Steven Gerrard Forced To Prove He Is Injured To Fabio Capello

STEVEN GERRARD reported for England duty last night – even though he has withdrawn from the squad for Wednesday’s friendly with Germany.

Gerrard has been ruled out by Liverpool for “seven to 10 days” after suffering a muscle tear at Bolton on Saturday, which also makes him doubtful for Premier League home game with Fulham.

But England coach Fabio Capello still made him travel to the team’s base in Watford, where he will be assessed by Football Association medical staff before a final decision on his availability is reached.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is unlikely to be impressed with that but under FIFA rules Capello is entitled to have a look at the Anfield captain, who would be an automatic choice to face the Germans if he was fit.

A Liverpool spokesman said: “A scan has confirmed a tear in the adductor magnus muscle in his right leg, and he is expected to be out between seven to 10 days.”

Meanwhile, Robbie Keane has been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland’s friendly with Poland with a shoulder injury.

Keane reported for training yesterday ahead of Ireland’s game at Croke Park on Wednesday but has now returned to Liverpool for treatment.

Also in the England camp, Chelsea captain John Terry was also summoned by Capello, although having stated on Saturday he was experiencing a lot of pain from the foot injury he sustained at West Brom, it was thought the Three Lions skipper would not be involved either.

However, the 28-year-old had a scan earlier yesterday and the results made him feel it was worthwhile travelling to meet Capello, so at the very least, he must be rated less doubtful than Gerrard.

Terry’s presence would be invaluable as without him, the captain’s armband would presumably be handed to Frank Lampard or Gareth Barry who, with the exception of David James and Theo Walcott, are the only other members of what constitutes England’s first-choice side to remain involved.

Even Capello’s plans for experimentation are being hit following the loss of Manchester City Joe Hart, who had been expected to win his second cap, possibly as a substitute.

Hart was replaced after sustaining an ankle injury trying to keep out Daniel Cousin’s opener in the 2-2 draw at Hull, a blow that could keep the 20-year-old out for a month.

“He will have to be seen by our medical people,” said City managerMark Hughes.

“Missing England is a blow to Joe but more importantly, the injury is a blow to us because we have some key games coming up.”

However, Hart’s loss is Paul Robinson’s gain. The former England number one, who lost his place to Scott Carson after a dire display in the crucial Euro 2008 qualifying defeat against Russia was called into Capello’s squad last night.

While both James and Carson would be viewed as more obvious candidates to play, England’s first visit to the city to play a unified German side since a controversial trip in 1938, Robinson’s inclusion above the competing claims of Ben Foster and Robert Green should at least provide the Blackburn man with a confidence boost.

Having stated he did not want to disrupt a settled formula by bringing in too many new faces, Capello now finds himself with little option.

Ireland Captain Keane Pulls Out Of Poland Friendly

Republic of Ireland skipper Robbie Keane is out of Wednesday's friendly clash with Poland after reporting with a shoulder injury.

The Liverpool striker reported in with a shoulder injury picked up in the win at Bolton but after failing to train on Sunday afternoon, was withdrawn on medical advice and flown back to Merseyside.

Keane, who has started each of manager Giovanni Trapattoni's six games to date and scored in three of them, would have collected his 86th senior cap against the Poles.

Keane was absent as Trapattoni put his players through their paces at Gannon Park in Malahide having already made one change to the squad he selected last week.

Reading striker Noel Hunt, the younger brother of midfielder Stephen, earned a first call up as a replacement for Celtic winger Aiden McGeady, who will miss out with the calf injury he has been fighting for some time.

The 25-year-old Hunt has scored eight goals this season after making a £600,000 summer move from Dundee United. Just over two years ago he was playing his football in his native country with Shamrock Rovers.

The news of Keane's premature departure came after an animated Trapattoni had spoken at length of his intention to cast an eye over some of his emerging players on Wednesday.

Arbeloa Plays Down Atletico Link

Liverpool full-back Alvaro Arbeloa insists he is in the dark over rumoured interest from Primera Division side Atletico Madrid.

Atletico are reportedly monitoring the former Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna defender with a view to bringing the Spain international back to his homeland.

However, when asked if he knew anything of the speculation, Arbeloa said: "No. I have a contract with Liverpool for one more year.

"We've not spoken about renewing it, not knowing if (Liverpool manager Rafa) Benitez will continue...It seems to me a little soon to talk about this."

Arbeloa, who signed at Anfield from Depor in January 2007, went on to spell out that he has no doubts about the future of captain Steven Gerrard.

"A while ago there was some talk of Madrid wanting Gerrard; they can forget that, he will never move from here in his life," Arbeloa added in Spanish newspaper AS.

"He and (Jamie) Carragher are the ones here who the fans love a huge amount, and they love the club a huge amount.

"Now the dream of everyone is to win the league, as it is 18 years since Liverpool last achieved it and it hurts, but it will not be easy."

