Rafa on Carra Contract

Rafael Benitez is confident there will be no issues over a contract extension for Jamie Carragher.
The Reds stalwart played his 600th game for the club against Portsmouth yesterday afternoon and the boss was quick to pour cold water on any suggestions the number 23 won't be offered a new deal.

"I read an interview with him yesterday and I was surprised because he didn't ask for a new contract," he said. "He has 18 months still on his contract. He is clever and knows we analyse things differently when players are over 30 years old. But we are really pleased with him. I don't see any problem if he continues to play at the same level.

"He is someone who trains at 100 per cent. That is very good for the mentality of the team. He is also someone who can set an example.

"I have a fantastic relationship with him and his agent. Everything is okay so we don't have any problems."

He added: "It's amazing that in modern football you can play 600 games for the same team. He is a local player and it's amazing. He is a good example for the younger players and gives 100 per cent in every training session. He is a fantastic figure."

Masch off as Reds crash to defeat

Javier Mascherano was shown a straight red card as Liverpool went down to a 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth on Saturday afternoon.

The Argentina skipper received his marching orders on the stroke of half-time for a rash challenge on Tal Ben Haim after Nadir Belhadj had opened the scoring with a sizzling volley on 33 minutes.

Frederic Piquionne then sealed the three points for the hosts with a second goal eight minutes from time.

It means Rafael Benitez's men have now lost seven league matches this season and could fall further behind the top four if results go against them over the course of the weekend.

Prior to kick-off there had been concerns over whether the game would actually go ahead and the Liverpool players looked somewhat bemused as they took a pre-match wander on the frost covered turf.

For Jamie Carragher, a 600th appearance meant another milestone and he was hoping to mark it in the same way he had celebrated his 100th, 200th, 300th, 400th and 500th - with a clean sheet.

However, the prospects of that looked particularly dicey on six minutes when Michael Brown's lofted ball into the box saw Piquionne break the offside trap. The Frenchman looked odds on to score, but fortunately for Liverpool Pepe Reina was out to make a well-timed block.

In attack Fernando Torres was eyeing his 50th league goal in red and it could have arrived on 10 minutes but Ben-Haim stole it off his toe just when it looked like our number 9 would dispatch Andrea Dossena's cross beyond Asmir Begovic from eight yards.

Next it was Dirk Kuyt's turn to cause havoc in the Pompey penalty area but the Dutchman missed his kick after Steven Gerrard had headed Torres' cross into his path.

The Spaniard was enjoying a lively opening and twice went close to making the breakthrough midway through the half. First he saw a sumptuous curler arc inches wide of Begovic's upright before coming within a millimetre of turning home Gerrard's angled cross on the stretch.

Earlier in the season a trip to the south coast had proved profitable for the first five Barclays Premier League teams to visit, and given Liverpool's dominance it looked like another away side would be going home with all three points again.

But since the appointment of Avram Grant, Pompey have looked a different proposition and as the half wore on they began to pose a greater threat.

Hassan Yebda was denied an opening goal when his flying volley struck Carragher in the face and after more good approach play, it was no surprise when they took the lead on 33 minutes.

The Reds failed to deal with a driven ball into the box and although Reina denied Kevin-Prince Boateng's rasping volley, Belhadj was on hand to crash home from a tight angle.

It was a frustrating setback for Benitez's side but they could have been level just six minutes later. Gerrard swung a sublime free-kick to the far post where Daniel Agger ghosted in unmarked, only to put his free header over the bar.

It would prove a crucial miss too, as Liverpool suffered a major blow on the stroke of half-time when Mascherano was sent off for a foul on Ben Haim. The Argentina midfielder appeared to injure himself in the challenge and after lengthy treatment referee Lee Mason gave him a straight red card.

There was no denying that it would be an uphill battle in the second period and in recognition of that fact, the travelling Kop gave a heart-warming rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' as it got underway.

It seemed to do the trick early on as Liverpool dominated the play and Dossena tested Begovic with a deflected shot from distance. It was the Italian's last contribution as he was replaced by Yossi Benayoun just minutes later.

In their attempts to get back into the game, the 10-men were always going to leave space at the back and Portsmouth would have been two ahead on 56 minutes if Carragher hadn't produced one of his trademark blocks to deny Piquionne.

Liverpool needed a flash of inspiration and they almost got it on 66 minutes when the skipper surged on to a loose ball and drove at the hosts' defence. Side-stepping his man, he fed Kuyt on the right edge of the area. The forward's cross was disappointing, but Gerrard regained possession and hit a shot that took two deflections before being brilliantly saved by Begovic.

More of the same was needed if Benitez's men were to restore parity, but with the game stretched Pompey were just as dangerous on the counter. The impressive Jamie O'Hara sent a volley on the turn just off target while somehow Piquionne headed wide with the goal at his mercy.

With time running out, Torres opted to go it alone and almost snatched an equaliser when his mazy run took him beyond five, only for a last-ditch tackle to deny him at the last.

An El Nino goal would have seen him become the fastest player in Liverpool's history to score 50 league goals, but it wasn't to be on this occasion, as Piquionne sealed victory when he turned Carragher and drilled home on 82 minutes.

Rafael Benitez’s glowing tribute to Jamie Carragher: Liverpool FC latest

RAFA BENITEZ today paid a glowing tribute to Jamie Carragher as the Liverpool vice-captain homes in on another significant landmark.
Carragher will become only the ninth player in the club’s history to make 600 appearances when he takes his place at the heart of Liverpool’s defence against Portsmouth tomorrow.

He has been a constant, consistent figure during Benitez’s five-year reign and the Reds boss is quick to acknowledge the role Carragher has played in that time.

That’s why Benitez does not hesitate to describe the 31-year-old as “one of the best in the business” and has hailed both Carragher’s enthusiasm and determination to learn.

“It’s like I said with Stevie recently – to be at one club for such a long time and to play 600 games is absolutely amazing and shows the passion and commitment,” said Benitez.

“Before I came here, I watched a lot of games and was analysing the players and Carra always stood out as you could see he was a clever player.

“He wanted to be a central defender and he was keen to learn; you can see that he has improved and improved every single year. He is a top professional.

“That is the difference between him and other players. Some have different qualities but he analyses, he reads the games well and he can adapt to different situations.”

Though Carragher was capped 34 times by England and has won every major honour bar the Premier League, there have been times when, perhaps, he has not got sufficient credit.

It is a situation which Benitez is quick to sympathise with and he also points out that Carragher’s stock has risen since turning from a jack-of-all-trades to a master of one.
Since he started operating as a central defender, he has been able to exert an even greater influence on the team and Benitez believes Carragher still has scope to improve.

“It can be difficult for defenders to get recognition,” Benitez observed. “For strikers and midfielders, it is easy because everyone can see their goals.

“With defenders, you tend only to see own goals and mistakes getting highlighted, so it is more difficult to keep up their profile.

“But during the time I have been here, you can only say that Carra has done really well; he is one of the best defenders in England – and I’m sure he will continue to do well.”

Ironically Carragher may be asked to continue at right-back tomorrow when Liverpool attempt to build on Wednesday’s confidence-boosting 2-1 win over Wigan at Portsmouth.

Glen Johnson will be assessed by Liverpool’s medical team before the squad makes the long trip to the south coast but he is facing a race against time to face his old club.

The England international has struggled with injury in the past couple of months but Benitez will given him every opportunity to prove his fitness.

JAMIE CARRAGHER FACTFILE

Date of birth: January 28 1978

First appearance: Middlesbrough (a) January 8, 1997; lost 2-1

First goal: Aston Villa (h) January 18, 1997; won 3-0

Liverpool career: 599 appearances, 4 goals

Honours : FA Cup 2001, 2006; League Cup 2001, 2003; Community Shield 2001, 2006; UEFA Cup 2001; Champions League 2005; Super Cup 2001, 2005; FA Youth Cup 1996

England Honours: 34 caps (27 Under-21s caps)

Liverpool FC 2, Wigan 1: Relief as Reds finally get recovery springboard

ON the night they came to pay tribute to the man who made the people happy, at long, long last the people finally had something to smile about.

