Zenden promises to improve

Last updated : 14 October 2005 By Al Campbell
Zenden hopes to return to the Liverpool first team tomorrow after being rested for both Chelsea games before the international break. Squad rotation is a new experience for Zenden but the Dutch midfielder says he is ready to work hard and make it difficult for Rafa Benitez to leave him out in future.

Zenden said: "Over the last couple of years I've played in nearly every game and so being in and out of the side is a new experience.

"It can be hard for a player who hasn't been used to it to come to terms with squad rotation but the manager has explained himself and told us how he wants to deal with the fact that we're competing in four competitions.

"It's up to me to adapt, to stay focused and to convince the manager that I'm capable of being a regular in the side.

"I've been pleased with my performances when I have played but I would say there is definitely a lot more to come from me. The fans haven't seen the best of me in a Liverpool shirt yet. I can give much more than I've done so far.

"Hopefully I'll get a chance to play this weekend against Blackburn. A lot of the lads have been away travelling over the past ten days and a few of us have been at Melwood working hard on our fitness with Paco. If the manager decides he wants to make changes and thinks the players who haven't been away with their countries will be a bit fresher then hopefully that will be good news for me.

"It's a big game for us against Blackburn. They've beaten Manchester United at Old Trafford so we know we're in for a tough game. It's been a long wait since the Chelsea defeat and so I'm sure all the lads will be eager to get that out of their systems with a victory."