Match Report: Liverpool 2 - 0 Wolverhampton

Liverpool's players handed boss Rafael Benitez a welcome Christmas tonic with a battling win against 10-man Wolves.

The hosts were poor throughout but forced their way into the game after Stephen Ward had been controversially sent off for two yellow cards.

The numerical advantage allowed Steven Gerrard to powerfully head home an Emiliano Insua cross after the break.

Yossi Benayoun doubled the lead with a deflected effort from close-range to hand the hosts an unconvincing victory.

The hosts came into the match having won just two of their last eight league games and in the unusual position of being mid-table at the mid-way point of the season.

And while fans will not be convinced they have turned the corner after another stuttering display, the cheers around at Anfield at the final whistle will at least offer Benitez some festive cheer.

Wolves were the better side at times and manager Mick McCarthy will surely point to the dismissal of Ward as the turning point.

Referee Andre Marriner showed the defender a second yellow card - but only after being surrounded by Liverpool players for incorrectly cautioning Christophe Berra.

McCarthy had clearly fancied his side's chances of causing an upset by fielding a full-strength team - a very different approach to Wolves' recent outing against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

But the decision to field an attacking 4-4-2 formation allowed Liverpool to take control of the game in the early stages.

The visitors were fortunate Glen Johnson scooped a shot wide after finding space down the right while Fernando Torres, showing no sign of his long-standing groin injury, then tested Marcus Hahnemann after wriggling free in the inside left channel.

Alberto Aquilani, finally making his first Premier League start, looked comfortable in possession but some ill-advised flicks in and around the box tested the patience of an increasingly nervous Anfield crowd.

And Wolves, inspired by their fine recent form in the league, pushed forward and began to create chances of their own.

Nenad Milijas forced Pepe Reina into action from a free-kick before Kevin Doyle put a sharp header wide from only three yards out.

And the hosts' promising start had well and truly faded by the time Kevin Foley failed to control in the box after being left completely unmarked as the tension and frustration around a freezing Anfield increased still further.

But Wolves' hopes were dealt a blow when Ward was sent off early in the second half in chaotic circumstances.

The left-back, already cautioned for a tug on Benayoun, was eventually shown a second yellow card for a foul on Lucas - but not before referee Marriner incorrectly penalised Berra for the offence.

The decision appeared to galvanise the Reds and they soon took the lead when Insua's teasing cross was met in dominant fashion by home captain Gerrard, leaving Hahnemann with no chance.

Any result still seemed possible as gaps appeared all over the field, however, until Benayoun made it 2-0 midway through the second half.

Another fine cross, this time from Fabio Aurelio, found its way to the Israeli and his shot took a cruel deflection off Karl Henry and looped into the net.

From that point on there was no way back for Wolves but McCarthy can take a raft of positives from another impressive display.

Liverpool fans will be thankful of the points but their side are still a shadow of the team that sat top of the Premier League on Boxing Day last season.

f Alberto Aquilani Doesn't Start Delivering, He Could End Up Costing Rafa Benitez Far More Than £20m

Alberto Aquilani cannot have got his calf strain from playing - because he never plays.

Of all the crazy deals in Rafa Benitez’s revolving door transfer policy at Liverpool, the £20m purchase of Aquilani takes some beating.

Benitez got him on the cheap from Roma because of his injury record. And guess what? He’s been injured most of the season.

Up to now, it’s been a bad buy and it may end up costing Rafa very dear indeed because Liverpool look desperately short of quality throughout their squad and Benitez doesn’t have the resources to do much about it.

But despite it being a rotten end to 2009 for Liverpool, my heart tells me that they will still finish in the top four - even if my head is telling me otherwise.

Liverpool In Hunt For strikers

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is said to be lining up an early transfer window move - with three Premier League strikers in his sights.

The Mirror reports that ex Liverpool man Emile Heskey, Kenwyne Jones of Sunderland and Manchester City's Roque Santa Cruz are the top names on his wish list.

It is understood the Anfield boss will be allowed to bring in two new players next month and his main priority is another forward to support Fernando Torres.

