BENITEZ: MORI WORTH THE WAIT

PA Sport

Rafael Benitez declared the long chase to sign Fernando Morientes well`worth the wait and effort after the Spanish star netted his first Anfield goal to set Liverpool on the way to a 3-1 win over Fulham.

This was a must-win game for the Reds as they bid to cut the seven-point lead of neighbours Everton in the battle for the fourth Champions League spot.

Morientes followed up his outstanding first goal for the club at Charlton in midweek with an equally spectacular effort.

Benitez said: "We have been looking for a better level of performance and thankfully we seemed to have achieved that with three wins in succession. It certainly does a lot to replace the feelings we had after losing those three games in a week.

"And I am obviously delighted with Morientes. We needed a good target man and he has become that for us.

"He is good in the air, passes the ball well to the wings and is starting to link well with Milan Baros.

"It was a long wait for him, but he has been worth the wait. Good players make a managers' job easier. And he is a good player and a good professional.

"Each week he improved. He arrived here having not played for five months and now he is training every day and regaining his match fitness."

Benitez was happier, too, with his team's level of consistency. He said: "We have needed more consistency, and I was pleased certainly with the way we controlled the second half.

"We started the game well, had a poor 20 minute spell, but deserved the points with the way we played in the second period."

Fulham boss Chris Coleman revealed his players were furious with referee Rob Styles over the third goal because they believed he should have stopped play because of a head injury to Papa Bouba Diop.

Coleman said: "My players could see there was some blood and felt the referee should have stopped the game. Diop should have gone down but he was wandering around holding his head. But the point is that we should not have stopped until the referee blew his whistle.

"I was angry with all three goals that we conceded. We have 'knocked off'(fallen asleep) on all three occasions as the ball came into the box, and you can't do that at this level.

"I felt we were comfortable at times, we played well and I have certainly seen Edwin Van der Sar busier than that in games."

PA Sport - Liverpool 3 Fulham 1

PA Sport, 5 Feb 2005
Liverpool 3 Fulham 1

Fernando Morientes scored his first Anfield goal as Liverpool eventually claimed victory against hard-working Fulham.

Liverpool have now put together three straight victories to see them into the Carling Cup final and right back into the race for a Champions League spot.

But Fulham gave them a severe examination. Andy Cole's headed equaliser in the first half gave the West Londoners belief and for a long spell they were more than a match for the Merseysiders.

But the consistency of performance that boss Rafael Benitez has been demanding seemed to have arrived when Sami Hyypia and Milan Baros scored goals in the last half hour to secure the points.

Benitez was able to name an unchanged side for the first time since the open week of the season following the win at Charlton in midweek. It meant that Dietmar Hamann, who has agreed a new one year extension to his contract, returned from suspension to a place on the bench.

Fulham, who have never won a league match at Anfield, brought in Carlos Bocanegra for the injured Moritz Volz at full back.

The visitors, far enough away from the relegation zone to feel reasonably safe, soon found themselves under heavy pressure and a goal down after just eight minutes.

And Morientes - who scored a cracker in that victory over Charlton - soon opened his Anfield account with a gem of a goal.

Luis Garcia flighted over a hanging cross from the right and Morientes rose high to send a stunning header powering into the far top corner of the net.

But Fulham responded well and Lee Clark saw a 20-yard shot rise over the bar and into the Kop. And on 16 minutes they were level. Luis Garcia lost possession in midfield, Luis Boa Morte crossed from the left and Andy Cole ducked low to send a header past Jerzy Dudek without a defender within five yards of him.

Liverpool were instantly deflated and Fulham clearly boosted. And they they almost scored again when Pembridge's corner curled into the box and former Everton man Tomasz Radzinski flashed a header inches wide of the far post.

Once again Liverpool's frailty in the air at the back was evident, while Pembridge, Clark and the awesome strength of Papa Bouba Diop made life pretty uncomfortable for Liverpool's midfield who found themselves hounded out of possession - particularly Luis Garcia, who was constantly dwarfed by the giant Diop.

Liverpool opened the second period intent on improving the service from the flanks, and almost immediately Luis Garcia's deep cross was headed back by John Arne Riise into the danger area and only a fine saving tackle by Zac Knight hooked the ball off Morientes' toes.

Diop found himself booked for a foul on Riise, after a long list of heavy challenges, Fulham being pushed back by sustained pressure. And when Steve Finnan hooked back a clearance, Gerrard spun to hook a volley a foot over the bar.

But Liverpool's error ridden play was frustrating their fans. Much of the flak aimed at Djimi Traore and Igor Biscan who seemed unable to touch the ball without making some sort of mistake.

But when Traore's attempt at a cross from the left was handled by Clark, Liverpool were able to reclaim the lead. Gerrard's free kick curled in and Hyypia rose to glance a towering header past Van der Sar for his first goal of the season.

A minute later it was no surprise to see Biscan replaced by Hamann, who was soon the victim of a late Pembridge tackle that cost the ex-Everton man a yellow card.

Luis Garcia was booked for a foul on Pembridge on 73 minutes and three minutes later Liverpool grabbed their third.

Traore, of all people, managed to rob Diop in midfield and charged forward before the ball was spun out to Riise. The pulled back cross was expertly drilled home from eight yards by Baros.

But Fulham were furious with referee Rob Styles for not penalising Traore for the challenge on Diop. Van der Sar was booked for dissent but the goal stood.

Diop needed treatment, as did Gerrard who had clashed heads with the Senegal star seconds before the incident with Traore. Gerrard returned to the action with his head heavily bandaged.

Traore, now a changed man, produced an excellent saving tackle to divert a Bocanegra cross away from Boa Morte in the six yard box, as Liverpool secured their second league win in a week.

Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Traore, Luis Garcia, Gerrard, Biscan (Hamann 65), Riise (Warnock 89), Morientes, Baros (Smicer 82).
Subs Not Used: Pellegrino, Carson.
Booked: Luis Garcia.
Goals: Morientes 9, Hyypia 63, Baros 77.

Fulham: Van der Sar, Rosenior, Knight, Rehman, Bocanegra, Clark, Diop, Pembridge, Radzinski, Cole, Boa Morte.
Subs Not Used: Crossley, Legwinski, McBride, Jensen, Goma.
Booked: Rehman, Diop, Pembridge, Van der Sar.
Goals: Cole 16.

Att: 43,534
Ref: R Styles (Hampshire).

Official Site: SECOND HALF BRACE SEALS ANOTHER CRUCIAL WIN

Official Site
Mark Platt 05 February 2005
Liverpool boosted their aspirations of achieving a coveted top four finish in this season's FA Barclays Premiership with a crucial 3-1 win over Fulham this afternoon.
Second half goals by Sami Hyypia and Milan Baros sealed a victory that closes the gap on Everton to just four points.

