Hyypia signs new deal

Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia has signed a new contract that will keep the Finnish defender at Anfield until at least 2009. Rafa Benitez believes that Hyypia is an important role model for the young defenders coming through at the club such as Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger.

Hyypia told the Liverpool's official website: "I am very happy to have agreed a new deal. This is a great club with fantastic supporters, so I'm delighted."

"This is great news for the club," said Benitez.

"Sami has a lot to offer. He is a fantastic professional who is an example to all young footballers. He understands the game and is clever. All these things mean he can help other players.

"He has shown this year how important he is to us on the pitch and he can continue to do that next season."