Bolton 1 - 3 LiverpooL

Rafael Benitez saw his Liverpool side end years of misery at the Reebok Stadium to emphasise their Champions League credentials.

It was a sweet success for the Spanish coach, but he got a helping hand from Jussi Jaaskelainen.

The Bolton goalkeeper sent Liverpool on their way with a bizarre own goal in the 11th minute and they never looked back.

Ryan Babel and Fabio Aurelio extended their lead before Tamir Cohen pulled a goal back.

Bolton meanwhile are locked in a relegation battle and the worry for manager Gary Megson is that goals have been hard to come by following the departure of Nicolas Anelka to Chelsea.

Yet they could have been two goals to the good inside the first 10 minutes.

El-Hadji Diouf's free-kick beat goalkeeper Jose Reina in the fifth minute only to come back off the post.

Four minutes later Ivan Campo swung in a corner from the left and Joey O'Brien peeled away from his marker.

O'Brien managed to get in a shot at the back post but Steven Gerrard made the clearance.

Liverpool made the breakthrough in bizarre fashion after 11 minutes when Gerrard's effort appeared to be going wide. However Jaaskelainen made a hash of it and inexplicably turned the ball into his own net.

Jaaskelainen redeemed himself in the 18th minute by turning over a rasping drive from Babel after he had latched on to a good ball from Gerrard.

Bolton almost drew level in the 27th minute when Kevin Nolan picked out Kevin Davies with a marvellous cross.

Davies got enough power on his header from close range but Reina made a superb save low down to his left.

Davies turned provider two minutes later. He clipped the ball through to Nolan, who had sprung the offside trap, only for Reina to make the block.

Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia was then booked for tripping Diouf in the 35th minute and they almost paid for that indiscretion.

Matt Taylor delivered a good free-kick but Gary Cahill, under pressure from Martin Skrtel, headed wide.

Liverpool hit back and a minute later Babel weaved his way into the penalty area after a surging run only for Cahill to make a timely clearance.

Babel was a threat every time he had the ball and stung Jaaskelainen's hands with a powerful effort a minute before the break.

Liverpool were in the ascendancy and it was little surprise they extended their lead in the 59th minute.

Carragher whipped in a cross from the right and found Dirk Kuyt only for his smart volley to come back back off the post.

Cahill got the ball away but only as far as Babel, who swept his effort beyond Jaaskelainen.

It was now an uphill task for Bolton given that they had scored only two goals in their last four games in all competitions.

Liverpool were not content to sit on their laurels either with Babel, Kuyt and Fernando Torres giving them strong attacking options as the match reached a crucial stage.

They made it 3-0 in the 75th minute with a superb strike from Fabio Aurelio when there seemed little on.

He took the ball on his chest before smashing a shot beyond Jaaskelainen from the edge of the area.

Bolton to their credit, however, refused to lie down and pulled a goal back four minutes later.

Cohen, son of former Liverpool favourite Avi, ghosted in to head home a corner from Taylor.

Bolton may be in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup but the prospect of second tier football next season is all too real.

Rafa Confident Of Fourth Spot

Rafael Benitez is confident of securing fourth place in the Premier League after Liverpool brushed Bolton Wanderers aside 3-1 at the Reebok Stadium.

The Reds moved to within three points of Merseyside rivals Everton with a game in hand after strikes from Ryan Babel, Fabio Aurelio and a Jussi Jaaskelainen own goal secured a straight-forward victory on Sunday.

Afterwards Benitez pointed to the Reds' momentum as reason to be positive in the race to claim the final Champions League spot.

He said: "Every win is important when you are fighting for fourth place.

"You need to put the other teams around you under pressure and we have done that.

"As we have a game in hand, it depends on what we do. You do not need to see the table every day.

"If we can win against West ham (on Wednesday), then we go into the game after that with confidence."

Meanwhile, Benitez reiterated his desire to remain at Anfield despite a turbulent season both on and off the pitch.

"I am really happy here at Liverpool," he added. "At this moment though I am only thinking about our games."

Rafa Urges Reds To Go Fourth

Rafael Benitez knows Liverpool are right in the frame to clinch a Champions League place for next season.

Benitez's side followed up last weekend's Barclays Premier League win against Middlesbrough by beating Bolton 3-1 at the Reebok Stadium.

It was a sweet success for the Spanish coach, given the club's miserable record on the ground.

A bizarre own goal from Jussi Jaaskelainen after 11 minutes sent Liverpool on their way to an emphatic victory.

The Bolton goalkeeper turned a shot from Steven Gerrard into his own net with his face and his side never really recovered.

Ryan Babel and Fabio Aurelio extended their lead before Tamir Cohen, son of former Liverpool favourite Avi, pulled a goal back.

Liverpool now entertain West Ham on Wednesday in good heart after this comfortable victory.

Benitez said: "Every win is important when you are fighting for fourth place.

"You need to put the other teams around you under pressure and we have done that.

"As we have a game in hand, it depends on what we do. You do not need to see the table every day.

"If we can win against West Ham, then we go go into the game after that with confidence."

Skipper Steven Gerrard told Setanta Sports 1: "As captain of the team, we are disappointed with where we are in the league.

