Steven Gerrard In Line For FA Cup Outing For Liverpool

Steven Gerrard is to be handed the opportunity to put a difficult week to one side and return to matters on the pitch as Rafael Benitez includes him in Liverpool’s side to face Preston North End in the third round of the FA Cup.

Benitez had planned to rest his captain for the tricky tie, though after Gerrard was arrested and charged with assault and affray resulting from an incident in a Southport nightclub, the Spaniard has changed his thinking, according to a report in the Sun.

Gerrard faces a court case later this month and a possible jail sentence if found guilty.

The player himself has been eager to return to the day-to-day business of playing for his home town club and Benitez has come round to the idea that time spent on the field will help Gerrard more than shielding him from public scrutiny.

Manager and player held a long meeting earlier in the week in which Benitez repeated his public backing for Gerrard and promised to do everything in his power to help him through the difficulties.

Liverpool may also see the welcome return of striker Fernando Torres for the trip to Deepdale.

The Spaniard has been out of action for over a month with hamstring problems but after narrowly missing out on a place on the bench for Liverpool’s 5-1 humbling of Newcastle he is set to play some part against the Championship play-off hopefuls.

Preston are in decent form in their division and with home support are likely to test the Premier League leaders, with Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina all too aware of the pitfalls ahead.

“It is always difficult to go and face a lower-division side on their own ground,” said Reina, “because they will be fighting with passion and honour.

“They want to beat us and produce a shock. But we must match that and have the same mentality to win.”

Benitez Admits Liverpool May Not Act In Transfer Market

The Liverpool manager has conceded the fact that he may not add to his squad during the winter window.

Liverpool currently top the Premier League table, are three points clear, and have achieved that lofty height without clinical striker Fernando Torres.

Manager Rafa Benitez has today told the BBC that he will be loath to add to his squad, deeming a January acquisition as both expensive, and unnecessary.

"It will be difficult to bring anyone in January because we have a good squad.

"To bring in anyone better than what we’ve got isn’t easy and could be expensive," he said.

There have been rumours in the press about a return to Merseyside for former Liverpool player and England international Emile Heskey; who has gone from pantomime villain to cult hero in the past few years.

Tottenham Hotspur winger Aaron Lennon has also been linked with a Liverpool switch.

The exit door may be in use too, as Jermaine Pennant and Andrea Dossena may both be deemed surplus to requirements.

Pennant Will Battle For His Anfield Future - But Only If The Move To Madrid Falls Flat

Liverpool striker Jermaine Pennant has said he will stay and fight for a place at the Anfield club if a move to Real Madrid falls through.

The mercurial winger, 25, will be a free agent in the summer and and the Spanish giants are keen to bring him to the Bernabeu for £3million in the transfer window.

The ex-Arsenal hitman insists the Bernebeu switch would be the only thing that could lure him away from Liverpool.

He said: 'Real Madrid are a great club, so are Liverpool. I am not sure of the situation now.

'I am flattered that a club as huge as Real have shown interest in me, so we will have to see.

'I haven't spoken to anybody all these weeks because I wanted to focus on my game, on training hard to convince the manager he can count on me.

'I cannot imagine playing for another Premier League team after Liverpool.'

Rafael Benitez Says Liverpool Can Go Distance

Rafael Benítez, the Liverpool manager, is hopeful that this will be the year when the club end their long wait for the league championship.

Liverpool are three points clear of Chelsea at the top of the Barclays Premier League and Benítez is daring to believe that the title could return to Anfield for the first time since 1990 if the team maintain the form they have shown during the first half of the season.

After being held to successive draws at Anfield by Fulham, West Ham United and Hull City, Liverpool returned to form with resounding victories at home to Bolton Wanderers and away to Newcastle United over the Christmas period, while wins against Manchester United and Chelsea this season — the latter ending an 86-match unbeaten home league run by the West London club — have also convinced Benítez that his team have what it takes to be champions.

“We have had a good first half to the season, but that’s all it is,” Benítez said. “If we can do the same over the rest of the campaign then we will have a chance, but there are still lots of games to play and lots of points up for grabs before we can start talking about what the end of the season may bring.

