Glen Johnson revealed his delight at signing an extension to his Liverpool contract - and spoke of his belief that the club's future will be a bright one.

The defender committed himself to the Reds by putting pen to paper on the deal at Melwood on Wednesday afternoon - and then explained to us why he had no hesitation in doing so.

"I'm very pleased," Johnson told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I've been here a couple of years and it's great to be staying here for a few years longer now.

"For the club to want me to be here is a great feeling and I did not have to think twice about signing.

"I think I am improving all the time at Liverpool. You're never too good to improve - and my aim is to just keep improving.

"With the squad we've got now, the backroom staff and the way things are going, things are looking positive. The club is looking to bring a few more players in, so the future is looking bright.

"We've made a couple of good signings already and with a few more we will be a right force in the coming season.

"I'm quietly confident (about the new season). If we take it game-by-game I think we'll do well."

Click the image below to watch our chat with Glen

Johnson and his teammates returned to Melwood on Monday following the summer break to begin pre-season training.

And though he acknowledged the sessions have been tough, he is relishing being back amongst the squad as they prepare for 2011-12.

"It's always nice to come back and see everyone again when you've been off for a few weeks," he said. "We've got some hard weeks of training ahead of us now, but that's part and parcel of it and it's good to be back.

"The first few days have been difficult - they're probably the worst few days of the season! But it's been enjoyable too. The lads have been working hard, everybody is injury-free, touch wood, and it's looking good."

After a week of training at Melwood, Liverpool will depart for the Far East on Sunday as they embark on their two-game tour of Asia.

Johnson added: "It will be brilliant. It's part of pre-season, so we will go there and the important thing will be fitness work, but I'm sure we'll try and enjoy ourselves while we're over there as well."