Fernando Morientes had earlier netted his first Anfield goal to give the Reds an 8th minute lead but Andy Cole levelled shortly afterwards and for long periods it looked as though this game would end 1-1.

Despite enjoying long periods of domination Liverpool found it difficult to breach a stubborn Fulham rearguard and it was with widespread relief that the two second half goals were greeted.

Rafael Benitez opted to field the same starting eleven that had performed so well against Charlton in midweek and the bright opening they made to this game pointed to another crucial victory.

Those hopes were raised further when Morientes opened the scoring. Nando is quickly becoming a crowd favourite and he endeared himself to the fans again with a glancing header from a Garcia cross that gave Van der Sar no chance.

It was a well deserved breakthrough but one that the Reds frustratingly failed to build on. In the 15th minute Garcia gave conceded possession in the centre circle and was punished for his error. The ball was played out wide to Boa Morte. He centred from the left and Cole converted with a diving header.

The equalising goal took the sting out of what had been an impressive start by the Reds and we had to wait until the 63rd minute before the ascendancy was regained.

Riise was fouled out wide on the left and Gerrard's delivery from the subsequent set-piece was turned home by the head of the big Finn.

Thirteen minutes from time Baros added a third and ensured there would be no nervous finale when he fired low past Van der Sar from close-range following a good run and cross by Riise.

BBC SPORT - Liverpool 3 Fulham 1

From BBC Sport

Liverpool stepped up a gear in the second half to move to within four points of fourth-placed Everton.

The Reds started the game brightly and Luis Garcia fed Fernando Morientes to superbly head in the opening goal.

But Andy Cole levelled with a diving header from Luis Boa Morte's inviting cross and Tomasz Radzinski went close.

The home side dominated proceedings after the break and Sami Hyypia touched in Steven Gerrard's free-kick before Milan Baros netted from close range.

Captain Gerrard had spoken confidently before the game of overhauling their rivals from across Stanley Park in the chase for a Champions League place.

And his team were in front inside 10 minutes when Morientes rose magnificently to head in Garcia's cross from the right.

Fulham, looking to protect an unbeaten Premiership run of five games, were having problems dealing with Liverpool's movement and passing, with Gerrard pulling the strings and Baros, Garcia and Morientes looking lively.

But Lee Clark pounced on a mistake by Garcia to find Boa Mortes, whose centre was met by a high-quality header from Cole and the game was transformed.

Radzinski found space to head Mark Pembridge's corner wide from six yards as Liverpool lost their early fluency.

Much of the unease stemmed from their defensive uncertainty, with the fans sensing their vulnerability on the counter-attack.

The Cottagers, looking for their first win at Anfield, were well marshalled at the back by Zat Knight, although Igor Biscan forced Edwin van der Sar to save low down to his left in the last meaningful action of the first half.

Liverpool pressed straight after the break and van der Sar cleared with his legs from Baros' cross, while Knight had to make a vital interception to deny the Czech striker after John Arne Riise had headed back Jamie Carragher's cross.

Gerrard was then inches over with an acrobatic volley as Fulham struggled to get out of their own half.

It was no surprise when the Reds' pressure paid off with a second goal, as Hyypia got a feint touch to Gerrard's free-kick.

Having relinquished control of the game in the first half after going ahead, Liverpool were in no mood to repeat the mistake.

Baros settled the outcome when he powered home the third from close in after Riise centred from the left.

Gerrard suffered a cut to his head in the build up, although the Anfield faithful were relieved when he re-emerged shortly after.

Boa Morte almost pulled one back in the closing stages, but Djimi Traore produced a timely block following Carlos Bocanegra's cross and Liverpool saw out the game comfortably.

Final Score: Liverpool 3 - 1 Fulham

Liverpool 3 - 1 Fulham

Fernando Morientes 9
Andy Cole 16
Sami Hyypia 63
Milan Baros 77

Reports to follow...

Poetry In Motion: Profile Of Steven Gerrard

From goal.com

His influence in the Liverpool team increases by the match, so what makes Steven Gerrard tick? Sasha Darnell Olufunwa profiles this midfield thoroughbred who is constantly linked with other clubs…

Steven Gerrard was born in Liverpool on the 30 May 1980. No one could have imagined the impact he would have on his home-town club. Unlike Fowler, Owen and McManaman, Gerrard wasn’t highly bragged about as a player coming through the youth academy. In fact most Liverpool fans will confess that they hadn’t heard too much about him, at the time he made the big and not always successful jump from the reserves to the senior team. Gerrard though endeared himself to the Liverpool faithful in the 4-1 drubbing of Sheffield Wednesday on 5th Dec 1999, in which he scored a truly brilliant goal. This was a clear glimpse of what he had to offer.

Gerrard began to emerge as a key player as time passed but he was prone too often to reckless lunges, which were met by red cards. His temperament was often in question. It was clear that for all his ability he had still yet to mature. Gerrard’s steepest learning curve though was taught to him emphatically in the FA Cup final of 2001, in which his battle with Patrick Vieira was billed as the clash on which the result could rest. That day Patrick taught Gerrard a big lesson, it was almost like man against child the gulf in ability was huge. Though Liverpool won the Cup that day, Gerrard being the professional that he is would have gone to sleep wounded at his destruction by Vieira who at the time was regarded as the best in the business in his position. Gerrard knew the benchmark he had to reach to be the best - and he arguably has now surpassed it.

When Houllier gave Stevie G the armband, he seemed to become a footballer possessed, his performances on the pitch were like nothing else. He was everywhere seemingly doing everything. His long range passing ability which at times was often erratic became more penetrating and less frequently used. I do not think many Liverpool fans could ever have visualized such a huge transformation in him. Gerrard represented an LFC fan’s dream and an opposing fan’s nightmare.

Those of us “armchair critics” often forget about our own inabilities to be professional footballers and would scream out when we felt we could do better, when in reality we couldn’t. The captain represents our mentally visualised capabilities, running out on the pitch in that famous red jersey. Gerrard is not simply a hero but an icon : he represents so much to LFC fans, because he is a massive fan himself, he hurts just like we do; only he has the opportunity to do something about it. His rejection of “Chelski” was probably the greatest day of my life. For him to turn down that amount of money meant football and LFC to Gerrard meant simply more, the affiliation he had with his home club could clearly not be easily eroded even by, dare I say it, Abramovich.

Questions arose on who would fill Owen’s shoes as he flew off to Spain, Baros on the back of his exploits in the Euros was quick to sing his praises as the saviour and though he has done well it seems like it is Gerrard who has picked up the mantle. His goals this season have been invaluable. His value to Liverpool is indefinable. He kept LFC in the Champions League with his cracker of a goal, more or less single-handedly took Watford to the sword to helped LFC to the final of the Carling Cup. His goals in the league have also been imperative for that fight for 4th spot. An area where he has failed to impact and probably the most major criticism aimed at him is the fact that he has not completely transformed his club form to international level. He would have been disappointed by his overall performance in the Euros not because it was substandard but because he didn’t reach the high standards he set in the league.

