Match Report: Rapid Vienna 1 - 0 LiverpooL

Liverpool slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Rapid Vienna in their latest pre-season friendly in Austria.

Rapid skipper Steffen Hofmann netted the only goal with a second half free-kick to see off a strong Reds side which included Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Yossi Benayoun.

Gerrard and Carragher played the first 45 minutes while Benayoun and Holland international Dirk Kuyt came on at the break as manager Rafael Benitez plenty of changes.

England defender Glen Johnson was not part of the matchday squad, however, after Benitez opted not to risk him after he took a slight knock to his Achilles in Wednesday's goalless draw against St Gallen.

Rapid had the better of the first half with Erwin Hoffer seeing a goal disallowed for offside while the same player saw a close-range effort well saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri.

The goal came after 57 minutes when Hofmann curled a low free-kick past Cavalieri's replacement Peter Gulacsi.

Stefan Maierhofer had another goal disallowed for offside before, at the other end, Benayoun saw a free-kick well saved by Raimund Hedl.

Benitez introduced Javier Mascherano with 25 minutes to go and the Argentinian's appearance roused the visitors with Kuyt twice coming close.

Benayoun also came close late on but Liverpool could not find an equalizer.

Rafa Benitez Hails Performance Of Liverpool Youngsters Despite Loss To Rapid Vienna

Liverpool were beaten 1-0 this evening in Austria, as they lost to Rapid Vienna in a pre-season game in which they struggled to build momentum and find quality.

Nevertheless, manager Rafa Benitez was delighted with the displays of several of the younger members of his squad and felt that the game was a valuable learning experience, despite the defeat, with performances of young Spanish duo Daniel Ayala and Daniel Pacheco attracting particular praise.

"I don't like to talk too much about individuals but both players were doing well," the coach told the Reds' official website.

"They're both young and when they come with the first team you always want to see something different. I am pleased for them and also with Jay Spearing because he played as a left full-back as we have some problems in this position at this moment.

"The other positives were to play a lot of players we wanted to play - it is all part of our preparations. We needed match fitness and we changed the majority of the players after 45 minutes - that was the idea.

"In terms of what we wanted from the game, only the result was wrong."

New right-back Glen Johnson was missing from the game, but Benitez insisted that nothing sinister should be read into his absence, concluding, "He has a small problem with his Achilles tendon but it is not serious," said Benitez. "Him not playing was a precaution."

Dirk Kuyt Hopes Liverpool Can Hang Onto Javier Mascherano & Xabi Alonso

Key Liverpool duo Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso, respective targets for Barcelona and Real Madrid, played pivotal roles in the club's success last season, and tireless forward Dirk Kuyt explained today that it is great to have the pair back with the squad in time for pre-season training.

Alonso had, earlier this week, intimated his pride at being a prominent member of Real Madrid's wishlist, as the Spanish giants hone in on further Galactico recruitments following the mega-money acquisitions of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Kaka.

The Reds' ambiguous financial future - with parent company Kop Holdings Ltd's fiscal numbers reportedly dwindling - it has been speculated that at least one of the two will be sold, and Mascherano crops up on Barcelona's wishlist, too.

However, Dirk Kuyt today explained to the Liverpool Echo that, “It’s really good to have them back and it’s good to see all the other lads also.
“We have a very good team which we showed last year and now we want to improve in the coming season and hopefully we can do that,” he concluded.

Alonso was close to a move last summer, where Arsenal allegedly attempted to prise the deep-lying playmaker away from Anfield for a cut-price £15 million fee. The Spaniard is now likely to fetch £30 million.

Xabi Alonso: Real Madrid’s Project Is Impressive But I Won’t Force Liverpool Exit

Real Madrid have spent the last few weeks haggling with Liverpool to take Xabi Alonso to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Spanish giants are hell-bent on acquiring the Spanish international, but the Merseysiders have stubbornly refused to lower their asking price as the two clubs continue to wrangle back and forth.

The midfielder himself has so far refused to demand an unceremonious departure from Anfield, but he did admit that he is particularly interested in Florentino Perez’s Galacticos reincarnation.

“It’s always a great feeling when Madrid want you, especially considering the phase of the career I am in now,” he told AS in a brief interview prior to his trip to Vienna to join up with the rest of the Reds squad for pre-season preparations.

