New Liverpool defender Steven Caulker has admitted that he was surprised when he heard that Jurgen Klopp was interested in bringing him to Anfield.

The 24-year-old had been on loan at Southampton during the first half of the season but made just three Premier League appearances for the Saints before returning to parent club Queens Park Rangers.

He was then quickly moved on to Liverpool in another loan deal and made his debut as a makeshift striker in the closing stages of the Reds' 3-3 draw with Arsenal on Wednesday.

"It came as a bit of a shock as I'd had a bit of a frustrating time at Southampton and not had any game time, so then to come to a club like this is fantastic and an opportunity which I couldn't turn down," Caulker told PA.

"I was behind two good centre-halves there. I signed just before they signed Virgil van Dijk and things didn't quite work out for me but I thank them for the opportunity and now I have moved on to something even greater.

"It was definitely unexpected but I am happy to be here and the gaffer has filled me with confidence. For me the ambition is to get as much game time as possible, whether it is up front or in defence I just don't care. To wear this shirt is such an honour and I'll see where it takes me at the end of the season."

Caulker is once again expected to be on the bench when Liverpool welcome bitter rivals Manchester United to Anfield on Sunday.