Master Tactician Looking To Work His Magic On Merseyside

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson seems to have made a stuttering start to his time on Merseyside, picking up 4 points in his first 3 league games. Although its very much early days and a lot could happy in the next 35 gamers, if Hodgson is to take Liverpool back to where they belong in the coveted top four of the Premier League, how will he best utilize the players at his disposal to ensure he gets the best results?

Some years ago as part of a Uefa training program, Hodgson gave an insight into what he believes are the pros and cons for different formation set ups, with some very interesting ideas. However although his knowledge gained through years of managerial experience in many different countries has allowed the former Fulham boss to build up a great understanding of the intricacies of football and the best way to be successful, which of these formations would best suit Liverpool this coming season?

Through Hodgson’s comments in the past and team selections during his time in England with Blackburn, Fulham and now Liverpool, it would seem that Hodgson very much prefers having, like most clubs in England, a 4 man defensive line. This enables a side like Liverpool to provide enough defensive cover for Pepe Reina with the likes of Martin Skrtel and Jamie Carragher sitting in the centre, while similarly enabling the likes of Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger to work the flanks and give extra numbers in attack when they are needed.

With Liverpool struggling at the moment for two strikers who would get goals in both the Premier League and in Europe on a regular basis, it seems that Roy has begun to favour playing Fernando Torres as the lone striker, anchoring the attack and allowing the players in midfield to move up in support when the Reds go on the attack.

This 4-5-1 formation I believe is one which would best suit Liverpool’s style of play. The four at the back and possibly one defensive midfielder in Lucas sitting in the centre of the park, provides enough defensive options that should ensure the club are more than capable to keep most teams at bay.

This solidity at the back allows Liverpool to build from their defence with the likes of Dirk Kuyt, Joe Cole, new signing Raul Meireles who joined the club from Porto and of course Steven Gerrard pushing forward to support Fernando Torres, with Gerrard effectively becoming a second striker playing off the Spaniard when the side are going forward.

The beauty about the 4-5-1 formation is its ability to change slightly to alter a team’s way of playing considerably. Many may see having the likes of Cole, Jovanovic, Kuyt and Gerrard in midfield as a bit too attack minded, especially for some away encounters away from home, leading the Reds to possibly get caught on the break when pushing forward.

The introduction of Christian Poulsen for one of the midfielders easily solves this problem. Placing him in the side along with Lucas allows Liverpool to play with two defensive midfielders, while still keeping two wingers and if possible allows Steven Gerrard to play with even more attacking freedom because he knows that they is adequate cover both in the defence and in midfield.

It would seem that with the players at his disposal, both Liverpool and Hodgson favour the 4-5-1 as the formation, which they believe is going to allow them to finish the season once again in the top four. However, the season is very much in its infancy and with a long way to go, we could see Hodgson tinker with the set up at Anfield, possibly trying 4-3-3 or even a 3-5-2 in an attempt to find the right formula at Liverpool which would allow the team to be successful in the future.

Carling Cup Provides Liverpool With An Ideal Opportunity For Silverware This Season

Five games from Wembley. When you say that sentence again and again, the more straightforward the task seems.

While its fiercest critics continue to treat the competition with scorn and deride its place in the English football calendar, the Carling Cup provides the most simple, straightforward task for a club to enjoy a red-letter day.

Perhaps the time has come, then, for Liverpool to become reacquainted with a tournament they once called their own; flick through the history books and you will see no team can come close to matching the Reds’ tally of seven wins.

What’s more, their tally of 10 appearances in the final is also a record but, since that galling defeat to Chelsea in 2005, you get the feeling mention of it has elicited a degree of indifference around certain parts of Anfield.

That cannot be the case this year. For a club with a past that is littered with pictures of its captains hoisting silver trophies triumphantly aloft, it is vitally important the glorious album gets freshened up with some new entries.

Last week’s draw for the third round, could hardly have been kinder and a date with Northampton Town at Anfield is likely to be seen by many as a bye through to the fourth round.

Roy Hodgson or his players would never be so arrogant to presume that will be the case – who remembers the fright Chesterfield provided in 1992? – but, all things being equal, it would be a shock of almighty proportions if they fell at the first hurdle.

Should, as expected, they progress, Liverpool will then find the draw opens up considerably, as while they were being paired with Northampton from League Two, five all Premier League ties were drawn out of the hat.

Among them was a showdown between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, which inevitably means one of the favourites to go all the way will find their interest in the tournament ended before the clocks go back.