As well as the Premier league frontmen Benitez has also been linked to young Spanish star Juan Manuel Mata of Valencia.

It is understood that any transfers would be funded with money raised from the sales of frine players such as Ryan Babel, Andrea Dossena, Andriy Voronin and Philipp Degen.

However Aston Villa man Heskey is also linked to Chelsea, who need cover for Didier Drogba when he takes part in the African Cup of Nations next month.

Emile Heskey, Kenwyne Jones And Roque Santa Cruz Top Rafa Benitez's Christmas List

Rafa Benitez will make an instant splash in the transfer window, with Premier League strikers Emile Heskey, Kenwyne Jones and Roque Santa Cruz topping his wish list.

The Liverpool boss has been given the go-ahead to bring in two new players as soon as the window opens on January 1, and his main priority is a forward to take the pressure off Fernando Torres.

The Spanish coach has targeted one of the experienced trio, and also has young Spanish star Juan Manuel Mata on his short-list, as he looks for the reinforcements he hopes can help salvage something from Liverpool's disastrous season.

Benitez has been told he can spend the money he raises from selling fringe players like Ryan Babel, Andrea Dossena, Andriy Voronin and Philipp Degen, which could give him a figure approaching £15million.

And he wants a striker in immediately, which means he will swing into action as soon as the New Year dawns.

Heskey is his prime target, but the Anfield boss is painfully aware that his relationship with Aston Villa counterpart Martin O'Neill is non-existent and that could scupper any chance of a deal.

O'Neill would prefer to sell his striker to Chelsea, and that deal could go through swiftly, with the London club hoping to bring the England striker in as cover for Didier Drogba, who will be away for much of January on African Cup of Nations duty.

If Liverpool lose out on Heskey - and that seems likely with Chelsea ready to spend upwards of £5million on the 30 year old - then he will put all his efforts into landing one of the next three on his list.

The Reds manager though, knows that the asking price for all three will be prohibitive, and that could stop him from making a deal unless he can get decent money from his surplus to requirement players in the January sales.

Mata is a highly regarded full Spanish international who, at the age of 21, has already shown his immense promise with Valencia in La Liga, but that has catapulted his price towards the £20million mark, which is far too expensive for Liverpool.

Santa Cruz too, could be priced out of Liverpool's league. The Paraguay international centre forward has made only eight appearances since signing for Manchester City for £17.5million, but the Eastlands club will not want to let him go to a direct rival unless the money is right.

Jones is more in Liverpool's price range, and he could be available in January, after relations with his Sunderland boss Steve Bruce have become strained in recent months.

The Trinidad and Tobago international has scored 23 goals in 76 Premier League games for Sunderland, and would be available at around the £10million mark.

Stoke have been pursuing the striker too, but Jones would be keener to make the move to Anfield, and he could become a more likely option for Benitez if his other targets prove unattainable.

When Benitez has determined which striker he will sign, he will then swiftly turn his attentions to bringing in a wide player who can help provide the threat that has been missing this season.

Benitez will wait to see how much money he has left after trying to sell at least four players in the window, but he is determined to also bring in a winger as well as a striker to bolster his squad as he looks to markedly improve performances in the New Year.

Reds Linked With Norwegian

SK Brann striker Erik Huseklepp has been linked with a shock move to Liverpool in the January transfer window.

Speculation in Norway has suggested the 25-year-old forward could be heading to the Premier League giants in the New Year with boss Rafa Benitez keen to bolster his striking options as he bids to resurrect a miserable season on Merseyside thus far.

The Reds have badly missed skipper Steven Gerrard and striker Fernando Torres for long spells this season and only the inexperienced David Ngog has provided anything near an acceptable back-up to the Kop's star duo.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Victor Moses have all been linked with a move to Anfield in recent weeks but a lack of finances looks likely to scupper Benitez's plans to secure a deal for any of the trio.

An alternative option for the Reds boss is Huseklepp, who would be a significantly cheaper choice, but the Norwegian international hardly boasts a prolific goalscoring record with only 12 strikes in his career.

Huseklepp has also courted interest from Hull City and Wigan, as well as a number of clubs in France, and the Norwegian international's agent has revealed the five-time European champions have yet to make contact with him about a potential move.

