Liverpool In Takeover Talks With Kuwaiti Billionaire

According to The Sun, Liverpool are currently in discussions with Kuwaiti tycoon Nasser Al-Kharafi regarding a potential mega-money takeover.

The British tabloid claims that the Reds have sent over a delegation to kick off talks which could see the club's current co-owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, sell their stakes for £400 million.

Although things have settled down in recent times, the American business-partners' reign at Anfield has been swamped with controversy after controversy.

The Kopites are still furious that Hicks and Gillett broke their promise not to pile debt upon the club, not to mention their inability to drum up the funds for a new stadium at Stanley Park.

Furthermore, the pair's relationship with manager Rafael Benitez has always been terse at best, and their constant disputes over transfer dealings have caused considerable unrest within the club.

Thus, a change in ownership would suit all parties concerned: the Hicks and Gillett would cash in and move out, much to most fans' delight, while Benitez should get the cash cow he always wanted.

For Al-Kharafi's fortune is much vaster than the current owners', weighing in at around £12 billion, and he is ranked as the 46th richest man in the world.

Al-Kharafi was linked with a takeover at Newcastle United last October, and his cousin held buy-out talks with Hicks earlier in the year.

Liverpool Goalkeeper Pepe Reina Respects Reserve Stopper Cavalieri

The Spanish goalkeeper has no complaints if Liverpool's reserve stopper is favoured for the FA Cup once more.

São Paulo shot-stopper Diego Cavalieri signed for Liverpool last summer in a deal reported to involve a £3 million fee.

In his six-year career at previous club Palmeiras he accumulated over a century of first-team appearances despite his relatively young age for a first-choice goalkeeper.

He is held in high esteem by the Liverpool management as he was awarded Jerzy Dudek's old jersey number: 1.

Spanish glovesman Pepe Reina expects the Brazilian to guard goal in the fourth round of the FA Cup this weekend. He insists that he wishes it was he who would be playing, but would have few complaints if he was overlooked for the starting role.

"I would like to play - I would be lying if I didn't say that - but I think Diego deserves it," Reina told the club's official website.

"I have a lot of respect for what he is doing. Diego played a great game against Preston in the last round of the FA Cup.

"It is not easy when you are not playing regularly, but he works really hard and is a great professional."

Cavalieri has been favoured in the cup competitions thus far this season.

Reina though will reflect on good memories in the FA Cup, having been a key member of the thrilling West Ham United 3-3 final in 2006; a game that was eventually settled on penalties.

Liverpool FC Won't Rotate Fernando Torres

Rafael Benitez is ready to throw Fernando Torres straight back into derby battle – despite admitting he will rotate his Liverpool squad for Sunday’s FA Cup tie.

The Anfield manager is expected to make a raft of changes for the home fourth round clash against neighbours Everton.

However, Torres is almost certain to retain his place in attack after making his first start since November in Monday’s 1-1 Premier League draw at Anfield against their Merseyside rivals.

The Spaniard enjoyed an 85-minute run-out in which only the width of the post prevented him from scoring in a third successive derby.

And Benitez said: “I was impressed with him on Monday.

“It is not easy to play in a derby when it is so intense. He was exhausted at the end but he did well.

“He is very close to full fitness – now it’s just about getting match fitness. He needs to play games.

“You know a striker needs to play games and be in front of the goal a few times. That’s the key – getting the confidence. The more chances you get the more likely you are to start scoring goals. Hopefully he can score this weekend.”

While Torres seems likely to stay in attack, the likes of Diego Cavalieri, Andrea Dossena, Lucas Leiva, Javier Mascherano, Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun are hopeful of a recall.

Alvaro Arbeloa and Daniel Agger will also be considered if they recover from their respective hamstring and calf problems, and Benitez accepts he has one eye on the Premier League clash against Wigan Athletic three days later.

“We have plenty of time before the game but we have to think about Wigan and Chelsea,” said the Spaniard. “Anyway, I think we have enough quality in the squad.”

Liverpool were three minutes away from a fourth successive derby triumph when, after Benayoun fouled Victor Anichebe, Tim Cahill headed in from Mikel Arteta’s free-kick.

Benitez has warned against a repeat on Sunday, and said: “We had to be careful and not commit silly fouls, and then after we had to defend the set-piece.”

Reds Must Stop Blunders

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has told his players they must cut out the sort of mistakes that cost the Reds two valuable points in the Merseyside derby.

