Stephen Darby aims high

Highly rated youngster Stephen Darby who recently secured a 3 year extension to his contract has revealed his intention to secure a more regular place in the first team squad via hard work and determination. The 20-year-old right back who made two first team appearances last season hopes the pre season will give him the opportunity to impress Rafa with is ability.

“Last season I was lucky enough to play for the first-team twice,” said the double youth cup winner speaking to the Echo.

“Now I want to build on that, work hard in training and hopefully get a few more opportunities."

“I signed a new contract recently and that was fantastic for me because I dreamed of playing for Liverpool as a boy so when I was offered the new deal the only thought on my mind was to sign it.”

“I thought the lads played really well in the first half against St Gallen,” added the Maghull lad.

“They were getting forward really well and were creating chances and I think we continued that in the second half so it was good for me to be a part of that."

“It was great for me to be involved again, especially with there being so many young lads out on the trip to Switzerland."

“The fact there are so many youngsters here proves that if you work hard and train well then you will get your chance."

“The manager has told me to work hard, take every day as it comes and then see what happens so that’s what I’m trying to do."

“It’s good for me that there are so many first team players who are willing to help the young lads and give us advice when we need it, that’s a massive help.”

Benayoun agrees new deal at Anfield

Yossi Benayoun has committed his future to the Reds after agreeing terms on a new Anfield contract reports the Echo.

Benayoun had two years remaining on his current deal but Rafa Benitez was eager to reward the Israeli international with a contract extension after his best campaign yet in a Liverpool shirt last season.

“Talks have now been concluded successfully and Benayoun is set to sign a one-year extension which will see him remain with Liverpool until 2012,” says the story.

Benayoun is the latest player to commit their futures to the club, with Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Daniel Agger and Dirk Kuyt all agreeing deals at the end of last season. Benitez said: “We had to guarantee the future of the club first and then afterwards if you can improve then you must try to do so.

“This meant that the first thing we had to do this summer was to guarantee the futures of some of the players who are already here and we are happy that we have been able to do this in so many cases.”

Benitez has been dividing his time today between Liverpool’s academy in Kirkby and Melwood as the preparations for the coming season begins. “The majority of the first team squad returned to Melwood yesterday for a series of drills and tests ahead of pre-season trips to Switzerland, the Far East, Spain and Norway,” reports the Echo, whilst “Glen Johnson will join up with his new team mates for the first time on Wednesday.”

The defender along with captain Steven Gerrard have been given an extra few days off following international duty with England at the end of last season.

The Spanish players do not return until July 19 after their involvement in the Confederations Cup.

“Benitez was at the Academy to welcome the club’s latest batch of youngsters and also to meet with Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish on his first official day since rejoining the Reds,” reports the story.

Meanwhile, as reported on this site yesterday, the club has officially confirmed today that Jay Spearing and Stephen Darby have agreed new deals to stay at Anfield.

Reds agree new deals with Jay Spearing and Stephen Darby

Highly rated Liverpool duo Jay Spearing and Stephen Darby have agreed new deals reports Sky Sports.

"The Reds have been in talks with the home-grown pair for the last few months as they look to secure the duo on long-term deals."

The two players are approaching the final year of their existing deals and Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is eager “to reward them with three-year extensions,” says the story. “The Reds have been in talks with the home-grown pair for the last few months”

Midfielder Spearing, captained the FA Youth Cup-winning side in 2007, was an impressive substitute in the UEFA Champions League mauling over Real Madrid last season.

Full-back Stephen Darby shows huge potential, made three appearances in the first team last term.

“The duo are expected to put pen-to-paper on the contracts next week when Liverpool return for pre-season training,” says the story.