LiverpooL 3 - 2 Wigan Athletic

Liverpool maintained their unbeaten home league record in 2008 with a stunning comeback victory, but how Wigan made them fight.

The Anfield men are specialising in dramatic comebacks, and after Chelsea's 5-0 win at Middlesbrough earlier in the day, they knew they could not afford to slip-up.

But they were twice behind to first-half goals from Egyptian striker Amr Zaki, his second an acrobatic volley at the Kop End.

Dirk Kuyt's first equaliser kept Liverpool in the game and they fought their way back to win 3-2, just as they had at Manchester City a fortnight ago.

Wigan battled for everything and the game turned on a red card for Antonio Valencia with 16 minutes left.

The Latics were down to 10 men and Liverpool powered forward, with Albert Riera grabbing the equaliser and Kuyt, with a slightly less clean version of Zaki's volley, secured maximum points for Rafael Benitez's side.

Liverpool were forced into four changes from the side which claimed a late fightback at Eastlands a fortnight ago with Daniel Agger, Robbie Keane, Andrea Dossena and Jermaine Pennant all coming in.

Fernando Torres, Javier Mascherano, Martin Skrtel and Fabio Aurelio were all out.

Emile Heskey, who revealed earlier in the week that a return to Liverpool would be "lovely" was missing for Wigan with a hamstring strain, so Dutchman Daniel de Ridder came in.

Tackles flew in, there was pace and desire from Wigan and they had the bulk of the early possession.

Zaki gave Agger and Jamie Carragher plenty to think about, and the collision between Lee Cattermole and Steven Gerrard in midfield was uncompromising.

Jose Reina needed to be at his best when he had to beat away a drive from Olivier Kapo after a clever pass from Wilson Palacios had put him through on the left of the box.

Liverpool had not really threatened to this point, but almost scored when Riera's ball put Keane in on the left after 28 minutes.

He was forced a yard wider than he would have liked, and saw his angled right-foot shot just clear the far post.

Then within a minute, Wigan were ahead after a terrible mistake from Agger.

Reina tapped a routine pass out to the Dane, who was far too casual. He allowed the ball to bounce away from him enough for Zaki to pounce, win the tackle, and stride into the box to beat Reina with a shot into the bottom corner.

Agger knew he had to do something after that howler and atoned after 37 minutes when he came out of defence down the left before exchanging passes with Dossena.

He then went past Cattermole in the box before crossing for Kuyt to fire in the equaliser, his first home league goal since scoring against the same opposition in April.

Kuyt then hit the crossbar and Riera's towering header cleared the top of bar.

But Zaki had the final word of the half with a stunning scissors-kick from a Valencia cross which flew past Reina for a sensational goal.

Liverpool went searching for a second equaliser straight from the restart and it took a fine save from former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland after 57 minutes to keep Wigan ahead. Pennant jumped over Keane's low cross from the left, and Kuyt's instant shot was blocked by Kirkland's left leg.

Riera almost set up Keane in the six-yard box before Gerrard lashed a 30-yard shot wide.

Liverpool were now gambling by throwing men forward, risking more danger from the robust, physical Zaki, who was more than happy to take on Carragher at every opportunity.

Gerrard side-footed a free-kick wide after a Wigan wall had failed to retreat far enough, and Valencia was booked.

Wigan were furious because they believed that Xabi Alonso's touch sideways of about a yard meant the kick had been taken.

But worse was to follow for Valencia. Soon after he was in trouble again for a foul on Alonso, and referee Alan Wiley showed a yellow and then a red card to the Wigan man.

That just inspired Liverpool to launch a new wave of attacks, and when substitute Nabil El Zhar crossed from the right after 79 minutes, Gerrard dummied and Riera lashed home his first goal for the club.

Wigan deserved more, but with five minutes to go, Pennant crossed from the right and Kuyt hooked the ball down into the turf and up to clear Kirkland's stretching fingers.

Kuyt: We Never Stopped Believing

Two-goal hero Dirk Kuyt was understandably in effervescent mood following after his side produced another impressive late show to come from behind to beat Wigan 3-2 on Saturday.