There will be a re-run for Liverpool against Everton on Sunday, this time in the FA Cup fourth round, but the pain of conceding a late goal in Monday's Barclays Premier League draw is still felt at Anfield.

Benitez blamed two mistakes - first Yossi Benayoun conceding a needless free-kick in a dangerous position, and then the Liverpool defence giving Tim Cahill a free run to score with a header.

The Liverpool manager told his club's official website: "We have talked about both things. We had to be careful and not commit silly fouls, and then after we had to defend the set-piece.

"Okay, we made the mistake - and maybe we can learn from it for the future.

"Clearly we have talked about this. The players realise we have to improve. But we are not conceding too many goals, and it is always going to seem worse when you concede such an important goal in a derby.

"We work on these things every week, practising set-pieces for and against."

Benitez hinted he is likely to rotate his squad, especially with league games against Wigan and Chelsea to follow. Fernando Torres is likely to begin again against Everton.

"We have to think about Wigan and Chelsea," added the manager.

"Anyway, I think we have enough quality in the squad [to rotate].

"I was impressed with Torres on Monday. It is not easy to play in a derby when it is so intense. He was exhausted at the end but he did well.

"He is very close to full fitness - now it's just about getting match fitness. He needs to play games.

"You know a striker needs to play games and be in front of the goal a few times. That's the key - getting the confidence. The more chances you get the more likely you are to start scoring goals. I hope he can score this weekend."

Reds Agree To Brouwer Move

Liverpool have allowed Jordy Brouwer to join Dutch outfit RKC Waalwijk on loan until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old forward has moved to Holland after Reds manager Rafa Benitez agreed he should be offered the opportunity of first-team experience.

And having returned to Holland, Brouwer - who signed at Anfield from Ajax in January 2007 - is hoping to help Waalwijk earn promotion from the Jupiler League.

"I am happy RKC Waalwijk have given me the chance to play," Brouwer told the club's official website.

"I hope I can play a role in a possible promotion to the Eredivisie."

Brouwer has represented Holland at Under 19 level and was a key member of Liverpool's reserve side which won the title in 2007/08.

Paul Anderson Wants To Play A Role At Liverpool FC

As Merseyside football braces itself for another showdown, one Liverpool player is preparing for a Cup derby of a different kind tonight.

Paul Anderson will step out for Nottingham Forest at Derby County in the other significant local spat in the FA Cup fourth round.

The 20-year-old has been earning rave reviews at the City Ground since signing on a season-long loan from Anfield in the summer.

After overcoming a thigh injury that delayed his debut until October, Anderson has been a regular starter, first under Colin Calderwood and then new manager Billy Davies, who assumed the reins earlier this month.

Anderson played the full 90 minutes of Forest’s shock 3-0 win at Manchester City in the third round, and was a goalscorer in Saturday’s 2-0 triumph over Plymouth that moved them clear of the relegation zone.

And Anderson says: “I’m really enjoying it at Forest and now I’m starting every game since coming back from injury. I can play on either wing but I’m on the right wing mainly.

“I think I’m doing all right at the moment but I don’t think I’m playing as well as I have been the last couple of years. I’m still getting my fitness back, but in terms of my ability I know I can do better.”

Of the City game, Anderson adds: “It was a great day. It was nice to beat a club from the Premier League and especially one that’s the richest club in the world.

“Playing against City was a great experience for me, because as a young player you want to impress against those kind of teams because that’s hopefully the level you will end up playing at. Now we’ve got Derby, and that will be an even bigger game for us.
“I’ve only been here a few months but I know all about how important this game is for our supporters. I played at Derby earlier in the season and the atmosphere was very hostile, their supporters were really against us.”

Having been signed by Liverpool from Hull City as a 17-year-old in January 2006, the nearest Anderson has come to a first-team appearance is as an unused substitute in the Champions League defeat at home to Benfica two months later.

The youngster spent last season on loan at Swansea City, helping the Welsh side to win the League One championship.

Swansea manager Roberto Martinez was keen to sign Anderson, but the player instead signed a new three-year contract at Liverpool.

“Liverpool told me to go and enjoy myself at Forest and play as well as I can and as often as I can,” Anderson says. “I know that they try and have me watched as often as possible to see how I’m getting on.

“I haven’t really had much contact with Liverpool this season. The main feedback I get from the club is through my agent, although I’ve had a couple of little of conversations with the club to see how I’m getting on.

