Hodgson To Defy Medical Advice On World Cup Stars

Roy Hodgson admits he'll have to fight with his medical staff for the right to use his World Cup stars in Liverpool's opening Europa League matches starting next week.

Liverpool begin their competitive season in Macedonia on Thursday - 18 days before their first Premier League game - as they face FK Rabotnicki in the third qualifying round of Europe's second-tier competition.

Hodgson has not yet been able to work with all his players because those that played in the World Cup were granted a later summer break. Players involved in the latter stages in South Africa have not returned to training while England's Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Glen Johnson only got back this week and have missed pre-season camp in Switzerland.

Hodgson has been advised that those players should not be considered for the trip to Skopje but the 62-year-old - who launched Fulham's run to the final at the same stage of the competition last season - wants to find middle ground.

Hodgson told the club's website: "It's a little bit of a fight with them to some extent, in order to try and get them to free up more senior players, because their view is very clear that all of these players who are coming back to Melwood just after the World Cup shouldn't play in either of the two games. My point of view is that I want to go through in the competition and I might need some of these players, so there's a lot of compromise.

"I fully respect their opinion and in an ideal world I wouldn't even for one minute discuss it with them and I would take it at face value. If our first game was on August 15, I'd take it on face value that they don't want me to use these players in any friendly matches, and instead continue working with them and build up their level of fitness. But of course we've got official matches now and that's the difference.''

The return leg against Rabotnicki takes place the following week, on August 5. Liverpool find themselves having to qualify for the Europa League after finishing a disappointing seventh in the Premier League last season.

Hodgson will take a first look at new signing Milan Jovanovic in a friendly against German side Kaiserslautern on Saturday. The Serbia international joined the Reds for training last week following the end of his World Cup break. Greece defender Sotirios Krygiakos is also set to start.

Hodgson said: "They did take part in the World Cup and came back a little later and I think we need to be a bit more careful with them than with some of the younger players. But having said that, I think they can play and they will be happy to play. They will start the game and we'll see how long we can keep them on for.''

Roy Hodgson Issues Challenge To Alberto Aquilani

Roy Hodgson has assured Alberto Aquilani that he still has a golden opportunity to show he can play a successful role in the new Anfield era despite his injury jinx striking again.

The Italian’s first season on Merseyside was a huge anti-climax, with a succession of injuries and two debilitating viruses preventing him from showing his best form.

And frustratingly for Aquilani he has picked up a knock that has required him to leave Liverpool’s Swiss training camp and ruled him out of this afternoon’s friendly with Kaiserslautern in Germany.

Though there were a couple of highlights, namely goals against Atletico Madrid and Portsmouth, Aquilani never engaged top gear last season and some wondered whether Liverpool would offload him.

Hodgson, however, has made it clear that will not be the case and the manager is looking forward to working with Aquilani and coaxing the kind of form out of him that he used to show so regularly for AS Roma.

“There has never been any question about Alberto’s talents,” Hodgson insisted. “It is obvious for all to see that he is a gifted footballer.

“What has been the major disappointment for him is that he arrived here with an injury that took an awfully long time to clear up.

“It was only really towards the end of the season when he started to show anything like the kind of form you would have expected from the outset and that will have frustrated him.

“He has got to use this pre-season to put all those disappointments behind him and get his confidence up but what I have seen during the last three weeks has been encouraging.

“You can see every day he is working hard to improve his fitness. He clearly wants to get back to the levels he was showing before he came here and that is a positive sign.”

As encouraging as that appraisal might be, there is no doubt Aquilani still has to prove he can cope with the physical demands of the Premier League. During the game with FC Grasshopper in Zug, the £17m man seemed to lose confidence for a spell after being on the receiving end of a heavy tackle and eventually faded.

Hodgson, though, has put the performance into perspective, as he revealed Aquilani is trying hard to build himself up and has been encouraged by what he has seen.

“We have to remember that it is going to take some time to get to where we want him,” said Hodgson. “We must not ask too much from him too soon.

“I would rather be putting him on the field and taking him off too early rather than keeping him on five or 10 minutes too long, which would mean he misses a training session in the future.

“We have done a lot of tactical work but most of the work that we have been doing has been with the Australian fitness people. We are really only scratching the surface.

“But in that scratching the surface, Alberto has come out of it very well, as has Lucas, who is really the only person who can say he is a genuine Liverpool regular.”

Riera Joins Olympiakos On Four-Year Deal

Spanish winger Albert Riera completed his move from Liverpool to Olympiakos Pireaus on Friday after passing a medical and signing a four-year contract with the Greek club.

"During the last two years at Liverpool, I didn't win any titles, so that's why I took the decision to come to Olympiakos; to win titles," said the 28-year-old at a news conference.

"I have come to Olympiakos at the right time," added Riera, whose brother, Sito, also plays in Greece for Panionios.