Liverpool had to find some inspiration and dig deep in order to comeback twice over the Athletics after Amr Zaki took the lead on both occasions, only for Dirk Kuyt and then Albert Riera to level the scoreline. The Dutchman then popped up with five minutes to go to seal the winner.

"It was unbelievable," Kuyt trumpeted to Liverpoolfc.tv.

"I think we showed a lot of character today and it helped us come back from behind to win the game."

"We knew that if we kept trying and showed some of that character then we would be able to score goals, and that proved to be the case today. We always believed we could win.

"We didn't play very well at the start of the match, but at the end of the day the three points are the most important thing for us.

"We were always going to get a few more chances playing against 10 men, but I think it was our hard work that made the difference in the end," he added, suggesting that Antonio Valencia's 74th minute sending-off was not the turning point.

"We tried everything we could to beat them, and it's good to score the goals, but I think the most important thing today is winning the match - that is what makes me happy."

Liverpool thus retained their unbeaten start to the season and also maintain their early pace with last season's league runners up, Chelsea.

Rafa: We Must Make Life Easier

Rafa Benitez warned his players they must make life easier on themselves if their title charge is to remain on course after Liverpool again came from behind to win 3-2 against Wigan.

A Dirk Kuyt brace and another from Albert Riera secured a fifth comeback for the Reds this season.

It means Liverpool remain unbeaten in all competitions, but Benitez said: "I told the players at the end of the game that they had to make things easier for themselves.

"We started the game really badly. They were winning a lot of second balls and controlling the game. We started to get better but then they got the second goal.

"We needed to change a lot of things and the team showed a lot of character. We were pushing and pressing and passing the ball. In the end, thanks to this belief, we won the game."

Asked if his team could keep coming from behind, the boss joked: "I will talk with my doctor and we will see!

"No, I would like to score one, two or three goals in the first half. But the Premier League is very tough and when you show the kind of character we did today, it's important for the games ahead.

"We will see if we can show this kind of character against Chelsea next weekend, but I would like to be calmer on the bench!"

Goal hero Kuyt, whose winner against Wigan came on 85 minutes, has now found the net four times in three games.

Benitez added: "We were talking about Kuyt not scoring too many goals in the league but today, playing as a striker, he got two. The understanding between him and Robbie Keane was good.

"It is always the same. Kuyt is a player every manager would want in his squad. He showed again that he can score goals - something we know he can do."

Wigan twice took the lead through Amr Zaki, the first of which coming after a slip up from Daniel Agger.

Benitez said: "It was between Pepe Reina and Daniel. Daniel was not waiting for the pass and then he had to dribble quickly because Zaki was there. But his reaction was very positive. He kept going forward and created the first goal."

The Wigan result means Liverpool remain level top with Chelsea ahead of next week's trip to Stamford Bridge.

Benitez Cools Heskey Talk

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez admits he was 'surprised' to be linked with a bid for Wigan Athletic striker Emile Heskey.

The 30-year-old has been mooted for a return to Anfield, having previously left the Reds for Birmingham City in 2004.

Heskey is out of contract at the end of the season and speculation has suggested he could leave Wigan in a cut-price deal in January.

Aston Villa have been linked with a bid, while recent reports claim Benitez wants to hand Heskey a second spell on Merseyside.

On Friday, Heskey admitted that a move to Liverpool would be 'lovely' after revealing he is keen to play in the UEFA Champions League again.

Wigan boss Steve Bruce is hoping to persuade Heskey to sign a new contract, but the England international wants to keep his options open.

However, ahead of Wigan's trip to Anfield on Saturday, Liverpool chief Benitez did not want to go into detail regarding the speculation.

Benitez told a press conference: "You know my idea is not to talk about players playing for another team, especially before a game, so I was surprised."

Gerrard Confident Ahead Of Atletico

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is confident his side can overcome Group D opponents Atletico Madrid as they go in search of their second UEFA Champions League trophy in four years.

The Reds travel to the Spanish capital following days of uncertainty as to where the fixture would actually be played, with Uefa issuing the club with a stadium ban after the scenes which occurred in the side's fixture with Marseille.

The governing body eventually relented having issued Atletico with a significant fine, and the Vicente Calderon stadium will play host to the two sides expected to progress from the group into the knock-out phase of the tournament.