“I hope that by the end of the season I have done enough so that when I come back to Liverpool I can get in and around the fringes of the first-team squad, but we’ll have to see.”

Anderson is one of several youngsters on loan from Liverpool, as Rafael Benitez looks to broaden the experience of his reserve and Academy players.

But the camaraderie between the budding stars is such that the winger has a frank admission to make.

“I didn’t actually watch the game against Everton on Monday, I chose to watch the Leicester game against Yeovil because I wanted to see how Jack Hobbs is playing,” says Anderson, who hails from Leicester.

“I obviously keep an eye out for Liverpool’s results as that’s where I want to be playing eventually, and they are doing well this season. But as long as we’re not training, I will try and watch the game on Sunday.”

Anderson adds: “It was weird watching the FA Cup draw, and how Liverpool and Everton were drawn together and Forest were then drawn with Derby. Those are two big games.

“Maybe some Liverpool fans might end up tuning in to watch the game on Friday to see how I’m getting on – that’s if they even know who I am!”

Crowds Expected For Steven Gerrard Court Appearance

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will make his first court appearance today.

Gerrard will appear at North Sefton Magistrates Court to answer an assault charge after an alleged brawl at the Lounge Inn in December.

Police have put a series of measures in place including a detachment of more than 30 police officers to maintain order outside the court. More police will control Southport’s traffic flow.

Paparazzi will be corralled into a designated area in front of the building with any press required to present a pass to gain entry to the court building.

Gerrard will face charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray. He will appear alongside John Doran, 29, of Woodlands Road, and Ian Gerard Smith, 19, of Hilary Avenue, both Huyton.

There have been several other arrests in the case which saw part-time DJ Marcus McGee suffer bruises and a missing tooth on December 29.

Coleen Rooney’s youngest brother, Anthony McLoughlin, 19 was arrested of assault and affray. He was released without charge on police bail.

And 28-year-old Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin was arrested at his Southport home and questioned on suspicion of assault and affray before being bailed.

Gerrard Prepares For Court Appearance

The next phase of Steven Gerrard's season will begin in the unlikely surroundings of North Sefton magistrates court tomorrow when the Liverpool player attends the first hearing into the bar brawl that has led to him being charged with affray and assault.

While the club's manager, Rafael Benítez, and the rest of the first-team squad will be training in preparation for Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Everton at Anfield, Gerrard has been excused duty to attend court amid tight security.

There is expected to be a strong police presence to deal with the large number of journalists and the possibility of supporters congregating to see the 28-year-old Liverpool captain and England international arriving. Gerrard will be accompanied by his legal team although it is not clear if anyone from the club will also accompany him.

Gerrard had been celebrating Liverpool's 5–1 win at Newcastle United on 28 December when the incident allegedly occurred at the Lounge Inn, a popular haunt for Merseyside's footballers, in the seaside town of Southport. Earlier in the day, the midfielder had scored in a victory that put Liverpool three points clear at the top of the league.

Marcus McGee, a 34-year-old businessman and part-time DJ who was working at the bar at the time, allegedly lost a tooth in the fight and required hospital treatment after sustaining cuts to his face.

Six men were arrested and Gerrard will appear in court with John Doran, 29, and Ian Gerard Smith, 19, both of Huyton, Liverpool, who are accused of assault and affray.

Aston Villa Plan To Hijack Emile Heskey's Liverpool Move

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill wants a face-to-face chat with Emile Heskey - so he can talk the Wigan striker into snubbing Liverpool and signing for him.

O'Neill is planning to make a bid for Heskey which will force Wigan to let the England star speak to him.

He'll then attempt to persuade the target man to join his push for glory. Heskey is wanted by Rafa Benitez, who is keen to give him a return ticket to the Kop, although the Spaniard is happy to wait until he can get him for nothing in the summer.

O'Neill wants to make a case with Heskey to let him know how important he is to Villa right now.

Wigan are resigned to losing Heskey in the summer and for all Steve Bruce's protests they would accept an offer of around £3-£4million for their front runner before the window shuts.

If the Latics accept an offer from Villa, O'Neill will also have to come up with a contract worth £80,000-a-week for Heskey to match the Liverpool terms that will be on the table in the summer. O'Neill is deadly serious about signing the player he launched on the way to success while they were together at Leicester City and feels if he can get faceto- face with him he has a chance.

Liverpool do not want to buy Heskey at a high price just now, but could be put on the spot - especially as Villa now look like serious rivals at the top end of the table.