Rafa Benitez Happy To Have Angry Substitutes

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez says he is pleased to see his players angry when they are substituted as it shows the winning mentality needed to end the club’s long title wait.

After enduring a frustrating afternoon on his own up front and missing a seemingly straightforward chance from point-blank range, Robbie Keane was withdrawn by Benitez less than an hour into the game at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.

Although Keane’s replacement Fernando Torres made an instant impact, setting up Steven Gerrard for Liverpool’s second goal, the Irish international striker did not look pleased to be taken out of the action so early.

Since his £20million move to Anfield in the summer Keane has made 20 appearances for the club but incredibly has only completed a full 90-minute game on two occasions and Saturday was the 14th time in 16 starts that he has been hauled off by Benitez.

However, the Spaniard insists he is encouraged by the former Tottenham man’s frustrations as it shows the character needed to compete at the top of the Premier League.

He said: “If we’re at the top of the table, players need to accept that I will change it if that’s what is best for the team. It is difficult, and Robbie is working very hard, but clearly it was a different type of football in the second half, more suited for Fernando.

“We know Robbie is a very, very good professional and he wants to play 90 minutes all the time, but players have to respect the decisions because we are doing what we think is best for the team. But a player has to be disappointed at coming off – that’s what I want to see.

“The response always has to be that you work even harder for the next game. It has to be like that in a winning team – you have to compete for the positions and that is a positive thing. Robbie knows the team will always be the important thing so I don’t need to speak to him about it (being substituted).”

With Liverpool having gone toe-to-toe with Chelsea at the Premier League’s summit for most of the season so far, Benitez believes that many of their rivals now consider them serious title contenders.

He said: “This season we can win games now sometimes even when we are playing badly. But the atmosphere and mood is really good, the confidence is really high. People always say how crucial it is to get a good start, how crucial this part of the season is, how crucial Christmas is. Well we will see after that, but clearly it is much better this season. You can see the players doing better because they know others teams are thinking ‘We’ve got to be careful, we’re playing Liverpool and they are at the top of the table.’ Now it’s important to stay there, but obviously we have better players now.

“The squad is so much stronger – the ones on the pitch are good, but now also the ones who are on the bench.”

Despite Benitez maintaining that his record signing is not fully fit, Torres’s introduction for the final half an hour stretched Bolton’s defence and created the visitors’ second goal.

Given the tight nature of the game before then, the Liverpool manager admits that he needed to make the switch.

He said: “The game changed a lot. In the first half there was plenty of passing, but in the second they played more long balls and it was more physical, so we couldn’t control the passing the same.

“It needed a long, penetrating pass for the strikers and with Fernando’s pace we were more dangerous. After the first half of pass, pass, pass we couldn’t do that, and Fernando is always a threat because he’s so quick and can beat players on his own.

“I have said we’ve got plenty of room for improvement. Steven Gerrard wasn’t playing at his level, others weren’t at their best and Torres wasn’t fit.

“Now, if Torres stays fit and keeps his momentum, Mascherano is improving, so is Stevie, so we have many more options.”

Time To Stop Making Hard Work Of Fixtures

LIVERPOOL march on as another historically difficult fixture is dealt with, but boy they made hard work of it.

The amount of chances that we squander is starting to concern me, and these long periods with a slender lead can be excruciating. Coupled with the woodwork and posts conspiring against us and you get the feeling we are going to come unstuck soon as proved in the Spurs league fixture.

Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard were the offenders on Saturday. I am happy with Robbie’s contribution but it was a horrible miss and I thought after his brace against West Brom that he would really start to take off. He just needs to keep battling and I’m sure the goals will become more consistent. He obviously disagrees with the decision to substitute him regularly but at the end of the day he is starting games which prove Rafa Benitez has faith in him.

Gerrard thankfully atoned for his miss as Fernando Torres provided how good a winger he is also! I think something we have lost in recent years is the headed goals from Gerrard. I recall the treble season when Gary McAllister was taking corners that Gerrard got on the end of quite a few times. With the latter now the corner taker we obviously then lose his threat in the box. Perhaps Xabi Alonso or Fabio Aurelio could take these? Just a thought, Rafa.

On to Aurelio and it looks like Dirk Kuyt has given him some of his magic potion because he looks like a player transformed; and the two linked up excellently for the first goal. The signs are promising as players who were struggling are now finding some real form. But my main gripe still is the missed chances that we are seeing week in, week out. Chelsea doesn’t seem to have this problem and they are ruthlessly dispatching teams with ease.

They are the benchmark and our players need to become more sharper when presented with opportunities and look for that crucial two-goal cushion.

Analysis shows that the majority of our league victories are by one goal margins. In the crazy world of the Premiership these can be so quickly wiped out, so come on give us some boring four or five nil wins please!

Liverpool FC Is Not Obsessed With Table, Says Xabi Alonso

LIVERPOOL midfielder Xabi Alonso believes it is more important for the team to be playing well at this stage of the season than worrying whether they are top of the table.

