Aurelio: I'll fight to get back
Fabio Aurelio has set his sights on playing a role in Liverpool's quest for honours in 2012.
The Brazilian full-back is currently out with a calf injury but remains upbeat about the prospect of featuring for the Reds in the second half of the season.
Aurelio told Liverpoolfc.tv: "For me the most important thing is to be available. At the moment I am fighting to come back but hopefully once I return I can play some minutes on the pitch. It's not my decision but I will try to work as hard as possible to have the opportunity. I am capable of doing a job."
He added: "I still have six months of contract here and I hope to finish the season off in a better way than it has started (for me)."
Aurelio has yet to make an appearance for Kenny Dalglish's side this term but has been a keen observer of how his teammates have fared so far.
He acknowledges the Reds could be higher than their current sixth position but is confident they will put together a run that will see them force their way back into the reckoning at the top of the table.
He said: "We started off the new season with a lot of new faces and with everyone adapting to new teammates. So far, I think we could have done better than we have but we are not in a bad position. I am still very confident that the team can achieve things this season."
He continued: "The performances haven't been so bad because of the opportunities we have been creating, but the ball hasn't been going in the net. I think we will keep going and if we create the same number of chances in the future, the goals will come."
Aurelio admits competition for places is as stiff as ever at Melwood but is convinced the squad's fringe players will have a chance to shine over the course of the festive period.
"It's a hard time. You have a lot of games in a short period of time," he said.
"For the ones who play regularly, maybe they are not looking forward to such a quick run of games. But for the ones not involved it is a chance to play and the moment to show what they can do, like Maxi has done.
"We hope to get Stevie back soon too. I think it will be a very important month with lots of opportunity to pick up points.
"Maxi is a good example because he has worked hard and done well in each training session. You don't know when the opportunity will come you just have to be ready for it. It keeps everyone motivated because we know during this period there are lots of games and you never know what can happen."