Benitez may even have to sell a fringe player to finance the deal now, which is another advantage Villa have.

O'Neill, due to fly to Europe to watch another possible target this weekend, failed to land Jermaine Defoe or Craig Bellamy.

Alonso Is Fired Up For Derby Revenge

Xabi Alonso insists Liverpool have to show their ruthless side to conquer Everton – and keep in the hunt for silverware.

The Kop kings were stopped in their tracks on Monday when Tim Cahill shattered their Premier League charge with his crushing late equaliser.

It meant that Manchester United stayed top of the table on goal difference with an ominous game in hand as Liverpool yet again threw points away.

This Sunday sees a re-run of that passionate Merseyside derby at Anfield in the FA Cup, which will provide the chance for Liverpool to take revenge on their close neighbours for derailing their title challenge.

However, Alonso knows that the Reds will need to go for the jugular when they get the chance – and effectively end Everton’s season in one game.

The Spaniard said: “This is our chance to take real revenge against Everton.

“The players were gutted and destroyed by the late goal we conceded against Everton, but we plan to make sure that the fans will be celebrating after Sunday.

“Tim Cahill’s goal was unjust because we had worked so hard for victory and Steven Gerrard scored a fabulous goal. We deserved victory, but it wasn’t to be.

“There will be just as much passion for this game and maybe more because there will be more Everton fans at Anfield for this FA Cup game.

“However, we want to make them cry and the way to do that is by being ruthless and taking control of the game.

“We need to make sure we score when we are on top, and maybe more than once, and then stay calm and hold our nerve.

“It is important to show mental strength as well as quality in our football.”

Liverpool have incredibly drawn five of their last 10 games in all competitions, which has put a skid under their season.

But almost more worryingly is the fact that they have only won two of their last six league games, drawing the other four.

That is eight points thrown down the drain, while Manchester United have been flying high and beating every team in their path, including a 3-0 hammering of Chelsea.

The FA Cup might not exactly be Liverpool’s main aim this season – especially given that they have an enticing last-16 tie in Europe against Real Madrid coming up – but getting back to winning ways is important.

And to do that Alonso knows that Liverpool will have to stop his fellow Spaniard Mikel Arteta, who helped set up Cahill’s goal on Monday. The midfielder added: “We all know what a good player Mikel Arteta is and he showed that against us on Monday.

“He’s a very good friend, but we know we can’t give him a chance with a free-kick because he’s capable of punishing us.

“The less Arteta touches the ball, the better for us because he is Everton’s key player.

“These derbies are always very difficult for the players and even more so given that it is two within seven days of each other.

“The fact that we have Fernando Torres getting back to full fitness is a real key for us because he is so important.

“We have played a lot of games this season without him and managed to be at the top of the Premier League and get a long way in the Champions League.

“We will be a far more dangerous side with him in the team and although a lot of people are talking about the Premier League, we want to win the FA Cup as it’s such an historic trophy.

“We won it a few years ago and want to repeat that this year and start getting back to winning ways.”

Liverpool Legend Rush: Benitez Must Pick Keane

The Liverpool striking legend feels that Liverpool's manager has the key to turning round the performances of the enigmatic Irishman.

Robbie Keane is a shadow of the player he was at Tottenham Hotpsur. Since moving north to Anfield for around £20 million in the summer, the Irishman has shown merely brief flashes of the verve and attacking flair, as well as goalscoring, that he showed during his highly entertaining spell with Spurs.

Keane came into the Liverpool side for Monday night's Merseyside derby with Everton, and turned in yet another disappointing performance in a season of them that has left Reds fans scratching their heads in bafflement at the player's poor form.

Now former Liverpool centre-forward Ian Rush, a man whom one would expect to know a little bit about what makes goalscorers tick, thinks that Keane needs some security, and that Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is the man to help provide it.

"Robbie Keane didn’t have the best of games against Everton and I’m sure he will know that himself because he has always been an honest player," Rush writes in today's Liverpool Echo.

"He didn’t get any chances, didn’t create anything of note and by and large struggled to impose himself on the game.

"It could have all been so different had Fernando Torres played the ball square to Keane for a tap-in when through on goal but you wouldn’t get too many centre forwards doing that in that position so Torres can’t be criticised for taking a shot.

But other than that it’s hard to think of another moment when Keane looked like a chance was about to come his way."