While Liverpool may not have been able to conjure up a display befitting the occasion, thanks to a combination of hard work and perseverance, the match closest to the 50th anniversary of Bill Shankly’s first as Liverpool manager was marked with a win.

This 2-1 dismissal of Wigan Athletic will live in the memory banks only for the fact some of the club’s most famous sons returned home, but there should be no underestimating its importance.

Having been caught in a maelstrom ever since Chelsea flattened them at Stamford Bridge on October 4, the Reds needed a helping hand from the footballing gods and, mercifully, they got one.

The night may have been billed as a celebration and the sight of heroes from the 1965 and 1974 FA Cup winning sides on the pitch before kick-off was designed to stir the crowd but, given what has happened recently, bonhomie was in short supply.

If anything, apprehension ruled; Anfield was eerily quiet for much of the contest, with little encouragement being offered from the stands; the first time it became apparent the stadium was full was when a loud groan greeted a misplaced Steven Gerrard pass.

Yet their apathy was understandable. Those who had made their way to the ground could scarcely believe the starting line-up did not include Fernando Torres, with many feeling Rafa Benitez had taken a gamble that was in danger of back firing.

No wonder. The mind instantly flashed back to those games in Torres’ first season when he was dropped to the bench against Portsmouth (away) and Birmingham (home) so he could have a rest; you will remember both ended in scoreless draws.

Had Liverpool fluffed their lines last night, the pressure on Benitez would have become almost intolerable, as his many critics would have seized upon Torres’ absence as another stick with which to beat the embattled Spaniard.

Torres, clearly, is still some way short of peak fitness and in all likelihood every week from now until the end of the season is going to be littered with bulletins on the groin problem which has proven so troublesome.

But Benitez, remember, is not a compulsive gambler and there is no chance with his team in such “a bad moment” that he would have sabotaged his own position by deciding to give his sharpest shooter a night on the touchline.

No. He has maintained all along that Torres will need managing to get him on the pitch as often as possible without undergoing surgery and if it means he cannot start two games in the space of four days, that particular pill must be swallowed.

Thankfully the man who took over from him was up to the task; David Ngog has improved in leaps and bounds in the past couple of months and his decisive intervention after 10 minutes helped settle nerves.
Fabio Aurelio’s inviting cross from the right touchline demanded a finishing touch be applied and Ngog took advantage of Chris Kirkland’s indecision to glance a deft header into an unguarded net.

It would be wrong to start making bold predictions about what Ngog might do in the future but for a 20-year-old to have scored six goals already at this stage of the season in a team that is struggled is a hardly a bad return, is it?

People are right to lament the board’s failure to give Benitez the cash he needed in the summer to buy a second proven striker but the young Frenchman has done everything he possibly can to take some of the pressure off.

He was central to Liverpool’s best moments as an attacking force during a first period that could be kindly described as uneventful and, with better fortune, Ngog might have doubled his tally before the break.

Full of running and youthful enthusiasm, Ngog dragged one chance the wrong side of the post after seizing on an Aurelio pass which ricocheted off Hendry Thomas, while he also turned provider for Dirk Kuyt but the Dutchman’s shot was beaten out by Kirkland.

His critics say he is not strong enough to cope with the intensity of 90 minutes yet and Benitez has admitted regular sessions in the gym are pencilled in to build Ngog up, but he started the second period just as strongly as he finished the first.

Evidence of that came when, on 51 minutes, he and Kuyt combined thrillingly on the right, Ngog firing an instant cross back to his strike partner after an adroit flick sent him scurrying away; unfortunately, Kirkland’s parry was as spectacular.

There is no doubt much of the ovation that swept around the stadium when he was replaced by Torres midway through the second period was for Liverpool’s number nine but few could dispute Ngog’s efforts deserved recognition.

As much as Liverpool were pressing for that all important second goal, however, you never once felt the situation was one with which the crowd were comfortable, every stray pass or skewed drive being greeted with exasperated groans.

Never was that more evident than when Jamie Carragher was forced to pass back to Pepe Reina from just inside his own half, as there were no options available to him in midfield and the closer they got to full time, the more uncomfortable it became.

Anfield’s inspirational qualities have been lauded on these pages many times before but, in times of adversity, the expectation with which the club is burdened can almost become suffocating and there is no disputing the crowd was close to turning.

Heaven knows what might have happened had Wigan substitute Jason Scotland found the back of the net rather than hitting the bar when presented with an open goal but, fortunately, we will never know as Torres came up trumps just when he was needed.

Charles N’Zogbia did his best to cause palpitations when squeezing a shot past Reina in injury time but Liverpool were able to cling on to three precious points; they must be used as the first shoots of recovery.

LIVERPOOL (4-4-2): Reina; Carragher, Agger, Skrtel, Insua; Benayoun (Aquilani 81), Gerrard, Mascherano, Aurelio (Lucas 61); Kuyt, Ngog (Torres 64)

WIGAN ATHLETIC (4-5-1): Kirkland; Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa; Gomez (Koumas 82), Scharner, Diame (Scotland 58), N’Zogbia; Rodallega.

Goals – Ngog (10), Torres (79), N’Zogbia (90 +2). Referee - Phil Dowd

Booking – Mascherano (76) Att: – 41,116.

DAVID PRENTICE: Fernando Torres record makes him one of Anfield’s greatest

ASK for a list of Anfield’s greatest ever goalscorers and the same, familiar, names are trotted out like a mantra.

Rush, Fowler, Hunt, Dalglish, Owen, maybe Hodgson and Liddell if you’re a proper student of Anfield marksmen.

The order may change, depending on your age, but not the names.

One voracious goal-getter who should always be included, but is often overlooked, is John Aldridge.

And that has always astonished me.

Aldridge’s goalscoring record, wherever he played, is a phenomenon of the modern sporting age. And at Anfield he was at his prolific peak.

Which is why Fernando Torres’ record deserves open-mouthed amazement.

The goal Torres clipped past Chris Kirkland on Wednesday night was his 61st in his first 100 Liverpool matches.

That exactly matches the strike ratio achieved by Aldridge.
But when you factor in that Aldo supplemented his tally with penalty kicks, that Torres has had to come to terms with a new league, a new culture, and a whole new style of football, it makes his goalscoring ratio absolutely and utterly outstanding.

In future when you ask for a list of Anfield’s greatest ever goalscorers, Torres will be surely be sandwiched in amongst the Rushes and the Hunts.

Liverpool FC manager Rafael Benitez hails the ‘amazing’ Fernando Torres and allays fears over finances

MANAGER Rafael Benitez last night paid tribute to “amazing” Fernando Torres as he dismissed concerns that Liverpool’s financial restraints could trigger the striker’s exit next summer.

The 25-year-old frontman is set to make his 100th appearance for the club in tonight’s Premier League clash with Wigan Athletic at Anfield.

Torres needs two goals to reach a half century of league strikes quicker than any other player in Liverpool’s history.

The Spaniard has proved to be a major hit since he was snapped up from Atletico Madrid for £20million in the summer of 2007.

“He’s been an amazing signing for the club,” Benitez said.

“His first year was fantastic and he did everything really well. In his second year he had some problems with injuries but he still did well.

“Hopefully this year he’ll give to us the same as he did in his first season. On the pitch he is good but he is also a great professional and he means a lot to the fans.”

Liverpool’s struggles so far this season and their inability to compete financially with their rivals due to the huge debts imposed by co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks have raised fears Torres may decide to cut short his stay on Merseyside.

Reports have suggested big-spending Manchester City are prepared to test the club’s resolve with a huge bid.

However, Benitez insists Torres understands Liverpool’s financial situation and he is convinced none of his star names will have to go anywhere else in search of Champions League football next season.

“I was talking with Fernando and Steven Gerrard recently, and they know we have a different situation to other clubs that we have to manage,” Benitez said.

“We were talking about the future of the club and they were both very supportive. Everyone wants to win trophies and our idea is to bring silverware to the club every year.

“We have lost some opportunities but we still have the FA Cup and the Europa League. We must also improve in the league.