“But at this point, as I have always said, whether or not that can happen is not up to me. It’s a matter that involves three parties, including myself.

“I do not like to force the issue. I prefer to talk.

“Madrid’s project is certainly impressive. But beyond that, I can’t tell you anything else.”

Xabi reaffirmed that he intends to hold discussions with Rafael Benitez to persuade the gaffer to let him go.

“I will talk to him, sure, but the first thing to do when I arrive [in Austria] is to greet him,” he professed.

“But I imagine that in the next few days, there will be time for all that, even though in reality, there’s nothing in particular to talk to Rafa about. It’s the clubs who have to negotiate to reach an agreement.”

And when he was asked why the Reds had declined to accept Madrid’s prior bid of €27 million, Xabi replied, “I am not the man who can answer these questions.

“The truth is that I cannot say much, because every little thing can be misinterpreted. And I do not know how things will turn out either because I am not a fortune teller.”

Andrea Dossena Calls Roma Ace Alberto Aquilani To Liverpool

Despite flirting with Juventus this summer, Liverpool and Italy left-back Andrea Dossena is now expected to remain in England and has urged Roma midfield star Alberto Aquilani to try his hand in the Premier League.

Speculation is rife in the peninsula that the Reds have set their sights on Aquilani and are set to lodge a formal bid to lure ‘Il Principino’ to Anfield.

“Aquilani is destined to improve even more and could do so even more quickly under a great coach like [Liverpool boss Rafael] Benitez,” Dossena told laroma.net.

“A player like him can comfortably play for Liverpool or any other club. He was sidelined due to physical problems last season and could not be at his best, but he has proved to be a great footballer.

“Aquilani can do well in the Premier League, even though it is a more physical league than Serie A.”

Aquilani is reportedly Benitez’s first choice to replace Xabi Alonso, who is being courted by Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid.

“Benitez is very good at setting up the team and moving it around,” mused Dossena.

“He has many solutions at his disposal and could employ Aquilani in different ways.”

Press reports are suggesting that Liverpool are prepared to table an €18 million bid for Aquilani and offer him a lavish five-year deal worth €3m-per-year.

Liverpool Boss Rafael Benitez Rules Out Move For Valencia Striker David Villa

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has ruled out a move for Valencia striker David Villa.

The 27-year-old Spain international has been linked with a whole host of Europe's top clubs throughout the summer, but Benitez has ruled out Liverpool as potential suitors.

"David Villa, he is not our target," the 49-year-old former Valencia manager told PA Sport.

England defender Glen Johnson is the only major arrival at Anfield so far this summer, however, Benitez has not ruled out the possibility of more new faces joining the club before the end of August.

"We have already signed Johnson, an international for England. He is a good signing and Andriy Voronin is coming back, he was one of the best players in the German league, so we have two good additions," he said.

"You never know in football, we still have some time and we need to keep working on other names.

"We have fantastic players and hopefully we can keep the level of last year, and with one or two additions we could improve a little bit. At the moment we are very pleased."

Meanwhile, the Reds manager has refused to discuss the long-term future of Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso.

Real Madrid are reportedly eager to finalize a deal to land the 27-year-old as soon as possible, and Alonso has admitted that a move to the Spanish capital would be an interesting proposition.

Despite all the speculation, Benitez has confirmed that Alonso is part of the Reds squad embarking on a two-match tour of Thailand and Singapore, insisting that the Euro 2008 winner remains a Liverpool player, for now at least.

"Xabi Alonso is here with us so he will be available," Benitez said.

Carragher Targets Final Step

Jamie Carragher is determined to help Liverpool end their title drought in the 2009/10 campaign.

The Reds came agonizingly close to landing the top flight title for the first time in 19 years last term, only to be pipped by old foes Manchester United.

There is an air of expectation around Anfield that the Holy Grail is now within sight, though, with United having parted company with Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez this summer.

With Arsenal still in a transition period, and with Chelsea yet to spend big in the transfer market, Liverpool are widely expected to be among the frontrunners once again this season.

Carragher believes Rafa Benitez's men are capable of mounting a sustained title tilt and admits everyone connected with the club will be doing their utmost to bring the Premier League crown to Merseyside.