"I hope to help the team become one of the 10 best sides in Europe."

Local media reported the deal would cost 20 million euros ($26 million), with the player earning around 2.7 million euros per season and Liverpool receiving 4 million euros up front and an additional 2 million if Olympiakos win the title this season.

The Spaniard joined Liverpool for 12 million euros two years ago from Espanyol. After a promising start at the club he faded into the first team fringes and was frozen out after criticising previous manager Rafa Benitez.

Marcell Jansen Named As Liverpool's Latest Transfer Target At Left-Back

Liverpool are being linked with versatile German international Marcell Jansen as manager Roy Hodgson continues his search for a new starting left-back.

The 24-year-old has played in several positions during a career that has been solely in the Bundesliga so far, and is employed as a midfielder as much as a defender by current club Hamburg.

But Hodgson, who has extensive connections throughout the central European domestic leagues, is thought to have been tipped off that Jansen would welcome a regular role in defence - and is keen on joining Liverpool.

Jansen's capture could also help to allay the lingering fears of some of the Anfield faithful that there is a distinct lack of quality back-up to Inter Milan-bound defensive midfielder Javier Mascherano.

Hodgson has already been linked with Chelsea's Ashley Cole and former Spurs defender Reto Ziegler as he steps up his search for more left-sided players.

And while Cole is an unrealistic target, it is thought Reds officials have already contacted Sampdoria and Ziegler's own representatives to sound out the possibly of a move.

However, before making any official bids, Hodgson is keen to weigh up a move for Jansen in an attempt to play off the two clubs against each other and getting them to drop their asking prices.

Both players are expected to command fees in the region of £8million, and may use Liverpool's desperate need for a left-back to maximise their value.

Earlier this week, Hodgson admitted the squad is "short" and that finding a starting left-back would be "one of the priorities".

"We need to find a replacement for Emiliano [Insua] and Fabio [Aurelio]. That is one job we will have to do," he added.

City Will Not Consider Selling Bridge To Liverpool

ESPNsoccernet has been told that Wayne Bridge has been assured his future remains at Eastlands despite the imminent arrival of left-back Aleksandr Kolarov and rumoured interest from Liverpool.

City will spend £17 million on Serbian defender Kolarov and the deal has led to speculation linking the 29-year-old Bridge with a move to Liverpool, as new boss Roy Hodgson is on the lookout for a new left back after the departures of Emiliano Insua and Fabio Aurelio.

However, Bridge, who declined to be included in England's World Cup squad because of a well-publicised fall-out with John Terry, naturally has sought clarification about his future with Manchester City and has been told he will not be sold.

''Wayne Bridge has been told by Manchester City that he is not for sale, that the manager wants two players for every position,'' a source told Soccernet. "That's fine by Wayne who is very happy at Manchester City with three years left on his current contract, having been there for one-and-a-half years already.''

Liverpool are still likely to push to sign the experienced defender, who may ultimately grow tired of finding himself in a similar position to the one that drove him out of Chelsea, and the source maintained that a move could yet happen.

''We all know in football that the situation can change,'' he said. ''If Liverpool are serious, and get some money in by selling one of their big stars, they could make an offer for Wayne, and who knows then if the situation changes."

Fiorentina 'On Track' To Sign Emiliano Insua From Liverpool - Sporting Director Pantaleo Corvino

Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo Corvino has told the press that the club is "on track" to sign Liverpool left-back Emiliano Insua. Earlier on Friday, it was reported the contract is on the verge of being finalised.

"Insua? There are plenty of negotiations as we continue to achieve our objectives. To definitely close [the deal] takes the signatures of three parties. We are on track," he told mediaset.

"[Midfielder Stafano] Guberti or another external arrival? For us it's already a sacrifice to keep the same squad we had last season in addition to those that have already arrived.

"It's also true that there are still 40 days left in the market and Fiorentina will pay attention to any opportunities that arise."

Meanwhile, Corvino also explained the decision to appoint Sinisa Mihajlovic as tactician following the departure of Cesare Prandelli to lead the Italian national team.

"Mihajlovic was a choice based on the quality of his work. Our group after five years [with Prandelli] needed new motivation and Maihajlovic could bring his natural experience as a winner," he concluded.

Milan Chief Adriano Galliani Insists Klaas-Jan Huntelaar Is Staying At Milan Amid Liverpool Reports

Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has echoed Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's agent Arnold Oosterveer, who insists his client will not abscond from the Italian club amid reports Liverpool are working on a loan deal for him.

"Huntelaar? He will stay with us," Galliani told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

That response came after Oosterveer said he had not received information from Liverpool or Milan in relation to a transfer.

"There is nothing new on Klaas. For now he will remain with Milan," the agent told Calcionews24.com.

Huntelaar has been tipped to leave Milan after reports in England claimed he was seen in Manchester.

