Liverpool's forgotten man Ryan Babel admits he is fast running out of time to prove his worth to the club.

The winger has made just six League starts in his second campaign on Merseyside following an £11.5million move from Ajax in summer 2007.

Babel was hailed as potentially the next Thierry Henry upon his arrival in the Premier League but the promise shown in glimpses during his debut season has not developed into anything more substantial.

Reds manager Rafael Benitez signed Albert Riera last summer to fill the left-wing berth that Babel had failed to make his own and the Dutchman admits he faces a fight to force his way back into the first team.

Babel added: "My goal this season was to progress to a higher level and be in the starting line-up. But they brought in another left forward in the summer and he's been playing regularly.

"But I have patience and I know that I have to work hard and show the manager that I am ready and have earned the right to be picked in the team.

"In December, I'll be 23. When you reach that age, then in my eyes you aren't a potential talent any more.

"Next season age isn't an excuse any more and that's an excuse trainers use too often, saying: 'You're young and you have the time'."

Liverpool take on Hull tomorrow knowing that victory at the KC Stadium would put them back on top of the table for at least a couple of hours, with Manchester United involved in the late kick-off with Tottenham.

Steven Gerrard is again expected to miss the match with his groin injury.