While England international Gerrard is expecting a difficult match, he remains confident that The Reds can rely on the knowledge of their Spanish contingent to overcome a Javier Aguirre side demolished 6-1 by Barcelona a fortnight ago.

"Atletico are a dangerous team. They have built well over the last two seasons and certainly spent their money well," Gerrard said.

"Speaking to our Spanish lads, Fernando and the boys, they tell me the atmosphere can be electric there.

"It is certainly a game we're all looking forward to, but we realise it will be very tough for us.

"But we have proved over the last few years in Europe what a good side we are.

"We are a match for anyone over two legs. Having that confidence and knowledge that we are a good side spurs us on even more and we know that teams don't want to play against us."

The clash will see Gerrard re-united with Luis Garcia, another of the club's heroes from the 2005 Champions League final victory over AC Milan, along with Florent Sinama-Pongolle, and the midfielder will keep a close eye on both players should they appear for Atletico.

He added: "I've always kept in touch with Luis and Flo since they left us.

"I exchange text messages with them quite a bit. If I see they have scored or done well in a match I will always send a message.

"They are two very good guys in the game. We will definitely have to be wary of them, we know exactly what Luis is capable of and what he did for us in Europe. He can pull off moments of magic.

"And Flo's game has improved so much since he left us. He initially went to Recreativo Huelva and did well there, and that won him the move to Madrid.

"If they are both playing, we will have to keep a close eye on both of them."

Luis Garcia Set For Reds Reunion

Liverpool are set to meet one of their legends of Istanbul as they bid to maintain their challenge for more Champions League glory.

Their trip to face Atletico Madrid, eventually confirmed for the Estadio Vicente Calderon after UEFA relented for the time being over their stadium ban, will now be devoid of the expected home-coming for former Atletico star Fernando Torres, out for 10 to 15 days with a hamstring injury.

But waiting for Liverpool will be two of their ex-players, including Luis Garcia who was in the side that beat AC Milan in the famous 2005 final in Istanbul.

Garcia is not a certain starter for the Madrid club, neither is Florent Sinama-Pongolle - who also had a spell with the Merseysiders.

But Liverpool's fans have never forgotten Garcia, in particular, and their song about the Spaniard and sangria will be dusted down in his honour.

The match is crucial to both sides, as is the return a fortnight later at Anfield with first and second spot in Group D seemingly certain to be decided on these two games.

For Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, re-acquaintance with Garcia and Sinama-Pongolle will give added spice to the occasion on Wednesday.

He said: "I've always kept in touch with Luis and Flo since they left us.

"I exchange text messages with them quite a bit. If I see they have scored or done well in a match I will always send a message.

"They are two very good guys in the game. We will definitely have to be wary of them, we know exactly what Luis is capable of and what he did for us in Europe. He can pull off moments of magic.

"And Flo's game has improved so much since he left us. He initially went to Recreativo Huelva and did well there, and that won him the move to Madrid.

"If they are both playing, we will have to keep a close eye on both of them."

Garcia has had a frustrating spell with Atletico, a move that although not formally part of the deal that took Torres to Anfield, certainly helped pay for it.

Since then he has spent too much time on the bench for his liking, but he has figured in European matches and done well.

Much as he did at Liverpool when even if not in the league starting XI, the 30-year-old frequently produced Champions League heroics.

The controversial semi-final winner against Chelsea was the most memorable, and his thumb-sucking celebration a feature of the side during that season.

This term for Atletico, he was on the bench for the 2-1 win over Marseille in their second group match, having played a key role in the 3-0 win at PSV Eindhoven in the opening tie.

Gerrard expects nothing less than a serious threat inspired by Garcia. He said: "Atletico are a dangerous team. They have built well over the last two seasons and certainly spent their money well.

"Speaking to our Spanish lads, Fernando and the boys, they tell me the atmosphere can be electric there.

"It is certainly a game we're all looking forward to, but we realise it will be very tough for us.

"But we have proved over the last few years in Europe what a good side we are.

"We are a match for anyone over two legs. Having that confidence and knowledge that we are a good side spurs us on even more and we know that teams don't want to play against us."