And the former Welsh international feels that the only way Keane will begin to settle in properly is when Benitez gives him a run in the side and makes him feel wanted and comfortable.

Rush adds: "If he is going to get back to the level we all know he can reach then Rafa Benitez is going to have to take Keane to one side and tell him he will be in his starting line up for the next four or five games."

Meanwhile, Rush also thinks that the FA Cup tie with Everton on Sunday now assumes greater significance for Liverpool after Monday's disappointing league draw with the Toffees.

"Getting through to the next round of the cup would be great, especially if it comes at the expense of your local rivals. But for me the most important thing is to use the game as a springboard for the rest of the season," said Rush.

Liverpool now find themselves trailing Manchester United in the league, as Rafa Benitez's attempt to avail the world of some "facts" the other week begins to look increasingly ill-advised.

Barnes Backs Benitez In Contract Negotiations

Former Liverpool midfielder John Barnes believes Rafael Benitez was right to turn down a new contract but hopes it will not affect the players' title challenge.

Barnes, who made more than 400 appearances for the club, is not concerned at the recent dip in form - which saw Liverpool drop two more points against arch-rivals Everton on Monday night.

Benitez's men blew the chance to regain their position at the top of the table and the power struggle between the Spaniard and the board appears to be filtering down to the players.

But Barnes is convinced that Benitez will keep the players' minds focused on events on the field and says he should have the same power Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson enjoy at Arsenal and Manchester United.

Barnes, a pundit for footballpools.com, said: "I don't know Rafa that well but he's 100% right in demanding full control over who he buys or sells for the club. He needs full control over how he spends any transfer funds as he's the one that lives or dies by those decisions.

"From his statements, he wants the same power that the likes of Wenger and Sir Alex possess and that's perfectly correct. The manager would not allow his players to be sidetracked by off-field disputes and that is how it should be."

Despite Liverpool's failure to beat Stoke and Everton in their last two league games, Barnes is expecting his former club to challenge Manchester United right to the wire.

He added: "Manchester United may have more experience in terms of winning the title but that does not necessarily mean they hold the advantage as Chelsea had not won the title for far longer than Liverpool and it did not affect them."

Benitez Backing Torres To Continue Derby Scoring Record

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez warned Everton that Fernando Torres is ready to renew his record of scoring in Merseyside derbies on Sunday.

The Spain international has bagged three in three against our bitter rivals, though missed a golden opportunity to add to that on Monday when he hit the post after going one-on-one with Tim Howard. It was Torres' first start since November, and Benitez expects his hitman to be much sharper this weekend following an intense 85-minute run-out.

"I was impressed with him on Monday. It is not easy to play in a derby when it is so intense. He was exhausted at the end but he did well," Benitez said ahead of Sunday's FA Cup fourth round clash with David Moyes' men.

"He is very close to full fitness - now it's just about getting match fitness. He needs to play games.

"You know a striker needs to play games and be in front of the goal a few times. That's the key - getting the confidence. The more chances you get the more likely you are to start scoring goals. Hopefully he can score this weekend."

Asked if he would rotate players on Sunday, Benitez said: "We will see. We have plenty of time before the game but we have to think about Wigan and Chelsea. Anyway, I think we have enough quality in the squad."

Benitez expects all of the top sides to drop unexpected points over the coming months.

While Liverpool have slipped up at home to the likes of Hull and Stoke this term, United have stuttered against strugglers Newcastle and Tottenham, while Chelsea were surprised by West Ham, Newcastle and Fulham.

Benitez added: "I think it will continue. The level of the teams in the Premier League is improving. There are teams who can beat you at home or away. Normally the top sides will win more games than they lose, but you can still lose or draw."

Liverpool To Sport Charcoal And Gold Away Kit Next Season

Liverpool will play their away games in black shirts next season, Sportsmail understands.

The new Adidas kit will have a gold trim and red piping with the club's Carlsberg sponsor emblazoned in gold across the chest.

The design echoes the kit Liverpool used as their third and European away strip last season, as well as the black shirts worn by Manchester United in 2007/08.

A predominantly white shirt will be designed for Liverpool's third strip of the 2009/10 season.

Liverpool To Rest Key Players For FA Cup And Concentrate On League And Euro Glory

Rafa Benitez is ready to risk Merseyside derby pride for Liverpool's title dream.

The Anfield boss has revealed that he will rest some key players in the FA Cup against bitter local rivals Everton on Sunday.