“We have had a few disappointing setbacks this season, particularly at Anfield, but we have also shown we can compete with and beat the best in the country, so there’s every reason to be confident as we look forward to 2009.”

Liverpool were the only Premier League team to remain unbeaten at home throughout 2008 and Daniel Agger says it is feasible that the club could go without dropping another point at Anfield this season.

“If we play like we did against Bolton on Boxing Day then I believe we can win every game [at Anfield],” the Denmark defender said.

Hull Join Chase For Liverpool Winger Pennant

Hull have joined the chase for Liverpool's out-of-favour winger Jermaine Pennant.

In one of the most surprising developments of the January transfer window, Pennant has been heavily linked with a move to Spanish champions Real Madrid.

Yet with that transfer still seeming unlikely, other clubs have been alerted to the former Arsenal player's potential availability.

Wigan, Tottenham and Stoke have all been linked to the 25-year-old, who has failed to impress in two-and-a-half years at Anfield, and now Hull have revealed their interest.

Manager Phil Brown said: 'I would be very interested in Jermaine Pennant if he was available at the right price. We will be making enquiries.'

A move for Pennant this month would come 10 years after Arsenal made headlines by paying Notts County £2million for the then 15-year-old.

He failed to fulfil his potential with the Gunners and later joined Birmingham before his £6.7million switch to Liverpool.

Hull are looking to strengthen during the transfer window to consolidate their position in the top half of the Barclays Premier League.

The Tigers have also been linked with Wigan midfielder Michael Brown but Phil Brown has denied making an approach.

He said: 'We have got a number of irons in the fire, but just because the transfer window opens, doesn't mean to say everyone jumps into business straight away.

'A lot of these windows start with the big boys, and once they start to do their dealings everyone else follows suit. We have got certain targets earmarked.'

One piece of business that looks certain to go through is the signing of defender Kamil Zayatte on a permanent deal from Swiss side Young Boys. The Guinea international, 23, has made a big impression since joining the club on loan in August.

'We are very close,' said Brown.

'We are sitting down with his advisors and people at Young Boys of Berne.

'Hopefully we will have something to announce very soon.'

Pepe Reina Says Liverpool Risk FA Cup Humiliation

Pepe Reina has warned his Liverpool team-mates they risk another FA Cup humiliation if they don't match Preston's passion.

The Reds have struggled against lower league opposition in the Cup and last season they were given scares by Luton and non-league Havant and Waterlooville.

They ignored those warnings and were embarrassed by Barnsley at Anfield when Brian Howard scored a late winner in front of a stunned Kop.

Boss Rafa Benitez has also lost to Burnley in the Cup and Reina claims Liverpool's attitude must be spot on at Deepdale tomorrow evening.

The Spaniard knows Alan Irvine's side will be fired up by their biggest crowd for 30 years of 24,000 and has told his teammates they must be prepared.

"It's always difficult to go and face a lower division side on their own ground," said the Reds keeper. "We know it will be difficult to play against them because they will be fighting with passion and honour.

"They want to beat us and produce a shock, but we must have the same mentality to win.

"I would love to play at the new Wembley. It's a great stadium and I want to play in a final there. I have great memories of winning the Cup in 2006."

Benitez could play into Preston's hands by fielding an understrength side, but Steven Gerrard is expected to start.

Reina is also likely to have the night off to give his Brazilian understudy Diego Cavalieri a rare outing. "I never want a rest," said the Spaniard. "But I understand Diego deserves a chance as well."

Liverpool make the short trip up the A59 as league leaders and Benitez insists no one is using the 'T' word at Anfield.

He was keen to quell any title talk and says the Reds still have much to do. "To be going into a new year at the top of the Premier League table is a just reward for all the hard work the players and staff have put in this season," said the Liverpool manager.

"It's great for the confidence of the players and for the supporters to see us at the top, but we know there is still a long way to go and that's why you won't hear anybody at Liverpool talking about winning the title.

"We've had a good first half to the season but that's all it is. If we can do the same over the rest of the campaign then we'll have a chance. But there are still lots of games to play and lots of points up for grabs before we can start talking about what the end of the season may bring."