"We need to keep together and keep fighting to the end.

"It was massive result. We have been inconsistent so it's important to get the points."

Benitez reiterated he is content at Anfield and claimed his focus was on winning matches and not his future plans.

"I am really happy here at Liverpool," he said. "At this moment, though, I am only thinking about our games."

Benitez had some sympathy for Jaaskelainen, but added: "It was disappointing for him but good for us.

"Sometimes these things happen and we went on to play well after a difficult opening few minutes.

"We knew if we did not pass the ball then we could get drawn into a physical game.

"We needed to play at a high tempo and keep our concentration and we did that."

Bolton may be in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup but they remain in danger of relegation.

Due to face Sporting Lisbon on Thursday, they could be without captain Kevin Nolan after he suffered a back injury and came off at half-time.

Nolan's absence would be a blow for Bolton but manager Gary Megson is more concerned about getting him fit for domestic duty.

He excused Jaaskelainen for his gaffe by saying: "Jussi is a fantastic goalkeeper. He made two great saves after that.

"He has held his hands up but these balls moved quite a bit in the air and it came back and hit him in the face.

"The first goal can be vital and it took the wind out of our sails. We got picked off rather too easily."

Moyes: Reds Still Favourites

Everton boss David Moyes insists Liverpool remain favourites to claim the final Champions League spot despite seeing his side reclaim fourth spot in the Premier League.

The Toffees boosted their top-four hopes with a 3-1 win over Portsmouth at Goodison Park on Sunday.

However, the Reds' own 3-1 success over Bolton Wanderers kept them three points behind their Merseyside rivals with a game in hand.

"Liverpool are still the favourites, they have to be. We have been consistent but for them fourth would be expected," admitted Moyes.

"We are doing everything we can to make a fight of it, but the bookies are probably right to make them favourites.

"They are looking at the two clubs and where they have been in the past and they are making their decision on who are the favourites in the light of that.

"We have to keep our play at this level and keep going right to the end.

"This has been a big week. We have now beaten Manchester City and Portsmouth - and they are two teams who have been pushing us all the way.

"They all want a European place. Portsmouth are a good side and hard to beat, but I feel we have realised that we can play against the best teams and cause them problems."

Peter Crouch & Sami Hyypia To Be Offered New Liverpool Deals

Liverpool are ready to offer new contracts to both Peter Crouch and Sami Hyypia.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez is looking to tie the pair down to new deals in a bid to ward off growing interest in them from clubs at home and abroad.

Despite approaching his 35th birthday, Hyypia has been one of Liverpool's star performers this season and Benitez is keen to reward the long-serving Finn by offering him an extension which would see him clock up a decade of service at Anfield.

Newcastle, Bolton and Fulham are all interested in signing Hyypia but Benitez has acted quickly to give him the chance to remain at the club he joined for a bargain £2.5m in 1999.

Hyypia recently spoke of his desire to stay at Anfield despite being aware of interest from other clubs and it would be a major surprise if he was to decline an offer from Liverpool.

Crouch's situation is more complicated as he in the last 18 months of his current deal and, having been in and out of the starting line-up this season, it is unclear whether he will be prepared to commit his long term future to the club.

Under the terms of a recent landmark legal case which has had massive implications for players contracts, Crouch will this summer be in a position to take advantage of Article 17 of FIFA's regulations on the status and transfer of players.

This rule allows players under the age of 28 who have served three years of a four or five year contract to effectively hand in their notice and move to another club.

Players over 28 can take advantage of the ruling after just two years of their contract.

Crouch, 27, will finish the third year of his four-year deal at the end of this season and, as such, would therefore be able to move elsewhere if he is prepared to quit Liverpool and pay them compensation.

Benitez is ready to test just how happy Crouch is at Liverpool and a formal contract offer is expected to be made imminently.

Crouch On His Humble Beginnings

Although he has played in World Cups and Champions League finals, Peter Crouch insists his feet shall always remain on the ground.

Remembering his humble upbringing, the lanky Liverpool FC striker spoke on the club website about his roots from Dulwich Hamlet to little known Swedish part-time side IFK Hasselholm, all the way to the mighty Reds.

The 27-year-old said: "Don't get me wrong, I feel I belong where I am, I feel at home playing for England and playing the biggest games in the Champions League.

"When I am training with all these top players for Liverpool and England, I don't feel out of place. I feel part of it and worthy of being there. But at the same time I know it's been a long road for me to get to where I am and I'll never, ever forget that.

"Players like Steve Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen, they were always going to make it from the youngest age. Their careers were almost mapped out for them as soon as they started playing.

"Their talent was obvious and it must come as second nature for them to play in the biggest games. But for me it has never been quite so easy.

"I loved it out there against Inter, I really did, every single second. I love those nights, that emotion of European football. But I remember too that when I was younger I was playing a different kind of European football."

The ‘different kind of football’ Crouch refers to is a widely unknown fact about the 6ft 7in striker’s past. Playing for Swedish part-time side IFK Hasselholm, whom he joined on loan from first club Tottenham Hotspur, Crouch’s outlook on life and football broadened as he mixed playing time with squalid living quarters nicknamed ‘The Ghetto’.