“They know the priority is to perform now, not talk too much about the future. We are working together and I can guarantee we will finish in the top four.”
Benitez believes the home fans will have a key role to play tonight in helping Liverpool bounce back from the defeat to Arsenal against a Wigan side who have the worst defensive record in the Premier League.

“Our fans are very clever and they know the way to improve and change things is to support and stay behind the team,” he said.

“The fans will always be with the club because it is a massive club and we have the best fans in the world.

“We have to perform on the pitch and it will be easier for them to support the team.

“Ever since I arrived here, I have been really proud. Every time we go to another country, you can see what Liverpool means to everyone – like in Asia for example. The fans are disappointed, and we are disappointed too because we want to improve and win games. The only way to change things is to keep working together.”

Javier Mascherano is expected to be fit but Glen Johnson faces a late fitness test after picking up a knock last weekend.

There will be a parade of Liverpool legends on the pitch at half-time tonight to mark the 50th anniversary of Bill Shankly’s first game in charge.

Anfield to remember Bill Shankly before Liverpool FC's match with Wigan Athletic

LIVERPOOL are to stage an emotional parade of legends at Anfield tomorrow to mark the 50th anniversary of Bill Shankly’s first game in charge of the Reds.

Shankly Boys including Ian Callaghan, Kevin Keegan, Phil Thompson and many more will take to the pitch at half-time during the game against Wigan to pay homage to the Scot.

The game provides the nearest date to Shankly’s opening match, a 4-0 defeat to Cardiff on December 19, 1959.

The sounds of ‘Amazing Grace’ – Shankly’s favourite hymn – will reverberate around Anfield to mark the historic anniversary.

Fifteen former stars from the 1960s and 70s, along with nine members of Shankly’s family will be introduced at the interval and a mosaic on the Kop will be unveiled.

Club stalwart and former captain Tommy Smith, who played under Shankly throughout his time in the Liverpool hot-seat, says paying homage at Anfield to the man from Glenbuck is a fitting way to mark the anniversary.

The Anfield Iron admits it could be an emotional occasion for all involved – one he hopes will inspire the current squad.

Smith said: “It is something we should do every week as far as I am concerned.
“It is amazing how quickly Shanks turned things round at Liverpool Football Club and I can’t remember any other team winning as much as we did under him in so little time.

“Shanks was a great manager and I can’t say anything bad about him – the only thing was he didn’t like leaving anyone out and wouldn’t do it until the very last minute.

“He left me out of an Arsenal game and I wasn’t too pleased, but the next day it was forgotten.

“Shanks is the greatest manager football has ever produced and getting together to remember him like we are doing will be an honour for every one of us who were privileged to play under him.

“It will be fantastic to step back out at Anfield with so many great players from the club’s past – and so many great friends too.”

Other players who will once more step out in memory of their old manager will be 60s legends Tommy Lawrence, Roger Hunt, Ian St John, Gerry Byrne, Ron Yeats, Chris Lawler, Willie Stevenson, Geoff Strong, Ronnie Moran and from the 1970s, Keegan, Thompson, Steve Heighway, Gordon Milne and a member of the late Emlyn Hughes’ family.

Keep the faith, urges Liverpool FC boss Rafa Benitez ahead of Wigan clash

RAFA BENITEZ today urged his players to keep faith in their ability – as he challenged them to put a different light on the season by securing back-to-back wins.

The Liverpool manager admitted following Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal that his squad was suffering from a chronic lack of confidence after a run of just three wins in 15 games.

That sequence has left the campaign teetering on the brink, even though they remain just seven points off fourth spot with the pivotal festive period to come.

Benitez remains insistent Liverpool will achieve their ultimate objective of qualifying for the Champions League next year but, at the same time, he knows a victory against Wigan Athletic tonight at Anfield is absolutely imperative.

But should they take three points off the Latics – then follow up with a win on Saturday at Portsmouth – Benitez is adamant his side will become a different proposition, which is why he will tell them to replicate their recent work at Melwood.

“You see the training sessions and the players are doing really well,” he said. “Every single game is important and we have some players coming back from injury.

"If we can win the next two games, the confidence will be there.

"It could be a massive difference come the end of the week.
“Maybe in two weeks, you will see the change in the league table.

"We will have played a lot of games and hopefully we will have a lot more points.

“I think it is only going to take one or two wins for things to change.

"Why? I see the players every day and they are doing really well.

“These are top class players, they have got experience and when things start to change, it will be easier for everyone to enjoy themselves.

"We have to have the confidence that we can play well, score goals and win the game.”

Javier Mascherano has shaken off the knee problem that forced his substitution against Arsenal and will be fit to take his place in the starting line and Benitez does not envisage making too many alterations this evening.

What he hopes will change, however, is Liverpool’s frustrating recent tendency to throw away leads – something they have done five times in the last eight matches.

“The (Glen Johnson) own goal was a massive difference on Sunday,” Benitez reflected. “You could see some of the players were thinking ‘this might be difficult for us’.

“We have to show people we are better than that. I’m sure if we can score a second goal in a game, we will do that and you will see the confidence improve.

“You also have to remember we played a good (Arsenal) team with three of our players (Steven Gerrard, Fabio Aurelio and Fernando Torres) still not match fit; once they improve, we will be better.”

Liverpool FC must draw inspiration from Bill Shankly to get back on track - Dirk Kuyt

MEMORIES of a golden era will be evoked tonight when a collection of Anfield’s favourite sons gather to pay homage to the club’s greatest influence.

Members of the 1965 and 1974 FA Cup winning teams, including Roger Hunt, Kevin Keegan and Phil Thompson, will line-up at half-time to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bill Shankly’s arrival – the moment when Liverpool Football Club became an institution.

It will be hugely poignant to see those men returning home and their presence, perhaps, will provide a lift to supporters still smarting from a calamitous sequence of results that have plunged the Reds’ season into disarray.

More than anything, though, the sight of giants such as St John and Yeats, Lawler and Byrne, Heighway and Milne will, inevitably, lead a certain generation of fans to recall Shankly’s famous maxim that ‘first is first and second is nowhere’.

That Liverpool’s major aim for the year is to win the race for fourth is a painful reminder of how things have changed; yes, qualifying for the Champions League is crucial for revenue and attracting top players but, for a club of Liverpool’s stature, it can never be called success.

Still, needs must and the Reds, quite simply, cannot afford to miss out on that objective, even though the chances of them doing so appear to be dwindling by the week, Sunday’s 2-1 home defeat to Arsenal providing more woe for a disenchanted crowd.

But if spirits have been sagging on the terraces, there is no room for wallowing in self-pity in the dressing room and Dirk Kuyt, scorer of Liverpool’s goal against the Gunners, believes there is a need to go back in time to save the future.

Great Liverpool sides of the past never let painful reverses knock them out of their stride and while the atmosphere around Melwood has been flat for the last 48 hours, Kuyt has promised there will be an emphatic response when Wigan Athletic visit this evening.

With games against Portsmouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers to follow, there is a clear opportunity for Rafa Benitez’s side to make up lost ground and Kuyt believes the players owe it to everyone connected with the club to come good again.

“When you play for Liverpool, you have always got to focus on the next game,” said Kuyt, who has rediscovered his shooting boots in recent weeks. “We want to be in the top four and we need to change things as quickly as possible – that is our target.
“We won’t dwell on Arsenal and we know Christmas could be a good period for us. When we beat Manchester United, we really wanted to take it on from there but unfortunately we have kept dropping points since then.

“All I can say is that the players, the manager and everyone connected with the team is working really hard to change things. I know if we keep going with this attitude that will happen for us.

“We all have confidence that we can finish in the top four but the first focus is to win the next game, which is Wigan. That’s all we can do. People might have heard us say that before but that’s just the way it is.

“You can’t sit down and start thinking ‘how bad are we?’ or ‘aren’t things terrible at the moment?’ – this is almost the same team that did really well last season; we’ve got some people coming back from injuries who are getting fitter.

“It is tough at the moment. It really is. When you are working as hard as we are every day to get the best results, you want to see it happen but that’s life. We are all very lucky people to play for Liverpool and that’s why we want to change things.”