"In case these rumours are correct, it's great." Huseklepp's agent Stig Lillejord told Bergens Tidende.

"It's a big club and it's nice if they have noticed Erik. There are several clubs who are seriously considering Erik, but I can't comment which clubs."

Benitez Admits Torres Concerns

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez admits he is performing a delicate balancing act with the fitness of star striker Fernando Torres.

The Reds No.9 has persistently struggled this season and was absent for several weeks due to a groin injury which created rumours that he requires a hernia operation.

Torres was far from his best as he started Liverpool's defeat at Portsmouth last weekend, but he is again expected to be a member of the first XI for Boxing Day's meeting with Wolves at Anfield.

Liverpool, who sit eight points off the Premier League's top four, then face crucial matches against fourth-placed Aston Villa and fifth-placed Tottenham, with a trip to Reading in the FA Cup sandwiched in between.

Benitez is desperate to have Torres available, but confesses it is an uncertain process of nursing his record signing through matches, saying in the Daily Mirror: We know it is difficult for Fernando and we have to do it a different way.

"If he is okay, we can give him time. If he feels something, we have to rest him.

"We have to manage his injury. He could manage a full Christmas program, but we will see if he can start."

Meanwhile, Benitez has dismissed suggestions that he has held a specifically-arranged meeting with Steven Gerrard to discuss his captain's lack of form and confidence.

The Reds boss said in The Independent: "Have I had a meeting with him? We have a lot of corridors here and we bump into one another. We don't need to organise a proper meeting.

"I have a lot of conversations not just with Steven but a lot of players and they know they want to improve. Sometimes they try too hard.

"I was talking this week about how to improve. I was really pleased because they were positive."

John Aldridge: This Could Be The Most Important Week In Liverpool FC’s History

Christmas should be a time when you leave your worries behind and enjoy the festivities but, for Liverpool supporters, that is likely to prove impossible.

As I was privileged to play for the Reds and still enjoy a profile thanks to this column and my work for Radio City, rarely does a day pass by without me having a conversation with a fan about the state of our nation.

Never in my life, though, have I experienced a week like the one just gone.

Whether it has been at the shops, at the gym or in the pub, everyone I’ve spoken with has been in the doldrums; after witnessing at first hand the display at Portsmouth, it’s easy to see why.

When you compare our position today with where we were last Boxing Day, the only thing you could say about Liverpool is this is a club going backwards, one saddled with a massive debt and in real danger of slipping away from where it should be.

We are now faced with two massive games and, without being overly dramatic, the fixture at Villa Park on Tuesday evening is, in my eyes, one of the most important in our recent history.

Should we take six points off Wolves and Villa, the panic will start to subside but if we happen to lose to Martin O’Neill’s side, I would have to seriously doubt whether we would be able to retrieve an 11-point deficit – on fourth place!

But until our owners have sold up or we can move into a new ground, I cannot see a way forward for Liverpool and I’m starting to fear we are in decline; my biggest concern is that the situation has festered into the dressing room.

You could see that the body language of some of those who played at Fratton Park was not right; these lads are human. They know about the issues behind the scenes, they know we don’t have the money to compete for big signings.

Rafa Benitez, however, remains adamant that we will get back into the top four and has guaranteed he will achieve that objective; we, on the other hand, can only hope he is right – and pray his faith in certain players is not misplaced.

One Time Liverpool FC Owner Steve Morgan Is Back Home

It will be impossible for many Liverpudlians to watch this afternoon’s contest with Wolves without casting a wistful glance towards the director’s box.

While a battery of cameras will inevitably be trained on Prince Faisal of Saudi Arabia, who is due back in town after a first visit in September, a rather more discreet, reserved gentleman will be the focus of attention for most.

Had things worked out differently, Steve Morgan could have been Liverpool’s owner but, for one reason or another in the summer of 2004, his dream was never able to come to fruition and he now finds himself as chairman of Wolves.

Whatever he feels, though, is unlikely to come close to the sense of ‘what if’ among the majority of the home crowd; had his takeover been completed, it is safe to assume Tom Hicks and George Gillet would never have crossed this particular doorstep.

