Reina Looks To Improve

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has vowed to raise his game following an uncharacteristically below par display against West Ham.

The Spaniard has been a consistent performer for the Reds over recent seasons, but was unhappy with his individual showing in Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Upton Park, during which he made several blunders.

The setback followed a run of six clean sheets in seven games for Reina, and the 28-year-old is determined to rediscover that form.

He told Liverpool's official website: "Keeping those clean sheets was about not making mistakes, first of all.

"I did a couple of them on Sunday and I felt really disappointed with my performance individually.

"I won't hide behind any team-mates - I was poor and I have to recognize this and keep learning from the mistakes."

Liverpool has enjoyed a resurgence since the arrival of Kenny Dalglish as manager, and Reina has hailed the impact the Reds legend has had on the club.

He said: "It speaks for itself. He was a great footballer for this football club. He knows exactly what the people are thinking in each moment and that's what he tries to explain to us.

"His comments about football are always about the philosophy of Liverpool and how when we face any rival it depends on us. He tells us to trust ourselves and to be positive at all times so the people are with us.

"Training is realistic and you find that what you've prepared during the week is what happens on a Sunday. That's important. We are prepared."

Liverpool host Manchester United on Sunday in a Premier League clash that could make or break the visitors' season.

And extra spice could be added to the encounter if the Reds' £35million signing Andy Carroll makes his long-awaited debut.

Reina is expecting Carroll, who arrived at Anfield from Newcastle in January but has been kept on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury, to thrive on Merseyside.

He said: "I hope it turns out like we all think it will. He's a great player, a top striker and he will score a lot of goals for Liverpool.

"He has that physical condition. He is massive as a unit and a tough bloke to deal with. I know from my own experience how difficult it is to face these kinds of opponents."