Sean St Ledger has been taking tips from best mate Luke Steele on how to dump Liverpool out of the Cup.

Keeper Steele was the key man as Barnsley pulled off that amazing upset at Anfield last season.

And North End centre-back St Ledger has taken advice from his old Peterborough team-mate ahead of tomorrow's clash.

He said: "Luke's my best mate and last week he was telling me about what it was like at Anfield when they beat Liverpool last year.

"He said it was fantastic - when they started singing You'll Never Walk Alone he even found himself singing along to it!

"He was saying how good they are, even if it is basically a second string Liverpool put out. I don't want that to happen - I want them to play their best side."

But St Ledger admits they could be in for a busy afternoon if Liverpool repeat the form they showed in thrashing Newcastle 5-1 last weekend.

He said: "We were watching it on the bus to Barnsley, and when they got their third or fourth goal there was a stampede to get the remote control and switch it off.

"Their first-half performance was the best I've seen from anyone, ever. It was breathtaking."

Spaniard Pepe Reina Dreaming Of Wembley FA Cup Showpiece With Liverpool

Pepe Reina is unlikely to be involved when Liverpool begin on the FA Cup trail at Preston North End tomorrow, but he is keen to be there at the end.

In keeping with Rafael Benitez’s policy of giving his second-choice keeper playing time in the early rounds of the domestic cup competitions, Brazilian Diego Cavalieri is expected to line-up at Deepdale in tomorrow’s third round tie.

But Reina is hoping his team-mates can see off Alan Irvine’s Coca-Cola Championship side and keep his dream of playing at the New Wembley alive.

The Spanish shot-stopper, who is closing in on a century of clean sheets during his time at Anfield, was the hero the last time Benitez’s side lifted the FA Cup three years ago. Reina’s heroics in extra-time and in the penalty shoot-out enabled Liverpool to beat West Ham at the Millennium Stadium in 2006.

The 26-year-old is hoping Liverpool can go all the way again this time and give him the chance to recreate that day on May 30 at the new Wembley.

“I can’t wait to play at the new Wembley,” he said. “It is a great stadium and I want to play a final there as soon as possible. Let’s hope we can do it in this season’s FA Cup. It’s always difficult to go and face a lower division side on their own ground.

“We know it is difficult to play against them because they will be fighting with passion and honour.

“They want to beat us and produce a shock but we must match that and have the same mentality to win.

“Our target at the start of the season was to try and win any competition we are in and the FA Cup is one of them. I have good memories from it and it would be nice to win it again.”

While Reina would love to play at Preston tomorrow he understands Benitez’s rotation policy, adding: “I never want a rest. Obviously I want to be involved in every minute of every game, but I understand Diego Cavalieri deserves a chance as well. He has played in the League Cup and it is a good opportunity for him to show what he can do.

“He’s a great signing. He’s a young, good goalkeeper and works hard.

“He is a good team-mate and good back-up and in time he will fight for the number one spot.”

Liverpool FC Boss Rafa Benitez Hails Pepe Reina As Best Keeper In League

Rafael Benitez has hailed Pepe Reina as the best goalkeeper in the Premier League as his fellow Spaniard closes in on another Liverpool landmark.

Reina is only seven shy of recording a century of clean sheets having already taken less time to reach 50 shut-outs than any keeper in the Anfield outfit’s history.

The 26-year-old has won the Premier League Golden Gloves award for the most clean sheets in all three previous seasons since his £6million arrival from Villarreal in 2005.

Reina and Chelsea’s Petr Cech have both kept 11 clean sheets this season, the highest figure in the top flight.

And Liverpool manager Benitez believes Reina has now surpassed Cech as the number one number one in English football.

“In the first year we signed him we had 82 points, with a lot of clean sheets, and that made a difference and gave the defenders massive confidence,” said Benitez. “He’s getting better each season.

“He has a very, very good mentality and is very positive.

“Diego Cavalieri is a good keeper, but Reina has a lot of confidence because he’s been here a long time.

His style of football is very good for any league, but especially the Premier League because you need to be physical.

“The ball’s in the air a lot. He’s good in his six-yard box but also outside it.