“I have made mistakes in life,” Morgan said in an interview earlier this week. “But whatever disappointment came out of not buying Liverpool – and it was that at the time – something really good came out of it. I’m absolutely delighted to be in charge at Wolves.”

Perhaps sometime in the future, he will finally find a place back home.

Match Preview: Liverpool vs Wolverhampton

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez continues to guarantee that his side will finish in the top four of the Premier League, but the Spaniard will be well aware that anything less than three points against Wolves at Anfield will increase doubts.

The Reds have suffered a shocking campaign after producing numerous uninspiring displays to fall eight points off the UEFA Champions League places, a competition the 2005 winners were dumped out of at the group stages this season.

Defeat at Portsmouth last weekend was staggeringly a seventh league loss before Christmas and Benitez will therefore be desperate to avoid another setback on Boxing Day against 2008/09's Championship winners.

Wolves, though, will visit Merseyside high on confidence following a run of three wins from four games, which has seen the Midlanders climb to 12th position in the table.

The only defeat in the recent blip was when McCarthy grabbed the headlines for selecting a second-string side at Manchester United, a decision which paid off as survival rivals Burnley were beaten last time out.

Benitez could bring in Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani, who missed last weekend's defeat at Portsmouth with a calf injury.

Aquilani, a £20million summer signing from Roma, has yet to start a Premier League game for Liverpool having battled to recover from ankle surgery.

With Javier Mascherano suspended, Aquilani could be plunged into the Wolves match, while another option would be to slot short-on-confidence captain Steven Gerrard back into midfield and select Yossi Benayoun behind Fernando Torres.

Benitez has dismissed suggestions that lethal marksman Torres requires surgery on a hernia operation, but Albert Riera, Martin Kelly and Nabil El Zhar are not expected to return from injury until the New Year.

McCarthy, who has voiced his frustration at the criticism of his decision to shuffle his pack at Old Trafford, is poised to name an unchanged side for the meeting at Anfield.

With the exception of Michael Kightly, David Edwards and Andy Keogh, who all have ankle problems, Wolves have no other injury worries to contend with.

McCarthy's men follow the game against Liverpool with another tough clash against Manchester City on Monday.

Boss: Rest Will Boost Dirk

Rafael Benitez is confident Dirk Kuyt will return to his influential best after admitting the striker could need a break from first-team duty.

The Reds boss has been keen to give the Dutchman a breather in recent weeks but insists it is only a matter of time until he recaptures peak form.

"We have had some players who have had to play too many games this season and that is a consequence of the injuries," said Benitez.

"But I'm sure that if we have some more players we will be able to manage in a different way and give the ones who need it some rest, so they will be fresh for the next match. Dirk has played too many games, we know this.

"He could have had a little break against Fiorentina but (David) Ngog was ill and we needed to play him.

"But we know Dirk will get back to his levels, for sure.

"He is an amazing player, his work rate is fantastic and we can see that because we are watching all their statistics.

"He is always one of the players who runs the most during a match but we want him to have a rest if he can because I think that will help improve his game."

Kop In The Chase For Free Pandev

Rafa Benitez has joined Harry Redknapp and Carlo Ancelotti in the stampede for free agent Goran Pandev.

The striker has had his Lazio contract torn up by an Italian court last night.

Spurs boss Redknapp has been after Pandev for more than two years, while the fact that the Macedonian, 26, is not cup-tied for the Champions League means Arsenal could also move in.

The Gunners, however, are more likely to complete the cut-price signing of Bordeaux marksman Marouane Chamakh.

Kop boss Benitez is understood to have registered his interest but Ancelotti's Chelsea can better the wages the Anfield club would be able to pay.

Pandev had been frozen out by Lazio after asking for a move last summer. But he appealed to the Italian League's arbitration board, who not only ruled in his favour, but also ordered Lazio to pay damages and legal costs.

Now they will get nothing for him as Pandev is free to join any club he chooses.

Lazio president, Claudio Lotito vowed: "I don't give up. It doesn't end here. We'll see then who wins."

