TIME FOR ALONSO TO STEP UP
Xabi Alonso has admitted that it is time for him to deliver at Liverpool.
Injury has restricted the Spaniard to just 13 appearances this season and Alsonso believes that he has to make up for lost time.
With Javier Mascherano and Steven Gerrard forming a good midfield partnership and Brazilian youngster Lucas emerging ,Alonso has seen himself drop down the pecking order at Anfield. However, the 26-year old is ready to fight for his place.
"It hasn't been an easy season for me," Alonso admits in the Liverpool Echo.
"If you ask any player what it is like coming back from injury and they will tell you the most important thing is to get a run of games.
"That is exactly what I need now and hopefully I can get that, although I know it will be difficult because Steven, Javier and Lucas have all been doing well.
"But I will keep on working hard in training and hopefully my chance will come.
"You have to make sure you are ready when your chances does come, so if I am selected tomorrow I will give everything.
"It is always nice when fans tell you they like to see you in the team, and I am grateful for the support I have had from them, but now is the time for me to deliver."
Liverpool host Barnsley in the FA Cup at the weekend and Alonso could return to the starting line-up. Alonso already has an FA Cup winner's medal and has come to love the famous competition.
"First we must do our job against Barnsley because we know that they are a good side who will come to Anfield and make things difficult for us.
"But Wembley is a big incentive for me and the rest of the players because it is such a special place to play.
"But tomorrow is all about Barnsley at Anfield. We have to do our job, otherwise we will not get to Wembley."
Liverpool put in a good performance at Stamford Bridge last week and Alonso believes that this result will be the platform for the team to build on for the rest of the season.
"The performance at Chelsea was very good, but now we have to carry that on.
"We know it is going to be very difficult to challenge for the titl but there are still a lot of games to play so we have to do everything we can to move up the league and try to make sure we get into the top four.
"And there are also the cup competitions, so there is still a lot for to play for."