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Martin Skrtel knows he can’t allow his standards to slip if he wants to continue playing a leading role in Liverpool FC’s pursuit of a Champions League spot.

The Slovakian defender has been in fine form ahead of Saturday’s derby showdown at Goodison Park and is set to make his 10th successive Premier League start.

Skrtel was reunited with fellow centre-back Daniel Agger for the recent victory over Fulham and they helped Liverpool clinch their first clean sheet in nine matches.

However, with the likes of Mamadou Sakho and Kolo Toure waiting in the wings, the 28-year-old is only too aware that he must maintain his form or his place in Brendan Rodgers’ side will be in jeopardy.

“After last season I worked very hard during pre-season to try to get back into the team,” Skrtel said.

“Then I picked up a knee injury towards the end of pre-season so it wasn’t easy for me, but I tried to stay positive and I was saying to myself ‘just wait for your chance’.

“I recovered well and got that chance against Manchester United. I felt it was an opportunity to prove to people and to the manager that I am able to play.

“Of course our strong start to the season helped too. As a player it’s always better for you when you are going into a team which is doing well.

“Now I am just trying hard to keep myself in the team, and that’s not easy with six centre-backs competing for two or three places.”

Skrtel may be vying with them for a starting role but he admires the talents of both Sakho and Toure, and understands why Rodgers was so determined to sign them last summer.

“Mamadou is still a young player but he has plenty of experience with PSG and also the French national team,” he said.

“Since he came to Liverpool he has shown us he’s a great player – strong on the pitch and strong mentally as well. He’s a funny character who’s always trying to make a few jokes. Once he learns the language fully he will even better.

“I know myself from when I arrived at Liverpool that it’s difficult when you come to a new country. Everything is new for you but when I speak to Mamadou his English is improving all the time.

“Kolo is a big character as well. I think a lot of people were perhaps surprised when Liverpool signed him but from the first day he has shown everyone how good he is.

“I am glad we have got him in the squad because he tries to help every one of us.

“Even though players such as Daniel (Agger) and myself aren’t young any more, Kolo has even more experience. He organises well and that’s good for everyone.”

This is Skrtel’s seventh season at Liverpool and he’s desperate to help bring Champions League football back to Anfield.

With 23 points from their opening 11 games, he admits the second-placed Reds have the perfect platform to go on and secure a top-four finish this term.

“A good start was something we targeted and prepared for,” he added.

“But the season is very long and we just go from game to game trying to get as many points as possible.

“All of us believe that this season we can stay towards the top positions and get back into Europe. To play in the Champions League is the dream for every player.

“We are working hard every single day to achieve that. I hope at the end of the season we will be happy.

“I have been here at Liverpool for six years and it’s been a great six years for me.

“Playing for such an illustrious club like Liverpool for six years is something any footballer would be proud of.

“I will be 29 in December, I have a contract here for three more years and I am very happy. I will keep striving to do my best and see what that time brings.”

* LIVERPOOL'S FA Youth Cup third round tie with Blackpool will take place at Bloomfield Road on Wednesday, December 18. Kick-off will be at 7pm and admission will be £4 for adults and £2 concessions.