Liverpool chief Rick Parry insists veteran Sami Hyypia has a key role to play this season.

Reflecting on last week's victory over Manchester United, Parry wrote in his column for liverpoolfc.tv: "Sami Hyypia received a tremendous reception when he appeared on the touchline to warm up during the United game. The fans were still clearly reflecting on the difficult decision to leave him out of our Champions League squad at this stage because of the new UEFA rule that makes us include at least eight homegrown players in a squad of 25.

"Obviously the rule is starting to bite. First it was four players, then six and now eight. There are a number of Group games to play, but we also face a huge number of important Premier League matches.

"Clearly, we now have a bigger squad that includes four centre-backs and I have no doubt that this was one of the things Rafa took into account because of Sami's Premier League experience and his suitability for a lot of very important matches in this area. It's also a situation that can be reviewed again in January.

"It's a tactical decision rather than having anything to do with Sami. You have to make these painful decisions when new rules come into force. There is an increasing pressure internationally. FIFA have been talking about the 6 and 5 rule pointing to six homegrown players in every team which would be much more Draconian."