But how does the change come about if the team is working as hard as Kuyt says? Why, suddenly, has the team that never knew when it was beaten surrendered leads in five of its last eight matches?

What alarmed most about the Arsenal defeat was the fact Liverpool went out with barely even a whimper, never mind kicking or screaming, their heads dropping alarmingly after Glen Johnson’s own goal cancelled out Kuyt’s opener.

Kuyt, like so many others, has spent the last couple of days soul searching but is at loss to explain why they caved in – what he does know is there can be no sign of a repeat against a side who have given Liverpool some uncomfortable moments in recent years. “It was unbelievable,” Kuy reflected.

“We controlled the first half and created chances and Arsenal did not cause us many troubles, so it was good performance and maybe you could say we were unlucky not to score more than one.

“We just said at half-time that we wanted to keep it up in the second half and keep playing the way we did but it didn’t happen.

“I don’t know why. It was so strange.

“‘Johnno’ was really unfortunate and then they scored a second before we knew what had happened.

“The lads were so disappointed; we’d played with a lot of effort, confidence and we were ready for the game, that’s why it is so difficult to explain.

“I’m so confused by it all. This is my fourth season here and the first couple of years, we were so close to big trophies. We were almost there last season and we wanted to get (the Premier League) this year but we are far away from that now.”

TOMMY SMITH: Two tactical moves that might help Liverpool FC out of their slump

WHEN you see a Liverpool side at Anfield hang its head and effectively capitulate after going behind, you know something is wrong.

I’m not for a second telling Rafa Benitez how to do his job, but for what it’s worth here’s my view of how the Reds might start to put things right.

We’re obviously short of a second quality striker up front and the boss must be allowed to go out and get one in January to give Torres a hand and the team another option for when he is missing.

We’ve also had our problems at the back – and have got to keep addressing them.

But for me the real issue now lies in midfield. Javier Mascherano is a fantastic guy to have in the engine room but the balance with Lucas alongside him is just not right for me.

I think the time has come to move Steven Gerrard back into the centre of midfield alongside the Argentinean. We need more steel and creative ability than we’re getting just now and moving Steven back would provide it for me.

Glen Johnson is a superb footballer but not a natural defender. I’d move him forward to the right side and find another solution for the right-back slot.

I just feel those two moves have got to be worth a try given the malaise we’re stuck in.

But that said, whatever the manager decides, and whoever is out there in red, we can never afford to let our heads drop like we did in Sunday’s second half.

Things are not as bad as some people make out. For 45 minutes we dominated Arsenal and should have had the game sewn up.

Tonight the lads should remember how well they did for those first 45 minutes.

And this time rip into Wigan with real belief and determination – for the full 90 minutes.
I’M saying Rafa Benitez must reinforce his squad in the January transfer window. But it seems the real question is: “Will he be allowed to?”

Rumours are the owners may not have a penny available for the manager to spend.

But for a club of Liverpool’s stature – and after a summer when Benitez’s net spend was virtually zero – that is unthinkable.

This is the manager’s squad now I know and we have to admit there are some players brought in who just don’t look up to it.

Of course there are others – Torres, Mascherano and Reina to name but three – who very much are quality buys of Rafa’s. All three have been great additions and are worth far more now than Liverpool paid for them.

But it’s clear we need squad strengthening and somehow Tom Hicks and George Gillett have to find the money to help. That is their duty as owners.

Fear is, the need to repay interest on big debts may mean Rafa gets nothing in January.

That would not only be shameful, it would damage the hopes Hicks and Gillett have of cashing in and getting a high price for Liverpool when they do sell up.

They’re in it to make money. But not finding any for Rafa next month will hardly help them get their price.

Jamie Carragher prays for salvation - Liverpool FC latest

JAMIE CARRAGHER today called for a show of strength from Liverpool’s players to save their season – and admitted they could do with some divine intervention, too.

The Reds let a golden opportunity to make up some lost ground on their Champions League rivals slip yesterday, as they were beaten 2-1 at Anfield by Arsenal.

That only tells a fraction of the story, though, as Liverpool looked in complete control when Dirk Kuyt put them ahead in the first half but were unrecognisable after the break.

Arsenal left with three points thanks to Glen Johnson’s own goal and a superb Andrey Arshavin strike but Carragher accepts Liverpool only had themselves to blame.

It leaves Liverpool embroiled in a dreadful run of form but Carragher feels the time has come to end the mounting criticism in style – starting on Wednesday against Wigan.

“We started off well in the first half and should have had a penalty but you have to give credit to Arsenal, they’re a top side,” said the Reds’ vice-captain.

“The manner of the goals we conceded were unfortunate but other than them scoring, I can’t remember them having too much else, which is why it is so hard to take.

“We’ve just got to dust ourselves down now and move to Wednesday. For the quality of the players and the stature of the club, we should be doing better.

“Statistics (like three wins in 15 games) can change quickly and we have got to do that. It’s tough at the moment but part of playing for Liverpool is having big character.

“That’s what we need now. Between now and May it is going to be a grind at times but we have got to stick together, get through it and, as I’m doing, pray to God that at the end of the season there will be something worthwhile for what we’ve gone through.”
There is no disputing injuries have wreaked havoc on Liverpool’s season and yesterday was the first time in more than two months that Rafa Benitez was able to name his strongest team.

But he still saw Glen Johnson and Javier Mascherano pick up knocks to make them doubts for the meeting with Wigan but Carragher refused to use blame the situation on fitness problems.

He, simply, believes the rebuilding process needs to be taken a step at a time and says it is imperative form improves.

“We can’t look for excuses,” said Carragher. “That’s the way it is at top level football – we know that any little thing can get pounced up and that’s happening at the moment.

“Wigan is a massive game for us. I’ve tried too many times down the years trying to work things out, so there’s no point looking further ahead than that.

“We’ll just try and get three points on Wednesday and then move on to Portsmouth. We’ve got to look at ourselves and realise that we’ve got to do much better.

“There’s still some lads who aren’t 100 per cent fit yet, so there’ll be improvement to come but we need to get this team playing regular.” ”

Rafa Benitez wants Liverpool FC to end Champions League campaign on a high

RAFA BENITEZ today demanded Liverpool end their disappointing Champions League campaign on a positive note – as he considered handing Stephen Darby a first start.

The Reds go into tonight’s final Group E clash against Fiorentina with only pride to play for and Benitez knows there is likely to be an unusual atmosphere inside Anfield.

However, he will tell the side he selects to be positive in order to preserve their current six match unbeaten run and has confirmed Alberto Aquilani will start in midfield.

Aquilani, though, will not be the only change and Darby is in contention to take over from Glen Johnson at right-back, as Benitez tries to give some of his squad a break.

Darby, who led Liverpool to FA Youth Cup success in 2007, has made two appearances for the senior side so far, but none at Anfield.

He figured as a late substitute at Spurs in the Carling Cup defeat last season, then came on in Eindhoven as the Reds won 3-1 against PSV.

It is likely the team will have a blend of youth and experience – both Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres will be in the squad – and Benitez expects it to be good enough to win.

“We will go into the game disappointed because always you want to be playing for something and that is not the case,” said Benitez.

“But we will be going to win for our fans and some players, like Aquilani, will have an opportunity to start, so we also have to do well for them.
“It will be good for Aquilani and we will be able to see how he does in a game, as it is completely different to doing well in training.

“This is also an opportunity for us to play well, to win and score some goals. We have a problem in that Fiorentina are a good team, they are well organised and will try to win.

“They will make it difficult for us to find spaces but that is what we will try to do and we want to make sure we win.”

Torres will be involved for the first time since Liverpool drew 1-1 with Lyon on November 4 but Benitez has warned he is not yet ready for 90 minutes.

Provided everything goes according to plan, Torres will come on in the second half to put himself into contention for Sunday’s crucial Premier League meeting with Arsenal.

That game is clearly in Benitez mind as he wants his squad to be in top shape but is aware men like Dirk Kuyt, Jamie Carragher, Lucas and Emiliano Insua, have all had increased workloads in recent months.

