HYYPIA UNFAZED BY CRITICS

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Sami Hyypia has shrugged off criticism over his lack of pace and revealed he hopes to remain at Anfield for some years to come.  
The giant Finn, who is enjoying a prolonged spell in the first-team following an injury to Daniel Agger, insists he has never been known for his speed across the ground and has instead developed his reputation based upon strong positional play.
  
"I'm not surprised when people question my pace, but it doesn't bother me at all," said Hyypia.
  
"What's most important is what the manager thinks of me and what I do on the pitch.
  
"I don't think I'm any slower than I used to be. I've never been a rocket or a fast player.
  
"My style of playing hasn't changed in 10 years or so. It's not that I'm getting any slower.
  
"Sometimes the lack of pace is exposed, but I try to play my game and not try to have to run the races against the quick strikers.
  
"I try to be in good positions all the time. That's always been my game from when I was younger."
  
Hyypia, who turns 34 next month, helped the Reds secure their fourth consecutive Barclays Premier League clean sheet against Birmingham City on Saturday.
  
And, although there have been suggestions he could be offered a new contract sometime in the future, he is keen to concentrate on his football and let the rest take care of itself.
  
"I want to stay in a winning club and I've had such a good time here," he said.
  
"The fans and everybody at the club have been very good to me, so I had no reason to look elsewhere. I'm happy to be here and we'll see what happens next summer.
  
"I'm not thinking about my future at the moment, only of the next game and whether I'm playing.
  
"I haven't said anything about a new contract. When I've got the paper in front of me then I'll start thinking about it."