“I’d say he is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League and also in Spain.

“He’s very, very important for us, not just because he’s a good goalkeeper but also because of his mentality.”

Reina is likely to be handed a well-earned rest tomorrow when Liverpool begin their FA Cup campaign with a visit to Preston North End.

Cavalieri, who has appeared twice in the Carling Cup this season, is lined up to deputise against the Coca-Cola Championship outfit in the third round tie.

Why Steven Gerrard Is So Important To Liverpool's Title Bid

It says it all about how vital Steven Gerrard is to Liverpool that over the last six league games he has scored more goals than Manchester United's entire star-studded side.

Liverpool's captain fantastic has netted five times, which is one more than Rooney, Berbatov, Tevez and Co put together.

Little wonder then that Liverpool should rush to pledge him their total support within hours of him being charged with assault and affray on Monday.

Gerrard will be thankful for the club's backing and for all his success on the pitch, he has always carried the weight of the Anfield world on his shoulders.

Liverpool's fear is that his scintillating form and their title hopes could be hit by his looming court case.

Rafa Benitez will try to avert this nightmare scenario for Liverpool by making it business as usual for Gerrard when he and his team-mates return to training at Melwood today.

Liverpool's title rivals may see Gerrard's difficulty as their opportunity, but in reality they have worries of their own to contend with.

United, despite boasting £100million worth of attacking talent, can hardly buy a goal.

Arsenal have lost midfield general Cesc Fabregas to longterm injury and Chelsea's stuttering form goes on, transfer money is suddenly an issue and Didier Drogba continues to rock the boat.

Sir Alex Ferguson rarely offers hope to his adversaries, but after seeing his Manchester United side squeeze past Middlesbrough 1-0 on Monday, even he admitted he was worried by their lack of goals.

United's goal tally over their last six league games reads like some binary code - 1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0. Those four goals may have earned United four 1-0 wins and 12 precious points, but Ferguson knows they cannot keep relying on such fine margins.

"We are concerned that we're making so many chances and not taking them," he said.

"I hope we don't live to suffer because of it.

"If there's one part of the game that's giving us any concern, it's the finishing.

"It's a big worry for us and we had to work hard for it again against Middlesbrough.

"The players' performance level is very good and the concentration and energy of the team are very good as well, so we've got to hope we can start scoring regularly." The United manager will be particularly concerned by the form of his three frontline strikers - Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov.

The enigmatic Bulgarian's winner against Boro was only his third league goal for United in 15 appearances.

And Tevez has managed two in 13 games and Rooney just one in his last nine Premier League matches.

But all is not well elsewhere, either.

Chelsea, who have dropped 11 out of their last 21 points, should be boosted by the return to fitness of main goalscorer Drogba.

Instead, the sulky Ivory Coast striker has continued to bemoan his misfortune at playing for one of the richest clubs in the world.

And boss Luiz Felipe Scolari wants to change the team's fortunes with a major transfer market plunge.

But he is coming under increasing scrutiny and has been told he must sell players before he buys. At Arsenal, Arsene Wenger's reluctance to spend big in the summer has come back to haunt him, with the loss of Fabregas and Theo Walcott exposing a lack of depth in the Gunners squad.

In addition, William Gallas's outburst, which saw him stripped of the club captaincy, has created dressing-room tensions and there is now uncertainty about the ownership of the club following recent boardroom upheavals.

The only certainty in the second half of what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Premier League seasons ever is the uncertainty hovering over England's most powerful clubs.

Tommy Smith: Reds Good Enough To Go All The Way

It could hardly have been a happier Christmas for Liverpool and the fans.

Two first class performances against Bolton and Newcastle and at last, goals galore to celebrate as we go into New Year at the top of the league.

Now the business end of the season is here and things really start to shape up.

The pressure and expectation will mount from here on in but I’m confident we’ve got the manager and the team to handle it all.

Thankfully, those goalless draws at Anfield which have had everyone a bit worried have come in the first half of the season.

We’ve got away with those results because of other really good results against the likes of United, Chelsea and Everton – and also because the other top sides have been slipping up too.

