Dalglish Convinced Liverpool Squad Can Cope Without Key Duo

Kenny Dalglish is convinced his Liverpool squad can cope with the absence of key men Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher as they are much better equipped compared to last season.

Gerrard and Carragher, the local heroes who have been the backbone of the Liverpool team for 12 years, have always been indispensable members of the squad with the club's success very much dependent on their availability.

However, with the backing of new owners, Dalglish has spent heavily on new players including midfielders Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing and defender Sebastian Coates,

And Dalglish believes the squad can now cope with the absence of captain Gerrard and vice-captain Carragher.

"We would much rather have both of them available, but if they aren't then we can't walk about with self-pity," said the Scot. "We have to brush ourselves down and get on with it.

"The response from the players has been fantastic, and it was a great achievement for the boys to get a result at West Brom last Saturday without them. I think that's a reflection of how strong the squad is now compared to maybe how it was at the end of last season.

"I don't think at the end of last season we'd have coped as well without Carra and Stevie as we have now. We won't be complacent in any way, shape or form. The sooner they are back then the better we will be."

However, Dalglish has insisted that the veteran duo remain crucial parts of the team.

"I don't think anybody can dispute the role they have played in forming part of the history of this club," he said. "They have both played massive roles and will continue to be a huge part of this football club.

"Talismanic figures like them are always difficult to replace, but that's part and parcel of this club - people move on, they get old and you have to replace them and try and take it forward.

"It happens to everybody. It's how you respond to it that's the important thing. But it's also important for us to be respectful and appreciate what they've done.

"It's not an obituary for either of them, they both have a bit more to offer here."