Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has admitted that he was "bugged" by his peripheral role at Anfield during the second half of the season.

Srktel was dropped by Reds boss Brendan Rodgers in favour of veteran Jamie Carragher following their FA Cup defeat to Oldham Athletic in January.

The Slovakian international has conceded that he felt isolated by his omission as speculation persists over his future at Anfield.

He is quoted by The Mirror as saying: "After the [Oldham] game, the coach decided he wanted to change the team and justified to me that we lacked the organisation and defensive leadership personality.

"That was Carragher. Obviously I was not happy, it bugged me. On the other hand, I realise that only 11 can play and the 11 the coach chooses now is without me.

"I decided to add even more in training, so I was ready for a chance to show that I belong on the field, and not on the bench."

The 28-year-old signed a long-term contract with Liverpool last summer but is believed to be considering his future due to a lack of first-team action in 2013.