Vladimir Smicer has admitted that after a disappointing first year at Anfield and a brilliant second year, he is now getting to grips with the English game.

Czech star Smicer arrived at Anfield in 1999 with a big reputation but failed to fulfil those huge expectations during an injury plagued first season with the club. In contrast, the 2000/2001 campaign saw him firmly establish himself as a regular member of the Reds first team and to cap it all, he played in all three Cup Finals as an unprecedented cup treble was won.

He says: "In my opinion my first year was not good and nowhere near as good as I was expecting to play. I did have a few injuries but the pre-season was much better this time.

"I'm mainly a technical player and, for example, my heading isn't perfect and that's an important part of the English game, but I still have other qualities which I can use well in the pace and passion of English football.

"I have to say that I feel more confident now and also that I know a lot more about the English game than I did before last season and that has helped me a lot."

-Paul Rogers (liverpoolfc.tv)