BBC SPORT | ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP | Babbel lines up return

BBC Sport Online: Football: Eng Prem

Monday, 8 April, 2002, 13:46 GMT 14:46 UK

Babbel lines up return

Markus Babbel in action against Spurs last season

Liverpool defender Markus Babbel says he hopes to be back in action for the Reds before the end of the season.

The German has been sidelined with a muscle-numbing condition since August last year.

But speaking on the club's official website, Babbel confirmed he wanted a taste of first-team action before the summer break.

Liverpool's remaining games
Sat 13 Apr: S'derland (a)
Sat 20 Apr: Derby (h)
Sat 27 Apr: Spurs (a).
Sun 5 May: Bl'kburn (h).
Sat 11 May: Ipswich (h).

"I would love to play for five minutes at the end of our last game of the season against Ipswich," Babbel said on Monday.

"I have asked the boss to bring me on at the end if we are a few goals up and the match is won."

Babbel, 29, is back in light training having recovered from Guillan-Barre Syndrome, which attacks the immune system and causes inflammation of the nerves.

"I just want to experience the feeling of playing at Anfield once again," Babbel added.

"That's my dream - but my target is to be fit for next season."

Related to this story:
Babbel's comeback aim (11 Dec 01 | Liverpool)
Babbel faces more tests (07 Nov 01 | Liverpool)
Babbel suffers illness blow (06 Sep 01 | Liverpool)