But then this is a criticism that can be levied at Scholes and Lampard and a few others. Gerrard though is still only 24 but is regarded as the complete player, he has played in probably every position bar goalkeeper and excelled. He can though at times try and win the game by himself and by doing this he can still be overzealous in tackles and ping too many long passes which go astray, this is usually a result of frustration at the lack of creativity around him. Xabi Alonso though has definitely lifted a lot of the creative burden off of him as his passing range is arguably better.

Concerning though is the constant speculation surrounding his future; it has made it unbearable for us fans to read the papers as it seems whenever Liverpool lose he is subsequently off to Chelsea. Or that he has been seen house-hunting in London. Gerrard’s honesty at times is his biggest weakness; some might consider it an absolute disgrace that the captain, the man everyone is supposed to look up to, is sending out a message that playing for Liverpool Football Club isn’t good enough. When that message comes from someone like Steven Gerrard, it can only lower morale throughout Melwood and the Academy. It also leaves the manager with an impossible job when he has to encourage players to join the club when the captain is proving hard to keep at it.

Whether Gerrard stays or goes depends on the improvement in LFC this season. This is very hard to assess due to the terrible injury list suffered, but fourth place will not represent an improvement on last year. This though would seem the best obtainable league position this year and even this is by no means certain. Champions League progression and picking up the Carling Cup could make him stay; anything less may see the prodigal son leaving the Reds. This would be so absolutely devastating that I choose not to contemplate the idea fully. Losing Owen was upsetting but Gerrard leaving will be nothing short of catastrophic. It would be symbolic of Liverpool FC’s demise in the English game that it couldn’t keep probably one of the best players in its history because of a lack of ambition on and off the field. A ‘Sword of Damocles’ is no doubt subliminally hanging over the head of Rafael Benitez, he has to show he can transform Liverpool’s fortunes in maybe only one season.

Though he may not show his pressure by his demeanour he has often admitted to not being able to sleep and instead prefers to write down solutions to the problems circulating in his mind through the night, to the annoyance of his wife. This though is an illustration of his commitment and devotion to the cause. Benitez has the pedigree to achieve this aim, he wrestled the La Liga title back to the Mestalla after a longer absence than that of the title in England from Anfield. The lack of funds has not hindered Rafa in his outlook but it would be naïve for any of us to accept that without investment he can achieve this aim. Gerrard will not be favourable to seeing Liverpool struggle for funds as this is an indicator of ambition, this is why investment before the end of the season is essential if he is to stay and there is no shortlist of takers.

Morgan, L4 consortium and The Thais are all eager to invest or even take control, investment will not only facilitate transfer market expenditure but also see the pictures of the stadium realised in its construction. Success on the pitch can only be matched with success off it. This needs to be strived for, the board must share the same ambition as the Captain. Gerrard is without doubt one of the best in his position in Europe; in fact I would argue that he is the best. He is not only the captain of the club I love or even my hero; he is an “anomaly” on the football pitch in the modern day game. If he is to leave though, the initial hurt would be immense but true Liverpool fans would never boo the skipper that blessed the turf of Anfield.

The sight of Gerrard charging down the pitch is simply poetry in motion, he is a purpose-built machine; the word athlete is just too simple a depiction to give of him. So be it if he leaves; the money he would generate would be in the region of 30 million, so it seems, though I would think the 40 million mark is a more reasonable figure given that Drogba went for 24 million. The cash generated would go to improving the squad so maybe all may not be as bad as one might perceive but there is no doubt given the choice us fans would definitely not want to see him leave.

BENITEZ AWARE OF PRESSURE

From Sporting Life

Rafael Benitez admits that his tremendous success at Valencia is making his task at Liverpool more difficult.

The Reds still trail rivals Everton by seven points in the battle for fourth place in the Barclays Premiership and they need to beat Fulham at Anfield on Saturday to maintain the pressure.

Liverpool's form in January was poor and attracted a lot of criticism but after reaching the Carling Cup final and beating Charlton on Tuesday, Benitez hopes that is now a thing of the past.

It is taking time for Benitez's methods to bear fruit and he admits the pressure on him is different from at Valencia, where he did not have a big reputation to live up to.

The Spaniard said: "When I arrived in Valencia, people said he is not a famous manager. Here I arrived with two leagues and one UEFA Cup, a lot trophies, and then it was different.

"The first year at Valencia was not good enough but after three years we had the best statistics in the club's history, and I would like to do the same here."

Benitez believes he has now emerged from his first really critical spell as Liverpool manager, when he faced intense scrutiny after losses to Manchester United, Burnley and Southampton in the space of a week.

He said: "I have had situations like this before in Spain. When you win, people pat you on the back. If you lose, a lot of people are around you talking about you. It is more difficult perhaps here, because trying to talk is difficult for me."

Benitez has always insisted that any transformation at Liverpool will take time and Norwegian midfielder John Arne Riise - who grabbed the winner at Charlton, his sixth goal of the season - agrees.

Riise said: "Everybody surely could see that a new man can't change everything straight away. But I think he, and the players, have showed the fans that we are playing decent football.

"We are keeping the ball more and have more options to play and we are working hard in training to get a system of playing.

"This season has been up and down, but we are in the final anyway of the Carling Cup and still in the Champions League, so it has not been a bad season. Hopefully next season is going to be even better."

Benitez's injury woes could be easing as the Fulham game approaches. Harry Kewell has started training again and could be involved, while Vladimir Smicer made his comeback at Charlton after a six-month recovery spell from a knee operation.

Smicer played 45 minutes of the reserves' win over Middlesbrough on Wednesday, a game which also saw the return of Antonio Nunez after a three-match suspension.

Mauricio Pellegrino - left on the bench at Charlton - also played in the first half while Anthony Le Tallec completed his second full game in five days after a period of inactivity while out on loan at St Etienne. Josemi are both also close to a return to training after lengthy injuries.

Add Anfield Road to My MSN and My Yahoo

If you've an account with Yahoo or MSN, you can now easily add Anfield Road to your home page - using the new features of "My Yahoo" and "My MSN".

If you've not got an account, it's easy to get one with either provider.

To add us to your My MSN or My Yahoo, click the icons on the right and follow the instructions anytime you like. Or to save time, click the icons below:

Treat your loved one to a meal - at Anfield!

Looking for a better gift for your loved one this year for Valentine's? Well why not have a romantic meal for two at the home of your other loved one - Anfield?

If you follow the link below, you'll see details of this offer.

Anfield Experience.