He explained: "Being Sweden, it wasn't too bad. I don't suppose it was the same notion of a ghetto that we had in south-west London. But when I went to Hasselholm the players asked me where I was staying and when I told them they were shocked.

"It was pretty rough and it was a pretty tough standard of football too, very physical for a young lad who was still trying to catch up with myself and my growing rate. But I loved it, I had a fantastic time out there.

"I was at Dulwich Hamlet too around that time in the Isthmian League and it was a million miles away from the lifestyle Premier League footballers have these days. In Sweden, a bunch of us used to live in digs in the 'ghetto', go out together, learn together, laugh together and I reckon it taught me a lot."

After Spurs, the 6ft 7in striker enjoyed spells at QPR, Portsmouth, Aston Villa and Southampton before a dream move to Merseyside at the age of 24. He reflected: "I think where I came from helped me. I'm not knocking those players who were always going to be big stars but I think I can keep my feet on the ground and appreciate what I have because of those days in Sweden and Dulwich.

"There's no doubt it helped me so much to develop my career, both physically and emotionally. I am a better person and a better player for it. It toughened me up mentally, but also gave me a good perspective.

"It makes me appreciate what I have. I had a long, hard road to get where I am. But I want to keep going, I want to win the Champions League this year, I want to break England scoring records. I want to continue that journey and I know I will."

Hicks' Sell-off Move Delays Dubai Takeover

Dubai International Capital's proposed takeover of Liverpool is being delayed by the attempts of one of the club's American owners to sell off a percentage of his sport businesses.

Tom Hicks is seeking an off-market placement of existing shares in Hicks Sports Group, which includes investments in Liverpool, the Texas Rangers baseball team and the Dallas Stars ice hockey franchise. Investment bankers JP Morgan have been advising on the 144A listing, which was first attempted in January but failed because of challenging financial market conditions. JP Morgan representatives are understood to have visited Liverpool in the last fortnight to work on the placement.

Hicks' current 50 per cent share of Liverpool is thought to be fundamental to the exercise. DIC's interest has helped the football club's value to rise during a period in which American companies with sporting assets have declined sharply in worth. While DIC would prefer to buy Liverpool in full, the Arabian investment group is currently concentrating its efforts on purchasing George Gillett's half share and establishing an agreement with Hicks that would allow it full control of Liverpool's day-to-day operations. Hicks has engaged in talks with DIC over a proposed management structure after the purchase.

Though it has been suggested that Hicks is attempting to raise funds to buy out Gillett and take total control of Liverpool, such a move would cost around £300million (£151m) in equity and loan guarantees. Hicks is not thought to have the resources to cover such a transaction, while his moves to place shares in Hicks Sport Group would effectively reduce his stake in Liverpool, making him a seller rather than a buyer.

Rafa Benitez: I'll Stay On At Liverpool

Rafael Benitez insists that, far from emptying his locker at Anfield this summer, he will extend his stay at Liverpool beyond the term of his current contract that expires in two years' time.

The manager's claim that he will be at the club for the long haul marks a significant shift after another turbulent week on Merseyside. There was renewed pressure on Benitez after Steven Gerrard voiced his frustration at another disappointing league campaign and another twist in the increasingly bitter boardroom power struggle.

Less than two weeks ago Benitez was forced to defend his record at the club against the backdrop of growing belief that only success in the Champions League this season would save the Spaniard's job.

Now, however, the former Valencia coach has spoken more bullishly about his long-term prospects. It reflects a shift in his relationship with co-owner Tom Hicks, who last week insisted he had no intention of selling up and vowed to block any attempt by his estranged business partner George Gillett to offload his 50 per cent share of the club to Dubai International Capital.

Benitez and Hicks became entangled in a public spat towards the end of last year over transfer funds. This related to the owners' delay in sanctioning the £18 million signing of Javier Mascherano, the Argentina midfielder who finally converted his loan stay into a permanent move when he agreed a four-year contract on Friday, and the revelation that the US owners had sounded out Jurgen Klinsmann as a possible replacement for Benitez.

Relations between the pair appear to have improved in recent weeks to the extent that the manager felt able to assert his belief that he was going nowhere.

"I have confidence I will be here for a long time, not just the two years, but for a long time," Benitez said.

The admission by Benitez that, with Mascherano on board, he was now attempting to secure new contracts for Sami Hyypia, the veteran centre-back, and England forward Peter Crouch, reinforces the view that manager and boardroom appear to have at last established a more effective working relationship.

"We are progressing," Benitez insisted. "This year we can only try to improve in the league to be in the top four."

Premier League Preview: Bolton Wanderers vs. Liverpool

After losing their previous league fixture 4-1, the last team one would think that Premiership strugglers Bolton Wanderers would have wanted to face would be a member of the ‘Big Four.’

However, even though Gary Megson’s Bolton team were beaten by a convincing margin last time out against Blackburn Rovers, it is fair to say that the overall performance of his team was not one of a side asking to be thumped by a Premiership rival.

Indeed, had it not been for some terrible refereeing and wasteful finishing, then an important victory could have been claimed by The Trotters in their fight for Premiership survival.

With Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool side now making their way to the Reebok Stadium, the Bolton fans will be hoping that their side will be able to build on the positive elements of the Blackburn game and inflict yet another body blow to Liverpool’s stuttering Premiership campaign.

For this to happen, Megson will need to bring out the type of performance from his players that has seen them come out on top in their recent UEFA Cup tie against Liga big boys Atlético Madrid, and beat Premiership champions Manchester United in his first fixture in charge of the club.

The Bolton manager will, however, be perfectly aware that the damage inflicted on his Bolton side last week by Benni McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz has every chance of being replicated by Liverpool’s exquisite number 9, Fernando Torres.

Quite simply, Bolton must keep the Spanish international striker quiet to stand any chance of further derailing Liverpool’s Champions League qualification hopes, as they cannot rely on their own strikers to convert enough opportunities at the other end of the pitch.

If this does occur, then there is a chance that an unlikely few points could be gained in Bolton’s fight to beat the dreaded Premiership drop.

What a strange few weeks this has been for everyone associated with Liverpool Football Club. From the lows caused by a shock defeat to Championship team Barnsley in the F.A. Cup, to then beating reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan in their next fixture, consistency has not been a byword for Liverpool’s performance so far this year.

Another high point was seen last weekend in the Reds' 3-2 victory over Middlesbrough, when the Kop’s new idol Fernando Torres managed to score his first Premiership hat trick for the club.

However, this fixture can be seen to be a microcosm of Liverpool’s season so far, as from the highs of Torres’ headline grabbing performance, the actual nature of the Reds display left more than enough to be desired.

It is not often that Gareth Southgate’s men will be able to walk away from Anfield feeling aggrieved at the result, but this was the kind of display that such feelings can come from.

Rafa Benitez will though be more than aware of the threat that Bolton can cause to the Premiership elite at their Reebok home, and with Fernando Torres in his team, he will feel he has the weaponry to overcome this obstacle.

With no mid-week Champions League fixture to distract Benitez from selecting his strongest starting XI, it is imperative that Liverpool get back on the trail of usurping local rivals Everton in the race for 4th place, and the final Champions League qualifying position.

As such, a Bolton team devoid of the attacking talents of Nicolas Anelka should be easily brushed aside by a Liverpool team possessing far too much talent to be tripped up by their lowly North Western neighbours. However, as with all things to do with the Reds so far this season, nothing can be considered entirely predictable.

FORM GUIDE


Bolton Wanderers:

February 24th vs. Blackburn Rovers (A) lost 4-1 (PREM)

February 21st vs. Atlético Madrid (A) drew 0-0 (UEFA CUP)

February 14th vs. Atlético Madrid (H) won 1-0 (UEFA CUP)

February 9th vs. Portsmouth (H) lost 1-0 (PREM)

February 2nd vs. Reading (A) won 2-0 (PREM)


Liverpool:

February 23rd vs. Middlesbrough (H) won 3-2 (PREM)

February 19th vs. Inter Milan (H) won 2-0 (CHAMPS LG)

February 16th vs. Barnsley (H) lost 2-1 (FA CUP)

February 10th vs. Chelsea (A) drew 0-0 (PREM)

February 2nd vs. Sunderland (H) won 3-0 (PREM)



TEAM NEWS


Bolton Wanderers:

Gary Megson should be able to call on the vast majority of his Bolton squad for this fixture, with the only players unavailable for selection being the injured Heidar Helguson and midfielder Danny Guthrie, who is ineligible to play due to the fact he is on loan to the club from Sunday’s rivals, Liverpool.

Squad: Jaaskelainen, Hunt, A O'Brien, Cahill, Meite, J O'Brien, Steinsson, Gardner, Stelios, Nolan, Campo, Cohen, Taylor, Diouf, Davies, Samuel, McCann, Al Habsi, Alonso, Teymourian.


Liverpool:

Much to the delight of the Liverpool fans, Danish centre back Danny Agger may be involved in this game after a successful run out for the Liverpool reserves in mid-week. January signing Martin Skrtel should also be available for selection again after overcoming a short term injury. Indeed, the only guaranteed absentee for Rafa Benitez’s side is Andrei Voronin, who is making a steady recovery from an ankle ligament injury sustained in January.

Squad: Reina, Finnan, Arbeloa, Agger, Carragher, Hyypia, Aurelio, Riise, Babel, Kewell, Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Benayoun, Torres, Kuyt, Crouch, Lucas, Itandje.



PLAYERS TO WATCH

Bolton Wanderers: In a team that has been short of goals since the sale of Nicolas Anelka, January signing Gary Cahill will have to play a major role in stopping the Liverpool attack if Bolton are to take anything from this game. Gary Megson will be looking to the assured displays Cahill has exhibited since his £5 million pound move from Aston Villa, and will be hoping that the reckless challenge that led to the second of Blackburn’s penalty’s at the weekend was just a momentary aberration. As such, Cahill should be under no illusions that a repeat of this kind of defending will be punished severely by Spanish hot shot Fernando Torres.

