Milan Jovanovic has revealed how he has sought the advice of Manchester United defender and international colleague Nemanja Vidic as he prepares for his debut season in the Barclays Premier League.

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The Serbia star penned a three-year deal with Liverpool earlier this month to join the club from Standard Liege - and he admits he's already picked the brains of Vidic in an attempt to ready himself for the challenges in store.

"I know it's a difficult championship here," said Jovanovic. "Vidic told me there is a lot running, it's physical and you need quick thinking. That is no problem for me.

"I already feel the difference in training in English football compared to European football."

He added: "Vidic has much respect for Liverpool. He paid Liverpool a big compliment. I'm sure we will fight on the field, but after the game we are big friends.

"I'm looking forward to the future and will be working hard to win trophies for Liverpool. I expect to have a very successful time here."

The 29-year-old arrives at Anfield after four successful seasons in Belgium, in which he won two league titles and two domestic cups, as well as being named the Belgian Footballer of the Year in 2008 and clinching the Golden Shoe 12 months later.

Such achievements meant Jovanovic was coveted by a string of leading European clubs once it was revealed he would be leaving Liege upon the expiry of his contract.

However, the forward insists Liverpool was always his first choice destination - even though it was former boss Rafael Benitez who secured his acquisition.

"Liverpool is one of the best clubs in the world with a big history," said Jovanovic.

"Other big clubs were interested in me but when Liverpool FC invited me to come, I knew there was only one option.

"Players wait all their life to play for a big club like this and I knew this was one of the best opportunities I'd get in my career.

"Rafa Benitez was manager when I signed but the most important thing for me was being at Liverpool.

"During the World Cup I received a lot of calls from other clubs but I was always coming here.

"I had signed a contract, everything was agreed and I couldn't wait to start here.

"I'm happy to play for Roy Hodgson. He's very nice and I'll try to learn and improve every day from listening to the manager's ideas.

"I am trying to learn quickly because we don't have much time."

Jovanovic earned his first Liverpool appearance with a 45-minute run out in the pre-season friendly with Kaiserslautern on Saturday and a competitive debut for the Reds could follow in tonight's Europa League third qualifying round clash with FK Rabotnicki in Macedonia.

"I know Thursday is a very important game for the club," added the No.14.

"I'm ready to play and will try to do my best. It won't be easy there but I'm used to playing with pressure.

"We need to do well because the Europa League is a big chance for us to win a trophy this season."