Liverpool's Iago Aspas determined to secure starting place

Iago Aspas has insisted that he will work hard to gain a place in Liverpool's starting lineup next season.

The former Celta Vigo forward has a strong chance of being used by manager Brendan Rodgers in attack due to the uncertainty surrounding striker Luis Suarez.

Even if the controversial Uruguayan does stay put, he cannot play the first six games due to a 10-match ban issued by the Football Association for biting the arm of Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic last season

"I'm working hard every day to try and earn my place on the team sheet for the first game," Aspas told the club's official website.

"From that moment on it's all about doing as well as I can and gaining in confidence to continue to keep my place in the side."

Aspas, who made the move to Anfield this summer, has netted three goals so far during the Reds' pre-season campaign.