Liverpool: After his hat trick against Middlesbrough, it is hard to look to anyone else other than Fernando Torres when naming Liverpool’s key player. The ex-Atlético man has been nothing short of a revelation since his big money summer transfer, and has often been the source of Rafa Benitez’s salvation in a disappointing campaign so far. Interestingly, the suspect Bolton defence could provide plenty of opportunities for Torres to close in on Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s record for the most goals scored in a player’ first season in the Premiership, with El Nino currently sitting nine goals short of the Dutchman’s 24 goal mark.

McManaman: New Owners Can Cure Liverpool

When Steven Gerrard attacked Liverpool for their under-achievement in the Premier League it was seen as a slight against his manager, Rafael Benitez, but if he had said anything different, he would have lost the respect of the club's fans.

The fact remains that Liverpool invested more than £40 million in their squad during the summer and are in a worse position than they were this time last year. Talk to Jamie Carragher, another local lad, and you would hear the same criticisms that came from Gerrard - this season's form is nowhere near good enough.

The problems start at the top. While Gerrard attracts unconditional affection from the Anfield fans, Liverpool's American owners have frittered away what respect they had. The day Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jnr. bought into the club, I was delighted. They seemed shrewd businessmen, highly professional in their sports interests and committed to sustaining the club's traditions. One of those traditions is that Liverpool had always conducted its in-house affairs in a very open fashion, but that has been eroded of late - by the speculation over the manager's future and the rumours of a sale to investors from Dubai.

So, I can understand it when pockets of Liverpool fans stay behind, as they did after the defeat to Barnsley in the FA Cup, to chant messages like "Yanks out". It seems to me that the only way the club can move forward is through a change of ownership. Hicks and Gillett have already made a major mistake in raising the name of an alternative manager, in Jurgen Klinsmann, destabilising Benitez when what the club needed were firm and frank guarantees.

The situation is not unprecedented. You only have to look at Manchester United, who finished 21 points ahead of Liverpool last season; there, the Glazers are still not accepted.

But the fact that, despite a handover in ownership and a huge injection of money, Liverpool are now worse off reveals a breakdown of trust.

Gerrard is only speaking the obvious when he expresses his disappointment that the squad, managed by a man who has already won the Spanish title, cannot appear to challenge for the Premier League. Benitez would, no doubt, agree that a league campaign in which Liverpool are struggling to stay in touch with fourth place falls a long way short.

There is a real danger that the club could fail to qualify for the Champions League next season, scuppering another opportunity for revival. Achievements at European level represent one of the major reasons players of the quality of Fernando Torres were brought in.

The concept of a crisis at Liverpool can be exaggerated, though. Benitez should be given more time. You only have to see the outcry against Avram Grant after losing the Carling Cup - just one game, when a fortnight earlier he was preparing to set a record of successive wins at Chelsea - to know that pressure can pass.

Next week's game against Inter Milan has assumed huge importance for Liverpool, but it is best to keep perspective. The win in the first leg gave all the supporters an unexpected lift, and Gerrard's comments can only strengthen Liverpool's resolve not to go quietly.

Torres Takes Hits In His Stride

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres insists he has stood up to batterings from English defenders he would never face in Spain.

The Reds forward has reached 21 goals in 31 games for his new club, and boss Rafael Benitez concedes one of the main reasons the club splashed out a record fee on the Spain international was because of his bravery.

Torres underlined that with a hat-trick against Middlesbrough last weekend despite a bruising clash with defenders Emanuel Pogatetz and David Wheater.

Now Torres will be out to add to his tally at Bolton on Sunday against a team known for their no-nonsense defending.

Another Spanish striker at Liverpool, Fernando Morientes, never got to grips with the physical aspects of the Premier League, but Torres certainly has.

He has scored nine goals in his last nine league games, and is closing in on 20 league goals for the club.

Benitez expects the former Atletico Madrid man to become the first Liverpool striker to score 20 league goals in a season since Robbie Fowler in the 1995-96 campaign.

Torres said: "There are so many strong defenders here. But I have settled, I have scored goals and I have coped with the physical side.

"But it is true that I would not be getting hit in the back all the time in Spain like I am here.

"I am happy with the way I have learned to cope with the physical side of the English game."

Benitez added: "Fernando has done so well in his first season. Now if he keeps going, does not have any injuries, he will score plenty more.

"We signed him because we believed he had the quality, pace and strength for the Premier League. Also, because he is young, he can grow and improve at this level even more.

"He has adapted to the physical side of the English game very well. He is strong and can handle big defenders.

"In Spain he would not continually be hit from the back, but that is the way it is here and he has learned to cope.

"We signed him because we knew he would not be afraid of the centre-backs, he would be brave and be able to cope with that style of defending."

The Spanish superstar has so far netted 21 in all competitions - 15 of which have come in the Premier League. And with 12 league games remaining, Benitez is confident his record signing can reach other milestones.

Benitez said: "Hopefully he will score more than 20 in the league that would be really good for us. That would be amazing.

"He is a young player, a foreign player and a striker and we know how difficult it can be for these types of players. But I don't really set targets, I just talk to him about scoring a lot of goals."

Torres is currently in line to become the most prolific 'debut season' striker in Liverpool's post-war history.

His average of a goal every 1.48 games is more than John Aldridge (a goal every 1.55 games), Ian Rush (1.63), Roger Hunt (1.65), Robbie Fowler (1.83), Michael Owen (1.91) and Kenny Dalglish (2) managed in their first full seasons.

