Best of me is yet to come - Skrtel.

Byline: IAN DOYLE

MARTIN SKRTEL is confident Liverpool have yet to see the best of him after revealing the intense level of competition at centre-back is improving his game.

Skrtel recovered impressively from a serious knee injury suffered at Manchester City last October to regain his place in Rafael Benitez's starting line-up.

The 24-year-old has established himself in the Premier League since his arrival from Zenit St Petersberg 18 months ago.

And the Slovakia international reckons training alongside the likes of defensive rivals Daniel Agger and Jamie Carragher is benefitting his performance.

"I hope there is a lot of improvement still to come," said Skrtel. "I am 24 and Daniel Agger is also. This is still very young for a centre-back.

"Every day in training you can learn from players like Carra. Every day I watch Daniel, Carra and last season Sami (Hyypia) - this helps me in my job.

"That's very important and very good for us. Hopefully when we play in the future the things we learn every day will come through in our games."

Skrtel added: "I have been competing not only with Daniel but also Jamie and last year Sami. Always when I get a chance I try to play very well and help my team win. But all four of us do that. You just have to play for the team.

"Everyone wants to play but when you don't you just have to wait for your chance. You have to show you're a good player."

Meanwhile, Jay Spearing and Stephen Darby have expressed their delight at agreeing to extend their Liverpool careers.

The Academy graduates, who are both training at Liverpool's pre-season camp in Switerland, are expected to put pen to paper on new Anfield deals shortly.

Spearing made the more prominent progress last season with two Champions League appearances, including a late cameo in the 4-0 win over Real Madrid at Anfield.

And the 20-year-old midfielder said: "It wasn't a difficult decision to make. As soon as Rafa said he wanted to offer me a new deal, I wanted to put pen to paper.

"This is what I've been working for over the past three years. Since I signed my first contract with the club, all I've wanted is a new deal and the fact the boss has the confidence to offer me one makes it extra special.

"The aim for me next season is more involvement in the first team and hopefully more games in the Premier League. I played in the Champions League last year, but now I want some league experience."

Right-back Darby said: "I'm de-lighteto have agreed a new deal. It's something I've worked hard for and it's nice to see that hard work being rewarded.

"As a boy I dreamed of playing for Liverpool, so as soon as they offered the contract there was only one thought in my mind and that was to sign it.

"Last season I was fortunate enough to play for the first-team twice. Now I want to build on that, work hard in training and hopefully get a few more opportunities."

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel with his Anfield team-mates