Playing in the Premier League’s early kick-off game at 12.45pm on Saturday, Liverpool briefly returned to the summit following their 2-0 win at Bolton Wanderers thanks to headed goals by Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard.

However, by the time Chelsea had finished their evening game, the Londoners had reclaimed top spot on goal difference with a 3-0 victory at basement club West Brom.

It’s been a similar sequence for most of the season so far with the two clubs frequently exchanging places depending on whoever plays first over the weekend.

Alonso’s goal at Stamford Bridge on October 26, which ended Chelsea’s record 86-game unbeaten home record, briefly put Liverpool into the ascendancy, but a first defeat of the season back in London just six days later against Tottenham ensured Benitez’s side were again on the same points total as Luiz Felipe Scolari’s men.

However, with a third of the season complete, Alonso is more concerned with Liverpool’s form than whether they occupy first place as the club bid to land their first title in 19 years.

He said: “The pressure is always there, you’re professional. I’ve been at Liverpool for a while and it’s nice to have the pressure of being at the top of the table.

“We don’t have to obsess about being top of the table, we have to obsess about each individual game.

“Now the job is done against Bolton and some of us will go off and think about an international and as soon as we are back we have to be thinking about Fulham at home.”

Despite Liverpool’s start being their best ever to a Premier League season, manager Rafael Benitez says he feels there is still plenty of room for improvement from several of his players. Alonso believes his team-mates will have no problem upping their game as the campaign progresses.

He said: “There are still a few things, but that is normal because the other sides have good teams as well.

“We try to have control in all areas of the game – that is something we’re working on – but other things are working quite well.

“As we improve as a team, each individual player will benefit from that improvement.

“I’m happy with the team and myself as well. As long as the team continues in this way and in this position I’m very happy.”

Gary Megson’s side were expected to push Liverpool hard, but after some of the nail-biting matches so far this season, Alonso was pleased with a relatively comfortable victory.

He said: “Overall the team is looking quite good in attack and defence. Of course we still think we can improve, but we are keeping the ball well, and working well together.”

With Benitez admitting that Fernando Torres is still several weeks short of match fitness, Liverpool have already shown that they can win without their most prolific marksman.

Alonso said: “It’s important whoever is playing that the team keeps the same identity and have the same ideas.”

Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of England’s friendly with Germany in Berlin on Wednesday after tearing a leg muscle against Bolton.

He could return, however, for the meeting with Fulham at Anfield this Saturday.

Rafael Benitez Enjoys Liverpool's Class Acts

Let us get the pub talk out of the way. Liverpool will not win the title this season because their defence is not as good as Manchester United’s or Chelsea’s and because their squad is not as strong as United’s, Chelsea’s or Arsenal’s. Well, on Saturday, a Liverpool defence missing Martin Skrtel and Álvaro Arbeloa handled everything that Bolton Wanderers could throw at them, while Fernando Torres sat on the substitutes’ bench.

Liverpool have beaten Chelsea and United this season and if they fail to win the Barclays Premier League in May, it will not be because Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are better than Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger or because United can leave players of Torres’s calibre on the bench. It will be down to bottle. Some teams have it, some do not and we are about to find out whether Rafael BenÍtez’s side have what it takes.

Against Bolton, a team who used to punch above their weight and finished in the top eight for four seasons from 2003 to 2007 under Sam Allardyce, BenÍtez’s side proved that they have more bottle than a Merseyside milkman. But Bolton under Gary Megson, an honest and hardworking manager, are a different proposition.

Kevin Davies may still be leading the line and putting himself about but his teammates were happy to stand back and watch Liverpool play for 45 minutes before Megson could get them back in the dressing-room and remind them that they had to fight, tackle and compete if they wanted to get anything from the game. “At half-time I told them not to show Liverpool any respect,” Megson said. “Liverpool have fantastic players but we had to get about them properly.”

Megson’s team increased their workrate at the start of the second half but they would have lost 7-2 if Liverpool – and Ricardo Gardner, the Bolton substitute – had taken their chances. Dirk Kuyt put his side in front with a clever header after 28 minutes and Steven Gerrard doubled the advantage after good work by Torres 17 minutes from time but this was a game of missed opportunities. Robbie Keane, from four yards, Gerrard, from two, and Lucas Leiva, from six, all missed open goals.

Kuyt and Torres hit the bar and post respectively and Gardner lost first his footing, then his nerve, when it would have been easier to score twice. “We’re practising finishing but maybe we need to practise some more,’ BenÍtez said.

The Liverpool manager may not have been pleased with his side’s finishing but he had no complaints about Rob Styles, the referee who disallowed a Bolton goal on the stroke of half-time. Gary Cahill’s header from a corner exposed Liverpool’s zonal marking system but the referee made the right call after Kevin Nolan tangled with José Manuel Reina and prevented the Liverpool goalkeeper from leaving his line. BenÍtez congratulated Styles but Megson was perplexed, unaware of the Fifa guidelines that advise referees that “it is an offence to restrict the movement of goalkeepers by unfairly impeding him, for example, at the taking of a corner kick”.

