Soccer:New Liverpool midfielder Christian Poulsen will set about trying to persuade manager Roy Hodgson he is ready to take on Arsenal in their Barclays Premier League opener on Sunday.
The 30-year-old Denmark international signed a three-year contract on Thursday after a €5.4million fee, with an additional €1.2million payable on certain conditions, was agreed with Juventus.
He has trained with his new team-mates but has little time to settle in before the campaign kicks-off at Anfield and throwing him in against Arsene Wenger's side may be too much of a gamble.
However, Hodgson is well aware of Poulsen's qualities, having signed him for FC Copenhagen 10 years ago, and the player insists he is ready if called upon.
"I started a little bit later because of the World Cup but I've done pre-season with Juventus," he said. "I didn't play the last matches in the Europa League because of the move to this club.
"I am feeling fit but of course it's a decision for the manager and the staff."
Of his previous working relationship with the Englishman Poulsen added: "I had two good years with him so I hope to carry that on, and hopefully he'll be satisfied with my qualities.
"He's a manager who's been all over the world and has a lot of experience, so of course I have a lot of respect for him.
"Roy didn't have to say that much because Liverpool is known all around the world, and for people in Denmark, Liverpool are the biggest club in England.
"With this move here I have a lot to prove. If you come to a club like Liverpool, you have to deliver.
"I will hopefully show I can be a good player for Liverpool."
The arrival of the Denmark international, who has won 77 caps for his country and played at two World Cups, is seen as a the precursor to the departure of wantaway midfielder Javier Mascherano.
However, Hodgson has previously suggested should the Argentina captain will still be at the club - and no suitable bids have been received - by this weekend then he would be in contention to face the Gunners.
The Liverpool boss is keen to add to his squad further but claims a fee had been agreed for Middlesbrough goalkeeper Brad Jones, for whom Liverpool had a €2.4million bid turned down last week, have been dismissed by the Teessiders.