That was followed up by a Liverpool link, with Roy Hodgson reportedly keen on a loan deal.

On Thursday, Italian reports claimed Huntelaar would be used in a swap for Ryan Babel.

Ngog Committed To Reds

David Ngog today spoke of his determination to play a part in ensuring Roy Hodgson's debut season at the Anfield helm is a successful one.

The French striker enjoyed a productive 2009-10 campaign, in which he netted eight goals - a tally he is eager to improve on this time around.

And though the press rumour mill continues to turn, Ngog is fully committed to helping Liverpool challenge for silverware.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I am a Liverpool player. I want to be involved in the first team at Liverpool.

"The club had a difficult season last year, but I want to prove we can get back into the top four. I am confident about this.

"I know speculation is part of football and we have to deal with it. If we bring in new players, it is good for the team.

"My confidence is good. Now I have to do my job and give my best for the team.

"I enjoying playing for the club and they have given me a lot of things. I am more experienced now and I want to be involved, play as many games as I can and score goals to help the team win."

Meanwhile, Ngog believes the arrival of Joe Cole will add an extra dimension to Liverpool's attack in 2010-11.

"It's really good. He is a good player and will help us to be better," he said.

"We lost Yossi, but Joe is a good player to replace him and it's good news for Liverpool.

"He has quality, is very technical, is a quick passer and has good skills too. With his experience at Chelsea, I think he can bring a lot to Liverpool."

Liverpool FC’s Ship Must Set Sail Without Sulks In Tow

Compare and contrast. While Joe Cole spent the first 48 hours of his Liverpool career beaming from ear-to-ear, Albert Riera could be spotted brooding in the background.

Spending time at close quarters with the Liverpool squad that travelled to Switzerland this week presented an opportunity to decipher the dynamics of the group and watch their interaction with new boss Roy Hodgson.

Admittedly, a number of the players who were in Bad Ragaz are going to find it difficult to force their way into Hodgson’s plans and some, like Philipp Degen, have already been told that it would be for the best if they find new clubs.

A dramatic overhaul will take place at Anfield this summer and while it is vital Hodgson brings in the right players – landing Cole on a free transfer could, in time, prove to be a stroke of genius – just as important will be the identity of who gets shipped out.

The exodus, of course, has already begun.

Yossi Benayoun departed before Hodgson arrived but soured the impression some had of him with a needless attack on Rafa Benitez, while Riera will soon follow Emiliano Insua and Fabio Aurelio out of the club.

While there were never any problems with the latter pair, the same could not be said about the temperamental Riera, who made the cardinal sin of publicising problems in the dressing room in March and brought shame on himself when clashing with one of the club’s young players.

Next on Hodgson’s list of things to do is deal with the potential drama that might surround Javier Mascherano; there is no disputing that he is a good player but Liverpool simply cannot afford to have him hanging around sulking if he does not want to be here.

“We would like to make some changes,” said Hodgson, as he chatted about his plans for the future.

“Every manager who comes into a new club wants to bring in new players, players who are fresh and anxious to make as good an impression as he is.

“I didn’t want to run the risk of maybe a player who hasn’t had as many chances as he would like maybe becoming disenchanted again, as that brings the atmosphere down.

"The atmosphere is very important.

"We have to bring a good atmosphere back to the club.

“That will come from training and matches at Anfield.

“We need to get back that Liverpool atmosphere that we have known and I have experienced to my cost over the years.

"We have to get away from the feeling that everything is not right.”

What wasn’t right, however, was the fact Mascherano has apparently not responded to the phone call and text message he received from his new manager; Hodgson stressed it was not a problem, that he did not expect him to ring back, but let’s just examine some basics.

Common courtesy demands you acknowledge when somebody gets in touch with you; manners cost nothing and surely Mascherano has not been so busy that it has been impossible to find the time to speak for two minutes?

If he wants to go to Inter, the move will happen much more smoothly provided he is open and honest with Hodgson and Liverpool’s board; there is no point hiding behind agents or going to ground, as that simply exacerbates problems.

Quite simply, there can be no repeats of the sulking that followed last summer’s aborted move to Barcelona, for if Liverpool are going to push for a Champions League spot once again, they are going to need a united squad.

At times last season, that was not the case and it was only on the road and rail trek to Madrid that you got the sense there was real bonding; indeed, something Mascherano said lifted the lid on how individualistic some can be.

“It was a good trip, we were talking too much together!

You have to take the positives and now I know my team-mates a little bit better,” he said at the time – that coming from a man who had been a Liverpool player for three seasons.

The football season is one, long grind and only the squads who have real unity thrive when the going gets tough; Hodgson, to his credit, is trying to restore some old fashioned values and having a clear out might work a treat.

Hodgson Targets More Signings

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson hopes new signing Danny Wilson is just the first of many young players with "exceptional talent" he will be able to bring to the club.

