Source: Eurosport
Babel keen to prove worth to Reds
Liverpool winger Ryan Babel admits he will no longer be able to use youth as an excuse if he fails to hit the heights at Anfield next season.Babel, who can also play as a central striker, has made just six league starts in his second campaign on Merseyside, following an £11.5million move from Ajax in summer 2007.He was hailed as the next Thierry Henry upon his arrival in the Premier League, but the promise shown in glimpses during his debut season has not developed into anything more substantial.Reds manager Rafael Benitez signed Albert Riera last summer to fill the left-wing berth that Babel had failed to make his own, and the Dutchman admits he is fast running out of time to prove his worth."In December I'll be 23. When you reach that age, then in my eyes you aren't a potential talent any more," Babel said."Next season age isn't an excuse any more, and that's an excuse trainers use too often, saying 'You're young and you have the time'."My goal this season was to progress to a higher level and be in the starting line-up. But they brought in another left forward in the summer and he's been playing regularly."But I have patience and I know that I have to work hard and I have to show the manager that I am ready and have earned the right to be picked."[LNB]