Rafa Benitez Says Losing Fernando Torres Isn't A Major Problem

Fernando Torres may be heartbroken at missing a dream return to Madrid, but Rafa Benitez for once is calm about the loss of his star striker.

A year ago the Liverpool manager would have been suicidal at the mere mention of the words Torres and hamstring injury in the same sentence.

But yesterday, as the Spaniard contemplated at least three matches without his centre-forward, he was able to offer a philosophical, almost cavalier response.

The reason is clear. Benitez clearly believes that he has finally arrived at a position where his squad is good enough to cope even with the loss of their main weapon.

That was proved a month ago when despite the loss of both Torres and Steven Gerrard, Liverpool beat Manchester United. And with new signing Robbie Keane approaching top form, Benitez is confident that even Atletico Madrid and Chelsea hold no fears.

"You look at positives and a big one for us was beating United without those two. After that game you could see how much more confidence the players had," he said.

"Before it both were pushing me to play them, but I have a lot of faith and belief in the others in my squad.

"In the past maybe we just did not have the same quality, but now we have and that gives me confidence.

"Sometimes you can have good players but not a good team - but I believe that we have both."

Torres will miss today's visit to Anfield of Wigan and according to his manager is definitely ruled out of next Wednesday's Champions League return to former club Atletico Madrid following the injury picked upon international duty for Spain.

Even though he is likely to be back for next week's tabletopping trip to Chelsea, the fact it is the THIRD hamstring problem he has suffered with his country is causing concern at Anfield.

Benitez has no problems with how Spanish boss Vicente Del Bosque is preparing his players. "You can't blame the manager or the fitness coach because Fernando said he was ready and in this case it's just bad luck," he said.

"But he has had three hamstring injuries with the Spanish national team and it's something we need to analyse as he's only had one in a year-and-a-half with us.

"For me the problem is all about playing too many games. If you have two matches, and one is against a country at a much lower level, maybe it would be better giving him a little break."

Liverpool face a Wigan side today that is led by Emile Heskey, a striker that Benitez is interested in bringing back to Anfield on a free transfer at the end of the season.

The Reds boss though, wouldn't be drawn on his interest in the player, or the question of whether he'd have kept Heskey at Anfield if the striker had not left just days before he arrived as boss at the club.

"We can't sign anyone before the Wigan game so we won't talk about players from clubs when we're playing them."

Rafa Will Never Walk Alone

Liverpool owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett face a fresh crisis that could see several stars exit Anfield in support of Rafa Benitez.

Despite an 85th minute goal from Dirk Kuyt clinching a dramatic 3-2 win for Liverpool against Wigan yesterday, storm clouds are gathering over Anfield.

Champions League-winning boss Benitez has still heard nothing from the club's controversial American owners over an extension to a contract that was promised to him last April.

Benitez has only 18 months of his current deal to run and insists there has been no talks aimed at him staying longer.

But if he does go, he is unlikely to be walking alone - for the lack of encouragement from Hicks and Gillett has put many of the squad on red alert.

Even the long-term future of Fernando Torres, who, like all of the Spanish contingent at Anfield, joined the club because of Benitez, could be in doubt.

The manager insists that £21million record buy Torres is "unbuyable", but although he is only 18 months through a sixyear contract, he will be deeply concerned that Benitez has currently been left high and dry.

Yesterday's hero Kuyt, one of the manager's favourite signings, has 18 months on his current deal to run while Daniel Agger is pressing for an extension and a pay rise.

They are in the same position as the Kop boss - no approaches have been made to them and, like several others, they would be unlikely to commit to new deals until they discover what the future holds for the man who signed them.

Hicks and Gillett are at war with each other as they search desperately for ways to beat the world credit crunch, or sell out - which means much future planning has been put on hold.

The global financial depression forced the Americans into stopping work on their £400m plans for a 73,000- seater new stadium as they struggle to pay back the £435m they borrowed to buy the club, with interest costing them £30m a year.

Yet that threatens to be only the start of their problems - they would face an Anfield riot if Benitez does not get that extra year and heads out, with his top players following.

Benitez insisted: "I will not allow the situation to disturb my concentration because we have a lot of very important games coming up.

"But I have not heard anything about a new contract." The longer Liverpool's hierarchy keep Benitez in the dark about his future, the greater the risk that European Championshipwinning striker Torres will grow unsettled.