Before BenÍtez departed, he was asked if this was the kind of game his side would have lost two years ago. “No,” he said. They did. 2-0.

Philipp Degen Devastated By Liverpool Injury Setback

Jinxed Liverpool star Philipp Degen has opened his heart on his injury hell - admitting he has never felt worse.

Swiss right-back Degen, a summer signing from Borussia Dortmund, has previously been sidelined with ligament, groin and lung injuries. He made his first-team comeback in the 4-2 Carling Cup defeat at Spurs on Wednesday, only to break a bone in his foot.

"This is the worst thing that has ever happened to me," said Degen, 25. "I simply burst into tears in the dressing-room. Tottenham's Gareth Bale made a bad challenge on me, and I did not even get a penalty.

"But the bone in my foot is torn apart, and I will be out another four to six weeks. It is the saddest event of my life - I keep asking myself if I did something wrong in a past life."

Gillett And Hicks Keen To Seal Deal For Manager And End Real Interest

One of Liverpool's owners is believed to be more enthusiastic than the other about concluding contract talks key to Rafael Benitez's future but both want the issue resolved, with the real prospect of a counter offer for his services if Real Madrid's troubles continue.

Tom Hicks, the co-owner with whom Benitez has a relationship, initiated the conversation with the manager over the new deal he has been waiting 18 months for and though Benitez cited him – and not George Gillett – at the weekend as the individual he expects his representatives to deal with, there is no suggestion that Gillett is cooling on the talks.

Both men sanctioned Benitez going public on the fact they were talking about a new deal to generate a sense of stability at a time when a buyer for the club would be more than welcome. That explains the coordinated news release put out the Friday before last.

Hicks and Gillett were not happy with the talk, when Benitez announced the contract developments 10 days ago, of his desire for a long-term deal and that much was apparent on Friday when Benitez sought immediately to clarify that he was not publicly discussing money or tenure. Weekend reports that Liverpool's Carling Cup defeat at White Hart Lane had cooled Gillett's ardour do not reflect Benitez's expectation that his agent Manuel Garcia Quilon will begin discussions with the owners this week.

"My advisors are talking with the owners and they will have a meeting if necessary next week and will progress," Benitez said on Friday. "At this stage we are not talking about anything else so I was surprised to read about figures and years. In the future I will not talk any more [about this]."

Dirk Kuyt And Steven Gerrard Boost Liverpool's Title Credentials At Bolton

There is increasing confidence and consistency about Liverpool to suggest that after this 2-0 win, a first Premier League title is finally within their grasp.

A visit to the Reebok to face a Bolton team buoyed by successive victories over Manchester City and at Hull might previously have been viewed with some trepidation; on Saturday lunchtime, goals in each half from Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard provided further evidence that Anfield's long wait to rule English footbal – they last won the former First Division championship in 1990 – could soon be over.

If there remains a failing requiring radical adjustment it is the need to kill off opponents far more readily than Bolton were dispatched in a game where a plethora of opportunities were all too carelessly abandoned. Robbie Keane, before he was replaced by Fernando Torres, and Gerrard himself proved particularly wasteful before the Liverpool captain delivered the all-important second goal that made the points secure.

Leading by Kuyt's sterling header from the cross on the left by Fabio Aurelio following a scintillating 20-pass move, Liverpool were always vulnerable to a Bolton side whose change of personnel and tactics for the second half enabled them to create their own gilt-edged openings, the best of which were squandered by Ricardo Gardner.

Gardner was the second-half substitute for Fabrice Muamba whose earlier shadowing of Gerrard had reduced his effectiveness for much of the opening 45 minutes. While Muamba's departure released Gerrard, Gardner offered a more meaningful attacking option.

Yet he lost his footing when provided with Bolton's clearest opening shortly after the break and blazed over when put clear six minutes from time although by then Liverpool had doubled their advantage.

However, Liverpool's goal front failings-Torres was equally guilty of wastefulness while Kuyt also struck the framework-could prove of greater significance in that this was a lost opportunity to bite into the huge goal difference that enables Chelsea to lead the table.

"It's a pity we didn't score more," said manager Rafa Benitez, who stressed: "I have said we have room for improvement. Steven Gerrard wasn't playing at his level, others were not at their best and Torres wasn't fully fit. Now, if Torres stays fit and keeps his momentum, Mascherano is improving and so is Stevie so we have many more options.

"This season we can sometimes win games when we are playing badly, but the atmosphere and mood is good and confidence is high. You can see players doing better because they know other teams are thinking 'we've got to be careful, we're playing Liverpool and they are top of the table.' Now it is important to stay there, but obviously we have better players now. The squad is so much stronger; the ones on the pitch are good, but now also the ones who are on the bench."