Le Tallec: I Made a Big Mistake

From the Official Site
Paul Eaton 03 February 2005

Anthony Le Tallec has reflected on his decision to spend the first half of the season in France and admitted: "I made a big mistake."

The 20 year old French midfielder is now back at Melwood after Liverpool agreed a deal with St Etienne to cut short his season long loan spell, but he accepts there could be a long road ahead before he's considered for first team football again at Anfield.

Le Tallec requested a loan move after failing to receive assurances from Rafa Benitez that he would play regular football for Liverpool this season. But after an unsuccessful and injury plagued six months abroad, he's now determined to justify Benitez's decision to give him a second chance on Merseyside.

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.tv, Le Tallec said: "I made a big mistake. I accept that. I wanted to go on loan because I wanted to play a full season of first team football and I thought I would get that in France.

"But things went wrong for me over there. The manager changed the system of play and I got an injury which kept me out for two months. It just didn't work out for me at all.

"Looking back now it was the wrong decision for me to have made. I should have stayed here and fought for my place. I'm young and I just wanted to play.

"When I heard that Liverpool wanted me back I was very happy. This is still my club and England is still the best league to play in. I thought I made the right decision at the start of the season but I always missed Liverpool and now that I'm back I want to do as well as I can."

After being disappointed with his midfielder's attitude in wanting first team guarantees at the start of the season, what has the Liverpool manager had to say since Le Tallec's return?

"He has been very honest with me," said Le Tallec. "He told me I must start training with the reserve players at Melwood and then if I do well I can train with the first team again. That's a normal situation and I accept that.

"It's up to me now. I have a point to prove and I want to show the manager I am good enough to be part of his first team plans. I believe I have the ability, I just have to work hard and play well in the reserves to prove myself.

"This is a different club now to what it was six months ago when I left. There are lots of new players here and I need to get to know them. I'm looking forward to the challenge which lies ahead of me now. Of course I want to play in the first team but I realise there are no guarantees at a club like this.

"I still have great confidence in my ability. I have never lost that and I do believe I can break into the first team squad before the end of the season. That is my aim now and I am more determined than ever to make it happen.

"I have taken over the number 13 shirt - hopefully it won't be unlucky for me!"

Smicer has a chance to prolong Anfield career

Feb 3 2005
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

Vladimir Smicer and Harry Kewell celebrate

RAFAEL BENITEZ admits Vladimir Smicer could cap his recovery from a career-threatening injury by earning a new Anfield contract if he helps inspire Liverpool into the Champions League.

The Czech midfielder was warned his career could be over after undergoing surgery on a serious knee injury on the club's pre-season tour of America last summer.

He confirmed his rehabilitation, however, by making a first appearance of the season as a late substitute in Tuesday's morale-boosting victory over Charlton at The Valley. And he also featured as a second-half substitute for the reserves in last night's 2-1 win over Middlesbrough.

Smicer has only 13 league games, plus the Carling Cup and Champions League, in which to prove he merits a new contract when his current deal expires at the end of this season. But Benitez will consider offering the 31-year-old an extension if he makes a major impact on Liverpool's push for fourth place.

The Liverpool manager revealed: "He doesn't have much time left but if he comes in and scores ten goals before the end of the season then what would we do? It's obvious.

"The most important thing in these situations is not what is said off the pitch but what a player does on it.

"There is always the possibility of a new deal if Vladi plays well and scores goals. He is a very good player and a good professional. He can play in different positions for us, but now he needs games.

"If you have talent and skill then it makes it easier, you just need to have the right mentality to go with that. Vladi is an international player with a lot of skill and ability and he can get us goals.

"If he plays well from now until the end of the season then he will have more options in the summer." Smicer admits he would relish the opportunity to extend his six-year Liverpool career.

But he accepts his past successes for the Czech Republic and Liverpool will count for little unless he convinces Benitez he does have a role to play at Anfield.

The midfielder, who aggravated a cartilage injury during last summer's friendly against Celtic, said "I like it here and don't want to leave. It's just down to getting fit and playing as much as I can before the end of the season.

Smicer added: "I must not set too many questions for myself at once. If I start thinking too much about what the manager is going to think of me that will not help matters.

"I am not 20-yearsold now. I have played many games at international level and for Liverpool, so I am at a certain level. I just need to be patient and the manager will decide if I am alright or if he prefers someone else.

''Hopefully my luck will change and I can stay fit and start enjoying my football again because it was a really sad year for me."

Meanwhile Fernando Morientes' stunning debut Premiership goal will be the first of many, claimed Liverpool match-winner John Arne Riise.

Riise said: "There was some pressure on him because of his reputation and all the talk about him before he came.

"But he is a really nice guy, so easy to talk to and he works well in training. He was always going to need time to get used to the Premiership.

"He has shown in training what a good finisher he is and he proved that against Charlton with a sweet left-foot shot.

"There is a lot more to come from him and we are looking forward to it."

Liverpool's win at The Valley meant they avoided a third-successive league defeat, and Riise added: "I think the Charlton win was our best performance away from home of the season.

"We knew that after playing three or four games not that good lately, it was a must-win for us, especially when (close rivals) Tottenham and Middlesbrough lost as well."

Goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek echoed Riise's praise for Morientes, adding: "It was a fantastic goal and Fernando did a very good job for us. It was a goal that was impossible to stop.

"We needed that win very much because Charlton were level with us and it was a massive win."

Gerrard photographed in Saints shirt!

In this case Saints means St Helens Rugby League Club, not Southampton FC.

From saintsrlfc.com
Liverpool and England footballer Steven Gerrard took his place in the Knowsley Road dressing room and donned a 2005 Saints shirt…but he is unlikely to be taking the field against Widnes Vikings on 11th February.

Gerrard, who has played on numerous occasions at Knowsley Road for Liverpool reserves, was taking part in a shoot for Lucozade, which will be unveiled over the coming months.

Liverpool reserves return to Knowsley Road on Wednesday 16th February when they take on St Helens Town in the Liverpool Senior Cup. Kick-off is at 7.30pm.

CLEMENCE HAS PROSTATE CANCER

We were quite sad to hear this piece of news today about Ray Clemence. This man was between the sticks for Liverpool in the season that they achieved the still-unbeaten record of only 16 goals conceded in a full league campaign. And that was over 42 matches, not the 38 that the current crop of players seem to struggle with. We'd like to send our best wishes to Ray and his family.

From Sporting Life.

England goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, the Football Association has revealed.

Clemence will miss England's training sessions next week before their friendly against Holland as he takes a break from work to receive treatment.

But he told the FA's website, www.thefa.com: "The news I have had from the doctors so far has been very positive and encouraging.

"I'm looking forward to getting the treatment out of the way and returning to work as soon as possible."

