Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is delighted with the signing of experienced Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos.

The 30-year-old, who passed a medical on Friday, signed a two-year contract with Liverpool after moving from AEK Athens.

With two first-choice defenders out with injuries, central defender Kyrgiakos could make his Reds debut against Aston Villa at Anfield on Monday.

Daniel Agger is set to be out for six weeks when he undergoes surgery and Martin Skrtel is still unfit after injurying his jaw against Tottenham last Sunday.

Benitez told Liverpool's official website: "He is a tough defender who is strong and good in the air. 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's 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. Our scout department had a lot of information.

"We've talked about the things he's done before and the things he'll have to do for us. It was good. He knows what we want and he's ready to work."

Benitez believes the experienced Kyrgiakos can also help bring on the young defenders at the club, such as Martin Kelly and Daniel Ayala.

The Reds boss added: "It will be positive. I was talking with Ayala about this. When the young players see someone with experience it is positive because they can learn from them.

"It also means they have more time. If they have to play some games they can but they are not under pressure."