Stoke Boss Tony Pulis Eyes Jermaine Pennant

Tony Pulis has lined up a cut-price £4million move for Liverpool outcast Jermaine Pennant.

Stoke boss Pulis is ready to rival Blackburn in a scrap to sign Pennant in the New Year, with Rafa Benitez finally ready to cut his losses on the winger.

Pennant, 25, was all set to join Rovers in the summer but the move collapsed just before the transfer deadline over personal terms.

But Pennant has been a top target for the Potters ever since their promotion to the Premier League and they will try again in January.

Pennant, 25, has not made a league start for Liverpool this season and was axed from the squad for the Carling Cup clash with Spurs last week.

Stoke are also targeting Pennant's Liverpool team-mate Sami Hyypia, Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood and Southampton winger Andrew Surman.

Match Report: Bolton Wanderers 0 - 2 LiverpooL

Liverpool survived a test of character at Bolton to maintain their challenge at the top of the Premier League.

The disappointment of the Carling Cup defeat at Tottenham in midweek was swept away by what eventually turned out to be a convincing victory.

Liverpool have never enjoyed Bolton's physical approach but this time they stuck to their gameplan and won with fine goals from Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard.

Kuyt opened the scoring from Fabio Aurelio's cross, before Gary Cahill's header was controversially ruled out by referee Rob Styles.

And despite some more nervous moments, the Reds eventually sealed victory when Gerrard headed in substitute Fernando Torres' cross.

Bolton recalled captain Kevin Nolan following suspension, with Ricardo Gardner dropping to the bench.

Liverpool decided against including 20-year-old Stephen Darby for his league debut at right-back and switched Jamie Carragher from the centre of defence. Sami Hyypia retained his place alongside Daniel Agger.

Torres, who was taken off after 55 minutes at White Hart Lane and criticised by manager Rafael Benitez for his display, was left on the bench as Liverpool made nine changes.

The visitors found out quickly that they would have to match Bolton's industry and willpower. Tackles by Gavin McCann and Fabrice Muamba on Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano showed that.

But Liverpool soon had Bolton pinned back, with only Kevin Davies up front as they got defenders Hyypia, Agger and Carragher into dangerous wide positions.

Likewise Albert Riera, but he twice wasted excellent openings on the right with poor delivery early on.

Liverpool's patient build-up was starting to stretch Bolton. Mascherano and Gerrard both saw long shots go close before Dirk Kuyt saw an effort crash against the bar after 24 minutes from a Gerrard pass.

The Reds forged ahead when Aurelio crossed from the left after 29 minutes and Kuyt rose to send a looping header into the top corner for the lead.

Liverpool then started to power forward and somehow Robbie Keane managed to miss an open goal from two yards before Agger flashed a 25-yard effort just wide of the far post.

Bolton had an effort from Cahill disallowed seconds before the break when he headed in a corner, with referee Styles insisting that Reina had been fouled seconds earlier.

Styles was booed off by the home fans at the break and almost from the restart Bolton were awarded a string of free-kicks which allowed them to mount the sort of intense aerial pressure they excel at.

Gardner came on for Muamba at the break and when he broke clear on the left after 52 minutes he almost equalised, as Reina's rush from his line forced a shot into the side-netting. Agger, hurling himself towards the post, collided with the woodwork.

Liverpool then brought on Torres for Keane and from a right-wing cross from the Spanish striker, Gerrard almost got the second goal from a yard out.

Liverpool were hanging on to their lead as Bolton hammered away in search of an equaliser.

But the danger was always clear for the home side with Torres now on the pitch.

And after 73 minutes he created a superb second goal for Liverpool, clipping in a cross with the outside of his foot for Gerrard to send past Jaaskelainen with a diving header.

It could have been three for Liverpool in the closing stages, the Bolton goalkeeper saving superbly from Torres and then Xabi Alonso.

Torres could also have scored after 88 minutes but he struck the post from Lucas' lay-off.

Spine Tingling

When you look at Liverpool, you've got to look at the players down the spine of the team: Reina, Carragher, Gerrard and Torres.

Put those four players on the pitch and Liverpool are as good as anybody. If those guys are fit for the whole season I'd say Liverpool will be a major threat.

But if they are without two of them for a consistent amount of time during the season they will struggle. We saw that in midweek when only Torres started against Spurs.

They were properly turned over and that would worry me if I was the manager of Liverpool. It's not a problem if the squad players only have to come in for one or two games, but if they need to play for several weeks without those key players then they won't pick up nearly enough points.

It's good news for them that Torres is fit again. When Liverpool played Spurs in the league they dominated the game and should have been out of sight by half time.

If Torres had been playing they would have won the match and his return means they'll be able to close games out much better.

Away at Bolton is the sort of game Liverpool need to win if they want to challenge for the title. Gary Megson's side have turned it around a bit lately and are becoming hard to beat again, like they were under Big Sam.