But now at last Liverpool have turned on the style and it’s been a joy to see,

I thought it was a terrific performance against Bolton and then 48 hours later they gave Newcastle one hell of a hammering.

We all know it could easily have been six by half time, never mind five by full time.

But now when we’re missing chances or having shots saved, the lads are just shrugging off the disappointment and not letting the near misses upset their rhythm. It’s as if they know there’ll be more chances soon and the goals will come eventually. It’s great to see that confidence and style in the side now.

In the last two games Liverpool really have played like champions in waiting – they’ve passed the ball so well and been a real team. But there’s such a long way to go that you have to keep this level up week in, week out now.

I’ve heard the question asked as to what Liverpudlians now see as the priority – a Premier League title or a sixth European Cup.

Everyone knows how much the fans crave a 19th league title but at Anfield there can be no question about the answer. It has to be both.

As Sammy Lee so rightly keeps saying, it’s all about keeping feet on the ground and concentrating only on the next game, never mind the next trophy.

If you’re playing consistently well the successes usually take care of themselves in the end.

However, if you lose focus and start looking even one game ahead of the next, you’re asking for trouble.

But it’s clear we are at last starting to turn the screw.

And we’ve shown over Christmas that this Reds team is definitely good enough to go all the way.

Rafa rotated his side again after the Bolton win and while he inevitably raised some eyebrows, he’s come away proving to his doubters that he knows exactly what he’s doing.

You can moan and groan all you like and instinctively I am not a fan of rotation.

But Rafa has proved it can work much more than it fails – and you’ve got to give the boss enormous credit for that.

It seems to me the players are also getting used to it and accepting it as being in the best interests of the club and the hunt for trophies.

Eight goals and six points over the past few days shows the manager for all his recent illness, is right at the top of his game too.

Next up is Preston and I’m sure we’ll see even more changes for what will be an intriguing tie.

Of course whichever side is put out they will be expected to handle matters, but for me the FA Cup has lost some of its lustre.

When we were beaten a few seasons ago by Burnley there was real anger. When we lost to Barnsley last season it was dismay.

With the Reds hopefully in the hunt for the top honours at home and in Europe, sadly the FA Cup doesn’t seem quite as important as it once was.

Daniel Agger: Anfield Must Be A Fortress

Daniel Agger believes Liverpool should go into the New Year looking to turn Anfield into an impregnable fortress after ending 2008 on a high.

The Reds finished the year in fine style with back-to-back victories against Bolton and Newcastle that took them three points clear at the top of the Premier League.

But it was the convincing 3-0 victory over Bolton at Anfield which fired Agger’s belief that Liverpool could even win every one of their remaining home league games.

Before that win, Rafa Benitez’s side had recorded three consecutive draws in front of their own fans and the Danish defender thinks such setbacks could become a thing of the past if Liverpool can keep on repeating the kind of form they showed against Bolton.

Liverpool were actually the only team in the entire league to go 2008 unbeaten at home but the 24-year-old believes even that impressive record can be improved upon.

Agger said: “It doesn’t matter if we win one, two or three nil as long as we win.

“We had a few draws at home when we found it difficult to break teams down but when you get an early goal, like we did against Bolton, it opens things up a bit more and we are able to play more freely.

“Now it is important that we just keep on going. We know that we can score goals at home and win games at home.

“If we play like we did against Bolton on Boxing Day then I believe we can win every game.

“Liverpool Football Club go into every game trying to win it, especially when we are playing at Anfield.

“We know that in the real world it’s not always possible, but we will try as hard as we can to do it.”

Jermaine Pennant Move To Real Madrid On Rocks

Jermaine Pennant’s hopes of securing a dream move to Real Madrid appear to have been dashed after the Spanish giants withdrew their £3m offer to Liverpool.

The Reds received a bid from Real for their out of favour winger two days before Christmas but the proposed deal has now mysteriously collapsed.

Initially, personal terms were said to be a possible stumbling block but sources in Spain have indicated that Real withdrew their offer at the request of manager Juande Ramos who is said to be unconvinced about Pennant’s ability to make an impact at the La Liga club.