Pandev's case could mean other European clubs are now forced to include unsettled players in their plans, despite the disruption.

Desperate Liverpool Turn To Aquilani For Inspiration

Liverpool will finally turn to talented Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani against Wolves tomorrow as they seek to salvage their disastrous season.

Aquilani, a £20million summer signing from Roma, has yet to start a Premier League game for the Reds having battled to recover from an ankle injury.

But even though he is over that problem, boss Rafael Benitez has mystified fans with a stubborn refusal to use the 25-year-old despite Liverpool’s increasing problems on the pitch.

Benitez all but admitted that he was concerned about the slight Aquilani’s ability to handle the pace and physical demands of the English game.

But needs must and Aquilani is being lined up to face Wolves at Anfield on Saturday if he can overcome a calf injury which kept him out of last weekend’s abject defeat at Portsmouth.

Benitez said: “Alberto picked up a calf injury in the win against Wigan and was not able to travel to Portsmouth.

“He is getting better but we will have to see how he progresses. He is certainly in contention to play against Wolves.”

There was speculation that Aquilani was due to fly to Belgrade this week for treatment from the same specialist, Mariana Kovacevic, who has been used to treat Glen Johnson, Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera.

But bad weather put pay to flights to the Serbian capital and Benitez added: “Alberto was with us all week, working with our physios.”

With Javier Mascherano serving a four-match suspension, while recovering from a knee injury that will keep him out for three weeks anyway, there is a gap to be filled in midfield if Aquilani can prove his fitness and satisfy Benitez that he is up to the challenge.

Benitez could field Steven Gerrard in a deeper midfield role and play Benayoun or Aquilani behind Fernando Torres in another must-win game for Liverpool.

Benitez again refuted claims that Torres will need an operation on his hernia problem, despite suggestions from Spain that national team officials want the striker to have surgery now to avoid him breaking down again and missing the World Cup.

“An operation is not in our minds,” Benitez added. “I was surprised to hear such suggestions from Spain because we have a good working relationship with their medical team.

“We will continue to manage Torres’ problem and assess him on a game-to-game basis.”

After just four wins in 17 matches and with Liverpool eight points adrift of a Champions League qualification spot, their season is going from bad to worse with Benitez’s position constantly questioned.

But the Spaniard consistently declined to discuss his own future today.

Asked if he would resign if things did not improve, Benitez said: “We must start winning, against Wolves certainly, and then we will see a change.”

With Manchester City manager Mark Hughes axed last weekend despite being in sixth place, Benitez said: “I do not like to see any manager fired, it is important to give support to managers and to wait, to give them time.

“But things are changing in football, especially in England. However, it is important that people retain confidence in a manager.”

Asked if his own record of seven defeats in the league this season made him fear for his position considering Hughes lost only twice, Benitez again dodged the question, saying: “I am just concentrating on Wolves and preparing the team for the next game.”

Benitez Hails Liverpool Squad Strength And Expects Better 2010

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has declared in his Christmas message to the club’s official website that he is sure 2010 will see improvement in the side’s performance.

Bentiez also stated he was sure the fans would continue to back the team to help them through a difficult period.

"We know the fans are always behind us. We need to keep going and that is the way to change things."

The Spanish boss hit out at those who feel the squad he has assembled is not good enough, commenting: "The squad is much better than people think and we showed this last year. Now we need to show this again this year."

Benitez also pinpointed injuries as the major reason for Liverpool’s underperformance in the first half of this season. "We have had too many injuries this season, but now we have players coming back, which is good for us because it gives us more options and more quality."

Whilst Liverpool face Wolves at Anfield on Boxing Day, their meeting with Aston Villa just a few days later is more crucial than ever and will be a test of Benitez’s optimism.

Leeds Extend Martin Deal

Leeds United have extended the loan deal of Liverpool goalkeeper David Martin until the end of January.

Martin joined the League One leaders at the end of November and was due to return to Anfield after Monday's game against Stockport County.

However, Whites boss Simon Grayson is keen to ensure he has sufficient cover after Shane Higgs encountered a setback in his recovery from injury.