He was the subject of a £78m transfer deadline day bid by Manchester City, whose Arab owners say they will be back.

Spanish superstar Torres has repeatedly credited Benitez for convincing him to move to Merseyside and spurn Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona.

But, like Kuyt and Agger, who are already concerned that there has been no approach from the club to secure their futures, he will be watching developments - or the lack of them - with keen interest.

Dubai International Capital remain in the wings ready to replace Hicks and Gillett, but they want at least their money back to sell out.

Sheikh Maktoum and his group of fabulously wealthy co-investors refuse to meet their asking price - leaving Benitez, and the likes of Torres, Agger, Kuyt in the dark and in danger of being forced to quit the Kop.

And, furthermore, the Liverpool manager is well aware that his bosses plotted to replace him with Jurgen Klinsmann just over a year ago.

U18s Draw With United

Adam Pepper scored a second half equaliser as Liverpool Under-18s produced a spirited comeback to draw 2-2 with Manchester United.

Hughie McAuley's side responded well to last weekend's disappointing 4-0 defeat at Blackburn Rovers and David Amoo had a fine game on the right wing.

James Ellison put the Reds 1-0 up but United came back to lead 2-1, before Pepper scored from the penalty spot to earn the draw.

"It was a really good game of football and I'm pleased with the way the lads responded after the Blackburn game," McAuley told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"We took the lead after 12 minutes when James scored after great play from Amoo on the right.

"Unfortunately we then conceded a goal two minutes later which was disappointing because you are always at your most vulnerable when you take the lead. Then United took the lead so we were 2-1 down at half-time.

"Marvin Pourie then had two good chances but we managed to deservedly get back into the game when Pepper was brought down in their box. He picked himself up and confidently put away the penalty.

"It was a very open game and it could have gone either way in the end. We had great chances to win it through Amoo and Astrit Ajdarevic but overall I thought a draw was a fair result."

Liverpool Under-18s team: Dean Bouzanis, Michael Scott, Shane O'Connor, Andre Wisdom, Daniel Ayala, Steven Irwin, David Amoo, Adam Pepper, Marvin Pourie (Astrit Ajdarevic 75), James Ellison, Alex Kacaniklic (Thomas Ince 79). Subs unused: Jack Metcalf, Michael Roberts, Hakan Duyan.

Betting Recommendation: LiverpooL vs. Wigan Athletic

There are a couple of reasons to be wary of steaming into Liverpool at short odds in this one.

Firstly, Steve Bruce seems to hold the Indian sign over Rafa Benitez and has never lost a Premier League game to the Spaniard.

It took on an even more personal nature last year when Bruce managed to engineer draws with two separate clubs at Anfield.

First his Birmingham side drew 0-0 there before, after parting company with the Blues and taking charge of Wigan, Bruce guided the Latics to a 1-1 draw after a late equaliser from the unlikely figure of Titus Bramble.

The other question mark over Liverpool is that Stoke managed to hold out for a goalless draw at Anfield, fuelling the belief that the Reds have trouble putting away lesser opposition in the early months of the season.

The final warning sign for Liverpool backers is quite simply that Wigan are no mugs.

Since losing at Upton Park on opening day they're unbeaten on the road and that includes clean sheets at Hull and Spurs.

Having said all that, Liverpool aren't second in the table for nothing and should win but there are enough question marks to stop us taking a short price.

Verdict: Liverpool 1 Wigan Athletic 0

Heskey 'Would Love' Return To Anfield

Wigan Athletic and England forward Emile Heskey has admitted he would love to play for Liverpool again.

The powerful striker had a spell at Anfield after signing for the Merseyside giants from Leicester City and yesterday admitted he was targeting a return to a Champions League club.

And after being linked with a return to Liverpool today, Heskey, who was capped for the fiftieth time on Wednesday, stated it would be lovely to re-join the club he made 100 appearances for.

“A move to Liverpool would be lovely. Who knows what will come around,” he told BBC Radio Five Live.

“Everyone wants to play in Europe at the highest level.”

Heskey continued: “Everyone knows that I’m in the last year of my contract so speculation is bound to happen. You just have to take it with a pinch of salt and carry on playing.

