Stephen Darby is ready to fight Glen Johnson for a place in Liverpool’s line-up.

Rafael Benitez paid £17million to take Johnson from Portsmouth this summer, but the England international has been told to expect a fight for the right-back berth this term.

"Last season I was lucky enough to play for the first-team twice," Darby told The Liverpool Echo. "Now I want to build on that, and hopefully get a few more opportunities.

"I signed a new contract recently and that was fantastic because I dreamed of playing for Liverpool so when I was offered the new deal the only thought on my mind was to sign it."

Darby is rated as a huge prospect by Benitez, who is determined to increase completion for places in his side as they aim to chase glory on all fronts in the coming months.