Sebastian Coates has hinted that he may have to leave Liverpool if he is not included in the starting lineup on a regular basis next season.

The 23-year-old has made just 24 appearances for the club since his arrival at Anfield in 2011 and last season he was loaned out to his boyhood team Nacional.

However, he has earned plaudits for his performances during Liverpool's pre-season tour of the USA, which has resulted in reports that he could remain on Merseyside.

Centre-back Coates, though, has expressed his desire to not merely be a squad player.

"The tour has been great for me. This pre-season is really important as I need to get as many minutes as I can. Last season was really difficult. I had a bad injury and after being out for so long it's great to be back fit," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"I try always to give my best and I know I need to improve more on the others years that I've been here. The manager is watching me closely, like he is with all the other players, and I need to keep performing well.

"I would like to stay at Liverpool and play but that's not just down to me. It depends on the manager and the club. They will decide what happens. After being out for so long, I need to play. If I do stay I want to play more than I did in the other years."

Liverpool paid £5m for the defender, who has represented his country on 15 occasions.