Emiliano Insua has set his sights on playing a key role in
Liverpool's title run-in.
The Argentine established himself as first-choice left-back prior
to February's World Cup under-20 qualifying tournament, but since
returning to the club he has been restricted to just one appearance
due to Fabio Aurelio's superb form.
He admits it has been frustrating watching the Reds hit peak form
from the bench but is hopeful he can still play a part in what he
believes will be an exciting conclusion to the campaign.
"The tournament was very disappointing for me but it is important
to put it behind me," said Insua.
"I am working very hard in training and I always try to do my best
for me and for the club.
"Obviously, I would like to play in every Premier League game
because I cannot play in the Champions League but I know that at a
club like Liverpool there is always going to be competition for
places and I just have to keep on working hard and hope that my
chance will come again.
"Hopefully I will be included in the squad to play against Fulham
and if I can play then that would be even better."
Emphatic victories over Manchester United and Aston Villa have
propelled Liverpool back into the title race. Insua admits there is
a renewed belief inside Anfield but insists it will all be for
nothing if they fail to beat Fulham tomorrow.
"It is exciting for us but we have to remain patient," he
said.
"We are closer to Man United and maybe we can overtake them at
least for one day if we manage to win against Fulham.
"All we can do is try to win the next game, see where that takes us
and then move onto the next game.
"I have been at Liverpool for two and a half years and I think that
the last few weeks were the best since I have been here because the
team got some really good results and played some really good
football.
"But now we must look ahead and try to do the same against
Fulham."
Insua could only watch on in despair as his country Argentina
crashed to a 6-1 humiliation against Bolivia in midweek.
It was a disappointing moment for everyone associated with
Argentine football but the 20-year-old has still managed to find
some sort of positive to take from the result.
"I'm very disappointed about my country's result because we won on
Saturday in Diego Maradona's first game in Argentina as national
team manager," said Insua.
"I don't know what happened but we ended up losing 6-1 in our worst
result for many years so it is a big shock.
"But it does show that in football, in every tournament, every
competition and every game that any result is possible.
"It was only a few weeks ago that people were saying that Liverpool
could not catch Man United but now we are closer.
"We are only one point behind and now we have to keep on going, try
to win the next game and do everything we can to get into first
position."
Asked if he thought the defeat could have an affect on his club
teammate and compatriot Javier Mascherano, he said: "I am sure that
he will come back very disappointed about the result but he is very
professional so he will put it behind him.
"He will know that he is back with Liverpool and that it is a
different situation. He will be ready for Saturday, especially
because he cannot play in the game against Chelsea in the Champions
League a few days later.
"He will do his best for Liverpool, there is no question about
that.
"Sometimes it can be difficult after a long flight, especially when
you only have a day or so to prepare for your next game.
"But most planes are very comfortable these days and you are
usually able to get some sleep.
"It may not be possible to rest as well as we would like but this
is a problem that we must overcome because Argentina is a long way
away from England and if we want to play for our country then we
just have to cope with it."