Benitez predicts that a player he already regards as one of Europe's finest could get even better.

He said: "He wants to learn, he wants to improve. That is the key. He is a young player and wants to learn everything.

"He knows he can improve, and that is one of the reasons he decided to come here. He wanted to win trophies but he also knew he could improve here, that is important for the future and for him.

"He is one of the best in Europe but he will get better because his mentality is good. He can improve two or three things and they will make him much better. He knows what they are but it's better not to say because then the opponents will know."

Benitez Primed For Pivotal Week

Rafael Benitez insists Liverpool must take full advantage of three key games in a week ahead of the distraction of a Champions League showdown with Inter Milan.

The Anfield boss, flush from completing the permanent signing of Javier Mascherano on Friday on a four-year contract, also believes he has ended doubts about Steven Gerrard's commitment to the club.

Those doubts surfaced after the frustrated club skipper's angry condemnation in midweek of Liverpool's flop in the Barclays Premier League title race.

With Gerrard "100% committed to the club", in Benitez's words, and the Mascherano deal finally tied up, the Spanish coach turns his attention to Sunday's trip to struggling Bolton.

After the Bolton match, Liverpool play their long-awaited game in hand at home to West Ham on Wednesday, followed by next weekend's visit of Newcastle.

That is nine points on offer that could dramatically change the club's chase for fourth spot before they head off to Italy the following week.

Benitez said: "We have three games in a week now before we play Inter Milan, and with such a chase on for fourth spot we know that every game now is crucial.

"Aston Villa and Everton both want to play Champions League football, but so do we. It is crucial for us too so we will keep going and try to win every game.

"Now we have to be ready for our next game and try to win at Bolton.

"Then we have our game in hand, when West Ham are here on Wednesday, before we play Newcastle at Anfield next weekend. All these games are now very important to our objectives, we must keep going.

"We cannot afford to drop points, every game is important and we must reduce the gap on teams above us. We keep talking about our game in hand, so now it is here we must win it. That will put us in a better position."

Benitez has confidence in his squad, despite only winning two of their last eight league matches.

He said: "The players have experience of winning several games in a row. We have the squad to do it so now we need to start doing it.

"We also have experience now of playing at Bolton, where we have always had trouble. But we have confidence after our last two wins, and we can go there believing we can win.

"Bolton are strong and physical, they do the same things they were doing under previous managers.

"But we need to keep the ball, move it quickly and make use of our possession. They will try to stop us doing that, but that is nothing new.

"But we know we must keep going. Every game is crucial for us, and we must win from now until the last game."

Babel Can Become A Dutch Master In Time

Following in the footsteps of Dennis Bergkamp, Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben would have been uppermost in the mind of Ryan Babel on his arrival at Liverpool last summer.

But the Holland international would not have wanted to stick so faithfully to the career path of his three compatriots.

Bergkamp, van Persie and Robben all had to overcome initial teething problems when acclimatising to the Premier League before their undoubted talents could shine through.

It’s a situation of which Babel is continually reminded by Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez as the winger negotiates his own tricky first season in English football.

Expectations were high when Babel, who was the star for European Under-21 Championship winners Holland last summer, became the then third most expensive player in the club’s history when he signed for £11.5million from Ajax in July.

The 21-year-old, however, has found it a struggle to come to terms with the physical demands in England and has yet to complete the full 90 minutes of a league game.

Indeed, Babel’s main impact this season has been as a substitute, with five of his seven goals coming from the bench.

One of those came in the 4-0 home win against Bolton Wanderers in December, with the forward hopeful of a fifth successive start – his best sequence of the season – when Liverpool visit the Reebok Stadium for the return game tomorrow afternoon.

Benitez admits it is far too soon to judge Babel on the evidence of his debut campaign.

“When I talk with Ryan, I always mention the likes of van Persie, Bergkamp and Robben, players that came from Holland, about how much time they needed to be successful here, maybe one or two years,” says the Anfield manager.

He was playing at Ajax in a specific role and now he is in a top side in England and everything is different for him. I’m really pleased with is commitment. He is practising everything, learning and trying to improve. I think he will be a very good player for us.

“It’s too soon to judge him. It’s the same with Lucas Leiva. He’s another young player and will need time. We have a reserve team with young players of quality, because we want to give them time.”

Benitez adds: “Sometimes, with some players they are so good they can’t be kept in the reserves and must go straight to the first team. We know that they will need time, but I’m really pleased with Ryan.

“I think Ryan will be really good. He has all the qualities, he has pace and ability. He’ll need to play some games in a row and show good things, which will give him more confidence.

“When you have a young player with quality, if you don’t get them into the club as soon as possible you know they’ll sign for another top side.

“You must bring them here and then give them time. We signed Daniel Agger as a young player and after his first six months people were saying they weren’t sure about him, then a year later he was one of the best players in our team.”

Babel was employed as a striker during his country’s successful under-21 run last summer, and was on the left side of a three-pronged Ajax attack before arriving at Anfield.

The Dutchman has been used primarily as an orthodox left winger by Benitez, but the Liverpool manager reckons Babel will ultimately forge his reputation further up the field.

