Konchesky eyes England return

PAUL KONCHESKY is hoping his performances for Liverpool can help re-ignite his international career.

The 29-year-old left-back won two England caps under Sven-Goran Eriksson but has not featured for the national team for five years.

However, the summer signing from Fulham hasn't given up hope of forcing his way into Fabio Capello's plans during England's Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

"I want to do my best for Liverpool first and if I can do well here, and then the England chance comes, then that's a big bonus for me," he said.

"But my first aim is to do well at Liverpool and try to win something here. Maybe I've been unlucky not to play more but the England manager can pick who he wants to pick.

"I don't let that bother me when I'm playing, and hopefully I can now show him what I can do here with Liverpool.

"I've always got to be confident, and if I'm doing well and the team's doing well, you never know what's going to happen."

Despite the Reds' struggles so far this season, Konchesky insists he's loving life at Anfield after deciding to leave the capital. And he has no doubt that boss Roy Hodgson will transform the club's fortunes after a nightmare start.

"I'm really enjoying it," he added.

"Training is intense and we're doing a lot of shape and team work so Roy can get his message across.

"It might take a while because this team isn't used to what he wants to do but he's trying to get his points across and the lads are trying to learn asap.

"I'm starting to get to know the lads. I've settled in quite well and the boys have made me feel welcome.

"I've obviously spoken to the London boys a lot but Stevie (Gerrard) and Jamie (Carragher) and all of the other lads have helped me out too.

"I'm spending a lot of time at the training ground, working hard. And then when I go home I just relax, really. I was staying in a hotel in the city at first so I had chance to take the family out to restaurants and the shops.

"I'm looking forward to getting properly settled with this as my home."

Konchesky is the Reds' first choice left-back but he expects a battle for his spot when Fabio Aurelio recovers from injury.

He said: "I've seen Fabio play and played against him, and I think he's a great player. He's got a great left foot.

"He will give me a run for my money. He's been at Liverpool a while now, he knows what it's all about. I'm looking forward to the challenge."

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