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Lazar Markovic insists he’s ready to show why Liverpool FC paid £20million for his services as the winger prepares to make his home debut against Aston Villa tomorrow.

The Serbia international is relishing the chance to grace Anfield following substitute appearances away to both Manchester City and Tottenham.

Markovic was hampered by a hamstring injury he suffered in pre-season but he is now fully fit and in contention to make his first start against Paul Lambert’s side.

“I can’t wait to play at Anfield for the first time,” Markovic told the ECHO.

“I am very excited. I’ve watched other games at Anfield from the stands but hopefully this time I’ll be out there.

“I know the atmosphere will be amazing and I want to sample that.

“The team is in a good moment after the win at Tottenham and I want to help us build on that.

“I’m feeling good physically. The injury was annoying and it meant I wasn’t able to play as much as I wanted but that’s behind me now.

“Whether I start or not is down to the manager but I’m prepared and I want to get out there and show the fans what I can do.”

Markovic is only 20 but he already boasts an impressive medal collection.

He won three successive league titles with Partizan Belgrade in his homeland before helping Benfica clinch the Portuguese championship last term.

The exciting winger is convinced he’s joined a club capable of continuing that run of glory.

“I haven’t been here long but I’m very happy,” he said.

“It’s normal to miss family and friends but I moved over with my mother and father and I’ve settled very quickly.

“I’ve seen quite a lot of the city and it’s superb. The people are very friendly, approachable and relaxed.

“I know I have a manager here who can help me to improve further.

“I was a bit nervous in my first game against Man City but the second one against Tottenham I enjoyed a lot more.

“I think this is the best league in the world with the most exciting football.

“It’s very fast with a lot of goals and lots of open, attacking football. That suits me.

“This team can go far this season and I know we can challenge for the title.

“We also have the Champions League to aim for. That’s a competition I’ve played in before and it’s the one where all top players want to play. We will have an important role to play in that but for the moment our focus is on the Premier League and getting three points against Villa.”

Markovic was speaking at his first visit to a Liverpool FC Foundation community football session at Wavertree Aquatics Centre.

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Along with Liverpool Ladies midfielder Amanda Da Costa, he took part in a warm-up and some skills drills before awarding certificates to the group of youngsters.

“I’m delighted to be part of something like this,” he added.

“To see the children training with a smile on their faces is great.

“I’ve been to sessions like this at my previous clubs but nothing on this scale. This organisation is unbelievable.

“As players it’s very important for us to give something back to the community and make the people of the city feel like they are part of the club.”

Liverpool FC Foundation’s head of operations Mark Haig said: “Our community football development sessions engage with more than 300 young people each week in Liverpool and offer important sporting opportunities that help to inspire positive change.

“It’s great to see one of our new players and a ladies player taking time out and getting involved in our football programme.”