Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has admitted that the competition for places at the club makes it hard to hold down a regular first-team spot.

Skrtel is one of six central defenders competing for two places in the side, with Kolo Toure, Mamadou Sakho, Daniel Agger, Tiago Ilori and Sebastian Coates also looking to establish their first-team credentials.

The 28-year-old slipped down the pecking order last season but has since fought his way back into the side having produced a man-of-the-match display against Manchester United earlier in the current campaign, and he is now keen to hold on to his starting role.

"After last season I worked very hard during pre-season to try to get back into the team. But then I picked up a knee injury towards the end of pre-season, so it wasn't easy for me. But I tried to stay positive. I was saying to myself 'just wait for your chance,'" Skrtel told Liverpool FC magazine.

"I recovered well and got that chance against United. I felt it was an opportunity to prove to people and to the manager that I'm able to play. Of course our strong start to the season helped too. As a player it is always better for you when you are going into a team that is doing well.

"Now I'm just trying hard to keep myself in the team and that's not easy with six centre-backs competing for two or three places."

Liverpool currently sit second in the Premier League table, two points behind leaders Arsenal.