"I am just going to keep my options open and give my all for Wigan. In my position I can afford to do that. I've been putting in some good performances and people appreciate that."

Heskey has impressed since being re-called to the England side, helping Fabio Capello’s men to record four straight World Cup qualifying victories.

Goal Burden On Keane's Shoulders

With the news that Fernando Torres will be out for the next two to three games, Rafa Benitez has called on Robbie Keane to be the main source of Liverpool goals.

Fernando Torres was inconsolable after limping off during Spain's midweek win over Belgium as it meant he would be unavailable for the Champions League fixture against his former club Atletico Madrid.

El Nino will be out of action for between 10 and 15 days as a consequence of that hamstring tear and Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has called on Republic of Ireland international Robbie Keane to be the main source of Reds goals from now on.

"When we signed Robbie we were looking for a striker with experience in the Premier League, someone with quality who could score goals," Benitez told the club's official website.

"That is why we signed him, so hopefully now with him being on fire with the national team this will be an opportunity for him."

"It's important for the players when they go away to play well, and when they score goals it's great for their confidence. It's very good," he added.

A two week layoff would mean that Torres would be unavailable for the Premier League games against Wigan Athletic; Chelsea, and Portsmouth, together with the Atletico fixture.

"The Portsmouth game could be a realistic target but it always depends on the player with injuries. It's now a question of time," Benitez explained.

Ryan Babel sustained an ankle knock while away with the Netherlands, and Rafa added: "I think he will be out this weekend, but hopefully he'll be training with the team next week."

Benitez: Concentration Is Key

Rafa Benitez hopes that the international break has not disrupted Liverpool's rhythm, and has stressed extra concentration from his side in their upcoming Premier League ties.

Liverpool host fellow North West club Wigan Athletic on Saturday after the majority of the squad spent two weeks away with their respective nations for the World Cup qualifiers.

Rafa Benitez believes that if the club are to maintain their unbeaten and respectable start to the new edition of the Premier League then the Reds will need to stay focussed on the field of play.

"We must concentrate in this game and that is it," Benitez told the club's official website. "It's important to think about the next three points and see what happens from there."

"These games after the international break are always very dangerous and everybody knows we have to win. We know that we are at the top of the table and in a good position, and we want to stay there. But we must concentrate and take it one game at a time because if you talk about the other games in the future then you will lose your concentration."

"We know that Wigan are playing well at the moment," he continued. "They are physically strong, but they are also playing good football, so as always in the Premier League, we know it will be a tough match."

"At the moment I believe we have enough quality to match Wigan, and we will think about the other games after that," Rafa concluded.

Benitez Praises Gerrard As He Reaches Milestone

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has heaped praise on midfielder Steven Gerrard as he prepared to make his 450th appearance for the club.

This weekend also marks Gerrard’s fifth anniversary since being made the Anfield club’s permanent captain and comes after an excellent international performance against Belarus on Wednesday.

Benitez said the performance reminded fans just how good Gerrard is and felt it highlighted the midfielder’s ability to play in different positions.

"Steven is a very good player, regardless of the position he is used in. Now he is not only playing well for us but also his country,” Benitez told the Daily Mirror.

"That is good news for England and good news for us. He has been played in different roles in the past, maybe he will do that in the future,” added the Spaniard.

"But he can manage with things like this. Fabio Capello has the same ideas as me as we both know Steven can do well in different positions.

"Maybe it is as a central midfielder, or elsewhere, but we both know he will do it and do it well.”

The former Valencia boss continued: "We have been talking about Gerrard's best position for three years. But everyone knows he is a good player, where he plays does not matter.

"He can now clearly have a free role. That depends on team-mates around him, and maybe if he has freedom there has to be someone doing more defensive duties.”

"That can be good. But the key is that he is playing well for us and England as well," added Benitez.

JOHN ALDRIDGE: Robbie Keane Capable Of Filling Lead Striking Role At Liverpool FC

THE loss of Fernando Torres for a fortnight due to a hamstring injury is a massive blow for the Reds but they can’t afford to dwell on that setback.

It’s the third time the striker has been injured on international duty in the past year and it’s especially infuriating as he’s going to miss the trip to Stamford Bridge next Sunday.

