Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia says that despite his age, he is feeling fit and ready for the new season, which kicks off next week.

Hyypia, 34, will be enjoying his tenth season at Anfield this season since he was signed by Gerard Houllier from Willem II in 1999 for £2.6million.

Now the Finnish international faces competition for his place in central defence from the younger Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel, as well as the familiar face of Daniel Agger.

But Hyypia says he’s ready to give it his all again for the Reds. “Of course it gets a little bit more difficult as you get older but I have enjoyed this pre-season. I have played and I feel fit,” he told the club’s official web site.

“We all get older but there are a lot of young lads who keep me fit in this team! Hopefully it won’t be my last opportunity but of course every year we have high hopes that we’ll be closer to the top. This year is the same.”