Philipp Degen today insisted he will prove himself worthy of the Liverpool shirt this season.
The Swiss right back has endured a nightmare opening year to his Reds career, with a serious of injury problems preventing him from establishing himself as a regular in Rafa Benitez's plans.
But having played a part in each of the pre-season games so far, Degen is hoping he can look forward to a brighter future at Anfield.
"Last year was a very sad year for me," he told Liverpoolfc.tv. "I have worked hard during the holidays and now I feel really good. I am not yet at one hundred per cent match fitness but I am feeling better every day.
"It's a new season and a new start for me. I have never had a season like last season before when I was injured all the time. I came to a new club wanting to show what I could do but it wasn't possible.
"I was injured, injured, injured and I know the fans were thinking I am that sort of player, but it isn't true. I want to fight to prove myself now and that's why I am looking forward to this year so much."
With Rafa Benitez having splashed out millions to land Glen Johnson from Portsmouth, Degen is well aware of the fight he has on his hands to win the right back slot at Anfield.
"That is life at a big club like Liverpool," he added. "I will do all I can to show what I can do. That's the most important thing for me."