The Reds have two big Premier League matches coming up the following week. And that means even star players such as Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres could find themselves on the bench for the Mersey showdown.

Liverpool play Wigan in a must-win league game just three days after the clash with Everton, and Benitez has long been of the opinion that is simply too short a recovery period.

It means he won't risk certain players, despite the pressure to field the strongest side possible to ensure derby bragging rights.

Benitez was devastated by the late goal his side conceded to lose two points against Everton on Monday, and with the Wigan game as well as a crucial game with Chelsea on the horizon, he insisted he will rotate.

"We have players coming back from injury and it is important that they get the chance to play matches like the Cup tie," he said.

"We may have to play with different players for the Everton game on Sunday because afterwards we have two important games at Wigan and then at home to Chelsea."

It is 19 years since Liverpool won the title, and the manager is so focused on the quest to bring it back to Anfield that even cup defeat at the hands of Everton won't deflect him.

He looks certain to bring Javier Mascherano back into the starting line-up, and with Lucas likely to play alongside him in midfield that could mean rests for Gerrard and Xabi Alonso.

Alvaro Arbeloa and Daniel Agger are also coming back from injury and are likely to play, while Yossi Benayoun and Ryan Babel should get much-needed game time.

Torres could be left on the bench, especially after a hard game against Everton in his first real test since returning from hamstring injury.

Mascherano is determined to avenge the costly draw on Monday night.

"I love this kind of game where first you have to win the physical battle before you can think about winning the match," he said.

"I like playing against Everton. Every tackle matters and you have to be brave in every situation.

"We feel that we can't come off the pitch with anything left. We have to give everything to make sure Liverpool get the right result.

"When the game is the FA Cup, it is even more important because we want to go far in this competition."

Juventus Plan Summer Move To Sign Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt

Juventus are planning another raid on Anfield by identifying Dirk Kuyt as their number one transfer target.

The Serie A club signed Momo Sissoko from Liverpool during last year’s January transfer window but failed to secure the signature of Xabi Alonso over the summer.

However, Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri is again eyeing one of Rafael Benitez’s midfielders in the shape of Kuyt, who has reinvented himself as an energetic right winger over the past year, as he looks to strengthen is squad.

The former Chelsea manager is looking for an early replacement for the ageing Czech playmaker Pavel Nedved as he looks to reshape his side and while Werder Bremen’s Diego, CSKA Moscow’s Yuri Zhirkov and Real Madrid’s Rafael van de Vaart have also been linked with a move to Turin, 28-year-old Kuyt has now been identified as the preferred choice.

Manager Benitez, a big admirer of Kuyt’s tireless work-rate and is unlikely to welcome any interest in the Dutch international who remains a key part of his plans despite no longer operating in the central striking role he was originally brought to Anfield to fill on a regular basis.

Reds Handed Cahill Warning

Liverpool have been warned to be on their guard when Merseyside derby hero Tim Cahill returns to Anfield on Sunday.

Everton make the short trip across Stanley Park once again this weekend for an FA Cup fourth round clash, less than a week after snatching a Premier League point against their local rivals.

Steve Gerrard's long-range effort looked set to send Rafa Benitez's men back to the top of the table on Monday night, only for stand-in striker Cahill to grab a late leveller.

And defender Leighton Baines is backing the Australia international to throw a similar spanner in the works of the Reds' FA Cup bid.

Midfielder Cahill has been pressed into service as an emergency forward due to David Moyes' squad being hit hard by injuries.

Baines told the Daily Mirror: "What he did against Liverpool is his trademark.

"He just keeps popping up with these important goals. He is a real threat.

"Just looking back over the past month, he's scored massive goals for us against Manchester City and Middlesbrough.

"He does it time and time again. He gets in the right place at the right time and we'd be lost without him.

"It's the sheer honesty of his play. He chases everything down, contests every ball."

Liverpool FC Relishing Everton FC Re-Match

DIRK KUYT revealed the determination among Liverpool’s squad to “put things right” after their derby disappointment on Monday.

Everton put a significant dent in the title hopes of their neighbours by snatching a 1-1 draw at Anfield.

After leading the table for more than a month, Rafael Benitez’s side are now second behind leaders Manchester United on goal difference having played a game more.

Liverpool entertain Mersey rivals Everton again on Sunday in their FA Cup fourth round tie, and Kuyt said: “We wanted to beat them and thought we could win, but now we want put things right on Sunday. We will learn from the mistakes we made against them, and we will be ready for them in the cup game.