“Fernando cannot start yet for the same reason that Alberto hasn’t been able to start – it has been three or four weeks since he trained properly,” said Benitez.

“But we want to try and give him some minutes. How much depends on the way the game is going but we will prepare him properly and probably use him in the second half. We will change some players but still we will play some big names.”

Liverpool FC latest: Be patient with Alberto Aquilani, urges Rafael Benitez

RAFAEL BENITEZ believes it would be wrong to make an instant judgement on Alberto Aquilani as the Italian prepares for his long-awaited full Liverpool debut this evening.

Aquilani will make his first start since his £18million summer arrival from Roma in the final Champions League group game against Fiorentina at Anfield.

The 25-year-old has been restricted to just 22 minutes of action from the bench since making his comeback from an ankle injury that delayed his Liverpool bow until the Carling Cup clash at Arsenal in October.

Having been cautious to introduce Aquilani in recent weeks, Benitez has vowed to use the midfielder as often as possible during the remainder of the campaign.

But the manager has urged the Anfield faithful to remain patient with the Italy international. “I think the fans will get to see the best of Aquilani this season,” said Benitez. “It is a question of time. We want to use him as much as we can this season, starting from tomorrow.

“We know that he will still need some time. I know he has quality so I will not be surprised if he is doing well, but I will not be pushing him if he is not playing at the level we know he can play.

“He has good movement and is clever and will take up good positions. But in terms of his fitness you cannot expect him to be at the same level as the others.

“He scored an amazing goal in training on Monday. Fabio Aurelio had scored a 30-yard volley and then Alberto scored with his left foot over Reina in the top corner.

“It was a chip, it was very, very good and he showed some touches of quality. In terms of his movement on the pitch he is very clever, but in terms of his tackling he has to improve.”

Aquilani is poised to line up alongside Javier Mascherano in central midfield this evening behind Steven Gerrard, who will be given the chance to improve his match fitness.

Fernando Torres, however, is likely to appear only as a second-half substitute with

David Ngog likely to lead the frontline after coming on from the bench during Saturday’s goalless draw at Blackburn Rovers.
And Benitez said: “Some players need to play more games because of their match fitness and some players need to rest. Steven needs to improve his match fitness, so to start with him is an option.

“If everything is okay, Fernando will play in the second half. After three or four weeks without playing, it is important to improve his fitness little by little.”

With Liverpool already out of the competition, this evening’s fixture represents an opportunity for a number of fringe players.

Diego Cavalieri is poised to replace Pepe Reina in goal, while Andrea Dossena and Stephen Darby could appear at full-back, with Martin Kelly missing out with an ankle injury sustained in training yesterday.

But despite the changes, Benitez is eager to extend a six-game unbeaten run ahead of Sunday’s Premier League visit of Arsenal.

“We know this is the Champions League and it is at Anfield in front of our fans,” said the Anfield manager. “Clearly some players will have an opportunity. Aquilani is one. We will see if they can impress and that is an extra motivation for them.

“It will be a totally different game to we have played in the past we know that.

“But our fans will try and see Aquilani, if some other players can play well or not, hopefully we can create this atmosphere.

“This game, for a top side like Liverpool, will be a game we must try and win.

“It is important for us to play well and face Arsenal with maybe more confidence.”

TONIGHT’S officials are from Slovenia, with Damir Skomina the referee.

Liverpool FC v Fiorentina Preview: David Ngog eager to follow in path of idol Thierry Henry

AS a young boy growing up in France, David Ngog dreamed of becoming the next Thierry Henry. Now the Liverpool striker is hoping to ensure any comparisons with his boyhood idol are for the right reasons.

Any youngster filling the Fernando Torres-sized gap in the Anfield attack might have expected a sympathetic ride from the critics.

Not so for Ngog, however, who briefly assumed the mantle of public enemy number one after the ‘diving’ furore against Birmingham City last month, when his tumble to avoid Lee Carsley’s tackle earned a penalty that ensured a 2-2 draw.

It was only when Henry had a hand in helping his country past the Republic of Ireland and into next summer’s World Cup finals that Ngog’s claimed indiscretion started slipping from public consciousness.

For many young players, it would have been the signal to step back into the shadows and retreat to anonymity.

Ngog, though, hasn’t had any choice as the continued injury problems of Torres have pressed him into action, with the 20-year-old again leading the line for tonight’s Champions League dead rubber against Fiorentina at Anfield.

And the forward says: “What happened after Birmingham is part of football. As for the criticism, you know you will be criticised. I just try to keep my mind on the positive parts of my game.

“I didn’t really speak to anyone about it around the club. But I thought the criticism was unfair, as I know I’m not that kind of player.

“I don’t know if the reaction to the penalty was a surprise. Afterwards, Rafa just told me to be focused on the football and not on the criticism.

“For me, I just tried to jump out of the way of the tackle and make sure I wasn’t touched. I wasn’t thinking about winning a penalty, but things happen fast on a football pitch.”

Ngog adds: “When I was young, I was a big fan of Thierry Henry. He is French, and for me is one of the best strikers in the world. He won the World Cup with France in 98 and was an example for me. I’ve never met him, but that’s something I’d like to do. Why not?”

One striker Ngog certainly has met is Torres, who he cites as having as significant an effect on his burgeoning career.

Torres is one of the best strikers in the world,” says the Frenchman. “I watch him in training. He is a good example, he is a great man and a great player. But I try to play my own game.

“I sometimes ask him questions, he has experience in the Premier League and it’s good for me to have that kind of team-mate.

“I want to be a top striker. It’s a good thing to have an example like Torres in front of me.

“I don’t think about that fact I’ve been replacing Torres. I just play my game without that kind of pressure. I just try to be focused on what I am doing.

“I can block that out of my mind. I know people are talking about it, but I’m not thinking about it.

“Everyone who comes to Liverpool knows there will be pressure. We know what people expect from us. That’s why I try to work hard in every training session and try to do my best in every game.

“I’m confident in my quality. I know I can give more to the team. The coach has given me a chance and I’m trying to make the most of it.”
Ngog has netted five times in 13 appearances this season, including the winner in Liverpool’s last Champions League game against Debrecen a fortnight ago.

Of course, Fiorentina’s victory over Lyon – who included Ngog’s cousin Jean-Alain Boumsong – means the Frenchman and his team-mates will be plying their trade in the Europa League after this evening.

Ngog, signed from Paris Saint-Germain at the start of last season, has moved ahead of Andriy Voronin in Benitez’s pecking order up front and is determined to make the most of his first-team opportunities.

“It’s going to be a long season and hopefully we can play a lot of games every player has to be ready to be involved, and that’s what I try to do when the manager gives me the chance,” he says. “I am trying to enjoy my football and score goals to win games.

“My team-mates have helped me to be better. I really enjoy playing with them. When you play more games and be more confident with those around you, you can score more goals.

“I am sure I have the quality to be more physical. I need to be more consistent with that, and that can help improve me in the Premier League.”

Ngog has already etched his name into Anfield folklore by netting the clinching second in the 2-0 win over Manchester United earlier this season.

And the striker is confident he has much more to offer Liverpool.

“Scoring against Manchester United was my best moment since coming here, for sure,” he says. “To score against United, when I know how important it is for the club, the fans and for me as well, is a good thing.

“The manager gives me confidence. It’s my job to do my best and to give everything to the team.

“As a player, we know what the manager expects from us. I’m still young, I need to improve and I will improve. For now, I am trying to move forward step by step and learn.

“When you are a striker, you know you are going to miss chances. You don’t worry about it. It’s part of a striker’s life. You know you will have another chance, and you hope you will score.”

Steven Gerrard sets his sights on Premier League title before his playing days are over

AT 500 not out there remain plenty of targets on Steven Gerrard’s radar.

The Liverpool captain made the landmark appearance at Blackburn on Saturday and, although a goalless draw meant Liverpool failed to celebrate the occasion in style, should Gerrard go on to realise what he set out to achieve in the game, he will retire a happy man.

At 29, that is some years away yet and time enough, he hopes, to land the only trophy that has eluded him during a professional career in which he has won almost everything there is to win at club level.

