Poulsen hoping for early debut

13 August 2010 09:01

New Liverpool midfielder Christian Poulsen is keen to persuade manager Roy Hodgson he is ready to take on Arsenal in their Barclays Premier League opener on Sunday.

The 30-year-old Denmark international signed a three-year contract on Thursday after a £4.5million fee, with an additional £1million payable on certain conditions, was agreed with Juventus. He trained with his new team-mates but throwing him in against Arsene Wenger's side may be too much of a gamble.

However, Hodgson is well aware of Poulsen's qualities, having signed him for FC Copenhagen 10 years ago, and the player said: "I am feeling fit but of course it's a decision for the manager and the staff."

Poulsen continued: "I started a little bit later because of the World Cup but I've done pre-season with Juventus.

"I didn't play the last matches in the Europa League because of the move to this club."

Of his previous working relationship with the Englishman Poulsen added: "I had two good years with him so I hope to carry that on, and hopefully he'll be satisfied with my qualities.

"He's a manager who's been all over the world and has a lot of experience, so of course I have a lot of respect for him.

"Roy didn't have to say that much because Liverpool is known all around the world, and for people in Denmark, Liverpool are the biggest club in England.

"With this move here I have a lot to prove. If you come to a club like Liverpool, you have to deliver.

"I will hopefully show I can be a good player for Liverpool."

Source: PA