They haven't had that fear factor of late, but recently they've upped their work-rate and that's what they need.

As long as they work hard they'll stay up because they have got players capable of good things. Matty Taylor is a good player with a great left foot and Kevin Nolan is getting back to his best.

Nolan got a few plaudits when Sam was there and he can count himself unlucky he didn't play for England a couple of years ago. He's not getting as many goals now but he's doing a good job which has been going unnoticed.

But I think this will be a game too far for Bolton. Liverpool are too strong all round the pitch and I can't see how Bolton can beat them. Who would get in the Liverpool team from the Bolton team? Nobody.

Benitez: We Were Good For The Win

Liverpool trotted away from the Reebok Stadium with the win as Bolton Wanderers failed to take their chances. Man of the match Xabi Alonso told Sky Sports of the importance of maintaining a lofty position at the top of the league, and was happy with taking away maximum points.

Liverpool followed up the disappointment of a midweek Carling Cup exit with a solid win over Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League this lunchtime.

A goal on either side of the half sealed the Trotters' fate. Dirk Kuyt scored a well-worked team goal in the opening 45 minutes and Steven Gerrard put the tie to rest in the second.

Midfielder Xabi Alonso believes the points are more important than the performance, and told Sky Sports:

"We probably should have scored more but the most important thing is the points.

"It's important to be top [of the league]... we know we have to carry on though and we will see at the end of the season where we are," he said.

"There is confidence [in the team], we are scoring goals and winning games."

Manager Rafa Benitez added: "I think the win was deserved.

"We had two or three chances in the first half, we took one, got another in the second, and overall we were good for the win... we could have had four or five."

Rafa Raves Over Revitalised Alonso

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has heaped praise upon midfield maestro Xabi Alonso, suggesting that his fellow Spaniard is approaching career-best form.

Xabi Alonso was man-of-the-match as the Reds romped to a 2-0 win against Bolton Wanderers yesterday afternoon. His silky passing opened up the game early on, but his defensive nous proved just as valuable when the Trotters pressed forward during the second half.

It is amazing to think that the Basque playmaker would not still be wowing Premier League crowds with his majestic 65-yarders if Juventus had been willing to meet Liverpool's asking price during the summer, or if Gareth Barry had made his long-expected switch from Aston Villa to Anfield.

Injuries and a drawn-out recovery process saw Alonso slip down Benitez's pecking order last season. Javier Mascherano's growing reputation as the best defensive midfielder in the world made him undroppable, while Brazilian youngster Lucas Leiva was staking a strong claim for the other deep-lying spot behind Steven Gerrard.

But after an excellent showing at EURO 2008, the former Real Sociedad player has well and truly re-established himself as a first-team regular. And his manager couldn't be happier.

When asked if Alonso was in the best form of his Liverpool career, Benitez told the club's official website: "Clearly he is playing well.

"He played really well in his first year too. Okay, now he has more confidence and the players around him are maybe better too, like Gerrard and Javier Mascherano."

Alonso's champions have often suggested that his supposed drop in form after his debut season, 2004-05, was down to a lack of quality in the Merseysiders' attack. That problem seems to have been addressed, at long last.

The efforts of Albert Riera, who signed from Espanyol during the summer, have earned particular praise. The Spain winger has been a hit on the left flank, and many believe his touchline-hugging play has contributed hugely to Alonso's resurgence.

But Benitez believes his £40 million strike-duo should also take some of the credit: "It makes it easier for a midfielder when they have good movements of people like Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane in front."

Degen Out For Four Weeks

Liverpool defender Philipp Degen will be out of action for up to four weeks after sustaining a foot injury against Tottenham in the Carling Cup.

The 24-year-old suffered a metatarsal injury during the 4-2 defeat to Spurs and was replaced by 20-year-old Stephen Darby.

This is the latest in a long line of injuries for the defender since he joined the club in July 2008, restricting him to just two first-team appearances.

The Swiss international's latest setback has given manager Rafa Benitez a dilemma. With Alvaro Arbeloa suspended for the weekend trip to Bolton the Liverpool boss may have to play Jamie Carragher or Darby at full-back.

The Liverpool boss has remained upbeat and is confident that Degen can return to action quickly.

He said: "It's a pity for Philipp because he hasn't had much luck with injuries so far, but hopefully he can come back from this problem quickly.

"It's always a problem when you have two players for a position and one of them gets injured, and even more of a problem when the other player is suspended for a game.

"But we have options within the squad and we'll have to decide what we want to do for the game at Bolton."

The only other absentee for the Reds trip to the Reebok is defender Martin Skrtel and Benitez feels the fact that he only has two injuries to deal with justifies the fact that he made 10 changes for the Carling Cup match.

He added: "A lot of players were rested for the game at Tottenham because they had been playing a lot of football, but they will be back this weekend.