While the focus, naturally, has been on assessing the strengths of the first team, bringing in players of the quality of Joe Cole and working to secure the commitment of senior players, Hodgson is well aware he has to have one eye on the future.

Wilson fits into the latter category, with the 18-year-old having signed a three-year contract after Liverpool agreed a deal which could be worth up to £5million with Rangers.

Hodgson has been working with a mainly reserve side at the club's Switzerland training camp because of delayed holidays for those players involved at the World Cup and so has seen first hand Liverpool's potential up-and-coming stars.

His first match in charge last night saw a team with only three first-team regulars - Lucas Leiva, Alberto Aquilani and David Ngog - draw 0-0 with Grasshoppers.

"In tandem with what we're doing with the first team, we've got to have our eyes and ears alert to any young talent that could be future stars," said the Reds boss.

"The earlier we get them into the club the better. Against Grasshoppers we saw young players like Nathan Eccleston and David Amoo, young players who showed they've got exceptional talent.

"We need more players of that type of quality. Danny Wilson is certainly one and I'm very pleased we've brought him into the club."

Liverpool's Attack Rivals Barcelona - Robben

Arjen Robben says that Liverpool's acquisition of Joe Cole puts their attack on the same level as Spanish champions Barcelona and claims Chelsea made a huge mistake in letting the midfielder go.

Robben, who played at Stamford Bridge for three years from 2004, has high praise for Roy Hodgson's men and says Cole will flourish in his new surroundings.

"With a front three of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Cole I think Liverpool will be a real force in the Premier League,'' Robben told the Daily Star. "Last year was a freak year, but if those three click I can see them seriously challenging for the title.

"You look at those as a front three and you struggle to find a better front three in Europe - and I include Barcelona's in that."

Given Barcelona's frontline currently consists of Lionel Messi, David Villa and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, some may disagree, but Robben rates Cole as one of the best players in the world and thinks he can make a difference at Anfield.

"I read Gerrard's words about Joe being as good as Messi on the ball and I couldn't agree more,'' he said. ''After training with him for so long I can tell you some of the things he can do with a football are as good as anything I have ever seen.

"If Joe is now played in a more central position he will score and create a lot of goals, I see him as a real runner for player of the season. He is not just about tricks, though his vision is fantastic. The chances he will create for Torres will help Liverpool to have a trophy-winning season."

The Dutch winger also claims Cole's motive for moving was not the £90,000-a-week contract he signed with Liverpool and says Chelsea will be kicking themselves that they allowed him to walk away on a free.

"I think it was a big mistake of Chelsea's letting Joe go, and I am sure the fans feel the same way. At 28 even with his injuries Joe must still be a £15 million-pound player in the current market,'' he added. "I am sure Chelsea didn't want to sell him, he has already come out and said there are political reasons behind the move and I am sure we will hear more on that when he is ready.

"He loved London, he loved the Chelsea fans, and he loved the club so something must have really upset him for him to reject Chelsea's offer. I know Joe and the decision would have definitely been a footballing one and not a money one."

Hernanes: Liverpool & Man United Chase Dazzling £8.4M Brazilian Playmaker

Interest is mounting for Brazilian hot property Hernanes who is strongly linked with a move to Italy but has also attracted the interest of a number of Premier League sides. Liverpool are the latest club to be linked with the playmaker in the Brazilian press with claims that Roy Hodgson will step up his chase for the talented South American by financing the move with the sale of a number of fringe players and Javier Mascherano. However, despite having his fingers burnt by Brazilian midfield flops Anderson and Kleberson, Sir Alex Ferguson is also a keen admirer and for £8.4m should not be too costly for Manchester United.

The 25-year-old’s full name is Anderson Hernanes de Carvalho Andrade Lima and he currently plies his trade for Sao Paulo in his homeland. The club currently sit 12th in the Brazilian top flight, 9 points behind leaders Corinthians which is very disappointing following last season’s 3rd place finish and winning the title in 2008.

Hernanes has been linked to the likes of AC Milan, Lazio and Palermo but the Italian clubs have struggled to raise the fee Sao Paulo are demanding. His agent Joseph Lee told La Repubblica: “There is an offer from Lazio and it is serious and I know that Sao Paolo is considering in the coming days and will decide what to do.”

Palermo’s director of sport Walter Sabatini has also declared his club’s interest. He told Mediagol.it: “Hernanes is very expensive but very good. If he doesn’t arrive, it will not be a cost issue because (chairman, Maurizio) Zamparini has no type of embarrassment in spending money, he could do that easily and has no problems doing so.

“We’ll see. For now we have not made any offer for the Brazilian.”

The player himself has spoken of his love for Serie A but the financial lure of the Premier League and the status of Manchester United and Liverpool could sway the Brazilian to our shores. Hernanes revealed to the Gazzetta dello Sport, “I’m a player who loves to think on the pitch.”

