Finnan will have to ‘fight’ for place, says Carragher
Carragher is seemingly happy to use humour to cover his anxiety as £3.5m new boy Finnan continues to improve his match fitness for the new season.
After a summer hernia operation, Finnan is still a little off the pace and has bee ruled out of Sunday’s Premiership opener against Chelsea.
Carragher will remain at right-back for the Anfield encounter but in a couple of weeks, after Finnan has a run-out with the Republic of Ireland next week, boss Gerard Houllier will have to choose between the pair.
Finnan maintained his progress with his first full 90 minutes for the club in the 6-1 friendly romp against Fleetwood last night.
“Steve Finnan has slotted in well and he plays in my position. All I can ask is the manager gives me a chance and if that happens, I have to take it,” said Carragher.
“But if I’m not in the team I will find out where he lives and send the boys round!”
With Finnan still recovering from surgery, boss Gerard Houllier is happy to release him for international duty.
“He needs a few more games under his belt,” said the Frenchman.
For Carragher, who can also play at left-back, in central defence and midfield, it is still an anxious time even though he is confident about the team’s chances this season.
“The last time we missed out on Champions League football was the most successful season this club has had in recent years and it would be good to repeat that,” he said.
“The people we have brought in will be a massive help. Harry Kewell has settled in well and everybody knows what a good player he is. He was always the main danger when you played Leeds and it’s good we don’t have to face him any more.
“In home games we were lacking somebody to break teams down and hopefully he can do that for us.”
Liverpool know that the spotlight will be very much on Chelsea’s massive investment, but skipper Sami Hypia is quick to point out that big things are also expected at Anfield.
“Expectations are always high. I am very confident, however, that we will do well this season,” said Hypia.
“Chelsea can do whatever they want with their money. It doesn’t concern me. My only concern is Liverpool and how we play against Chelsea.
“It’s the first game of a new season and certainly a big one. Everyone likes playing in big games like this and we just have to make sure we get those three points.
“I think the squad is now strong enough to win the Premiership. Of course I think that, otherwise there would be no point in me being here.”
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