"They have looked sharp in training and will benefit from having a week free of competitive football."

Babel Airs Anfield Frustrations

Liverpool forward Ryan Babel has admitted his frustrations at a lack of opportunities at Anfield.

The Dutchman has earned a 'super sub' reputation on Merseyside due to his consistent match-winning impact from the bench since an £11.5million move from Ajax in 2007.

Babel helped Liverpool edge out Arsenal in a thrilling UEFA Champions League quarter-final last season and scored the Premier League winner against Manchester United in September after entering both games from the sidelines.

But the 21-year-old, who is usually deployed on the wings by manager Rafa Benitez, confesses that he is unhappy with a deficiency in first-team starts.

"I'm satisfied with my level of performance but the situation is clear - that I'm not going to be one of the regular 11 starters," Babel said in The Guardian.

"It's difficult. I do get frustrated. I can tell myself that I'm still only 21 and at the start of my career.

"But it is making it hard for me because, as time goes on, they keep telling me that I'm young and that my time will come. Well, OK, but I'm not a player who wants to wait. I want to be involved now rather than in three or four years' time."

Babel has also stated that he would rather compete with strikers Robbie Keane and Fernando Torres than be deployed in a wide role.

"I have always said that I want to play as a striker," he added.

"Of course, it would not help me improve if I wasn't able to play, or train, in another position a couple of times. But all the time?

"I used to play as a striker in Holland. I grew up as a striker. That's the position I want to play.

"But I'm working on it. I look at myself before I blame others. I'm going to do something about it. It's not something I'm scared about."

New Yanks Snub For Rafa

Rafa Benitez has suffered yet another SNUB at the hands of Liverpool's owners.

The Kop manager expected contract talks to open this week but Americans Tom Hicks and George Gillett have not even decided who will negotiate on their behalf.

Despite Steven Gerrard helping Liverpool to a 2-0 win at Bolton to continue their best ever Premier League start, the American owners have no intention of reaching a speedy conclusion to negotiations — even though they run the risk of losing key players if they delay the manager’s contract.

The pair even seem happy to wait until the summer before concluding a deal.

And, although the pair released a joint statement backing their boss, the News of the World understands there remain deep divisions on what form any contract should take.

Benitez revealed this week preliminary talks had started - but this was nothing more than his advisors contacting the club.

Co-owner Gillett, in particular, wants to play a waiting game to see if Liverpool maintain their fantastic start and is especially concerned about Liverpool’s scouting set-up following the fringe players’ defeat to Spurs in midweek.

Rafa has launched a passionate defence of his talent spotters. He said: “We should remember that the scouting department has signed Skrtel, Reina, Torres, Kuyt, Agger and Mascherano, who was struggling at West Ham but has come here and been amazing.”

There are fears Hicks, who insisted on news of the planned talks being announced, is exploiting Liverpool’s brilliant start to the season as a public relations stunt to help push forward a sale.

Rafa Cuts Losses On Dossena

Andres Dossena may head for Juventus or Roma as Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez looks to cut his losses on the full-back flop.

Italian international Dossena has failed to deliver since his £7million summer move from Udinese, and several Serie A clubs have been alerted to his immediate availability.

Benitez would off-load the left-back in January for the right price, although the Merseysiders are sure to incur a loss due to his dreadful form.

Roma and Juve were battling with Liverpool for Dossena’s signature at the end of last season and are considering re-igniting their interest.

Dossena remains highly-rated in his home country.

And his poor displays in England have been attributed to his inability to adapt to the pace of the Premier League.

Match Preview: Bolton Wanderers vs. LiverpooL

Round 13 of the Premier League sees pacesetters Liverpool travel to Bolton in the hope of continuing their impressive start to the season. The Anfield giants may have wobbled in recent weeks, but they will no doubt fancy themselves against their Lancashire-based opponents.

The Trotters have put together an average opening to their campaign – no more, no less. 14 points from 12 games could be considered par for the course when one considers they spent most of last term near the foot of the ladder. Interestingly, it was Sammy Lee – now Rafa Benitez’s right-hand man – who was at the helm when Bolton managed just one win in their first 11 league games of 2007-08. The former Reds winger will be hoping his presence at the Reebok triggers an instant slump in the tenants’ form.

But Gary Megson’s men are actually in reasonable touch. A 2-0 home win over Manchester City a fortnight ago was followed up with a rewarding trip to Humberside, where they dealt Hull City their third straight defeat. It was a stand-out performance from Jussi Jaaskelainen that spurred the visitors to victory at the KC Stadium, and the club have been buoyed by the Finnish goalkeeper’s declaration that he plans to stay put at least until his current contract expires.

"I am very happy," the 33-year-old said recently. "I've been here 11 years and hopefully will be for at least four more."

Megson, meanwhile, has been talking up his team’s newfound adaptability after using an unfamiliar 4-4-2 shape against Phil Brown’s Tigers.

