Liverpool complete signing of Greek defender Kyrgiakos

Liverpool completed the signing of Greek international Sotirios Kyrgiakos on Friday in a deal which will help ease the early season defensive worries for coach Rafael Benitez.

The 30-year-old, who has 50 caps, passed a medical to finalise his switch from AEK Athens, and has signed a two-year deal.

He will go straight into the squad for Monday’s Premier League tie against Aston Villa at Anfield where he is likely to partner Jamie Carragher in the heart of defence, taking the place of teenager Daniel Ayala who made his full debut in Wednesday’s 4-0 win over Stoke.

Benitez is already without two key defenders through injury.

Danish centre-back Daniel Agger will have an operation on his back in Germany on Tuesday, and will be out for six weeks.

Martin Skrtel is still struggling with a damaged jaw, sustained at Tottenham last weekend, and is not expected to be fit to face Villa.

The Liverpool boss said Kyrgiakos will be an excellent signing.

“He is a tough defender who is strong and good in the air,” said Benitez. “He has a strong character and we were looking for these things.

“He can score goals and will be a threat from corners and free-kicks. He is very strong in defence but he will need time as always to settle into the Premier League. He will be a very good signing for us.

“We knew the player when he was with Rangers and we’ve been watching videos of him at Frankfurt and the national team.”