FABIO AURELIO is hoping he’s done enough to force his way into the Liverpool side to face Fulham at Anfield tomorrow.

The Brazilian left-back has had to play second fiddle to Paul Konchesky since he re-signed for the Reds this summer.

However, Aurelio has fully recovered from an Achilles injury and having played two complete games in the Europa League is now eyeing a first Premier League start of the campaign.

“It was good to get 90 minutes against Utrecht because I have been training hard but not playing regularly,” he said. “I just want to keep playing now and help the team.

“There is competition in the squad and I hope I can get more opportunities and show I can still do a good job for the club.

“It’s up to the boss when he wants to put me back in the team.”

Aurelio added: “It is very important we get a good result against Fulham.

“They are a tough team but we are playing at home and need the three points. We need some good wins over Christmas and then we can start 2011 in a much better position.”

Meanwhile, manager Roy Hodgson believes some of his players are trying too hard to force their way into the first team.

Hodgson made 10 changes for the 0-0 draw with Utrecht but only Aurelio staked a claim for inclusion against Fulham.

“It is most frustrating for them because they want it so much,” he said. “There is no lack of desire or commitment. We didn’t look after the ball enough or produce the right pass and that frustrates players because they know they are capable of doing it.

“I see these players every day in training and I know some of them will be disappointed they did not take their chance a little bit better.

“Sometimes in football you can want things too much. Your desire to take a chance can sometimes impact negatively on your performance.”