was in his thoughts. He knows me very well and he'll tell me if he wants me to look for another club, but he hasn't and I just want to do my best in pre-season.

"I have the motivation to put it right, but now all I wish for is a change in luck and fitness and I'm sure it will be ok."