"We had a very good season in the league last year but we realize that if we can improve that by one or two per cent that may be enough and that's what we're trying to do," he said.

"We took Manchester United very close last year and we realize them and also Chelsea will come back and maybe Manchester City as well so there's a lot of competition

"Hopefully the pre-season games we can improve and get better and make sure we're ready for Tottenham (the first game of the new season) and go one step further than we did last year."

Phil Brown Denies That Hull City Have Contacted Liverpool About Andriy Voronin

Hull City manager Phil Brown has denied that the Yorkshire club are targeting Liverpool striker Andriy Voronin, as they look to bring in striking reinforcements ahead of the start of the new Premier League campaign next month.

Brown has missed out on a number of strikers so far this summer, with Frazier Campbell, Michael Owen, Daryl Murphy and Marc-Antoine Fortune all opting for destinations other than the KC Stadium, after being targeted by the Tigers' manager.

Voronin spent a fruitful season on loan at Bundesliga outfit Hertha Berlin last campaign, after being deemed surplus to requirements by Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez. He has returned to Anfield now though, and has vowed to fight for his place in the Reds' first team.

"We have not made any contact with Liverpool with regards to Andriy Voronin," Brown told Sky Sports.

Despite that denial however, Brown did acknowledge that the Ukrainian was a player in whom he would be interested were he available, stating, when asked if Voronin was a player who could interest him, "Of course he would."

Gerrard Appears In Court On Affray Charges

England midfielder Steven Gerrard was in the dock on Monday as jurors waited to be called to try his affray case.

The Liverpool captain, 29, stood next to his six co-accused at Liverpool Crown Court in a dark grey suit and black suede shoes.

The millionaire star took his place behind the glass sealed dock in courtroom 4:1 as Judge Henry Globe QC, the Recorder of Liverpool, adjourned the hearing for legal discussions.

The midfielder arrived early at court to meet his solicitor Richard Green for discussions ahead of the trial opening. The father-of-two is accused of affray - which he denies.

It is alleged Gerrard was involved in a nightclub melee in Southport in the early hours of December 29 in which businessman Marcus McGee, 34, was injured.

Gerrard was celebrating Liverpool's 5-1 demolition of Newcastle when trouble began.

Gerrard, of Formby, Merseyside, is jointly charged with Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin, 28, of Guildford Road, Southport and midfielder Robert Grant, 18, of Enstone Road, Litherland.

Also on trial are John Doran, 29, of Woodlands Road, Ian Smith, 19, of Hilary Avenue, John McGrattan, 33, of Rimmer Avenue, and Paul McGrattan, 31, of Linden Drive, all of Huyton, Merseyside.

Following further legal submissions, the case was adjourned again until Tuesday morning without a jury being sworn in. The trial is scheduled to last between two and three weeks.

Napoli Are Interested In Liverpool Defender Andrea Dossena

The press continue to link Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena with a move back to Serie A and the player's agent, Roberto Laflorio, has confirmed interest from Napoli.

"Napoli like the player, but if they want him they must speak with the British club first," he told Radio Marte.

"I don't know if the English club really want to sell him. I spoke with Andrea and he said if an offer from Naples comes then he will discuss it with his family."

Dossena has struggled since moving to the Reds last summer, only managing 16 appearances in the Premier League in 2008-09. Napoli director Pierpaolo Marino has confirmed that the club will bring in a left-back, but has not named anyone specifically.

The 27-year-old has 10 caps for Italy since making his national team debut in 2007.

Rafa Looks For His Silva Lining

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is closing in on Valencia’s David Silva with the increasing likelihood that Real Madrid will land £30million-rated Anfield star Xabi Alonso.

Alonso fell out with Benitez last summer after efforts were made to offload him to Juventus to raise the money for a move for England midfielder Gareth Barry. Now he is anxious to join Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and company at the Bernabeu.

And Alonso has ignored Benitez’s call for him to stay and show some loyalty after the events of a year ago.

Liverpool have also been holding out for around £30m for the player they signed from Real Sociedad for £10m five years ago.

Now it seems Real Madrid are close to offering that figure for 27-year-old Alonso.