The deal means Martin will spend a second month at Elland Road and he is also eligible to play in the FA Cup, with Leeds travelling to Manchester United in the third round.

To date, Martin has made a solitary senior appearance for Leeds in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy against Accrington Stanley when he kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 win.

Reds Keep Close Eye On Star Pair

Rafael Benitez admits the fitness of key men Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres is having to be carefully managed as Liverpool desperately seek an improvement in their form.

The Merseysiders have won just four of their last 17 games, and have fallen so far that Birmingham are ahead of them as the halfway point of the Barclays Premier League season looms.

Both Torres and Gerrard have had groin injuries which have restricted their involvement this season, and although they are presently available to boss Benitez, the Liverpool staff are closely monitoring their fitness.

Benitez said: "They still have some problems, so we must manage them carefully over a period of so many games in such a short space of time. We virtually have to decide on them before every game.

"And after each game we have to check them, to see how they are coping with their recoveries from injury."

Liverpool will be without suspended midfielder Javier Mascherano against Wolves, however Benitez is hoping the hard work carried out on the training ground will reap reward against Mick McCarthy's men.

"We do not need to talk too much about the problems we have, we have to work hard and find solutions. The only way to change things is hard work," Benitez said.

"I have been a manager for 23 years, and I know you have good and bad moments. The only way to change things is to keep working.

"We have tried to relax the lads. On Tuesday we had a Christmas meal for all the staff and players, which was a very positive occasion.

"We have a good team spirit, the players know we must improve and they know the only way is to stick together.

"We must show this unity on the pitch, and the players are concerned, they are talking about what is going wrong.

"I must manage and control the anxiety of the players, and the anxiety of the fans.

"We know we have to change the situation, sooner rather than later. That is clear.

"If we talk too much about having to win a title, or win a cup, it just makes things worse. We must help our players by making them concentrate on the next match and winning it."

Liverpool Football Club Lights Up Alder Hey Childrens Hospital

To anyone who reads this article and feels that it should not be on here as it is not really football related - please stop and think for a moment.

We have now reached the time of year when everyone should be in good spirits and ready for the two greatest events that take place every year. The first as everyone should know is the birth of the Baby Jesus in Bethlehem and the second as any child will tell you is the arrival of a certain gentleman called Father Christmas.

Unfortunately though there are some children who are unlucky enough to be ill and in hospital at this time year rather than being at home with their families. As part of their community affairs programme, Liverpool Football Club arrange for the Manager and players to bring some festive cheer to the patients and staff of Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

Liverpool Football Club as you know are going through a crisis of confidence at the moment and I am sure were pleased to be able to turn their minds to things off the pitch. This week they took the time out from their training and match preparation to visit the children and distribute gifts donated by the club.

I am sure that the children were told that they would be having extra special visitors before the man in red arrives this evening.

The delight on the children's faces as you can see from the photographs that I have attached tells a million stories. Can you imagine lying on your sick bed, perhaps with something as bad as cancer and Fernando Torres and Stevie G walk up to your bedside? That I should imagine lifts the spirits of a child more than any medicine or story can do. Whether you are the Liverpool supporter or whether it is your parents, it is something that will be remembered for many years to come.

What has amazed me whilst looking at the photographs is how happy the children do look even though some of them are obviously really ill. It is a great compliment to the staff of Alder Hey to see that the children are well looked after and able to treat their illnesses as just one of those things.

This year Jamie, Albert Riera and Aquilani visited the special care baby unit which must have been a wonderful pick me up for the parents of these very young and very fragile children. Unfortunately though whilst there, they had to leave the ward rather quickly as a three week old little girl had a heart attack. On their return much to their relief they were told that she had survived and was again sleeping in her cot.

It was left to Rafa Benitez and Sammy Lee to visit the older children but I am sure they were just as pleased. I can just imagine the tales that will go around the school playground once they are discharged and back in their normal surroundings. To be able to stand there and say I have met Rafa and some of the team must be one of the greatest things that these children are able to boast about and I certainly can't blame them for doing so I will finish this article by giving my thanks to Rafa Benitez and the team for making a lot of children very happy. Of course my thanks also go out to the Staff who do a wonderful job day in and day out and I wish them all a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

To the Children I will say - don't forget to tell the nurses to leave some biscuits, sandwiches and a hot drink out for Father Christmas and also some Milk for Rudolph and the rest of the Reindeers.

