Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert admits he needs to build his match fitness following a disappointing performance in the Capital One Cup clash with Middlesbrough.
The 32-year-old captained a youthful Reds side in his first start of the season, but produced a poor performance and was substituted fifteen minutes from time.
Liverpool went on to win the match after the longest penalty shoot-out in the country’s history, but Lambert was disappointed with his performance.
“I wasn’t expecting it, and it was a great honour to lead the team. It was a nice surprise,” Lambert said of being handed the captaincy.
“But forgetting about that, it was a strange game. I wasn’t happy with my own performance, so that overshadowed the honour of being captain a little bit.
“I didn’t feel as sharp as I want to feel. That’s the main thing I want to look at going back into training.
“I want to get my match fitness up because obviously everyone knows I’m not playing every game so I have to adapt myself now.
“I think I’m going to have to do more so my fitness is up to the same level as everybody else.
“I do work, push myself to the limit, but maybe I am going to have to go to the fitness coach and see if I can do more.”
Following the narrow escape against Middlesbrough, Liverpool host arch rivals Everton in an attempt to recover from the dismal start to the season, and the Reds are 1.91 (10/11) to win the Merseyside derby.
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