“I understood that in every player there’s the time to evaluate and do the best things. My best qualities are probably dribbling with the ball and my hard shot.

“The comparison with Pirlo is very good, it definitely pleases me. He’s a complete player, probably the best midfielder in the world.”

Both Liverpool and Manchester United are looking for a midfield schemer to dictate their team’s tempo with the Red Devils main man Paul Scholes not getting any younger. Michael Carrick has also fallen down the pecking order at the club after a disappointing time last season so the need for fresh quality is paramount. Roy Hodgson is facing the same situation as Rafa Benitez did last season in so much as there is no-one at the club able to link defence to attack after the sale of Xabi Alonso. Alberto Aquilani prefers to play in an advanced position as does Steven Gerrard, so Hernanes could be ideal as a deep lying playmaker able to pick up the ball from the back four and recycle the ball around midfield and launch attacks.

Hernanes has been touted as a readymade replacement for Real Madrid star Kaka at the San Siro after impressing in Brazil. He is far from a carbon copy of Kaka but has his own attributes; technically he is regarded as one of the best in his homeland especially as he is equally adept with both feet. He is an excellent passer both short and long plus is very difficult to shake off the ball which is integral to any success he’d have with either Manchester United or Liverpool in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old is also extremely versatile and has played on both flanks as well as centrally as either and attacking or defensive midfielder. Unlike some Brazilians Hernanes is very much a team player and not one to over elaborate when a simple pass is available. His work rate is another plus point which explains why he is so highly regarded. He would be able to adapt comfortably to either the slow pace of Serie A or the quicker pace of the Premier League. Hernanes is one of those players like his idol Pirlo who seems to have time on the ball whatever his position and that will appeal to both Sir Alex Ferguson and Roy Hodgson who feel his quality would be ideal for the 2010/11 campaign.

The Times report of the Top 50 rising stars of world football rated Hernanes the best prospect back last January and it’s easy to see why. The attacking midfielder came through the Sao Paulo youth academy breaking into the first team in 2005 when he made 16 league appearances (6 starts) and scored 3 goals. The following season he was loaned out to Santo Andre where he made a further 22 league appearances (7 starts) and scored 6 goals. However, it was in 2007 when Hernanes came to the fore for Sao Paulo making 31 league appearances (29 starts) as his club won the Brazilian title before retaining the trophy in 2008. The 2nd title win resulted in Hernanes winning the Brazilian footballer of the year title and led to his first and only cap for his country in a 1-0 friendly win v Sweden in March 2008.

Hernanes also played for Brazil at the 2008 Beijing Olympics where he won a bronze medal. Despite only playing 112 league matches for his club (94 starts) and scoring 18 goals, Hernanes has attracted the interest from the likes of Barcelona but where he’d fit into a side brimming with playmakers is debatable. He would however, have a great chance of becoming a regular at either Anfield or Old Trafford but Liverpool and Manchester United face huge competition from Serie A.

This season Hernanes has made 8 league appearances (7 starts) while scoring once. He has been in a rich vein of form in the Copa Libertadores where he scored in both legs of the quarter-final win over Cruzeiro. The Brazilian has shown he is the man for the big occasion and with Manchester United facing another exciting Champions League campaign Hernanes has shown he can excel in the South American equivalent.

Hernanes would be a great acquisition for Roy Hodgson’s Liverpool as he could fill a number of roles within the squad. Joe Cole may have arrived but he is more of an attacking player while signing arguably the best player playing in Brazil could prove to be a masterstroke. The likes of Cole, Hernanes and Steven Gerrard would surely provide Fernando Torres with the ammunition to surge up the table.

Alternatively, with Manchester United’s Paul Scholes coming towards the end of his career, Sir Alex could integrate Hernanes slowly into the Manchester United team allowing the Brazilian to adapt to the demands of the Premier League. At £8.4m he would not prove too costly for either Liverpool or the Red Devils although they may struggle to see off the Serie A competition. One thing’s for certain Brazil’s next big export will be a global name once he moves to Europe.

Liverpool Will Only Make Loan Offer For AC Milan Striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson does want to add Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to his squad at Anfield, but is only prepared to take the striker on loan from AC Milan, according to a report from The Sun.

The Serie A side has apparently put a £14 million price tag on the Dutchman as far as the Reds are concerned, but Hodgson is much more interested in a temporary deal.

Transfer cash is limited at Anfield this summer, but a loan could still cost the Merseysiders £2m in fees.

Should the player do well in England, a permanent deal could then be on the cards, particularly if Liverpool's financial worries ease.

The 26-year-old has apparently been told that he has no future at the San Siro, with Rossoneri president Adriano Galliani last week stating that Huntelaar was about to join a Premier League side.