Pennant has become an increasingly peripheral figure at Anfield and has not made a single appearance in Rafa Benitez’s side in more than two months.

The 25-year-old is set to become a free agent in the summer and Liverpool would have been delighted to receive a £3m fee for a player who can walk away for nothing in six months time.

But with Real now looking at alternatives it seems highly unlikely the deal will be resurrected, despite Pennant having admitted to being attracted to a move to Spain.

“I cannot imagine playing for another Premier League team after Liverpool,” Pennant told website guillembalague.com.

He added: “I know Real Madrid made an offer for me. Real Madrid is a great club, so is Liverpool.

“I am not sure of the situation now; I am flattered that a club as huge as Real has shown interest in me, so we will have to see.

“I just want to play regular football and one of my dreams is to be able to do it in Spain one day. I love the way teams like Sevilla, Barcelona, Valencia or Real play.

“I think my style of football will suit La Liga.”

Wigan have maintained an interest in Pennant throughout this season and could provide an alternative should Real not return to the negotiating table.

Latics boss Steve Bruce is thought to be keen to recruit the Nottingham-born wide man who he actually sold to Liverpool when manager of Birmingham.

Pennant played some of the best football of his career under Bruce before signing for the Reds in a £6.7m transfer in July 2006.

Bruce is refusing to rule out a move for his former player although Wigan are unlikely to be willing to match the offer Real Madrid tabled before making a dramatic about-turn.

Real In For Rafa: Benitez Was First Choice At The Bernabeu Before Ramos Got The Nod

Rafa Benitez was Real Madrid's first choice to replace Bernd Schuster as manager, according to reports in Spain.

Catalan-based newspaper Sport claims Real made an approach for the Liverpool boss, but were told Benitez could not leave Anfield mid-season.

The Bernebeu club then appointed former Tottenham boss Juande Ramos, who was available to start immediately after being replaced by Harry Redknapp at White Hart Lane.

The report was made in the paper's 'Confidential' section, which also suggested Real Madrid could make another attempt to sign Benitez at the end of the season.

Ramos only has a contract until the end of the season and failure to win La Liga or the Champions League could see Real in the market for yet another manager.

The club are currently fifth in Spain's top flight, 12 points behind rivals Barcelona.

Real will play Benitez's Liverpool in the first knock-out stage of the Champions League on February 25 and face a tricky return leg at Anfield on March 10.

Benitez was Real's favoured target as the Spaniard coached at the Bernebeu in numerous backroom roles for almost a decade in the 80s and 90s.

The Liverpool boss, 48, was born in Madrid, played for Real as a youngster and was appointed youth coach in 1986.

Benitez also has a proven track record as a manager in Spain, winning La Liga twice and the UEFA Cup in three remarkable years with Valencia.

The first Spaniard to manage in the English top flight, Benitez has reiterated his pedigree in European competition by leading Liverpool to glory in the Champions League in 2005 before taking them to the final again two years later.

Liverpool also won the FA Cup in 2006 and currently sit top of the Premier League as they bid to win their first league title for 19 years.

Gerrard Shares Jokes With Liverpool Team-Mates On Return To Training

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard returned to training today with little fanfare.

The 28-year-old - charged with assault and affray after a nightclub brawl - joined team-mates at Liverpool's Melwood training ground.

The England international arrived at the ground in the suburb of West Derby in his black Range Rover Sport at 10.05am.

He was greeted by a few fans that turned out despite the freezing temperatures to see him drive straight through the waiting open gates.

He has so far remained silent about the controversy and his wife Alex Curran, 26, last night said they would not be commenting.

Gerrard was charged with two other men following a fight at the Lounge Inn, in Southport, Merseyside, in the early hours of Monday.

The father-of-two was celebrating his team's win over Newcastle when trouble began.

He was arrested and interviewed by detectives who later charged the international, who was awarded an MBE in the last New Year's honours.

It is claimed the player assaulted part-time DJ Marcus McGee, 34.

Mr. McGee, of Southport, allegedly lost a tooth and needed stitches to a face cut.

In the hours after the fracas, blood and broken glass were visible on the floor of the club.

