[chairman-mao]

Liverpool's Agger faces uncertain future

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger admits he may have to quit the Premier League club for the sake of his career.

Danish defender Agger has endured a frustrating season at Anfield as injuries and the impressive form of Martin Skrtel have kept him out of the team for long periods.

The 24-year-old marked his return to the side with a superb long-range goal in Saturday's 4-0 win over Blackburn, but is likely to be back on the bench for Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg at Chelsea.

Agger is out of contract at the end of next season and, although he is in talks with boss Rafael Benitez over a new deal, he admits the outcome is uncertain due to his lack of playing time.

"I am at the stage of my career where I need to play, and want to play, but that situation has nothing to do with the contract talks," he said.

"It is nice to hear the manager wants to keep me, but the most important thing is what he tells me when I look him in the eyes.

"It's not what he says in the papers, it is what he says behind closed doors. I keep talks with the club confidential, so I cannot tell you what has been said.

"I don't know when things will be decided. I don't have a clue. In my heart, I hope I will be here next season."