“We are very disappointed at the moment. We controlled the game, had some good chances and scored a great goal through Stevie, so it’s difficult to accept this kind of result when you concede so late in the game.”

Fabio Aurelio joined his team-mate in admitting Liverpool must cut out the errors if they are to make amends in the FA Cup tie on Sunday.

“It was a tough game and both sides were fighting for everything,” said the Brazilian. “I don’t think it was a very good game in terms of the football that was played but both teams put all of their effort into it.

“We know that they have been scoring a lot of goals from set-pieces. There is nothing we can do to change it now so all we can do is focus on our next game which is again against Everton.

“But we have to learn from our mistakes – that is always important, especially when you have conceded a late goal.

“It is always difficult to defend those kind of free-kicks, particularly when the opposition has a very good taker and good headers of the ball. But I think we can improve.”

Aurelio paid tribute to Steven Gerrard, who marked his 250th game as Liverpool skipper with a trademark strike from 25 yards to give Liverpool a 68th-minute lead that was equalised by

“It was a fantastic goal by Steven,” said Aurelio.

“Everyone knows what he is capable of when he gets the ball in these positions and it was a really good strike.

“I thought it could have been enough to win the game, but unfortunately it did not turn out that way.”

Title rivals United have won eight of their last 10 games without conceding a goal and dropping just four points from 30. During the same period, Liverpool have won just four times and taken only 18 points compared to United’s 26.

Four of those games have been home draws, with the Everton stalemate following those against Fulham, West Ham United and Hull City.

But Spanish winger Albert Riera said: “We’ve dropped a lot of points at home this season through draws, but this wasn’t like the other times.

“In the other games, the teams were mainly here to defend and we simply couldn’t break them down.

“But against Everton we got the goal, and we could have even scored in the first half when Fernando hit the post.

“It wasn’t like the Fulham or West Ham games.

“We created chances on Monday, and we don’t feel disappointed in the same way we did after those games.”

Militant Mascherano Hopes To Rremain Unbeaten Against Everton In FA Cup

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has admitted he loves playing against Everton.

The Argentina captain was rested for Monday's Premier League encounter between the two rivals, but is desperate to feature in Sunday's FA Cup fourth round tie.

He said: 'I like playing against Everton. Every tackle matters and you have to be brave in every tackle and every situation.

'I love this kind of game where first you have to win the physical battle before you can think about winning the match.

'At Anfield the crowd roars you on and you just feel that you can't come off the pitch with anything left.

'You have to give everything to make sure Liverpool get the right result.'

Tim Cahill scored a late equalise on Monday to further damage Liverpool's title ambitions and Mascherano is desperate to gain revenge and progress in the competition Liverpool last won in 2006.

'When the game is the FA Cup, it is even more important because we want to go far in this competition.

'I haven't lost to Everton in my Liverpool career. Every player loves being in the big games and I am the same.

'They bring the very best out of everyone. These derbies, though, are more civilised in England, people know you can win or lose. In Argentina and Brazil they have a different mentality and winning is all they understand.'

Benitez Calls For Return To Form For LIverpool FC

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has called on his team to return to the top form they showed a month ago when Newcastle United were dismantled 5-1.

Only a heroic performance by Magpies goalkeeper Shay Given stopped the visitors from netting double figures on a remarkable day at St James’ Park when Liverpool looked every inch potential champions.

However, since then Benitez’s side have stumbled to draws their last two league games allowing Manchester United to take their place at the top of the Premier League.

Benitez wants a return to the form they showed at Newcastle, which saw them marked down as genuine title challengers.

“On that day we scored a lot of goals, created a lot of chances and played some good football so clearly we are looking for this kind of performance in every kind of game,” he said.

“If we can play as well as we did against Newcastle then I am sure that we can win a lot of games.

“I think that game was really good because we passed the ball well and kept the ball well, there were a lot of positives.

“That is the idea of how we want to play.”

Meanwhile, Jermaine Pennant has spoken of his desire to play regular first team football after completing a loan move to Portsmouth.

The right winger has been out in the cold at Anfield for most of this season and has not made a single appearance for the since the 1-0 win over Pompey back in October.

Pennant said: “Tony Adams has given me the opportunity to come to Portsmouth and hopefully play regular first team football.

“I played with him at Arsenal so I know what he’s like. He was desperate for me to come which is very encouraging for me to hear.”