Gerrard, of Formby, Merseyside, will go before magistrates on January 23 with John Doran, 29, and Ian Gerard Smith, 19, both of Huyton.

They are also facing counts of assault and affray.

Revealed: First Picture Of Man At Centre Of Steven Gerrard Assault Charge

This is the bruised face of the man at the centre of the night-club assault charge facing Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard.

Marcus McGee’s swollen right eye was clearly visible as he left his Merseyside home yesterday, the day after Gerrard and two other men were charged with assaulting him.

Mr. McGee emerged as LFC manager Rafael Benitez came out in strong support of his club captain and talisman, while Gerrard himself returned to training at Melwood.

Benitez said: “Steven is our captain and a key player for us, but more than this, I know him as a nice person.

“He explained to me what had happened and I told him he has my full support and backing, along with everyone else at the football club.”

Mr. McGee’s injuries were partially hidden by the grey beanie hat he wore yesterday to fend off the biting cold as he left his family home – a bungalow in Churchtown.

The 34-year-old, who lives with partner Gina Lord, 33, and their daughters Francesca, 12, and Helena, six, was acting as the DJ at The Lounge Inn, on Bold Street, when the alleged assault took place in the early hours of Monday.

Mr. McGee, who runs a double glazing repair company called Cloudy 2 Clear UK Ltd, lost a tooth and needed stitches to a head wound.

The melee is thought to have blown up after Mr. McGee was asked for access to the computer- controlled record selection system.

He is thought to have refused, triggering the brawl in which he was badly injured.

The following day, shards of glass and smears of blood were found on the floor of The Lounge Inn.

Gerrard, 28, along with two friends, John Doran, 29, and Ian Smith, 19, both from Huyton, is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray.

They were among a group of six held at Southport Police Station, on Albert Road, for close to 24 hours.

Now the trio are on police bail, awaiting their first appearance at North Sefton Magistrates’ Court, on January 23.

Fellow Kop legend Kenny Dalglish revealed in yesterday’s Daily Post that Gerrard had been chatting about doing some work for his wife, Marina’s, charity shortly before the incident.

Montero: I Understand Gerrard

Legendary Juventus hard man Paolo Montero stands up for Steven Gerrard. “I used to get in fights with Fiorentina fans all the time!”

Liverpool hero Gerrard was charged with assault and affray following an alleged incident at a local nightclub that left a 34-year-old man in hospital with facial injuries.

“Sometimes I tell myself that I went over the top, but then I shake my own hand and think at least I never faked anything,” Montero told La Stampa newspaper.

“We are men too, exactly like everyone else. In that precise moment at night, you don’t feel like the number one player in the world. You are simply a man who doesn’t want to be provoked.”

The Uruguayan still holds the record for more red cards than any other player in Serie A history – 13 in nine years at Juventus – and assures he understands where Gerrard is coming from.

“It happened to me, of course. I was in Viareggio with my dear friend ‘Attila.’ Wherever we went, there were Fiorentina fans all around us. Imagine the scene, me a Juventus player surrounded by Viola supporters.

“The first time it was some swearing, the second a push and the third a punch.”

Montero is glad to see there is an heir to his throne at the heart of the Juventus defence, although one less likely to get sent off.

“I see myself in Chiellini. Giorgio is a tough guy, but more of a goalscorer than I was.”

Steven Gerrard 'Furious' Over Nightclub Disaster

Stevie G is deeply worried that the controversy surrounding his late-night fracas could derail the Reds' push for a maiden Premiership crown.

When news broke of Steven Gerrard's arrest for his involvement in a brawl at Southport's Lounge Inn early on Monday morning, it was instantly clear that the implications could be vast for Liverpool.

The 28-year-old had just led his Merseyside giants in a stunning demolition of Newcastle United, one which cemented them as Premier League leaders heading into the back half of the season.

Just hours after returning from Tyneside, though, not only had Gerrard's squeaky-clean image been badly tarnished, but the shine had well and truly been taken off the Reds' exploits at St James' Park.

And the Daily Mail reports that Anfield's superstar skipper is fearful that the media storm surrounding the whole affair could seriously disrupt the club's title charge.