With his goals against Everton and Manchester City he looked like he was getting back to his best and he is obviously absolutely crucial to the club’s hopes of maintaining a title challenge.

However, the Reds have proved they can win without him before and now they have to do so again.

When Torres limped off against Aston Villa last month it was all doom and gloom because we all knew he would miss the game against Manchester United.

But despite no Torres or Gerrard, the other lads rose to the challenge that day and got a vital three points.

We need to show that same kind of spirit against Wigan today, in Madrid on Wednesday and at Chelsea next Sunday.

It will be very interesting to see how Rafa goes about setting the side up in Torres’ absence.

He could push Dirk Kuyt further forward into a central striking role but I think he might go for Robbie Keane up front on his own with Steven Gerrard playing just behind him.

Robbie has led the line on his own many times before and he’s got all the necessary qualities.

His confidence will also be sky high after following up his first strike for the Reds with a goal for Ireland in midweek.

While Torres is out, it’s a great chance for Keane to grab centre stage and continue the form he has shown in recent weeks.

His contribution to this Liverpool side has never been questioned but hopefully now the goals will flow.

It won’t be easy today because Wigan are a tricky team.

Steve Bruce has got them very well organised and has made some astute signings.

Emile Heskey and Amr Zaki picked up knocks in midweek but if they play Wigan have the firepower to cause us problems.

But today it’s all about what Liverpool do. And having beaten Manchester United and Everton and then pulled off that amazing comeback win at Manchester City, the Reds must ensure they don’t waste this great start to the season.

IT was an ugly win but three points was all that mattered for Ireland on Wednesday.

After Robbie Keane nodded home early on I think everyone was expecting us to go on and win comfortably. But Cyprus came right back into it and in the end we had to really scrap it out.

It was great to see Damien Duff back to his best, while Kevin Doyle and Keane posed a real threat up front and Richard Dunne was Jamie Carragher-like at the back.

With seven points out of nine so far this Irish side has got a bit of respect back.

There’s a long way to go but World Cup qualification is certainly a very realistic ambition.

Steve Bruce Warns Emile Heskey: Liverpool Move Would Wreck Your England World Cup Hopes

Steve Bruce has warned wanted man Emile Heskey that signing for Liverpool would wreck his England World Cup chances.

Wigan manager Bruce is keen to keep his international striker and told him that leaving to return to the Kop could kill off his hopes of a sensational swan-song with Fabio Capello’s men in South Africa.

Heskey’s displays for The Latics and England have made him a wanted man – but Bruce reckons he puts that all at risk by moving.

With Heskey’s contract up at the end of the season – and his admission last night that a return to Liverpool would be ‘lovely’ – Bruce knows he has a battle to hold on to him.

He said: “We’ve not given up hope of keeping Emile. He is playing week-in and week-out and we play to his strengths.

“If Emile goes to Liverpool is he going to play week-in and week-out?

“The big thing Emile will have on his mind is to be in condition in 18 months to go to the World Cup. Why not stay here and do that?”

Heskey said: “When you are performing well, speculation will come around. A move to Liverpool would be lovely. Who knows what will happen?”

Benítez Calls For Torres Injuries With Spain To Be Analysed

Rafael Benítez is to ask his former Real Madrid mentor, Vicente Del Bosque, to reassess Fernando Torres' training methods with Spain following the Liverpool striker's latest hamstring injury while on international duty.

Torres will miss today's visit of Wigan Athletic to Anfield, Wednesday's emotive Champions League return to his former club, Atlético Madrid, and probably next Sunday's trip to Chelsea after lasting only 16 minutes of Spain's midweek World Cup qualifying win over Belgium. Liverpool's record signing has suffered three hamstring strains with Spain since he moved to Anfield and only one during that time for his club.

While Benítez has absolved Del Bosque, the Spanish national coach, of any blame for Torres' international injury record, he believes his compatriots must pinpoint the source of the discrepancy. The Liverpool manager said: "There is a new manager with a new fitness coach [with Spain]. They were asking Torres before the game how he felt and he told them, 'Better than ever', so I cannot blame them."