Danny Wilson Can Join Ranks Of Liverpool FC's Scottish Legends

Alex Raisbeck, Billy Liddell, Matt Busby, Bill Shankly, Tommy Lawrence, Ian St John, Ron Yeats, Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, Alan Hansen, Steve Nicol.

When trawling through the annals of Liverpool Football Club and its unique history, it is hard to avoid the incredible influence Scotsmen have had on the club.

From the club’s first ever game, played by a team of Scotsmen which would eventually be labelled “The Team of the Macs”, through the great sides of Tom Watson, Shankly and Dalglish, the Scottish touch has been an almost permanent feature.

Danny Wilson will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious countrymen.

The 18-year-old put the finishing touches to his protracted switch from Rangers this week, with Liverpool paying an initial £2 million (rising to £5m depending on appearances and achievements) for the youngster’s services.

And no sooner had he put pen to paper on a three-year contract at Anfield, than the Livingston-born central defender was setting his sights on emulating perhaps the greatest Scot ever to pull on a Red shirt – Kenny Dalglish.

“I was aware of the Scottish link before I signed,” said Wilson, “Kenny Dalglish is one of the best players Scotland have ever produced and, as a Scotsman, to come to a club where he played and did so well is a great thing.

“I spoke to him after I signed and he wished me the best of luck. He is a legend in Scotland and I hope to follow in his footsteps and have some success like he had here.”

Of course, if Wilson was to achieve even half of what ‘King Kenny’ did during his 14 trophy-laden years on Merseyside, then Liverpool fans would be laughing.

But, having only turned 18 in December, and despite boasting just a handful of senior appearances for Rangers, the early signs are promising. Wilson, it seems, is the real deal.

Indeed, his cool, composed and calculated approach has already drawn tentative comparisons with another great Anfield Scot, Alan Hansen.

“Danny is left-footed and has great vision, capable of playing long, accurate passes out of defence.” says Graeme MacPherson, who covers Rangers for the Glasgow Herald.

“He is always comfortable with the ball at his feet and is pretty quick too. He certainly reminds me of Alan Hansen, given that he rarely looks flustered, and likes having the ball at his feet.

“A few people have already made that comparison.”

No pressure then!

But though Wilson boasts little more than a handful of senior appearances, he also possesses a confidence and mental toughness which is rare for a lad of his age.

MacPherson says: “Off the field, he is very articulate and seems to have his head screwed on for such a young guy.”

He’d have to really; his rise has been nothing short of remarkable.

Having been given his senior Rangers debut in a League Cup tie with Dundee back in October, Wilson – who only turned 18 in December – soon found himself thrown in at the deep end by Gers boss Walter Smith, as injuries to Madjid Bougherra left a hole in the centre of his defence.

His first start came in a testing Champions League tie in Romania against Unirea Urziceni – who would, later in the season give Liverpool a decent game in the Europa League – and, in a rain-swept Bucharest, the rookie was arguably Rangers’ stand-out performer.

His appearance made him the youngest ever to appear in the Champions League for the club.

He would go on to make 24 appearances (scoring once, with a towering header against Hearts) as Rangers cruised to the domestic 'treble', forming a strong partnership with former Everton man David Weir, and in May he was named Scotland’s PFA Young Player of the Year.

His move to Liverpool, just ten months after making his senior debut, represents the next step in what has been a whirlwind rise to prominence.

“I’m very proud,” says Wilson, “At the start of last season, I would have settled for just making my debut.

“At the end of the season when the awards came around and people were nice enough to give me their votes, it gave me a massive confidence boost.

“I think it gave me a good introduction to football and I hope to carry that through the rest of my career and be successful whenever I can.”

Roy Hodgson will be hoping so too. It has been a while since Liverpool have had a Scotsman over whom they can get genuinely excited, but if Wilson is as good as his word, that may just be about to change.

Jay Spearing Out To Catch Liverpool FC Boss Roy Hodgson’s Eye

Jay Spearing insists the prospect of catching Roy Hodgson's eye was a driving factor behind the impressive performance of Liverpool's starlets in the friendly draw with Grasshoppers.

A youthful Reds side, with an average age of just 20, played out a goalless encounter with the Swiss outfit in the new manager's first game on Wednesday following a week of intense training in Bad Ragaz.

Spearing feels the benefits of daily double sessions were evident against Grasshoppers as the young Reds tried to make an early impression.

“When a new manager comes in, every single one of us have got to try and impress and listen to what he's got to say,” he said. “That's what we tried to do and hopefully it worked.

“Right from the goalkeepers to the forwards, everybody worked very hard and it showed in the things we did. The lads put in a great effort and I am looking forward to Saturday now.”

Spearing skippered the team for the final 30 minutes against Grasshoppers and added: “As a Liverpool lad, it was a dream for me to captain the side and I have to say thanks to Lucas for passing the armband on. Hopefully it won't be the last time.”