"It has been a day of soul-searching," an anonymous friend of Gerrard was quoted as saying by the tabloid newspaper.

"He's a very proud man and someone who takes pride in being a model professional and someone who sets the right example and he is furious with himself for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"He has been heartened by the support he has received. He probably now feels part of the Liverpool family more than ever. But he's just sitting at home beating himself up."

Gerrard will answer charges of assault and affray at the Sefton Magistrates' Court on January 23.

Lucas Thanks Benitez For Showing Faith In Him

Liverpool midfielder Lucas has thanked Rafael Benitez for the faith he has shown in him and has backed the Reds to win the Premier League this season.

The Brazil international was targeted by the Anfield boo-boys earlier this season following some sub-standard performances.

But Benitez has stuck by the versatile 21-year-old and his faith has been rewarded by a series of commanding displays, particularly in Sunday's 5-1 mauling of Newcastle.

The former Gremio star has been encouraged by his form and is confident Liverpool can sustain their assault on the Premier League title.

He said: "I'm pleased with my performances this season. I'm getting more minutes on the pitch and I'm making good use of it. But I have to thank the confidence my manager has in me for that.

"The team is in an optimistic mood at the moment as we have fulfilled all of our goals. We are not taking anything for granted though because we are up against some tough rivals.

"It is my dream to win the league title with Liverpool and I can see it happening. I don't see Chelsea or Manchester United having the same potential as us this year."

Accrington Stanley Player Arrested In Gerrard Assault Probe

Two Accrington Stanley players were caught up in the nightclub disturbance that saw footballer Steven Gerrard charged with assault, it has emerged.

Winger Bobby Grant, 18, and goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin, 28, were in the Lounge Inn, Southport, on Sunday with Gerrard’s party when the incident happened, Reds manager John Coleman said.

Grant, who lives in Litherland, Merseyside, was arrested alongside Gerrard and four others but has now been released on bail pending further inquiries, Mr Coleman said.

Dunbavin, a pal of Gerrard’s from their days together in the Liverpool FC youth team, was not arrested, according to the manager.

Gerrard, the 28-year-old Liverpool FC captain, was out with friends, including the Stanley players, celebrating Liverpool’s 5-1 defeat of Newcastle.

Stanley boss John Coleman said neither of his players would face any disciplinary action after the incident.

He said: “I have spoken to them both about the incident and as far as I am concerned they did nothing wrong.

“I understand it is very unlikely that Bobby will be charged.

“They were out having a quite drink six days before their next match. They have broken no club rules.

“Bobby and Ian will be offered the same sort of support by Accrington Stanley that Liverpool are offering Gerrard.”

An incident at around 2.30am on Monday in the Lounge Inn saw local businessman Marcus McGee, 34, lose a tooth and he needed stitches for cuts to his face.

Gerrard has been charged with assault and affray.

John Doran, 29, of Woodlands Road, and Ian Gerard Smith, 19, of Hilary Avenue, both Huyton, also face assault and affray charges.

They will appear at North Sefton Magistrates’ Court on January 23.

The spokesman said Gerrard and the two other men had been bailed.

Forest Green's FA Cup Preparations Upset By Steven Gerrard's Arrest

Forest Green's Andrew Mangan says his FA Cup preparations have been thrown into turmoil by Steven Gerrard's arrest.

Mangan, 22, knows Gerrard and they have a mutual friend in Accrington keeper Ian Dunbavin.

The Liverpool and England star has been charged with assault and affray following a brawl at a Southport nightclub.

And Mangan, preparing to face Derby in the third round on Saturday, is concerned for Gerrard and his favourite club.

"I'm from Huyton and a massive Liverpool fan," said Mangan, who joined Conference side Forest Green in the summer.

"It is great seeing Liverpool top of the league.

But I am gutted for Gerrard because he is a hero and from Huyton as well.

"I had a drink with him at Ian Dunbavin's engagement party in September.

"I think it's just a case of wrong place, wrong time, as Steve would not have got involved in anything stupid." Mangan wants a fourthround trip to Anfield if Forest Green beat Derby.

He added: "Derby have just gone down from the Premier League and are having a bad time so hopefully we can nick a result."