"We have got a team that is adaptable," the Bolton boss said. "Hull's manager was on the television commenting about how we would play and go with one up front and he was wrong. We had two forwards up front and we played in an entirely different manner to the one he was describing. We can change players in positions during and before games without a huge amount of turmoil."

Regardless, one would expect Wanderers to adopt a more typical approach when Liverpool pop over for a visit this Saturday. Indeed, why alter a system that has produced fairly good results against the five-time European champs in recent seasons?

The Reds’ record at the Reebok in the Rafa era isn’t flash. Last term’s 3-1 triumph was their first win at Bolton since the Spanish tactician took the Kop job in 2004.

But this season is no ordinary one for Liverpool, who sit level on points with league leaders Chelsea amid comfortably their best start Benitez. Surprisingly, Tottenham Hotspur are the only team to have marred their campaign to date, and after being knocked out of the Carling Cup by Harry Redknapp’s side in midweek the titans of the North West will be determined to make amends.

Unlike in previous seasons, the Merseysiders have had few problems producing the goods on the road. Yes, their only defeats thus far have come at White Hart Lane, but they’ve also picked up crucial results at Stamford Bridge, Eastlands and Goodison Park after opening their account with a gritty win at Sunderland.

Perhaps of more concern to Benitez and co. is the ‘meh’ factor which comes into effect whenever they play against relatively uninteresting or unfashionable opposition. They had Papa Bouba Diop’s late seizure of stupidity to thank for their 1-0 home win over Portsmouth a few weeks ago, while they were frustrated into a goalless draw by relegation favourites Stoke City only a week after downing Manchester United.

A string of amazing comebacks – Middlesbrough, Man City, Wigan Athletic – have spiced up what could have been disastrous and/or dull outings for Liverpool, but they are yet to behave like true title contenders. Last weekend’s 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion was a step in the right direction, and another win this Saturday would only do good for their hopes of claiming number 19 at long last.


FORM GUIDE

Bolton

Nov 08 vs. Hull City (A) WIN 1-0
Nov 02 vs. Man City (H) WIN 2-0
Oct 29 vs. Everton (H) LOSS 0-1
Oct 26 vs. Tottenham (A) LOSS 0-2
Oct 18 vs. Blackburn (H) DRAW 0-0

Liverpool

Nov 08 vs. West Brom (H) WIN 3-0
Nov 01 vs. Tottenham (A) LOSS 1-2
Oct 29 vs. Portsmouth (H) WIN 1-0
Oct 26 vs. Chelsea (A) WIN 1-0
Oct 18 vs. Wigan (H) WIN 3-2


TEAM NEWS

Bolton

The big plus for the hosts is the return of Kevin Nolan. The skipper sat out his side’s trip to Hull last weekend, but he is expected to line up in midfield after serving a one-match suspension. However, there is an outside chance the 26-year-old could be overlooked if Megson decides to stick with the same XI that secured three points on Humberside.

Johan Elmander, the Swedish forward, should start after returning from injury last weekend. Riga Mustapha, who took a heavy knock against Man City a fortnight ago, is also a chance. Portugal’s Ricardo Vaz Te, however, is a long-term absentee after undergoing knee surgery recently.

Possible XI: Jaaskelainen – Steinsson, Cahill, O’Brien, Samuel – McCann, Muamba, Nolan – Elmander, Davies, Taylor.

Liverpool

Fernando Torres looked decidedly underdone in the Reds’ midweek defeat to Tottenham. The run out, though, will have done him a world of good after three weeks out with a hamstring injury. It is unclear whether or not he will start at the Reebok, but one imagines there will be outcry from the goal-hungry Kopites if he doesn't.

Otherwise, there aren’t too many fitness issues for Rafa Benitez. Centre-half Martin Skrtel is out until Christmas at least, but Denmark’s Daniel Agger is starting to recapture the excellent form he showed before his year-long battle with a broken metatarsal.

It is unlikely that Diego Cavalieri, Andrea Dossena, Philipp Degen, Sami Hyypia, Lucas Leiva, Damien Plessis, David N’Gog or Nabil El Zhar will retain their place after the Spurs defeat, with Steven Gerrard leading the host of big names likely to return to the starting XI.

Possible XI: Reina – Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio – Kuyt, Alonso/Mascherano, Gerrard, Riera – Torres, Keane.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Bolton

As far as left feet go, there are few more lethal than the one on Matthew Taylor. The former Portsmouth wing-back is enjoying an extended run in the first team after an indifferent first season at the Reebok, and has impressed in a number of midfield and attacking roles this term. If Liverpool’s defence give Taylor any space at all, he could prove very dangerous.

Liverpool

Robbie Keane was rested against his former club during the week, so he will be especially eager to get back into the fold – and the goals. The Irishman finally opened his Liverpool league account with an excellent brace against West Brom last weekend, so expect the streaky scorer to threaten Jaaskelainen’s goal.