“It would mean everything to win the Premier League with Liverpool,” he admits.

“It’s frustrating not to have it already and I’ve come close on a couple of occasions.

“It’s frustrating to be where we are in the league now because this was meant to be the year where we were going to be right up there all the way through.

“It is important for us to try and get back up to the top of the table.

“I will continue to fight for the Premier League from now until I stop playing. Hopefully I can add it to my collection because it would round a fantastic career off.”

After getting his hands on two FA Cups, two League Cups. the UEFA Cup and, of course, the Champions League itself, the talismanic midfielder’s ambition has not been dulled.

“As captain, the most memorable moments have always got to be when I’ve lifted the trophies; the FA Cup and obviously the European Cup.

“If I had to pick a best moment so far, it would be the Champions League in 2005.

“It’s a difficult feeling to describe when you win wearing that red shirt, especially being a local boy and a Liverpool fan. Every time I get on the bus after a victory I feel on top of the world.

“I’ve still got many more ambitions and dreams that I want to fulfil before I finish.

“I have been around for 11 years and I’m getting towards 30 now, so I’m running out of time and I want to make the most of the next four or five years.”

As he reflects on the thrills and spills of his first 500 games for Liverpool it’s no great surprise that Gerrard singles out two where his influence was most telling.

“Some of the games I’ve played really well in have turned out perfectly for me.

“The second half in Istanbul worked a treat, scoring so early, making the run for the penalty and also making some important challenges at the other end too.

“That was a special game, as was the 2006 FA Cup final.

“They’re the games that stand out for the supporters, but I would like to think there have been quite a few other games where I’ve helped the team get the victory.

“But I don’t like when certain players are singled out. To win a football match you need all players involved.”

His manager broke rank last week to heap praise on Gerrard. It was something of a rarity from Rafael Benitez who typically applies an all men are equal philosophy to his players.

On the even of Gerrard’s 500th game for Liverpool, Benitez outlined his skipper’s exceptional match-winning qualities stating he is a player who ‘can win a game for you with one special moment.’

The Spaniard also highlighted Gerrard’s growing maturity throughout their five years working together, something the player recognises in himself.
Gerrard said: “I think I have matured as a player.

“I don’t go into stupid tackles any more or make silly decisions.

“Obviously I still make mistakes, every player does because we’re human, but I would like to think I’ve limited the amount. Getting the captains’ armband at such a young age has helped me mature into a good professional off the pitch too.

“I try to learn from my mistakes to make me a better person and player.”

It was Gerard Houllier who allowed Gerrard to fulfil his childhood dream of leading Liverpool out when the Frenchman handed him the armband in October 2003.

Gerrard replaced Sami Hyypia as club captain in what he describes as a ‘life changing moment’.

“To get told you are going to be captain of Liverpool at such a young age was a massive change for me,” he said.

“I knew people would start looking at me differently on and off the pitch, and that has certainly happened. My performances were scrutinised even more, but becoming captain is what I had always wanted and dreamt of.

“I have to take the good and bad of being a captain, but I wouldn’t change it for anything.

“Getting the armband was a career changing moment and a life changing moment too.”

Gerrard is now just 15 games behind his boyhood hero Kenny Dalglish on the club’s list of all-time appearances.

For some time now, people have spoken of the pair in the same breath as two of Liverpool’s greatest ever players.

With his career still in full swing however, Gerrard is reluctant to accept such high praise just yet and suggests judgement should be reserved until he finally hangs up his boots.

“I don’t think I am a Liverpool legend,” he insists.

“You can only call players legends when they’ve finished and you look back on their careers and they’ve been successful or a top player throughout.

“A lot of people give the legendary status out too early for my liking.

“I don’t see myself as a legend. I see the likes of Dalglish, Hansen and Rush as legends. They have been there and done it.

“Hopefully one day I can look back on what I’ve achieved and can say I’m a part of the legends at this club, but I certainly wouldn’t put myself in that bracket now.”

Pepe Reina: We didn't deserve a win at Blackburn Rovers - Liverpool FC latest

PEPE REINA admits Liverpool didn’t deserve any more than a share of the spoils from Saturday’s dour stalemate at Blackburn Rovers.

The Spanish goalkeeper kept a third successive clean sheet at Ewood Park but insists he would have happily sacrificed that for maximum points.

Substitute David Ngog went close to breaking the deadlock when he struck the bar, while Nikola Kalinic wasted a glorious chance for Rovers late on.

“I would swap a clean sheet for a victory all day long,” Reina said.

“Apparently we are defending better now than we were and that is important but we have to win because that is what really matters.

“Having said that, if you cannot win then the next most important thing is not to lose, so at least we managed that.

“It was a very difficult game, a physical game. We had two or three chances but they also had a couple of chances. It was a tight game and in the end I think a draw was a fair result.”

The draw extended Liverpool’s unbeaten run in all competitions to six games but they slipped back to seventh in the Premier League.

Wednesday night’s meaningless final Champions League group game against Fiorentina is followed by a crunch league clash with Arsenal at Anfield next Sunday.

“Our target now is simple – to win the next game,” Reina added.

“When we get to May we will be able to talk about what we have or haven’t achieved, that is the time to talk about everything.

“It is always difficult when you play away from home, especially when the team you are playing against pushes from the very first minute.

“We knew that Blackburn would be like this and we wanted to control the game from the very beginning but we couldn’t and at times it was difficult to deal with the first ball and the second ball.

“We came under some pressure but in the second half we showed another face and we were a lot better.”
Meanwhile, Rafa Benitez has held “positive talks” with Javier Mascherano about a new contract.

The Argentina midfielder is wanted by Barcelona but the Liverpool manager is determined to keep him at Anfield.

Benitez said: “We were talking with him and his agent a month ago about our idea and his idea.

“He’s doing really well and has come back to his best. We were really pleased to talk to him to make progress.

“We have plenty of time but we are happy with him and he is happier now too.

“He has two more years on his contract, we were talking before and we will sit down sooner rather than later and talk about the future. The last conversations that we had were very positive.”

Benitez is also hoping to tie up a new contract for Reina over the coming months.

“Pepe has been improving every single year and he will improve more because goalkeepers have more time in their career,” he added.

“He’s always positive and he’s one of the best in the training sessions because his attitude is always good.

“It depends on the agent and what the player wants but Pepe is very happy here in Liverpool so I don’t see a big problem. The team-mates love him because he’s a very good example.”

Blackburn Rovers 0-0 Liverpool FC: Full Time Match Report

LIVERPOOL had to settle for a point after a frustrating goalless stalemate with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

It was skipper Steven Gerrard’s 500th appearance for the Reds but he couldn’t find a way past a dogged Rovers side.

Substitute David Ngog came closest for the visitors when he struck the bar in the second half.

Rafa Benitez made two changes to the side which beat Everton 2-0 as Albert Riera and Yossi Benayoun were recalled at the expense of Fabio Aurelio and Ngog.

Riera occupied the left flank with Benayoun on the right and Dirk Kuyt pushed up front as the lone striker.

Blackburn also went into the contest on a high following their Carling Cup triumph over Chelsea in midweek but both sides failed to impress during a dour first half.

Gerrard had a shot deflected behind for a corner early on but Liverpool struggled to keep possession and ran out of ideas in the final third.

At the other end the visitors had to defend resolutely amid an aerial bombardment. They were indebted to Kuyt midway through the first half when his crucial defensive header cleared El-Hadji Diouf’s dangerous free-kick.

When Chris Samba nodded straight at Pepe Reina on 35 minutes it was the first save of the afternoon by either keeper.

Liverpool at least finished the first half the stronger with Lucas setting Gerrard clear on the left side of the penalty box.

However, the skipper was denied as Samba got across to deflect his shot behind.
The Reds enjoyed a major let-off just two minutes after the break. Steven Nzonzi put Franco Di Santo clear but the striker dallied and allowed Javier Mascherano time to get back and dispossess him.

The ineffective Riera was replaced by Ngog and the Reds finally started to pose more of a threat.