Dr Brukner Aims To Make A Big Difference At Liverpool FC

Versatility is often said to be a key attribute in the modern game and when Liverpool appointed Peter Brukner they gained more than just a top doctor.

Best-selling author, respected media pundit, manager of the Australia's Athletics team for the Sydney Olympics, pioneer in his field and internet sensation, there is much more to the affable Brukner than meets the eye.

He has crammed an awful lot into – and made a huge success of – his 58 years but now, after initially hesitating about leaving his life Down Under, he cannot wait to get started on revolutionising Liverpool's approach to sports science and sports medicine.

“It's not something I had planned and it came completely out of the blue,” said Brukner, who was appointed to his all-encompassing role in March. “I was contacted by Liverpool and initially I said come back in 18 months time.

“I've got four kids (Julia, Charlie, Joe and Bill) and my youngest still has 18 months left in school. My wife, Diana, and I vaguely thought about coming over here after that but never did anything specific about it as we had a very good life in Australia.

“But Liverpool were persistent and I guess what attracted me was the challenge, the opportunity to oversee the full medical outfit rather than just being the team doctor. I've always felt that the English Premier League was just a little bit behind in its approach.

“By that I mean injury management and injury prevention. It's something I had picked up from the guys at the Socceroos; the reason they always enjoyed coming back was because they knew they were going to get some good treatment.”

Before accepting Liverpool's offer, Brukner had been the Australian football team's doctor, a role he started in 2006 and ended after the recent World Cup; former Reds winger Harry Kewell is one of many who sing his praises.

“I always felt that I would love to get my hands on a Premier League club and I thought I would be able to make a difference,” Brukner continued. “If I didn't think I could make a difference, I wouldn't be here. It's all about the challenge.

“The other thing was the faith that the club had in me. Christian Purslow and, at the time, Rafa (Benitez) were very keen. I think it was quite a radical step to get someone in to completely overhaul the department.

“They had put a lot more financial resources into the sports medicine and sports science department.

“They have supported me in increasing the staff and improving the equipment. They were very supportive so, with that, I thought I've got the challenge, let's have a crack at it.”

Had he so desired, Brukner could have continued enjoying his life in Melbourne; that is where his Sports Medicine Clinic, the biggest of its kind in the world, is based – 60 people currently work there – and he also had an interesting side line in the media.

Aside from penning a weekly column about injuries in Australian Rules Football for the Melbourne Age, he was also a pundit at one time for the radio station ABC (the equivalent of the BBC) and had co-written a hugely successful book on sports medicine.

He has always had passion for, though, and was club doctor at the AFL sides Melbourne and Collingwood but his biggest and most demanding challenge, without doubt, was when he was placed in in charge of Australia's athletes at the millennium Olympics.

“It was good fun,” he recalls with a smile. “I actually had Cathy (Freeman's) gold medal in my pocket for about three hours after she had won the 400 metres. I've been lucky to enjoy a fantastic career and had some fantastic opportunities.”

This, clearly, is another. Liverpool endured a terrible time with fitness issues last season and, at one point, it seemed as if a week never went by without someone tweaking a hamstring, pulling a calf or stretching a groin.

Turning that trend is not going to happen overnight but Brukner, who has made a number of appointments to his department including the former Simply Red guitarist turned masseur Sylvan Richardson, is confident that this new campaign will see a fitter Liverpool squad.

“There are two aspects to it,” he explained. “We will be judged by the success of the team as well. But specifically our performance indicators are the number of what we regard as preventable injuries, soft tissue ones like hamstrings and groins.

“If someone comes along, kicks a player in the shin and breaks their leg, there's nothing we can do about that! But we believe that with proper conditioning we can reduce the number of muscle injuries and other such problems.

“Maybe it is going to take a year or two to get everything in place that we really want to but ultimately that is the aim. Everything has been great so far and everyone has been incredibly welcoming. We have changed a lot of things and people have been very accepting of that change.

“I've brought a lot of new staff in like the head of fitness Darren Burgess, who was with me at the Socceroos, and head physiotherapist Phil Coles. A lot of people had left with Rafa so that gave us an opportunity to bring in some high quality staff.

“We've got a fantastic group of people here and one of the big qualities is that they all work well together. The medical and fitness department have got to be a team within a team – all you need is one person who is doing it for other reasons and it can go wrong.

“We've all got to communicate really well, so we meet every morning and then I will go and tell the manager what is going on. It's going to be good.”

Coalition Government Says Hillsborough Panel Future Is Secure

The future of the Hillsborough panel was today confirmed by the government.

Home secretary Theresa May ended weeks of speculation that the committee formed to probe the hidden files on the tragedy could be under threat.

She revealed the work of the panel would continue and not be scaled down in a statement in the House of Commons today.