Go to sleep when the nurses tell you too, and if you wake up in the night and hear the sleigh bells, close your eyes and listen, it means that Father Christmas is outside and waiting for you to return to the land of nod. You see, he likes to do things in secret. When you wake up in the morning, I am sure you will find that some wonderful gifts are waiting for you. He may even send in one of his helpers later in the day.

Pepe Reina And Emiliano Insua Meet Reds Fans

Hundreds of Liverpool FC fans queued up to get stocking fillers signed by their heroes.

First-team stars Pepe Reina and Emiliano Insua braved the Christmas crowds at Liverpool One to autograph team merchandise last night.

After one of the shopping centre’s busiest-ever days, the LFC store was closed and a crowd of fans snaked along Liverpool One’s upper level.

They were allowed to bring merchandise and memorabilia to get signed and meet goalie Reina and left-back Insua.

Sam Tyrer, pictured centre, left, who is from Bebington, Wirral, got Reina to sign a shirt.

It followed a similar event when midfielder Lucas Leiva and defender Fabio Aurelio were at the store earlier last week.

Rafael Benitez: Players Lack Confidence

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has admitted that he is responsible for lifting the Reds' low morale, following the recent performances that have seen the club go from title contenders to also-rans.

The Merseysiders are eighth in the Premier League, and have won only once in their last five outings in all competitions. Benitez admits this has caused a slump in self-belief among the players, something he must retrieve.

"That is my responsibility, to improve confidence," said Benitez.

"To do that I have to be positive, it is the only way. The message is very clear, we have quality in our squad and we must show that.

"We can win a run of games in a row, we have done that with these same players. That is the positive thought we must retain."

The former Valencia boss attributed the sharp dip in performances to the persistent injuries his skipper Steven Gerrard and striker Fernando Torres have had to endure in recent times.

He added: "They have been included in FIFA's world team [of the year] this week, that shows how good they are and what they can produce. But when they are not fully fit, they cannot perform to those standards."

Ian Rush: Fernando Torres Will Stay At Liverpool Even If They Finish Outside Of The Top Four

Liverpool legend Ian Rush believes Fernando Torres won't leave the club - even if the Reds finish outside the top four this season.

The club has endured a shaky start to the season - exiting the Champions League at the group stage and slipping to 8th in the Premier League.

"He is a fantastic player. He is one of the best strikers in the world and the way he adjusted to the English game was fantastic," Rush told ESPN Soccernet.

"He is one of a few players that, if he becomes available, every top club in the world would want him.

Rush believes there will be interest in Torres, but thinks he will remain at Anfield because of the affection he has for the club.

"It wouldn't surprise me at all if teams were in for him in January, but he does have genuine affection for the supporters because he knows the supporters love him," he said.

"Him and Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher - the fans love them because of the effort they put in and the skill they have.

"I think that if they didn't finish in the top four, the likes of Torres and Gerrard would still be at Liverpool because they have a feel for the club. I think they will think, 'Let's give it one more go here. I owe it to the fans to give it one more go to get back into the Champions League'."

McCarthy - Reds Not Vulnerable

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy insists he does not view Liverpool as 'weak' ahead of their Boxing Day clash at Anfield.

The Reds are eight points off the top four in the Premier League after losing their seventh league game of the season at Portsmouth last weekend.

In contrast, Wolves have won three of their last four games and have climbed to 12th position in the table to ease relegation concerns.

But while McCarthy recognises that a trip to Anfield does not hold the fear factor of previous seasons, he maintains that Liverpool still represent a major threat.

The Wolves boss told Sky Sports News: "All through my life and football career, I have never ever thought that Liverpool are vulnerable.

"I suppose there are better opportunities than others, but I never see them as being weak, or go to Anfield thinking you can take advantage of their results.

"If it was us and we lost against Birmingham, and you see the resolve, determination and results we have had since then, I think that is what football clubs tend to do.

"There are two ways to look at it."