Baros plays down transfer rumours

Milan Baros insists he does not believe that his career at Liverpool is in jeopardy after he was omitted from the team that beat Welsh minnows TNS on Tuesday in a Champions League qualifier.

Baros, whose career could also be further compromised by the signing of Peter Crouch from Southampton, watched the match on television.

The Czech international forward tried to play down the fact that he was not included with some speculating that the club did not want him Cup tied - something that would reduce his transfer value.

“Of course, it is not pleasant, but I would not look for anything special behind it,” Baros told www.idnes.cz.

“There is nothing to this. I am still a Liverpool player, I am working hard and I am trying to persuade the coach that I deserve my place in the team,” Baros said.

Baros is expected to meet with his agent and Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry at the Swiss resort of Bad Ragaz next week.

“We will sit together with the coach (Rafael Benitez) and talk about his intentions with me,” Baros added. “Until then nothing is worth saying.”

“If he (Benitez) says he does not need me, then we will start solving the problem but nothing is happening now and I am not letting it play on my mind.”

Quizzed further about transfer speculation he said: “Well, they (the press) have to write something, it is a part of the transfer window.

“I am not going to comment on this, there is nothing topical and there is no need to hurry anyway – the transfer window is open during the whole of September.”