Paul Robinson had to keep out Gerrard’s 25-yarder and the captain had another effort deflected over.

On 57 minutes Liverpool had pleas for a spot-kick waved away after Gerrard tumbled over Nzonzi’s challenge in the box following good work from Lucas.

As the second half progressed the game opened up as both teams started to commit more players forward.

The Reds were just inches away from taking the lead with 20 minutes to go. Glen Johnson raced into the box and cut the ball back for Ngog whose shot rattled the bar.

The rebound dropped into the path of Kuyt but his goal-bound shot was forced behind by Samba.

Seven minutes later it was Rovers cursing their luck as Benni McCarthy fired wastefully wide when well placed.

Vince Grella also went close for the hosts, while at the other end Ngog just failed to connect with Gerrard’s header back across goal.

Daniel Agger stung Robinson’s palms with a long range effort late on but there was no way through.

Fernando Torres tells Manchester City he's not leaving Anfield - Liverpool FC latest

Fernando Torres has warned Manchester City they are wasting their time trying to lure him away from Anfield.

Reports this week have suggested the moneybags Eastlands outfit are preparing a £50million bid for the striker during next month’s transfer window.

Torres, though, has spoken of his love for life at Liverpool and of his pride should daughter Nora grow up with a Scouse accent.

“For me, Anfield is the best place in England,” said the Spain international. “I really feel at home here. From the first day I came right up until today I have felt that Anfield is my home. I feel like I am from Liverpool.

“Some of my team-mates have kids and they speak with a strong Scouse accent. I hope to be here for a long time and if my daughter speaks English and Scouse, I will be proud.

“I would like to be remembered as a player who won trophies for Liverpool. I have plenty of years here, I am sure about that, and I hope the trophies will come soon.”

Torres added: “For me, it’s amazing to score at Anfield and amazing to score in front of the Kop.

“When I hear people sing my name it’s the best feeling I can have on the pitch. Maybe it’s better than when I score a goal. I hope to hear my song a lot more in the future.
“The fans here have seen some of the best players in the world playing for Liverpool and now they sing my name, but I have only been here two years and I haven’t won trophies, I’ve only scored some goals.

“I hope in a few years I can talk about the victories and trophies I’ve won at Liverpool.”

Liverpool are among a number of clubs tracking Gabon international defender Bruno Ecuele Manga, according to the player’s agent.

The 21-year-old, who plays in the French second division for Anger SCO, has already attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.

And his representative, Yvan Le Mee, said: “Liverpool have been following him since last season.”

Liverpool FC refuse to release Javier Mascherano for Argentina’s friendly against Catalunya

LIVERPOOL have refused to release Javier Mascherano for Argentina’s friendly against Catalunya later this month.

The midfielder, who is skipper of his country, was named by Diego Maradona in the squad for the showpiece match, which takes place on December 22.

But with Catalunya, who are coached by Johan Cruyff, an autonomous Spanish region and not a country, the fixture is not recognised by FIFA.

And that has prompted Liverpool to withdraw Mascherano, given the fixture comes between the Premier League visit to Portsmouth on December 19 and the visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day.

Mascherano has been replaced in the squad by Esteban Cambiasso of Inter Milan, with Argentina expecting further withdrawals.

I’m so proud of 500 game Liverpool FC landmark – Steven Gerrard

STEVEN GERRARD has revealed his pride as he prepares to make his 500th appearance for Liverpool at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

The Reds skipper will become only the 13th player in the club’s illustrious history to reach the impressive milestone.

His debut also came against Rovers back in November 1998 and he admits the past 11 years have surpassed all his expectations.

“It means everything to me personally to get to 500 games because I’m a local boy,” he said.

“My dream when I was young was always just to play one game for Liverpool so to reach this milestone is a really proud moment for myself and my family.

“Around the time I made my debut my dad was always saying to me ‘you are so close to getting your chance’. I was just praying that chance came along.

“At the time we had injuries to big players like Steve McManaman and Paul Ince and I managed to sneak on as a sub.

“That was against Blackburn and now 500 games later I’ll be starting as captain against them this weekend.

“I’ve had an amazing career so far and hopefully it will continue to go the same way. I’m living the dream.”

The only major club honour missing from Gerrard’s CV is the Premier League title.

With the Reds 13 points adrift of leaders Chelsea he admits that is unlikely to change this season, but he believes after a tough few months better times lie ahead.

“We have to be realistic and at the moment we’re out of the title race,” he said.
“There is a lot of football to be played but Chelsea are looking really strong.

“Our main target is to get back in the top four. We’re on the back of a fantastic win against Everton and we want to continue that against Blackburn.

“We were so close last season but with virtually the same group of players we have under-achieved so far this season.

“What we’ve learned is that if you under perform you will fall behind as we’ve done.

“But I’ve got total belief in my team-mates that moving forward we can challenge for it. It has been too long since the club won the title and because it’s missing from my collection it’s the one I’m most desperate for.

“It’s a very difficult trophy to win but we won’t stop trying.”

Successive wins against Debrecen and Everton have helped restore confidence and Gerrard has praised Jamie Carragher for the part he’s played in the Reds’ revival.

The 29-year-old revealed he has been trying to convince Carragher to reconsider his retirement from international football.

“Jamie’s return to form has been vital,” Gerrard added.

“He got a little bit of stick earlier in the season but he’s been magnificent in the last couple of games and hopefully that will continue.

“I still feel that he’s good enough to be in the England set-up. I’ve tried to get him back and I’ll continue to try, but Jamie’s made a decision and I think we have to respect that. He’s certainly a top player and it’s a pleasure to play with him.”

Meanwhile, Fernando Torres’ hopes of facing Blackburn on Saturday have been boosted after he played a full part in training at Melwood yesterday.

The Spanish striker has just completed a three-week rehabilitation programme aimed at curing his groin injury.

The Reds will continue to monitor Torres’ progress before deciding whether to recall him for the trip to Ewood Park.

Torres has missed the last four games and not featured since the 1-1 draw in Lyon on November 4.

Liverpool FC boss Rafa Benitez assures Alberto Aquilani over lack of action

RAFA BENITEZ today moved to defuse the mystery surrounding Alberto Aquilani’s prolonged absence from Liverpool’s starting line-up – saying he won’t risk players who are not fully fit.

The Italian midfielder has been limited to just 21 minutes of action since joining the Reds in a £17m deal from Roma in August due to a major ankle problem.

Aquilani, though, has been a constant figure on the bench in the past month yet, much to the curiosity of supporters, Benitez has not given him any significant time on the pitch.

It has left many wondering if Aquilani will get his first start this side of Christmas but Benitez insists there is nothing sinister behind his lack of involvement.

Quite simply, the manager has explained that, so tight have some recent games been, it would have been a gamble to pitch an unfit player into battle with the stakes so high.

“It’s more simple than people think,” said Benitez. “He has been out for longer than we expected and, because he has been injured during the summer, he couldn’t train properly.

“Now it is much better and it is a case of improving his match fitness. We want to play him and we thought we might have been able to do that with the reserves at Wigan.

“That was called off (last week) but we had some games at Melwood and he played 45 minutes against our reserves last week. We are trying to improve him as quick as we can.
“But when you have a player who is not fit, he is always going to need time to settle in to a game; if the game is tight and he makes mistakes, then you have a problem.

“We want to protect the player but, at the same time, we want to keep winning games; he understands that he needs to be a little bit fitter before he can play.”

While sightings of him in a Red shirt have been few and far between, Aquilani is clearly a player of ability and, when he is introduced, he will give Liverpool an extra dimension.

Benitez, like supporters, is anxious for that time to arrive as quickly as possible but until he is certain that the 25-year-old can cope with the intensity of the Premier League, he will continue to do a fine balancing act.

“It has not been easy (to not play him) but we are giving him more encouragement in training sessions and he is getting much, much better,” said Benitez.

“We know he is a top class player and we want to do the best for him and the team; but the best for the player and the team sometimes means he cannot play.

“Think about this example. We were winning 1-0 (against Debrecen) the other day and me and Sammy (Lee) were talking about playing him.

