Riise puts in extra work

Riise has been concerned by speculation linking Manchester United's Gabriel Heinze with a move along the East Lancs Road.

"There have been a lot of rumours lately about new people coming to the club so you know you need to step up a level," Riise told the Liverpool Echo.

While Old Trafford manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists he will never sell Heinze to United's bitter rivals, Riise is taking no chances.

He added: "I've been working out during the summer because I wanted to show the manager (Rafael Benitez) I was fit and raring to go.

"The only response I can make is to stay focused on my game and hope the manager has enough faith in me to keep me playing. It's up to me, really.

"But I've always worked hard to show the manager I deserve to play.

"I've enjoyed a good six years here so I hope I've done more right than wrong during that time."