“When Ryan was with the Dutch under-21s, he was playing as a striker,” he says. “But with Ajax he was playing a 4-3-3 on the left side. He is learning other positions, and here he is learning about 4-4-2 as that is different.

“We are always working with him and watching videos, and for him as a player it is a good experience for him.

“We know he likes to play as a second striker and is an option, but if he can learn this position it will be good for him and the future.

“Maybe in the future Ryan can be a striker for us, but now we need to use his pace and ability in wide areas.”

Liverpool have won only once at the Reebok – a 3-2 triumph in September 2002 – and never during Benitez’s tenure.

Liverpool’s game in hand will be played on Wednesday at home to West Ham United, with Newcastle United visiting three days later before the Champions League trip to Italy to face Inter Milan next Tuesday.

And Benitez admits: “We have four games in 10 days, four really important games, so we have to keep progressing.

“We have to start showing we can win games in a row and, looking at the fixtures we have and our quality, I think we can do that. We have experience in doing so and we will have to. Everton and Aston Villa are both fighting really hard for fourth.”

A Fernando Torres hat-trick earned Liverpool a 3-2 win against Middlesbrough last week, only their second Premier League triumph since Boxing Day.

And strike partner Dirk Kuyt admits: “It was very important to get the win against Middlesbrough because we still want to do something in the league and we definitely want to play in the Champions League next season.

“I was happy with the two wins we had against Inter Milan and Middlesbrough and now we have to look to get another one on Sunday against Bolton.

“We are in the middle of a run of four league games before we play Inter again and we have to try and do everything we can to make the most of those games and get ourselves into fourth position.”

Holland Cools Reds Contact Reports

Crewe first-team coach Steve Holland insists they have received "no official contact" from Liverpool over highly-rated prospect Max Clayton.

The 14-year-old midfielder, who has been with Crewe's youth programme for eight years, is reported to be interesting the Reds.

The Railwaymen would be entitled to compensation for the youngster, but Holland admits that would be "totally inadequate" compared to what they could fetch for him further down the line.

"There has been no official contact," Holland told the Sentinel. "There has been a trend in academies of aggressive recruitment by the bigger clubs.

"If you lose these players there is a compensation system in place, but it is totally inadequate compared to the figures we have received when the players have gone at the right time."

Reds Confirm Four-Year Mascherano Deal

Liverpool FC and Javier Mascherano have confirmed that the Argentine midfielder has penned a four year deal with the Anfield giants, with his transfer fee said to be in the region of £18.6m.

Mascherano and his club put to bed no small amount of speculation by securing the contract late on Friday afternoon.

The 23-year-old told LiverpoolFC.tv, "This is the best moment in my career.

"I am very, very happy and now I can concentrate just on playing football.

"I said all along that I wanted to stay at Liverpool and now that I have signed I can say this is the best and the biggest moment in my career so far."

The Argentine World Cup ace continued, "From the first day I arrived at Liverpool the feeling was good and I knew this was where I wanted to play my football.

"It's good news for me and my family that everything is sorted and I know where my future is going to be. I just want to do my best for the fans and the people of the club.

"I am at a top side and I know I can win titles here. That's the big thing for me. I want to be at a club where we can win trophies and have success."

Manager Rafael Benitez chimed in, "We must be really pleased with the situation now. He has been a key player for us since he has been here and now we know he can be a key player in our future.

"From the start we knew Javier was a player with quality and a fantastic mentality. We knew the player when he was in the reserves at River Plate but was playing for the senior national team and we had been monitoring his career since then.

"He is young but he has great experience having played for his country. We knew he would be a good signing for us.

"It's clear that he is one of the best midfielders in the world but he can get better with us. We now have a lot of good options in the centre of midfield and that's good news for the club."

Mascherano arrived at Anfield in at the very end of the January 2007 transfer window, signing up from West Ham United and player agency Media Sports Investments (MSI).

It has taken no small amount of legal wrangling for the player to complete his official switch to Liverpool - which is said to be worth £18.6m - but the deal now seems signed and sealed by all concerned parties.

Prior to arriving in London, Mascherano played for Corinthians in Brazil and River Plate back in Argentina.

Gillett May Thwart Fans Bid

The Liverpool fans' group established to turn the club into a Barcelona-style establishment run by supporters has received firm pledges totalling £47.5m with expressions of interest which could double that.

The initial take-up of the Share Liverpool FC group provides a 10th of £500m needed to see its vision of the club realised and a credible base for the organisation, which has engaged Cobbetts solicitors and has Phil Thompson and John Aldridge among voluble supporters.

But the organisation, which has established a steering group with finance, law and marketing expertise, may quickly find itself over taken by events. There may be no major developments for several weeks in Dubai International Capital's (DIC) pursuit of the club but further evidence that George Gillett has made his decision has been provided by one of Tom Hicks' more improbable friends – the former Brighton manager and Liverpool player Jimmy Melia.

Melia, who has got to know Hicks while coaching youth sides in Texas for the past 18 years, accompanied the Amercian's son on his ill-fated trip to Anfield on Saturday and said yesterday: "Gillett looks like he's going to sell his share but I know Tom Hicks is going to hang in there and make it work."

