Expected to perform very poorly at the World Cup, Slovakia with the like of Martin Skrtel in their books have exceeded expectations.

Slovakia served a Euro 2012 warning to Ireland with a stirring display to send holders Italy packing from South Africa, with coach Vladimir Weiss vowing that his side will be an even stronger proposition after their World Cup experience.

The Slovaks with Martin Skrtel in the centre of defence came out on top of a five-goal thriller with the Azzurri at Ellis Park, consigning the four-times champions to bottom spot and an ignominious exit. They progress to face the Netherlands in the round of 16.

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Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is aware that he must fulfil expectations and prove his fitness to the Slovakian coaching staff if he is to realise his dream of taking part in this summer's World Cup in South Africa.

Skrtel had made 29 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool this past campaign, but suffered a broken metatarsal in a Europa League game with Unirea Urziceni in February.

Slovakia take on Cameroon and Costa Rica in two friendlies leading up to the World Cup and Skrtel is aware that he must prove himself on both occasions if he is to ensure a position in Vladimir Weiss' final squad.

"Those two games will be very important for me," Skrtel told Liverpool FC Weekly magazine.

"My aim is to try to train every day to be ready for these two matches and maybe they will show me how I feel and which level I can play at.

"Because it is the first World Cup for Slovakia, it is a big thing for all Slovakian people.

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Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel could return to full training next week following six weeks out of action with a broken metatarsal in his right foot.

The 25-year-old Slovakia international, who joined Liverpool in 2008, suffered the injury during the 3-1 Europa League win over Unirea Urziceni in February.

"I had another scan so that my doctors could be absolutely sure that everything was OK," said Skrtel.

"They were satisfied. I hope that I can start working with the ball next week."

Skrtrel's return will be welcome news for Liverpool who trail Manchester City and Tottenham in the race for fourth place in the Premier League and also have a Europa League semi-final in prospect this month against Atletico Madrid.

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel believes his side should have been awarded a first-half penalty in the defeat to Chelsea.

Skrtel, whose side slumped to their third defeat of the season after Sunday's 2-0 reverse, claimed the Reds were denied a spot-kick before the break after the defender was pulled down in the box by striker Didier Drogba.

"A cross was flying to the near post where I was and I was jumping to make a header," Skrtel told SITA.

"At that moment Drogba clearly pulled me down with his hands. I think it should have been a penalty kick for us."

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has hinted that defender Martin Skrtel could be fit to face Stoke City at Anfield on Wednesday.

The centre-back sustained a jaw injury in Sunday's defeat at Tottenham following an accidental clash of heads with team-mate Jamie Carragher.

Skrtel's agent recently announced that the Slovakian could be sidelined for two weeks, but Benitez is more optimistic.

The Reds boss will make a late decision on Wednesday about whether the former Zenit St Petersburg player can face Stoke after he returned to training on Tuesday.

"Skrtel was training this morning and we will see tomorrow," Benitez, who has no concerns over the fitness of Carragher, told Sky Sports News.

Liverpool have agreed a deal with AEK Athens to sign Greek international Sotirios Kyrgiakos for a reported £2m.

The 30-year-old former Rangers defender will undergo a medical on Merseyside this week with a view to signing before Monday's home game with Aston Villa.

"He is a player with experience who can hopefully help us in defence," Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez told his club website.

"He has experience in British football with Rangers."

IVERPOOL have received a major boost ahead of Sunday’s trip to Tottenham after defender Martin Skrtel made a successful return to action.

The 24-year-old Slovakian has been sidelined since he suffered a hamstring injury in the friendly against Thailand three weeks ago.

However, Skrtel has now resumed full training and he played in a behind closed doors friendly against Oldham at the Academy in Kirkby yesterday.

He came through unscathed as goals from Lucas and Daniel Ayala secured the Reds a 2-0 victory.

Among the interested spectators was new £20million signing Alberto Aquilani, who watched the game alongside Rafa Benitez.

Skrtel is now expected to line up alongside Jamie Carragher at White Hart Lane with Daniel Agger likely to need more time to recover from a back problem.

Martin Skrtel has brushed off concerns over his fitness and has claimed that Liverpool will win the Premier League this year, but has called for the Reds to take more points from sides lower down the league.

The Slovakian centre-back was bullish about his side's chances and maintained that if it came down to a competition just between the big four of Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, his side would be champions.

Liverpool have been facing a defensive crisis following injuries to senior centre-backs Skrtel, Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger. But Skrtel has come through a pre-season game against Oldham and should now be fit for the start of the new season.

Talking about Liverpool's title hopes, he said: 'Last season we beat Man United home and away, beat Chelsea home and away and drew with Arsenal home and away.

'If the league was decided just between these four teams we would be the champions. Our problem was dropping points against the other teams like Stoke home and away, West Ham and Hull at Anfield.

'This season we have to try and improve these small details. If we can do that while still beating the top teams, we'll be even better this time.'