Barmby to fight for Reds place

FORGOTTEN Liverpool star Nick Barmby has dismissed reports that he could be leaving Anfield and insists he will fight to win his place back in Gerard Houllier's plans.

The England international has struggled with injuries this season which have restricted his appearances in the side.

The former Tottenham and Everton ace is now fully recovered from his injury problems but he has failed to win his place back in the side and has been forced to sit on the bench or play for the reserves.

Manchester City, West Ham and Spurs have all been linked with a summer move for the 28-year-old, but Barmby is adamant that he is happy to stay at Liverpool.

"One paper says I've accepted I'm leaving, which I find bizarre," Barmby told the club's official website.

"I'm working hard and I'm focused on getting back in the first-team and I'm concentrating on training.

"It's hard because the lads have done well. It's difficult, but I'm doing what I can and that's all I can do.

"There's an awful lot of people saying they know an awful lot of things about myself which, in truth, they obviously don't.

"I'm at Liverpool, I'm enjoying my time here and all I'm concentrating on is working hard and getting back in the team."