Importantly for Liverpool, a clause which entitles Real Sociedad to 20 per cent of any sell-on fee has now expired.

Benitez will quickly try to bring long-term target Silva, 23, to Anfield even though he may have to smash the club’s transfer record of £20m for Fernando Torres to do it.

Valencia have serious debt problems but they have still been playing hard-ball over their two prized assets, Silva and his Spanish international team-mate striker David Villa, 27, who is wanted by Barcelona and Chelsea.

They want £40m for Villa and £25m for Silva. With £30m from Alonso’s expected sale, Benitez will have the funds to try to push the deal through for midfielder Silva.

Benitez, though, is determined to resist Barcelona’s overtures for his Argentinian defensive midfielder Javier Mascherano, 25.

Lucas - Johnson Is Missing Link

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva feels that new signing Glen Johnson could propel the club to their first league title since 1990.

England right-back Johnson joined the Reds from Portsmouth earlier this summer for a fee of £18million, as manager Rafa Benitez plans for the new season.

Last campaign the Anfield club demonstrated improvement in England's top flight and finished just four points behind champions Manchester United.

Lucas is eagerly anticipating the 2009/10 term and has warned Liverpool's title rivals that they will be stronger with Johnson in tow.

"We have not been surprised by how good he's looked in training because we already knew him as a player," he told the club's official website.

"He has played at left-back but still showed his quality.

"Hopefully he will be an important player for us and help us win the title - that's what we want.

"His pace will be important and he is strong. He likes to go forward and we've already seen he has a good delivery. These are the things a full-back has to have.

"Full-backs are important in modern football and especially with the way Liverpool play. To have an overlapping full-back allows us to find space."

Liverpool To Battle Spurs For Young Signature?

Liverpool are ready to join Tottenham in bidding to sign Ashley Young from Aston Villa, according to reports in the News of the World.

The winger is one of the best prospects in the league and Villa have reportedly rejected an opening £18m offer from Tottenham, saying it is nowhere near their £30m valuation of the player.

Now the door may be open for Liverpool to get involved as their move for Valencia midfielder David Silva has stalled.

However, while Villa are bracing themselves for Liverpool's offer, manager Martin O'Neill has said he does not want to see the player leave.

O'Neill insisted on Thursday: "There have been a lot of stories about Ashley - and that's what they are - stories."

He added: "No-one has come in and asked us about Ashley Young and I have got to tell you, if they did they would get short shrift."

Robbie Fowler: Torres Can Out-score Owen

Robbie Fowler is backing Fernando Torres to outscore Michael Owen this season and help Liverpool take Man United’s title.

Kop legend Fowler says he was “surprised” when Owen joined bitter-rivals United, after leaving Newcastle on a free transfer.

But Fowler, who scored on his debut for Australian club North Queensland Fury against Wolves last week, is convinced Liverpool’s 19-year wait for the league title will end this season.

Fowler, 34, said of Owen: “I’m surprised Michael has gone to United but he’s a very good player and I hope he does well.

“But if he scores a lot of goals, I hope Torres scores even more.

“It’s a bit of a sticky situation for us, with Michael going there as I don’t want United to do well.”

But Fowler is convinced United will still lose their crown to Liverpool.

He said: “Rafa Benitez is a very good manager and he’ll be looking to put right a few wrongs last season.

“The way Liverpool finished the league last season was brilliant but unfortunately United’s finish was similar.

“But I have been saying for some time now that this will be Liverpool’s season – they will win the league.”

And his belief is also being backed up by John Barnes, though the wing king from the 1980s says fans must stay realistic.

Tranmere boss Barnes said: “Yes, Liverpool can win the title this time.

“And yes, they could have won it last season. But they over achieved. So I want Liverpool fans to be a little more cautious and not assume automatically that Liverpool will win it this year.”

Report: Liverpool Will Sell Xabi Alonso To Real Madrid For Wesley Sneijder Plus Cash

Xabi Alonso's move to Real Madrid is back on the cards, with Liverpool reportedly willing to consider a deal if Wesley Sneijder is included.

Alonso is seemingly intent on a move to the Bernabeu, but thus far the two clubs have failed to reach an agreement over a transfer fee.