Clemence - who won 61 England caps, as well as three European Cups and five titles with Liverpool in an impressive playing career - has been the national team's senior goalkeeping coach since 1996.

England Under-21s goalkeeping coach Martin Thomas will work with the senior squad in his absence, while FA youth coach Tony Parks will coach the under-21 side's goalkeepers during that time.

Clemence, 56, is the second member of Sven-Goran Eriksson's backroom staff to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the past year.

Former Manchester United assistant boss Brian Kidd withdrew from the back-room team for the Euro 2004 finals to receive treatment, prompting Steve McClaren's return to the international fold on a part-time basis.

Kidd underwent surgery in May last year, and his subsequent progress offers Clemence considerable hope of a full recovery.

Kidd recently told the Manchester Evening News: "The treatment I received has been successful, and I've been told that I can get on with the rest of my life.

"That's exactly what I intend to do. I wouldn't even rule out going back to where it all started and working for a club's community programme as I did in my early years at Old Trafford.

"The main thing is that I'm fit and well, and open for business again."

ZAK AND FOY HELP RESERVES TO BORO WIN

Official LFC Website, 2 Feb 2005
Steve Hunter at Wrexham

Goals from Zak Whitbread and Robbie Foy helped Liverpool reserves bounce back from Saturday's heavy defeat at Aston Villa to beat Middlesbrough 2-1 at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground.

Liverpool battled hard for the victory and Vladimir Smicer got 45 minutes in the second half which will do him the world of good on his way back to fitness.

Anthony Le Tallec again played the full 90 minutes as a central striker and Mauricio Pellegrino and Antonio Nunez both played 45 minutes.

Stephen Warnock had a great game at left back showing great determination and attitude and John Welsh and Darren Potter battled hard in midfield. Scott Carson had another solid and safe match in goal.

Boro's experienced goalkeeper Carlo Nash was called into action twice in the opening 15 minutes making decent saves to keep out efforts from Le Tallec and a stinging drive from Foy.

Liverpool opened the scoring after 29 minutes and it came from a right wing corner. The ball fell to Zak Whitbread who turned sweetly and produced a brilliant finish giving Nash absolutely no chance.

Welsh went close to making it 2-0 with a fierce strike well held by Nash after a good run from midfield.

Mauricio Pellegrino had a good 45 minutes when he played the first half and was constantly shouting encouragement and helping the young lads like Whitbread and David Raven alongside him.

Vladimir Smicer and Jon Otsemobor both came out for the second half replacing Nunez and Pellegrino.

Otsemobor had a great second half and within two minutes of the restart he had made an instant impression. Striding down the right wing he produced a superb low cross for the unmarked Robbie Foy to score the second goal.

Six minutes into the second half Le Tallec should have made it 3-0. Warnock fired in a great cross from the left which was superbly headed to Le Tallec by Smicer. Unfortunately the French striker couldn't get the contact he wanted and Nash made the save.

Richie Partridge made a comeback on the hour mark as he replaced David Mannix and after six weeks out we hope the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international winger can have some better luck on the injury front.

For the opening 65 minutes of the game goalkeeper Scott Carson had very little to do apart from catch one or two crosses. Then like last week against Birmingham he showed how good his concentration levels are with a fine save. Thomas Craddock broke into the Liverpool penalty area and looked certain to score but Carson denied him.

Boro pulled a goal back with 13 minutes left when Adam Clough got in behind the Reds defence down the right and from his cross Jason Kennedy slotted home.

It made for a nervous finale but Liverpool could easily have built up a bigger lead. First Le Tallec ran clear but scuffed his effort straight at Nash then Smicer was unlucky with a neat chip that just cleared the bar.

Liverpool Reserves: Carson, Raven, Warnock, Whitbread, Pellegrino (Smicer 45), Potter, Nunez (Otsemobor 45), Welsh, Le Tallec, Mannix (Partridge 60), Foy. Subs unused: Luzi, O'Donnell.

Middlesbrough Reserves: Nash, Hines, Taylor, Cattermole, Bates, Wheater, Lemere, Kennedy, Graham, Craddock, Johnson.

Referee: P J Grove.

Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the Match: Stephen Warnock. Had a good match at
left back.

Charlton 1 Liverpool 2 (Full Time)

Charlton 1 Liverpool 2
From Sporting Life

A second-half fightback saw Liverpool come from behind to beat Charlton 2-1 at The Valley and boost their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

The visitors had hit the crossbar through skipper Steven Gerrard, before Shaun Bartlett headed Charlton into the lead after 20 minutes.

Liverpool were back on level terms soon after the restart when Fernando Morientes drove the ball past Dean Kiely from just inside the box and John Arne Riise won it with 11 minutes left.

Luis Garcia up-ended Konchesky on the left touch-line during the opening stages, giving Murphy an early chance to test the Liverpool defence with a free-kick deep into the danger area.

The delivery had just too much pace on, though, and Hermann Hreidarsson was unable to connect at the far post.

Liverpool, though, almost took an early lead in the eighth minute.

The ball broke to Garcia just inside the box. His angled drive brought a fine save from Dean Kiely.

Gerrard was first to the rebound, but scuffed his shot somewhat, the ball cannoning into the ground and up onto the crossbar before being hacked clear.

Baros then drove a low shot just wide from 25 yards after turning sharply to make space for himself in a central position.

Charlton were ahead in the 20th minute when some quick footwork from Murphy on the edge of the box saw him get to the by-line and drive the ball across goal, with Jamie Carragher having to make a timely intervention.

From the resulting corner, taken by the former Liverpool player, Bartlett was given a clear run into the six-yard box, where he powered a header past Jerzy Dudek from point-blank range.

With 25 minutes gone, Kiely took no chances when getting down at his right-hand post to turn Gerrard's low drive from the edge of the box behind for a corner.

Hyypia was on hand to unceremoniously hack away Konchesky's low centre into the six-yard box, as Bryan Hughes closed in on goal.

Liverpool, without a Premiership win since January 3, would have drawn level in the 33rd minute, but for a fine piece of goalkeeping.

Gerrard took the ball into the area and out to the left by-line before pulling it back across the six-yard box. Fernando Morientes had timed his run to perfection, only for Kiely to somehow make a fantastic block at the Spaniard's feet.

It was then Dudek's chance to take the plaudits.

The Pole was at full stretch down to his left to tip Hreidarsson's glanced header away following another deep free-kick delivery from Murphy.

Both sides enjoyed spells of decent possession as the interval approached, but neither could find the decisive pass in the final third.

And when Morientes did pick out Gerrard a couple of yards outside the Charlton area, the England midfielder drove a low effort horribly wide.

HT: Charlton 1 Liverpool 0

Baros raced clear onto a long ball up field, but Kiely was quick off his line to make a brave collection at the Czech striker's feet.

Charlton were patient in their progression during the opening to the second half.

