I've found my feet at Liverpool says Insua

Emiliano Insua believes he has finally settled into life at Liverpool - as left-back rival Fabio Aurelio suffered another injury blow.

Insua arrived at Anfield initially on loan from Boca Juniors in January 2007 but played only five senior games in his first 18 months in England. 

The 21-year-old made 13 appearances the following season, competing against Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena for the left-back spot. 

But injuries to the former and the January departure of the latter has elevated the Argentina international to first choice under Rafael Benitez. 

Indeed, only Pepe Reina, Dirk Kuyt, Lucas and Jamie Carragher have had more playing time in the Premier League for Liverpool this season. 

And with Aurelio now ruled out for up to three weeks with a thigh strain Insua is set to continue his spell in the first team. 

"For me this has been a special season because I've played many games in a row so I'm really happy," said the left-back. 

"It has given me a lot of confidence that I can do the job so I have to keep working hard and doing the same on the pitch. 

"If you are playing so many games in a row you get experience if you are a young player. 

"I think this season will help me for the future and give me experience." 

Insua scored his first Liverpool goal in the Carling Cup defeat at Arsenal in October, just a fortnight after making his Argentina debut. 

And the defender believes playing alongside national-team captain Javier Mascherano and compatriot Maxi Rodriguez has made his life easier on and off the pitch. 

"The Argentinian people are really together for each other and it is such a different culture [in England]," said Insua.

"In the first year I couldn't speak much English so to have Javier and now Maxi means it is very special for all three of us. 

"Javier is the captain of the national team so I respect him and I listen to him and maybe he can help me for the future." 

Aurelio's latest setback, which forced him off before half-time of Sunday's 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers, comes after he missed the start of the season after sustaining a knee problem in a kickabout with his children during the summer. 

A series of other niggles have restricted the Brazilian to just 13 starts this season, and he will now sit out both legs of the Europa League tie with Lille, the home game against Portsmouth and trips to Wigan Athletic and Manchester United. 

Meanwhile, highly-rated Palermo centre-back Simon Kjaer has sounded his desire for a move to Liverpool - and link up with international team-mate Daniel Agger.

Kjaer wants to leave the Serie A side at the end of the season, despite having more than two years left on his current deal. And the 20-year-old said: "I will take a step towards the dream or I will stay in Palermo. I would prefer to have it sorted out before the World Cup. 

"I am ready for a new challenge, but is has to be an attractive club. 

"(The) Premier League is the best league in the world and then there is Barcelona and Real Madrid in Spain. 

"England and the physical playing style would probably suit me better. In case the right offers come, it would be exciting to form a partnership with (Daniel) Agger (at Liverpool)."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the views or position of Liverpool Football Club.