“But if we played him for the last 20 minutes, when they were attacking a little bit more and he is not settled, maybe it will be the situation will become worse. It is not easy finding the balance but he is getting better all the time.”

Rafa Benitez’s tribute to ‘world class’ Liverpool FC goalkeeper Pepe Reina

RAFA BENITEZ saluted his “world class” goalkeeper Pepe Reina, after the Reds Spanish shotstopper made a memorable and match-winning double save at Goodison Park yesterday.

With Everton pressing fiercely for an equaliser Reina swooped to his left to parry a 70th minute Tim Cahill header, then recovered instantaneously to make a breathtaking follow-up stop from Marouane Fellaini.

It was the game’s pivotal moment and Benitez paid rich tribute to his keeper afterwards.

“For me he is one of the best keepers in the world and today he showed this again,” he declared.

“Pepe made a crucial save and showed he is a top class keeper.

“To defend in the 90 minutes a lot of free-kicks, throw-ins and corners against a team that is good in the air like Everton is not so easy.

“Pepe helped the defenders sometimes, but especially in this situation and he was amazing.

“When we signed him we knew we were signing a good keeper, but he has improved here and has learned here.

“The goalkeeping coach, Xavi Valero, is doing a good job with him and he is improving every day.”

Benitez acknowledged that the Reds’ opening goal – a wicked deflection off Joseph Yobo – was fortunate, but he also believed that the confidence gleaned from the 2-0 victory can act as a springboard now to finally mount a sustained charge up the table.

“It was really important for us,” he added. “We won against Debrecen and we knew that we needed to keep winning.

“This game was very difficult and also very important, so this game could be a plus for the rest of the season.
“We are higher in the table now. Everybody is happy here so we think we can keep winning some games.

“Clearly it was a difficult game. From the beginning they (Everton) were playing direct and also playing a set-pieces game so it was very difficult to control.

“And they are big and good in the air so we showed character.

“We were trying to play counter attack and sometimes we had good possession, other times not so good because they were on top of us. But again I will say we showed good character. We won and we scored two goals and at the end of the game maybe we had better control.”

Reds skipper Steven Gerrard was not the dominant influence he has been in previous derby matches, but boss Benitez claimed that his groin problem was not an issue.

“Steven doesn’t need a break, he needs to play!” said Benitez.

“But he does need some time to rest after games. We played the same team that had played Debrecen and the pitch was very soft.

“Some players did not train in the week and I was thinking of changing them near the end, but they were doing really well.

It’s always important to win, and to win games in a row is the key to stay higher in the table.

But at this moment we have to take one game at a time and we have done our job.“But we have some days now before we play against Blackburn so we can enjoy it and prepare the team for next week.”

Benitez also paid tribute to Jamie Carragher’s leadership qualities after the vice-captain marshalled a solid rearguard action.

“You could say today that Agger and Carra were doing a good job, but also the rest of the team because Mascherano and Lucas were working so hard in the middle helping defend, trying to challenge in the air and doing everything.

“But Carra is the one who can talk and who can organise the team and he showed character again.”

Everton FC 0, Liverpool FC 2: Reds' hard work is paying off

THINK of the Merseyside Derby and, in a flash, any number of sporting icons should come flooding into your thoughts.

They are names that will stand the test of time, men whose achievements on the field of battle will still be referred to when this generation is long gone, but never would you have considered linking the great golfer Gary Player with this contest. Until now, that is.

You will know where this is going. Player, of course, famously declared “the harder I work, the luckier I seem to get” and that quote could have been coined for the offering Liverpool served up at a rain-sodden Goodison Park yesterday.

Had this been a boxing match, the judges would, in all probability, have given the verdict to the Blue corner, such was their dominance in round 212 of this local squabble and not many would have been able to quibble with the assessment.

Hemmed against the ropes for most of the first period and a chunk of the second, Liverpool were fortunate Everton’s main goal threat spent the first 65 minutes resting his damaged thigh on the sidelines.

If Louis Saha had passed a fitness test before kick-off, there is a chance this narrative would have been more a post-mortem, reflecting on the latest in a line of sorry results to make the landscape look bleak going into mid-winter.

Yet thanks to perseverance, diligence, hard work and a sheer bloody-minded will to win, Liverpool were able to avoid being caught up in another maelstrom and, instead, got the result which just might kick-start this stuttering campaign into life once and for all.

There is no getting away from the fact Liverpool, as an attacking force, were dreadful, lacking cohesion or any sense of panache and Tim Howard, Everton’s reliable keeper, has probably never had so little to do on derby day.
Fortunately, the performances of the men at the back were a complete juxtaposition and the efforts of Jamie Carragher and Company, who provided the base to grab three precious points, standing tall when some may have expected them to cave in.

“I thought our defending as a team was very good and that is a positive for the future,” a relieved Rafa Benitez noted. “(Daniel) Agger and Carra did a very good job and we had (Javier) Mascherano and Lucas working so hard in the midfield to help the defence.”

Very true. There is no doubt Evertonians will be simmering with a sense of injustice today but there is also grounds for arguing their team got precisely what they deserved from an encounter that was played out in a terrific atmosphere – nothing.

It wasn’t Liverpool’s fault Everton had a striker – one that not long ago cost £24m – who kept wandering into offside positions or a £9.2m winger who couldn’t keep his feet when presented with a glorious chance to change the game.

What’s more, it’s hardly good fortune the Reds were able to keep their neighbours at arms length thanks to the brilliance of Pepe Reina, whose double save in the second half from Marouane Fellaini and Tim Cahill was the moment of a chaotic match.

Everton, simply, could not make their territorial superiority count and when you fail to take opportunities in games of such significance, there is always the danger it will come back to haunt you – Liverpudlians know that only too well.

Remember the visit of Manchester United in February 2007? Alex Ferguson’s men were battered to the point of submission but still ended up pilfering a 1-0 win; more recently, they failed to put Lyon away after dominating from start to finish.

So while they benefited from a huge slice of good fortune to take the lead after 12 minutes – Mascherano’s initial shot, if we are kind, was heading the wrong side of the post before deflecting off Joseph Yobo – there was nothing lucky about their defending.

Carragher, for one, was flawless; organising his cohorts at the back and chivvying that extra ounce of effort from them, he thundered into tackles, put his foot through bouncing balls and climbed highest for headers.
Alongside him, Agger was never in any danger of being bustled from his elegant stride, Glen Johnson and Emiliano Insua ran from first whistle to last, while Reina – whose save evoked memories of Jerzy Dudek in Istanbul – never put a glove out of place.

“You have to earn your luck,” David Moyes admitted afterwards; if that’s the case, he can have no quarrel with Liverpool’s clean sheet as, the more those defenders scampered and scurried, the less Everton threatened.

Despite winning, however, some continue to harbour grave doubts about Liverpool’s current health and after a performance that failed to see them put together a decent move of note, their minds are unlikely to be at rest.

Victory, though, was all that mattered here and while there may have been a paucity in quality, there was no disputing how much Liverpool wanted it – you only had to look at the celebrations which greeted Dirk Kuyt’s clincher and the final whistle to see that.

Everton might be enduring a similarly wretched run of form but it would have been naïve and misguided, had anyone expected them to simply roll over after a shambolic trip to Hull and back in midweek.

For one, their supporters would not have tolerated a repeat – especially against the arch enemy – and they generated a noise which was designed to help Everton’s players in any way possible; Moyes, equally, was up for the fight.

Happily for Benitez, and the pocket of Reds tucked away in the corner of the Bullens Road, so were Liverpool and there is now reason for believing this result will give the confidence that they should really have taken from flattening United on October 25.

That said, this is no time for making bold predictions; Liverpool, after all, have been so out of sorts for so long this season, that is best to simply look no further than the next game and see what that brings.

In all likelihood, another grind will be in store at Blackburn on Saturday but at least the Reds have shown they will not be fazed by the aerial bombardment Sam Allardyce is inevitably planning.

Liverpool, you see, have got their fight back – and should they continue to work so hard, it will a case of ‘when’ not ‘if’ the quality returns to provide a perfect accompaniment.