Babel buoyed by run-out

Liverpool winger Ryan Babel is confident he is close to full fitness after inspiring Holland to a 2-0 victory over Cameroon in a pre-Olympic tournament in Hong Kong yesterday.

The 21-year-old tore ankle ligaments while in training with the Dutch senior team in May and was ruled out of Euro 2008. He was also expected to be sidelined for the start of the Premier League season.