Liverpool winger Ryan Babel says being dropped by Holland coach Bert van Marwijk has kicked him into action this season.

He said: "Not being called up by Holland has definitely scared me into doing something. The situation for me is clear. This has to be the year for me. I am trying to do whatever it takes to get into the team.

"If I give everything and the situation is still difficult, then you have to be honest with yourself. But I'm still confident that I can be a very important player for Liverpool.

"For the first time in 33 games, I wasn't called up for the national team. That was very scary. It's clear I have to play a lot of games for Liverpool to earn a ticket to the World Cup. The Holland coach made a statement that he wants his players playing for their clubs."

 
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