Jamie Carragher has welcomed defensive competition at Liverpool from new teammate Martin Skrtel.

"I think we have known all along that there would probably be a new centre-half coming in," he told liverpoolfc.tv. "The manager has said we needed an extra body at the back so it is not really a surprise.

"Obviously, it is competition at the back for me and the rest of the centre backs but that can only be a good thing because it keeps you on your toes and you have to prove over again that you are good enough to stay in the team.

"That's what I'm looking to do and I'm sure that the other centre-backs will be looking to do the same.

"The new lad coming in will be looking to get games so it's always healthy competition."