From Liverpool Echo:

VLADIMIR SMICER is so positive that neither three league defeats nor four injuries will alter his thinking. Liverpool's £3.76m Czech recruit had, of course, hoped for a better start to his English career. But his early experiences, both on and off the field, have convinced him that this season will be a good one.

Smicer doesn't just marvel at the talent in his new squad. More significantly, he indicates its togetherness as an equally potent weapon.

And he should know.

It was largely down to its solidarity that his national team reached the Euro 96 final and his previous club, Lens, respectively claimed the French championship and League Cup in his last two years.

For Liverpool, therefore, the omens are good. "In Euro 96, I didn't think our side was stronger technically or physically than the others," he told the ECHO today. "But we had something which enabled us to get to the final. It was the same at Lens.

"We didn't have a team of big-name players, but our force was our togetherness. I was really pleased with what happened at Lens. After all, they are not a huge club like Marseille or Paris St. Germain, but we managed to win the championship.

"I didn't think I would win anything there because in my first year we had finished something like 13th. But it was clear that if the spirit is right within the squad, then things can be achieved.

"A good atmosphere shows that everyone is together. At Liverpool we have very good players like Michael (Owen), Robbie (Fowler), Jamie (Redknapp) and Patrik (Berger) to name but four. And there is also a good atmosphere here. I have come to win trophies."

Smicer, in fact, is used to honours, having also claimed a 1996 title-winners' medal with Slavia Prague. However, Anfield reversals against Watford and Manchester United, plus a defeat at Middlesbrough, have pushed Gerard Houllier's men into the bottom half of the table.

"It's still early in the season," assured Smicer. "I think we have a lot of qualities, but it's not been easy for us because we have so many new players. Mind you, it's never easy for anyone to join a new team.

"We have had a couple of good results and I think we can have a good season, even though we have already lost three league games."

The likeable Smicer is settling quite comfortably into his new environment, aided, naturally, by Berger, his friend and compatriot. He said: "It's easier having him around.

He explained: "I remember when I arrived at Lens didn't speak a word of French, I wasn't happy and I was always on my own. As a result, my peformances were not good. Now I am more experienced, which means I can adapt quicker, and the fact that Patrik is here is a help.

"He speaks English, so he can translate things for me. Also there are a few people here with whom I can speak French."

A recurrence of his two pre-season ankle injuries - his first such trouble since he was 16 - forced the talented 26-year-old out of action for a month from August 14.

Tuesday's Worthington Cup match against Hull was only Smicer's third start of the campaign. Unfortunately the hamstring strain he sustained at Boothferry Park means he won't add to that tally at Leicester tomorrow. Understandably, he feels his Liverpool career has still not begun.

"It was disappointing to go off against Watford, especially since we were losing," he said. "I wanted to try and help us get an equaliser. Losing that game and picking up an injury was a double blow for me.

"Before the game against Manchester United I had only trained for a week. Because of that and the injury I got against Hull I don't feel I've got into the season yet."

When fully fit, Smicer will probably be most deployed in an attacking right midfield role for Liverpool, although he is capable of operating in a more central or more forward position.

He said: "I play in attack for the national team, but I like all the attacking roles. In my first year at Lens I was used as a striker because the team needed me there.

"In my second year I moved more to the right, and last season I played behind the forwards."

English football is widely thought to be quicker but less technical than French. However, Smicer has been impressed by the skill level of the Premiership players.

He said: "Yes, the game is faster in England, but it's for that reason that I think English players must also be technical. I like the rhythm of the game over here. It's non-stop football. In France you get pulled up for tackles which aren't fouls, whereas here referees let more things go."

The Czech star may still be an unknown to Liverpool fans, but one has the impression that if the Reds are brilliant, he could shine the most. He said: "I know it's up to me to get goals and to give passes.

"I think that if the team plays well it will be easier for all the midfielders to be decisive."

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