Litmanen back with a point to prove

FORGOTTEN man Jari Litmanen steps back into the limelight for Finland against Ireland in Helsinki tonight knowing he faces another year in the Anfield darkness unless Gerard Houllier performs a swift about-turn.

Litmanen has failed miserably to win over the Reds chief following his move from Ajax two years ago.

Despite impressive performances in his first campaign with the club, Finland’s favourite son has almost disappeared from view in the last year.

Even the departure of Robbie Fowler did not mark a return to duty, and the summer capture of Senegal superstar El Hadji Diouf makes a first-team place more unlikely.

A return to his former club in Holland has not materialised, so the 31-year-old is looking at the prospect of a season in the reserves unless an inspirational performance in the Olympic Stadium against Mick McCarthy’s men persuades a suitor to act before the August 31 transfer deadline.

“Every player wants to be in the team and I am no different. It makes you miserable when you don’t get picked,” Litmanen said.

“Gerard Houllier has never told me I am not part of his plans, so I will just continue to train hard and make sure I am ready to take my chance if it comes,” he said.

“I still have one year on my contract and I am not looking at anything else.

“In situations like these, you have to respect the manager’s decision. If I can help the team in any way, I will be happy to do so.”

The Finnish public are as baffled by their hero’s exclusion as Litmanen. There has been no public falling-out but it appears the divide between player and manager is too wide to bridge.

It puts more emphasis on Litmanen’s performance for his country, in a match which serves as a useful warm-up for the start of the Euro 2004 qualifying campaign next month.

“It’s always an honour for me to play for Finland,” Litmanen said. He has 21 international goals to his credit from 77 previous appearances.

Finland’s reputation as one of world soccer’s most improving nations was enhanced with honourable home draws against England and Germany in the World Cup qualifiers.

And, with seven British-based players in their squad, including a more successful Anfield arrival in central defender Sami Hyypia, Ireland are facing a tough challenge.