However, Liverpool were quick to mop up any stray passes in the final third, and looked the more dangerous on the counter-attack.

In the 53rd minute, the visitors were denied by the woodwork again.

Baros fed John Arne Riise into the left side of the penalty box. Luke Young resisted the temptation to dive in, only for the Norwegian to drive the ball goalwards.

Kiely did not have much time to react, but got the faintest of touches to deflect the ball up onto the crossbar.

Curbishley had seen enough of his side being over-run, and so brought on Radostin Kishishev for Jerome Thomas as the hour mark approached.

However, the tactical switch could not prevent Liverpool getting a deserved equaliser in the 61st minute.

Hughes was caught in possession by Baros 25 yards out, and the Czech international promptly fed Morientes.

The Spanish striker then neatly side-stepped Jonathan Fortune's challenge on the edge of the box, before drilling a left-footed shot past Kiely.

Charlton came close to regaining the lead when Dudek could only parry Konchesky's angled shot, and Djimi Traore just got to the loose ball ahead of Murphy.

In the 66th minute, Jason Euell replaced Hughes.

Hyypia was fortunate not to get cautioned when he checked Murphy's run on the half-way line as the game entered the final 20 minutes.

Hreidarsson did well to cut out Morientes' cross from the left, but could do little as Liverpool took the lead with 12 minutes left.

Garcia collected the ball around 20 yards out, and carried it on to the edge of the penalty box before slipping a lovely pass inside the full-back for Riise to run on to and drill low past Kiely into the bottom corner.

Even the introduction of former Everton striker Francis Jeffers could not get Charlton back into the game.

Pfa: Clubs Not Drawn into Transfer Frenzy

By Ian Parkes, PA Sport

The Professional Footballers’ Association believe the January transfer window underlined “the pinch” currently being felt by many Premiership clubs.

A total of more than £60million was spent throughout the course of the month, excluding undisclosed deals, with just five transfers comprising more than half that figure of the 86 overall.

Jean-Alain Boumsong was the most expensive capture, joining Newcastle from Rangers for £8million, with Tottenham spending the same amount on Nottingham Forest duo Andy Reid and Michael Dawson.

Following that, Liverpool paid £6.3million to Real Madrid for Fernando Morientes, with Merseyside rivals Everton splashing out £6million on James Beattie, while Manchester City picked up £7million from Fenerbahce for Nicolas Anelka.

Yet almost half of all transfers were loans, which to PFA deputy chief executive Mick McGuire maintains an upward trend as clubs are opting for such a move rather than going for the big-money deals.

“I don’t think there’s been a lot of movement. It’s been steady throughout the month,” commented McGuire.

“Around 40 of those were loans, with only 18 for money, although there were a number of undisclosed deals which are likely to be for nominal sums.

“There were only 15 moves on the last day, which is not a great number. If you look at it, there were one or two deals on each day and then a big crash at the end.

“I remember come the final day of a transfer window they used to pour in. I think the Premier League is feeling the pinch and going for short-term fixes to help them out.

“We are seeing more and more loans, with players going from Premier League clubs to Football League clubs, which is quite often to give younger players opportunities.

“It is probably what you would expect at a time when there’s readjustments at Premier League clubs who are feeling the pinch so they can be flexible and remain committed financially.”

Murphy: I'm dying to face Stevie - he's best on planet

Feb 1 2005

Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

DANNY MURPHY admits he has been looking forward all season to facing the man he believes is now the best midfield player in the world.

But the former Reds star also acknowledges it will be an out of the ordinary experience tonight when he comes across good pal Steven Gerrard.

Murphy faces his close friend for the first time in a pivotal fixture in the battle for fourth spot.

Gerrard was injured when the sides met at Anfield earlier in the season, so Murphy is anticipating tonight's clash with a combination of relish and trepidation.

"It's something I've been looking forward to all season," said Murphy..

"Stevie and I have been speaking about this for ages and thinking how strange it will be. As a player, you always want to test yourself against the best and as far as I'm concerned there's no midfielder in the world better than Stevie.

"And I'm not just saying that because he's my mate.

"Offensively, defensively, and in terms of athleticism and goalscoring from midfield, there's no-one better.

"I'm not sure what role he'll be playing tonight because I know he's been playing in a more forward role, but with Didi Hamann suspended I'd expect him to be against me in the middle. We should see quite a bit of each other and there'll be a lot of banter going on.

"I won't be so stupid as to get involved in many 50-50 balls against him, that's for sure.

"It's always strange playing against your mates. You give each other lots of respect, but you can't let that get in the way of your performance.

"It's not just Stevie, of course, but Carra, Ginger (John Arne Riise) and Sami Hyypia too, who I speak to on a regular basis. From the reports I've been getting, it seems Stevie and Carra have been the two outstanding players for the club this season, which is nice to hear."

After a slow start, 27-year-old Murphy is enjoying his best spell in London since his shock move last July.

The decision to leave was his after being told he was not guaranteed first-team football, and he knows although the circumstances are different, his pal faces a dilemma of his own at the end of this campaign.

Murphy said: "From a Liverpool fans point of view - and I am still a supporter - the idea of Stevie leaving the club is something nobody wants to contemplate.

"You just can't replace a player like that. It doesn't matter how much money someone offers you, you're never going to get someone who can do what he can.

"Stevie's said it's something he's going to look at when the season's over and I know he'll be a lot hap-pier to see a player of the calibre of Fernando Morientes at the club. That's the quality of signing Liverpool needs to convince him to stay.

"Being in the League Cup final also helps because I know how much he wants to lift trophies as a Liverpool player. If Liverpool can go further in the Champions League, it will all help to make sure Stevie stays.

"As a supporter, obviously I hope he does."

Charlton are one of the Premiership's form sides, creeping to the brink of a Champions League spot without anyone noticing.

After the hothouse of Anfield, the low-key Valley suits Murphy.

"At Liverpool every defeat was a crisis and every victory meant you'd 'turned the corner'," Murphy recalls.

"Here it's less intense. No-one really talks about us much and that allows you to just get on with your work. The London press are more interested in Chelsea and Arsenal than us, so we can just plod along nicely, getting good results.

"We're playing well and I'm very confident we can get a result tonight. Only Arsenal and Chelsea have given us a bit of a beating at The Valley, so our home form is pretty solid.

"Personally, I'm feeling a lot more settled. I've just moved into my house and I feel good about my game.

"I wish I was getting on the scoresheet a bit more. If we can get three points tonight, I'll feel even better."

Whatever the result, Murphy is determined to savour the occasion.

"Stevie and I will definitely be swopping shirts at the end of the game," said Murphy.

"Everyone wants a Liverpool jersey with Gerrard's name on the back, although to be honest, I'm not sure how many in Liverpool will want a Charlton top with my name on it!"

