Babel upbeat about future

Liverpool forward Ryan Babel is keen to knuckle down after a heart-to-heart discussion with manager Rafael Benitez.

The Holland international's relationship with the Spaniard reached a critical point last month when, amid rumours of a move away from Liverpool, a series of outbursts on his Twitter page saw Babel dropped from the squad.

However, since being disciplined by Benitez he has worked hard to get back into the team and has featured in the last two matches, starting in the goalless draw at Manchester City.

"I have had a good talk with the manager and I know what I have to do," the Dutchman said. "That is what I am going to concentrate on. I just have to try to be patient, keep working hard and doing my best."

Babel hopes to be able to play a part in tomorrow's Europa League second-leg tie against Unirea Urziceni in Bucharest.

Although Liverpool are keen to regain fourth spot in the Premier League and secure Champions League football next season, the 23-year-old said it would be good for the club to finish the campaign with some silverware.

"At Liverpool we try to win every trophy that it is possible to go for," he continued. "At the moment that's only the Europa League so we are definitely going to try to win the trophy.

"Unirea may not be a well-known team but the fact they are playing in Europe at this stage shows they are a good team.

"I think it's all about how you prepare yourself and as long as we do that then we should be fine."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.