Sami Hyypia admitted to the Liverpool Echo he has never been "a rocket" - but believes he is still quick enough to extend his Anfield playing career for several seasons.

The big Finn was criticised for his part in Porto's goal last week in the Champions League, but bounced back to help keep a fourth successive Premier League clean sheet on Saturday.

And he said afterwards: "I'm not surprised when people question my pace, but it doesn't bother me at all.

"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."

Boss Rafa Benitez has suggested there may be a new contract for Hyypia, 34 next month, and the former captain of the club would relish a new deal - but for now he is simply concentrating on his football.

"I want to stay in a winning club and I've had such a good time here," he explained. "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."