Philipp Degen has not given up hope of starring in this summer's World Cup despite his omission from the latest Switzerland squad.
The right-back helped the Swiss reach the last 16 in 2006 and is desperate for another chance to play on football's biggest stage.
Degen was not part of the squad which lost 3-1 to Uruguay this week but aims to do everything he can to impress manager Ottmar Hitzfeld between now and the end of the season.
He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I think everyone is looking forward to the World Cup but for me right now what's important is being here and playing here. The news will come in May and I hope I'll be going to the World Cup.
"I played all the games in 2006 when we were very successful. We got knocked out on penalties to Ukraine when we could have got to the quarter-finals. That was very sad for us.
"Now we have another chance. Our group is very difficult but our chances are alive. We have to try our best."
Switzerland will meet Spain in the group stages - setting up a potential clash between Degen and clubmates Fernando Torres, Pepe Reina and Albert Riera.
The defender thinks the trio are among a host of Liverpool players who could return to Melwood with World Cup medals.
"I think Spain are the number one team. If they don't get the title then they're doing something wrong," said Degen.
"But England also have a chance. Apart from Brazil and Spain they have one of the best squads. You have to see that.
"With the people they have in the squad and their ages - when are they going to have a better chance? For me, this is absolutely one of the best squads England have had for a long time. They have very good players.
"England, Brazil and especially Spain - these teams have to be at the top. Germany can also pull a surprise, and Argentina have good players but they have some problems."
The right-back helped the Swiss reach the last 16 in 2006 and is desperate for another chance to play on football's biggest stage.
Degen was not part of the squad which lost 3-1 to Uruguay this week but aims to do everything he can to impress manager Ottmar Hitzfeld between now and the end of the season.
He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I think everyone is looking forward to the World Cup but for me right now what's important is being here and playing here. The news will come in May and I hope I'll be going to the World Cup.
"I played all the games in 2006 when we were very successful. We got knocked out on penalties to Ukraine when we could have got to the quarter-finals. That was very sad for us.
"Now we have another chance. Our group is very difficult but our chances are alive. We have to try our best."
Switzerland will meet Spain in the group stages - setting up a potential clash between Degen and clubmates Fernando Torres, Pepe Reina and Albert Riera.
The defender thinks the trio are among a host of Liverpool players who could return to Melwood with World Cup medals.
"I think Spain are the number one team. If they don't get the title then they're doing something wrong," said Degen.
"But England also have a chance. Apart from Brazil and Spain they have one of the best squads. You have to see that.
"With the people they have in the squad and their ages - when are they going to have a better chance? For me, this is absolutely one of the best squads England have had for a long time. They have very good players.
"England, Brazil and especially Spain - these teams have to be at the top. Germany can also pull a surprise, and Argentina have good players but they have some problems."
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