Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is eager to work out a new deal for Steve Finnan, but has told the Irishman to try and be more consistent.
Finnan has been a virtual ever-present in the Reds side this term but Benitez feels his performances have suffered as a result.
The defender starred in the 3-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday but Benitez reckons he played better in Liverpool's last two campaigns.
"He is playing very well now, but maybe the last season was better because this year he has played more games and more minutes than the others," Benitez explained in the daily newspaper.
"He has played every game and also with the national team so it is not easy to be consistent.
"He is always a player who will play well but last season and the season before he was playing better."
Finnan's current deal expires at the end of next season but there are several other players due for contract talks in the summer and Benitez is not prepared to discuss individuals.
"We want to do something before the end of the season. All of the players are important and I cannot talk about the situation of each player," he said.
"It's fair to say I am really pleased with my squad and would like to progress with all the players."