It ended fears the project was among the schemes being considered for the axe by the new coalition government to save money.

Walton MP Steve Rotheram and Garston MP Maria Eagle both previously expressed doubts to the ECHO the new Tory/Lib Dem alliance were as committed to the hidden files project as the previous Labour government.

But, in a statement to Westminster, Mrs May said: “The panel has the government’s full support in achieving maximum possible disclosure of the records, initially to the Hillsborough families and then publicly.

“No changes are to be made either to the panel’s terms of reference or to its membership, which both remain as previously published.

“My meetings with the Bishop of Liverpool have confirmed to me both the importance of the panel’s work and the diligence and professionalism with which is it carrying out its duty, and I am happy to confirm it will continue with our full support.”

The bishop, the Right Reverend James Jones, called the announcement “crucial” in the step towards publication of hundreds of thousands of papers.

He said the promise showed the government viewed the panel’s work as “more important to party politics”.

He told the ECHO: “This is a statement of backing from a new government, a pledge we will be given the funding to deliver what the panel set out to do when it was formed five months ago.

“When I took the job of chairing the panel, I was never in doubt it would continue its work, no matter who won the upcoming election.

“In fact, I would never have taken on such a responsibility if I thought I would not be able to complete it.”

Eight experts are now sifting through documents relating to the tragedy, in which 96 Liverpool FC fans lost their lives in Sheffield.

It is expected to be another 18 months until the first documents are made public, probably in 2012.

The papers being studied include those from South Yorkshire police, the regional fire and ambulance services, Sheffield Wednesday FC and Sheffield council.

Also being scrutinised are files from West Midlands police, Lord Justice Taylor’s public inquiry papers and Lord Justice Stuart Smith’s inquiry research.

Some of the panel’s work could take place in Liverpool and Sheffield.

Official: Liverpool Sign Rangers Defender Danny Wilson On Three-Year Deal

Rangers defender Danny Wilson has passed a medical and completed his move to Liverpool on a three-year contract.

A deal to bring the 18-year to Anfield was announced on Wednesday, with an initial £2 million fee to be paid. Instead of travelling to Australia with his Rangers team-mate, Wilson had flown to Merseyside to rubber stamp the transfer.

Speaking to LFC TV, he was delighted to have finalized the switch to "one of the biggest teams in the world."

He said: "It's a great feeling to sign for Liverpool. Wherever you go everyone knows Liverpool FC and I am just very happy to be here.

"This is a massive challenge for me. This is one of the best leagues in the world and I will be playing for one of the biggest teams in the world.

"Coming here from Scotland, people may say I might not be ready for this, but that is a challenge I want to put on myself and that's the reason I came here.

"Everyone knows about the history of this football club with 18 league titles.

"It wasn't a difficult decision to come here as Liverpool is not a team who come in for you every day, so I can't wait to get started.

"There were other clubs interested in me who are in the Champions League, but once Liverpool came in for me there was only one team I wanted to go to."

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar To Sign For Liverpool, Ryan Babel Joining Milan

Milan striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar will join Liverpool, with Ryan Babel heading the other way as part of the deal, claims Il Corriere dello Sport.

On Tuesday, Huntelaar was reportedly in Manchester, leading to speculation talks with either Manchester City or Manchester United are impending.

However, the latest reports from Italy suggest he could join Liverpool if Fernando Torres leaves. Huntelaar was not at Milanello on Wednesday, leading to further belief his future is away from Milan.

And should the deal with Liverpool take off, Milan will press for Ryan Babel as part of negotiations.

Everton are also said to be tracking the Rossoneri striker, but the lure of Anfield is likely to prove pivotal in his decision.

There has been little official confirmation in relation to Huntelaar's future, but Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri didn't appear too convincing when he was probed for a diagnosis.

"Huntelaar, for now, is a Milan player," he told the press. The Dutchman has also been linked with Tottenham and Aston Villa previously.

Liverpool Defender Philipp Degen On Stuttgart Radar

Ambitious Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart are considering making a move for Switzerland defender Philipp Degen, currently under contract with Premier League outfit Liverpool, according to a report in Blick.

Stuttgart coach Christian Gross is eager to add some more depth to his squad in the summer transfer window and the former Basel gaffer supposedly sees the 27-year-old Degen as the perfect addition to his roster.

The highly rated defender previously enjoyed a successful Bundesliga spell with Borussia Dortmund from 2005-2008 before leaving Germany for the Premier League. However, he never really managed to secure regular first team action at Liverpool.

New manager Roy Hodgson told Degen earlier this week that he's no longer needed by the Reds and the full-back could therefore be on his way back to the Bundesliga.

Stuttgart is supposedly preparing a €1.5 million offer for the defender and Liverpool is widely expected to accept the Schwaben's bid for Degen.