Ian Rush - Addicks ought to be quickly dealt with

Liverpool Echo, 1 Feb 2005

By Ian Rush

CHARLTON'S is a team which can blow hot and cold.

But then again, the same can be said about Liverpool - which is why they are locked together on the same points in the Premiership.

So it is absolutely imperative Liverpool are not caught cold in the first 20 minutes of tonight's match, like they were at St Mary's a fortnight ago.

This evening's match is of huge importance to both clubs, but while Charlton were involved in a nervy FA Cup victory last Saturday, Liverpool enjoyed the luxury of a weekend off.

That can be a double-edged sword. It can allow players carrying niggles and knocks to rest up and recover properly, but unless you are properly focused it can also see some mentally switch off.

It is very rare for a Liverpool team to enjoy a weekend off at this stage of the season - I certainly cannot remember many from my playing days - but the Reds need to turn that into a positive by flying out of the blocks tonight.

It will be a tough match. Alan Curbishley has done an incredible job on the resources he has been given at The Valley. I do not think he would disagree that his side is probably over-achieving at present.

But they will really have the bit between their teeth tonight.

Franny Jeffers has had his moments against Liverpool in the past, while Danny Murphy will no doubt get a great reception from the travelling fans and will want to prove a point to Rafa Benitez.

He did a great job for Liverpool while he was there. He is a good passer and Liverpudlians know all about his dead-ball expertise, but if he was not going to figure week in, week out, the best thing for all parties concerned was to move on.

He has done that - and after a slow start is now getting close to his best again.

I am sure Danny will get a good reception tonight, but hopefully that's as far as the charity will extend.

Every match now is a massive one - and it would act as a huge springboard if the Reds could secure a vital victory at The Valley.

Wins can end rumours

THE Steven Gerrard rumours have surfaced once again - and while Anfield officials have moved quickly to rubbish this latest batch, the best way to spike them is to start winning games again.

If Liverpool are winning regularly, I am sure Stevie would be happy to stay.

If not, it gives the tabloids plenty of fuel for speculation.

Chelsea clearly admire Steven Gerrard as a player - who doesn't? - but it would certainly give Stevie food for thought if Rafa Benitez's side went to Cardiff on February 27 and beat Chelsea!

Hopefully Liverpool can embark on a decent run of victories from here on in and we won't hear any more Steven Gerrard speculation.

ITV considering selling their stake in Liverpool FC

ITV ponders Arsenal sale
Financial Times
By Tim Burt, Media Editor

ITV, Britain's leading commercial broadcaster, is to review its holdings in Arsenal and Liverpool football clubs as part of a non-core disposal programme.

The company will consider selling the stakes following completion of an imminent £30m share deal that will see its Arsenal holding rise from 5 per cent to almost 10 per cent.

Under a four-year-old commitment, ITV is to increase its stake in Arsenal in the first quarter - triggered by the football club's success in securing planning permission and funding for its new stadium in north London.

The stake in Arsenal and a separate near 10 per cent holding in Liverpool are worth an estimated £40m to £50m.

"If we could find someone to buy the stakes at the right price, we would exit," said one person close to the disposal review.

ITV has already raised £260m from non-core asset sales in the 12 months since the merger of Granada and Carlton, including its book publishing business and stake in Thomson, the French media services and electronics company.

Granada acquired the football club stakes and options to raise its ownership at the height of the dotcom boom, when broadcasters were seeking rights to football coverage on the internet.

Charles Allen, ITV chief executive, has ordered a review or all non-core holdings as part of an asset "clean-up" at the broadcaster.

British Sky Broadcasting has also off-loaded most of its football club holdings. Last year, the company sold its 10 per cent stakes in both Chelsea and Manchester United, followed by the sale of its Sunderland stake.

ITV made no comment on the likely timing of any disposals or whether it has already received approaches for the Arsenal or Liverpool shares.

Liverpool hopeful of making strong case to Gerrard

Times Online 1st February 2005
By Oliver Kay
STEVEN GERRARD has yet to be invited for tea and biscuits with Peter Kenyon and José Mourinho, at least as far as we know, but the latest reports of him being shown around properties in Surrey can only have increased the sense of anxiety at Liverpool, whose chief executive, Rick Parry, summoned him to a meeting last week to reiterate the club’s desire to help him to satisfy his ambitions without having to join Chelsea.

Far from meeting Chelsea officials to discuss a £30 million deal for Gerrard, as one newspaper suggested on Sunday, Parry and Rafael Benítez, the Liverpool manager, spent last week trying to convince the midfield player that he should stay at Anfield.

“Our position with regards Steven is exactly the same,” Parry said yesterday. “Rafa and I reiterated to him only last week that we want to build a team around him.”

Later in the day, at a press conference to look forward to the Barclays Premiership match away to Charlton Athletic tonight, Benítez joked: “My English is not that good, but, when I say around him, I do not mean without him.”

Gerrard, though, has been demanding signs of visible progress for some time and, despite improvement in some areas since Benítez replaced Gérard Houllier as manager last summer, the 25-year-old seems certain to leave at the end of the season, most probably for Chelsea, unless the pace of change increases dramatically. He hinted as much on Saturday, when it is doubtful that, as a summariser on Match of the Day, he was taken unawares when asked about his future by Gary Lineker.

Yesterday, in an interview with Liverpool’s official website, Gerrard was prepared to paint a slightly rosier picture, but there were no guarantees or promises about his long-term plans — and nor can there be when, by his admission on Saturday, he is already planning to “sit down at the end of the season and assess my future”.

Gerrard talked instead of his desire to catch Everton, who lead Liverpool by seven points in the race for the fourth Champions League qualifying place, and thus the necessity of victory at The Valley tonight.

“This is a vital fixture, without a doubt,” he said. “Every league fixture between now and the end of the season is going to be a must-win game. We can reel them (Everton) back in. We’re a better side than Everton in my opinion.

“Losing to Manchester United and Southampton and seeing us go out of the FA Cup against Burnley was one of the worst weeks I’ve had since I’ve been at this club, but we’re happier now than we were last week. We’re in the (Carling Cup) final, still fighting for a top-four finish in the Premiership and in the last 16 of the European Cup.

“If you look at the bigger picture, it’s not too bad. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say I’d like things to be better but, when so many changes are made, things are going to take time.”

Gerrard also rejected suggestions that Liverpool had become a one-man team, saying that such claims were “unfair” on his team-mates, but without question he has become the biggest personality at Liverpool Football Club. Too big, he will be told by his suitors from Stamford Bridge, but, even if he is wearing the blue shirt of Chelsea next season, Gerrard is determined to leave Anfield on a high.

Parry: 'Steve's future here at Anfield'

Liverpool Echo, 31 Jan 2005

Exclusive by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL chief executive Rick Parry believes Rafa Benitez's achievement in leading his side to his first major final will be the first step in creating a new era at Anfield.

