Ryan Babel is determined to earn an established place in Liverpool's first-team plans because his World Cup dream is in danger.
The Holland forward was dropped from his country's squad for September's meetings with Japan and Scotland after failing to play regular football at club level.
Babel was eventually called up by international boss Bert van Marwijk as cover for the injured Ibrahim Afellay, but his lack of games for Liverpool remains a concern.
The former Ajax player has still to settle since arriving at Anfield in 2007 and he has been linked with a loan return to Amsterdam.
But Babel is to fight for a role at Liverpool to earn a World Cup place, saying in the Daily Star: "Not being called up by Holland has definitely scared me into doing something.
"It's all about making the most of my chances in the first team now.
"The situation for me is clear. This has to be the year for me. I am trying to do whatever it takes to get into the team.
"If I give everything and the situation is still difficult, then you have to be honest with yourself.
"But I'm still confident that I can be a very important player for Liverpool.
"There's a World Cup at the end of the season and my position for the Holland national team is in danger.
"For the first time in 33 games, I wasn't called up for the national team. That was very scary. It's clear I have to play a lot of games for Liverpool to earn a ticket to the World Cup.
"The Holland coach made a statement that he wants his players playing for their clubs. It's clear I need to be playing more for Liverpool."
The Holland forward was dropped from his country's squad for September's meetings with Japan and Scotland after failing to play regular football at club level.
Babel was eventually called up by international boss Bert van Marwijk as cover for the injured Ibrahim Afellay, but his lack of games for Liverpool remains a concern.
The former Ajax player has still to settle since arriving at Anfield in 2007 and he has been linked with a loan return to Amsterdam.
But Babel is to fight for a role at Liverpool to earn a World Cup place, saying in the Daily Star: "Not being called up by Holland has definitely scared me into doing something.
"It's all about making the most of my chances in the first team now.
"The situation for me is clear. This has to be the year for me. I am trying to do whatever it takes to get into the team.
"If I give everything and the situation is still difficult, then you have to be honest with yourself.
"But I'm still confident that I can be a very important player for Liverpool.
"There's a World Cup at the end of the season and my position for the Holland national team is in danger.
"For the first time in 33 games, I wasn't called up for the national team. That was very scary. It's clear I have to play a lot of games for Liverpool to earn a ticket to the World Cup.
"The Holland coach made a statement that he wants his players playing for their clubs. It's clear I need to be playing more for Liverpool."
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