Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates has accepted that he must show some patience if he is to establish himself at Anfield.

The 21-year-old has made just four league appearances for the Reds this season, having joined in the summer from Nacional.

Despite struggling to nail down a regular spot in Kenny Dalglish's team, Coates is confident that his future is on Merseyside.

"I feel more settled now. As the months and the time goes by the period becomes a lot more easy," he told the club's official website. "I am enjoying the football and I know I have to be patient to play more games, purely because the other defenders have been so consistent for a long time.

"That is the nature of defence. Especially in that position, when it is working, you don't change it.

"During the sessions I watch all of my teammates closely because you can learn from any position, not just your own."

Coates scored his first Liverpool goal during last week's 3-2 loss to Queens Park Rangers.