According to The Times, however, Liverpool are now willing to accept a cut-price deal, if Wesley Sneijder is included in the package. The Reds are currently demanding €37million, a fee that Los Merengues are unwilling to match.

Despite the belief that all the Dutch players at Real Madrid are for sale, Manuel Pellegrini has stated that he considers Sneijder to be a vital part of the side. However, he might be willing to part with the Dutch midfielder in order to land Alonso.

It is expected that Alonso will not join the Liverpool squad on their pre-season tour to Asia, as both clubs continue to negotiate.

Xabi Alonso Set For Showdown Talks With Liverpool

Xabi Alonso’s future may take a step closer to being resolved today, as the midfielder is set to meet up with manager Rafael Benitez.

The Spaniard remains a transfer target for Real Madrid but Liverpool are loathe to sell one of their key players meaning the situation is currently at something of a deadlock.

However, according to the Mail on Sunday, the player and his manager are due to meet up today with the player’s future expected to be the main topic of conversation.

Indeed, today’s meeting offers the chance for a resolution to be found, as both player and manager attempt to determine whether the Spanish international will remain at Anfield next season.

Although both Alonso and Benitez have reportedly been in contact over the last few weeks, today’s meeting will be the first time the two men have come face-to-face since the end of last season.

The outcome, of course, will be eagerly awaited in Madrid, with the latest reports suggesting that Real are ready to conclude a €36 million deal.

Meanwhile, Liverpool face Austria Vienna in a friendly today and, following the game, will jet out to the Far East to continue their pre-season preparations.

It remains to be seen whether Alonso will join his colleagues on that flight.

Real Madrid Eager To Conclude €36m Deal For Liverpool's Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid have sent representatives to England to conclude the transfer of Xabi Alonso from Liverpool.

The saga has played out all summer, but Los Merengues finally appear to be closing in on their man.

According to Sport, Madrid have sent representatives to Merseyside to seal the deal, with the intention of paying €36 million for Alonso's services.

The newspaper goes on to claim that the midfielder will not travel with Liverpool on their pre-season tour to Asia, and that Madrid want him to join their pre-season camp in Ireland, which ends on Wednesday.

However, reports in the British press indicate just the opposite: that Xabi will link up with his fellow Reds for the trip to Thailand and Singapore, and will stay on at Anfield for another season.

Another obstacle could come if Inter decide to launch a last-minute bid, assuming the sale of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Barcelona goes through. Jose Mourinho is a big fan of Alonso, and could use the money to submit a higher bid than Madrid's.

Therefore, Los Merengues are eager to finish the deal before their arch rivals sign Ibrahimovic and throw another spanner in the works.

Liverpool Will Push For Aston Villa's Ashley Young And Keep Xabi Alonso

Rafa Benitez has been given the go ahead to push for the signing of Aston Villa's Ashley Young, according to the News of the World - which also claims that the Spaniard has been assured his compatriot Xabi Alonso will not be joining Real Madrid.

Young has been linked with a number of clubs all summer, but now Benitez and Villa boss Martin O'Neill could be set to wage war once again - as they did in the Gareth Barry saga last summer.

The newspaper claims that the England winger is a major piece in Benitez's Liverpool project for the coming season.

However, what 'Pool want and what Villa will countenance are likely to be two entirely different propositions. To deter potential interest, the Villans recently slapped a £30 million price tag on Young.

Will that put off the Reds' American owners George Gillet and Tom Hicks? The financially challenged pair were not prepared to sanction a considerably lower bid for Barry 12 months ago, so it will be interesting to see if there is genuine mileage in this News of the World story.

Meanwhile, the paper says that Alonso will now reject a move to Real Madrid to stay at Anfield. He was apparently set for a £27m move to the Bernabeu, but is now prepared to stay at Liverpool for at least one more season.

This suggests a dramatic change of mind by Alonso, who had seemed determined to join the Spanish giants. The News of the World implies that because he has joined his team-mates in Vienna, he has decided to stay.

However, the Daily Mail suggests that the situation is far from resolved. According to that paper, Alonso's future will only be decided after talks with Benitez.

The Liverpool party are due to fly from Austria to Bangkok after Sunday's friendly with Rapid Vienna, and if Alonso accompanies them to Thailand, the likelihood of a move to Real Madrid will diminish sharply.