Parry, who today dismissed claims of a secret deal to take Steven Gerrard to Chelsea as 'a complete fabrication', says Benitez has shown within a limited period why he was the perfect appointment.

And it Is Benitez's skills which make the club confident they can still convince their skipper his future is on Merseyside, despite Chelsea's well-documented interest.

Parry said today: "Reaching the League Cup final last week was what you could call the highlight of a classic week, given the disappointments of
the previous few days.

"The League Cup was a springboard for success in 2001 and gave the supporters a great day in 2003. Hopefully we can repeat that again.

"For Rafa to reach a major final in his first season is a great achievement, and no-one at Liverpool would belittle that.

"At the same time, while there was a lot of guff written following our FA Cup exit, even though we're all absolutely delighted to be going to
Cardiff, we will not be deflected from our primary objective which is success in the Premiership and Champions League."

It's clear many Anfield officials are still smarting following some fierce criticism in the aftermath of defeats to Burnley and Southampton.

Parry believes Benitez's initial impact when he enjoyed some notable scalps may have increased expectations about what could be achieved during his debut season.

"It's not just the fact we've reached a major final which has made Rafa's start so impressive," said Parry..

"It's the whole package and all the work he's done since he arrived. It's possible some of the results he achieved early raised expectations a bit too early.

"During the summer, everyone was talking about this being a season of transition and stressed how the new manager needed time. It seems to me this all went out of the window last week and suddenly we are in a 'crisis' again. The common sense had gone."

Liverpool were seeking legal advice today following an article in the Mail on Sunday which claimed a secret deal to take Gerrard to Chelsea was already agreed.

Later editions of the newspaper removed the claim.

Parry released a statement on liverpoolfc.tv yesterday reiterating the club's position, insisting not only had no meetings with Chelsea taken place, but Liverpool would do everything in their power to keep Gerrard.

While the skipper will clearly face another dilemma in the summer, the suggestion his mind is already made up is untrue.

With Liverpool in a major final, still in the Champions League and led by a impressive manager, there is still much which can happen to leave Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon cursing yet another rejection.

Parry told the ECHO: "The story which appeared yesterday was a complete fabrication.

"Our position with regards Steven is exactly the same. Rafa and I only reiterated to him last week we want to build a side around him."

Keegan, Dalglish to play in tsunami charity game

Mon January 31, 2005 6:47 PM GMT+02:00

LIVERPOOL (Reuters) - Former Liverpool players Kenny Dalglish, Kevin Keegan and Robbie Fowler will return to Anfield to play in a charity match to raise funds for victims of the Asian tsunami.

The trio will play in a Liverpool legends side against a celebrities team on March 27, Easter Sunday.

The match has been organised by the charity Tsunami Soccer Aid who hope a 40,000 crowd for the match and associated events will raise over one million pounds.

Charity member and ex-Liverpool player Jason McAteer said: "Liverpool is second only to Manchester United in terms of support in Asia so it's only right we stepped up to do something."

Trio pushing for first team squad recall - Official Site

By Mark Platt

Anthony Le Tallec, Vladimir Smicer and Harry Kewell could make welcome returns to the Liverpool squad for Tuesday night's testing FA Barclays Premiership clash against Charlton Athletic.

Le Tallec, who last week cut short his loan spell with St Etienne, featured for the reserves on Saturday, as did Smicer, who has not figured in the first team since injuring his knee on the club's summer tour of North America.

Kewell has not played since injuring his groin against Newcastle in December but has been stepping up his bid for fitness at Melwood.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez said today: "Anthony is a very good skilful player with talent. He was not playing in France and so it's better he is here with us. He knows the club, knows this league and is like having a new face in the squad.

"Vladi has been training well with the team but is just short of match practise. With numbers being so low though there is a chance he will also be in the squad. Harry trained today and could be another option."

Benitez also confirmed that Sami Hyypia will definitely return after missing the Carling Cup tie against Watford with a hip injury, but Josemi is still not fit and won't travel.

Didi Hamann is suspended for tomorrow night's game after collecting his fifth Premiership booking of the season in last week's 2-0 defeat at Southampton.

Man injured in footballer crash

From the BBC

Steve Finnan was driving near Anfield when the collision happened

A pensioner is in hospital after he was in an accident with a 4x4 car driven by Liverpool footballer Steve Finnan.

The 28-year-old defender was driving in West Derby Road, Tuebrook, near the club's Anfield ground, when the man stepped into the road on Thursday.

He suffered head, face and leg injuries and was taken to Royal Liverpool Hospital for treatment.

Mr Finnan gave a statement to police but was not arrested. Liverpool FC have declined to comment.

'Personal matter'

The pensioner's injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

Mr Finnan, who is a Republic of Ireland international, joined Liverpool from Fulham in 2003.

Merseyside Police said he was not suspected of any driving offence.

A spokeswoman appealed for witnesses to the incident, which happened in West Derby Road, close to its junction with Boundary Lane at 1340 GMT.

A spokesman for his club refused to comment, saying it was "a personal matter".

Liverpool fury at Gerrard claim

www.liverpool.com - Jan 30 2005

Liverpool supremo Rick Parry has furiously hit back at claims that he has already negotiated a summer move to Chelsea for midfielder Steven Gerrard - and the club will be seeking legal advice over the claims.

Gerrard was ready to move to Stamford Bridge during Euro 2004 but eventually committed his future to Liverpool. However a newspaper report alleged that Parry had met Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon last week to agree a A£30million deal.

Parry said in a statement on Liverpoolfc.tv: "I did not meet with Peter Kenyon, nor did I agree a deal for Steven Gerrard. Both Rafa Benitez and myself have made it clear to Steven that we want him to stay and we see his future at Anfield."

The claims over Gerrard come on the same day Chelsea were accused of "tapping-up" Arsenal defender Ashley Cole - a claim denied by the player's agent.

Parry and boss Anfield boss Benitez have constantly said Gerrard is not for sale, although it is clear the situation will be reviewed in the summer when the Liverpool skipper knows whether the club are in the Champions League next season and Benitez's team re-building plans.

Gerrard was asked about his future on BBC last night and said: "Of course it is flattering that some top clubs around Europe are showing an interest in me but I am at a top club at the moment.

"I'll sit down at the end of the season and assess my future."

The NinetySix Wristband

You've possibly noticed a link on this site recently for the "Make Poverty History" organisation, an effort to draw attention to a good cause by wearing a white wristband, following on from similar schemes for cancer awareness (yellow) and bullying (blue). There's now another good cause wanting you to wear a wristband, and there's detail available if you click the picture. This is for the fight for justice for the ninety-six fans and their families over what happened at Hillsborough.