Benítez admitted the loss of Torres, Martin Skrtel, who suffered a cruciate injury against Manchester City, plus the international break, has left him "worried" about today's encounter but he refused to discuss reports linking him with a January move for the Wigan striker and Anfield old boy Emile Heskey.

Cerezo Sends VIP Invitation To Torres

Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has extended a special invitation to former local hero Fernando Torres, whom he wants to join him in the VIP box when the Spanish outfit take on Liverpool in the Champions League next week.

With UEFA’s decision to postpone Atlético Madrid’s home ground penalty, Fernando Torres would have been able to fulfil his highly anticipated homecoming.

However, the player was dealt a massive blow on Wednesday when he suffered a hamstring tear in his right leg whilst on World Cup qualifying duty with Spain. Thus, he's out of Liverpool’s visit to the Vicente Calderón and won't take on his boyhood team.

However, Atleti president Enrique Cerezo, who holds the 24 year old in high regard, has revealed that he still wants El Niño present in the stadium when the two teams collide on Wednesday.

“Torres is a player who was born and bred at Atlético Madrid and everyone here still admires him and we still follow his career,” the president said.

“The injury is very unfortunate and I would have liked to see him play.

“But we will invite him to the VIP box seat to watch the game because Atlético is his home,” Cerezo explained, before going on to add that he wishes to see both teams advance to the next round.

The president was then asked to give his views regarding UEFA’s decision to uphold the stadium ban, which will come into effect after the Liverpool game.

“We will do what we have to do to defend our honour and make sure this incident goes away.

“The logical thing for UEFA to do would have been to close down Marseille’s stadium, because it was their fans who started the trouble,” he explained.

He concluded by advising the Atlético fans not to travel to the Stade Vélodrome for the return fixture.

Liverpool Defender Nearing Return From Injury

Liverpool defender Phillipp Degen has revealed that he is nearing a return to the Liverpool first team after recovering from broken ribs and a punctured lung, which he sustained in September.

The 25 year-old signed on a Bosman from Borussia Dortmund over the summer and was expected to challenge Alvaro Arbeloa for a spot in the Liverpool defence.

However, injury has limited the Switzerland international to a single appearance for the club. During his one competitive start for the Reds, Degen suffered broken ribs and a lung puncture in the Carling Cup tie against Crewe Alexandria.

He has been out of contention since then as Liverpool have surged up the Premier League table and impressed in the Champions League.

Degen is now only weeks away from competing with Arbeloa for the right-back berth, and he is confident of pushing for a starting place.

He insists that the pain has cleared away and he is ready to put his recent injury woes behind him.

He told Liverpool's official website: "I hope I can soon be 100 per cent. I want to get on the pitch as quickly as possible - maybe it will be in the next one or two weeks.

"Last week it was not so good. I was in a lot of pain but at the moment I'm training very well. I had two fractured ribs and a punctured lung.

"It's been very tough. I just want to play for this club and in front of these fans.

"This is new to me. I had an injury for six months before I came to Liverpool, but up until that point I'd never been injured. I was the type of player who played every game.

"I hope the injuries are over now."

He went on: "I have to work hard every day and show the boss (Rafa Benitez) what I can do. We have a lot of games so I can play my part.

"I am different to Alvaro. I am maybe more offensive and so it's not a direct comparison. But first I have to get fit and do well in training - then we will see."

Rafa To Fork Out £8m For 'Kuba'?

Liverpool gaffer Rafael Benitez is said to be after Dortmund star Jakub Błaszczykowski, but the wily Germans are keen to quadruple what they paid for him less than two years ago.

Reportedly, Liverpool have already sounded out Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund about their Polish winger Jakub Błaszczykowski.

Boss Rafael Benitez thought he would be able to pick up the 22-year-old, who can play anywhere on the right flank, for a maximum of £5m and made his intentions clear to the German club.

However, having mulled it over, The Schwarzgelben feel that the player they signed from Wisła Kraków in early 2007 for around £2m is now a £8m player and will hold the Reds to ransom.

Błaszczykowski, who wears 'Kuba' on his Dortmund shirt, has remained a fairly well-kept secret out side of Germany and Poland, due to the fact that he had to withdraw from his country's Euro 2008 squad through injury.

Still, Benitez is said to rate the player very highly and will hope his club's negotiators can come to an agreement in January.