But The Mail adds that Alonso and Benitez have barely communicated since the end of last season, and that sources in Spain believe their chilly relationship will persuade Alonso to sign for Real.

Of course, it could be that by selling Alonso to Real, Benitez will realise the funds with which to mount a determined bid for Young.

Pre-Season Preview: Liverpool

If ever there was a vital pre-season for Liverpool, it’s this one.

Having just fallen short of breaking their Premier League hoodoo last term, failure to take the next step in the upcoming campaign could be disastrous – in the eyes of the fans, at least.

Manchester United’s successful title defence in 2008-09 saw them equal their north west rivals’ record tally of 18 English championships. That alone is unbearable to most Kopites; as is the possibility of the Red Devils reaching 19 first.

Thus, a productive summer is essential for Rafa Benitez and his troops. They kicked off their pre-season play in Switzerland during the week with a 0-0 draw against St. Gallen, and they will be hoping to improve in their upcoming fixtures.

Rapid Vienna (A), Sunday 19 July, 18:15

Liverpool skip over to Austria to face Rapid Vienna. As one of the country’s powerhouse clubs, they should provide a significantly sterner test than their previous second division opponents.

Thailand (A), Wednesday 22 July, 14:00

The now-customary jaunt to South-East Asia begins with an exhibition match against the Thai national team. Ranked 117th in the world, the Elephants are coached by former foe Peter Reid, the ex-Everton and England defender.

Singapore (A), Sunday 26 July, 12:00

Then they go down to one of the smallest independent states in world, to take on a team that boasts more expats than natives. Expect plenty of the youngsters and reserves to get a run-out in this game.

Espanyol (A), Sunday 2 August, 20:00

Back to Europe, to take on the ‘other’ Catalan club. Having narrowly escaped relegation from the Primera Division last season, Mauricio Pochettino’s men will be hoping to lay the foundations for a vast improvement on their efforts in 2008-09.

FC Lyn (A), Wednesday 5 August, 18:00

Norway has become a regular stop on the Reds’ recent pre-season adventures. Last year, they took on Valerenga; this year, they will face their Oslo rivals. They are in the midst of the Tippeligaen season, and thus should provide decent competition.

Atletico Madrid (H), Saturday 8 August, 15:00

Fernando Torres’ old club will travel to Anfield for the Merseysiders’ final hit-out of the summer. Both sides have high hopes for the upcoming campaign and will want to take some good form into the season proper.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Glen Johnson remains Liverpool’s only big-money purchase so far this summer and the England right-back’s performances over the next few weeks will attract plenty of attention. Benitez has already made it clear that he wants the former Chelsea and Portsmouth star to sharpen up defensively.

Still, most gazes will be drawn inevitably towards Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano. The midfielders have been heavily linked with an Anfield exit, the former touted for Real Madrid and the latter for Barcelona. Alonso’s future is looking particularly murky and, as one of the Reds’ standout performers last season, he would be a hard man to replace. How prominently will he feature in pre-season, if at all?

As far as youngsters go, Dani Pacheco and Krizstian Nemeth are the ones to look out for – both extremely gifted forwards who have what it takes to crack the first team in the not-too-distant future. Scouse midfielder Jay Spearing is another to keep an eye on.

Dirk Kuyt: Glen Johnson Can Help Take Liverpool Higher

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt believes the signing of Glen Johnson could edge the club closer to winning some honours next season.

The Reds finished the 2008-09 campaign without a major trophy, but they did enjoy a good season as they finished as runners-up to Manchester United in the Premier League.

The Dutchman is confident Johnson's arrival at Anfield could well bring them the league title in 2010, having been impressed with his new team-mate thus far.

"Last season we played very well," Kuyt told the club's official website.

"Unfortunately, we didn't win any trophies, but if we can keep the team together then the fact we have added Glen Johnson means hopefully we can go one step higher.

"Glen has shown already that he is a very good player in the Premier League and the England team."

Johnson made his Liverpool debut on Wednesday night in a 0-0 friendly draw against Swiss side St. Gallen, in which he played the entire second half.

The former Portsmouth and Chelsea defender's first Premier League outing could be the club's season opener against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.