The pre-emption rights which Gillett and Hicks would have signed up to when buying Liverpool mean that Gillett must discuss any sale with Hicks, and could be forced to sell to him. But if Hicks does not buy, as seems almost certain, Gillett is free to sell to DIC. The club's manager Rafael Benitez, meanwhile, said he will decide on the future of defender Sami Hyypia – outstanding in the continued absence through injury of Daniel Agger – later in the season.

"I am really pleased with him," Benitez said. "The question now is to see how he progresses, but he knows my thoughts. He doesn't have to prove anything."

Liverpool’s Kuyt Praises Torres, Eyes Win At Bolton

Dirk Kuyt has hailed team-mate Fernando Torres as the Liverpool striker aims for a victory at Bolton Wanderers on Sunday.

Under Rafa Benitez, the Reds have failed to beat the Trotters at the Reebok Stadium, where they lost 2-0 last season.

Spain striker Torres has been in a remarkable form for most part of the season, after having joined in the summer from Atletico Madrid, and helped the Reds with a hat-trick in league win over Middlesbrough last weekend at Anfield to take his season’s goal tally to 21.

With that win coming after the Champions League last-16 first-leg success over Inter Milan, Benitez’s side are looking to continue their winning run and get themselves back in the top-four in the league table.

“It was very important to get the win against Middlesbrough because we still want to do something in the league and we definitely want to play in the Champions League next season,” Kuyt said in the Liverpool Echo.

“We did our job and got the three points and now we have to get as many points as we can from the league games we have coming up.

“We didn’t make a good start in that game but having beaten Inter Milan a few days before we had the confidence to go and turn it around.

“Fernando got us back into it and from then on we went on to control things, even though we had a bit of a scare late on.

“I was happy with the two wins we had against Inter Milan and Middlesbrough and now we have to look to get another one on Sunday against Bolton.”

The Dutch international hailed the 23-year-old Torres, saying: “He is unbelievable, a really good player.

“I have never seen someone who is that quick with the ball. I don’t think anyone is as quick as Fernando is with the ball at his feet.

“He showed it again against Middlesbrough and if you have a player like that in your team you have to be really happy.”

Torres Calls For Consistency

Fernando Torres believes Liverpool must become more consistent and show more self-belief if they are to challenge for the Premier League title.

The Reds were expected to push the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea this season following the big-money capture of the Spain striker last summer.

However, it has been a familiar story for Liverpool fans with numerous disappointing results despite a promising start to their league campaign.

Torres has proved a fine addition with an impressive 15-goal haul in the Premier League to date, although he believes the team lack the confidence in their own ability to be crowned champions.

The striker's comments come after Steven Gerrard admitted the team's league form simply has not been up to scratch and that even winning the UEFA Champions League would not make up

"We need to be consistent, but we also have to convince ourselves that we can do it," Torres told Sport magazine.

"The only way to get out of a situation like this is to have confidence in yourselves - to talk it over and then maybe string three or four wins together.

"We haven't reached the standards expected of us. We've been inconsistent. When you consider the history of the club and the coach and the squad we have, we really need to improve if we are to fulfil expectations."

Torres has also highlighted the need for stability at Anfield and has praised under-fire manager Rafa Benitez.

"He's one of the most respected coaches in England. Since he came here and won the Champions League in 2005 - especially the way in which he won it," he continued.

"The spirit in the team is good - all we need now is to find some stability and put some better results together."

Reds Rejected Lucas Offers

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has revealed a host of clubs have expressed an interest in midfielder Lucas Leiva.

As revealed by skysports.com, Serie A side Palermo were one of several sides who made an enquiry for Lucas during the January transfer window.

Liverpool rejected all overtures for the 21-year-old, with Benitez tipping him for a big future at Anfield.

"We have received offers for Lucas," Benitez told the club's official website.

"Maybe 10 clubs in Spain and Italy want to take him.

"That is how good he is. I have faith in Lucas.

"He has a very good mentality and is a player of top quality.

"He will be a top player, that is certain.

"But he already is a top player, he was captain of Brazil Under 21s and has won two caps with the national team."

Liverpool star Carragher Arrested And Cautioned For Common Assault

Liverpool's star defender Jamie Carragher has been arrested and cautioned by police for common assault.

The Anfield player, 30, attended at a Merseyside police station yesterday to be questioned over an incident on a busy road close to the player's home.

Carragher assaulted another man on Liverpool Road, Crosby, at around 9am on Tuesday as he made his way to training at Melwood.

A witness called police to report two men were arguing by the side of the road and named the Bootle-born player, who is also Liverpool's vice-captain, as one of the men.

Later that day, police received a complaint from the second man and Carragher was informed officers wanted to speak to him.

An appointment was made for him to see the police and when he went to a police station yesterday with his solicitor, Carragher was formally interviewed and accepted his caution. Accepting a caution is an admission of guilt in the eyes of the law.

Common assault can include anything from spitting to shoving.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "We can confirm that a 30-year-old man from the Blundellsands area received a police caution for common assault in relation to an incident on Liverpool Road, Crosby, on Tuesday February 26."