How many occasions in the last few years have you watched a tournament unfold without Liverpool’s involvement only to have a sense of ‘what if’ gnaw away, as you reflect on an early exit?

Barnsley in the 2008 FA Cup is probably the best example of missing a chance that was there for the taking – the sight of the Tykes, West Brom, Cardiff and Portsmouth contesting the semi-finals was a source of dismay – and all regrets need banishing.

Aside from that, a prolonged run in the Carling Cup is hardly putting an enormous demand on the squad; while some have given the perception that the Europa League is an unhelpful hindrance, chances to win a trophy cannot be thrown away so lightly.

If you were to ask Fernando Torres how he felt seeing Atletico Madrid supplement their Europa League triumph in the European Super Cup last Friday, it’s fair to say he will have been envious.

His medal collection might include the World Cup and European Championship but there is nothing at club level yet and he would jump at the opportunity to score a winner for Liverpool at Wembley, if given a chance.

What about Dirk Kuyt? He has been a top player for the Reds since arriving in 2006 but does not have anything to show for the service he has provided – would he turn his noses up at a big day out? No chance.

Pepe Reina may have been the hero of the 2006 FA Cup final and was thrilled to share in the success of the Community Shield triumph which followed later that summer but he is aching to find room in his trophy cabinet.

Then there is Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher; their most enjoyable seasons have been when Liverpool play games every four days and both have a special place in their heart for the Carling Cup.

“Don’t get me wrong, if we won the Carling Cup and did nothing else this year, I don’t think anybody would say we’d had a really successful season,” said Gerrard, who still looks back on the medals he won in 2001 and 2003 with great fondness.

“But, equally, I’ve had some brilliant times in that competition and nothing would give me more satisfaction than to lead this team to silverware. That is always the aim and I’m desperate to do that again.”

Five games from Wembley, six from a massive celebration; the Carling Cup provides a big opportunity – it’s not one Liverpool can treat lightly.

Dr Peter Brukner: Fernando Torres Will Be Back To His Best Within The Next Four Weeks

Liverpool's head of sports medicine and sports science, Dr Peter Brukner, has revealed that Fernando Torres is ahead of schedule in his recovery from an abductor injury.

The Spaniard has struggled with his fitness for a while now and it looked as if his latest injury, sustained during Spain's triumphant World Cup, might disrupt this season as well.

However, Torres scored the only goal of the game against West Bromwich Albion last week and Dr Brukner — who only joined the club during the summer — has been impressed with the player's progress.

"He's actually slightly ahead of schedule - he played a game earlier than we thought," Brukner told the club's official website.

"He started off with a few minutes, then a few more minutes and then started the last couple of [Premier League] games. But for the kick on the shin against West Brom he would have played the whole game.

"We're now at the stage where he can play the whole game. He's still not at his physical peak, that will take another three or four weeks, but I think you can see in every game he's played he's improving.

"I don't think it will be too long before the old Fernando Torres is back - and I'm looking forward to that."

Brukner also confirmed that the Spaniard's rehabilitation program had been carefully planned by the club's medical and coaching staff in consultation with the player.

"Obviously Fernando had a bad run with injuries last season and through the World Cup," the Australian added.

"That was a challenge. We sat down with Fernando and we had a program that would bring him up slowly, which really didn't involve playing too much in the first couple of games because there wasn't enough time.

"He came back to us 12 days before the first game having not done anything since the World Cup. He got injured in the final and had struggled through the whole World Cup, really.

"We were determined not to push him too hard because we didn't want him breaking down again, but on the other hand he is such an important asset and we wanted to get him back as quickly as possible.

"So we had to find a balance between wanting to get him out there [on the pitch] and a gradual progression.

"Again, we sat down with the physios, the fitness staff, the manager and Fernando and worked out a program."

Steven Gerrard Wants More Of The Same For Euro 2012 Qualifiers As England Beat Bulgaria 4-0

Steven Gerrard today demanded more of the same after England got their bid to qualify for Euro 2012 off to the perfect start.

Liverpool’s captain was a key figure in England’s 4-0 dispatching of Bulgaria at Wembley last night, playing with great elegance and control as Fabio Capello’s men seized control of Group G.

But with the memory of such shoddy effort at the World Cup finals still fresh in the mind, Gerrard was quick to put a lid on expectations as he pointed out England have not redeemed themselves yet.

It might be a slightly different story if they follow with a victory in Switzerland on Tuesday and Gerrard believes the players owe it to Capello to produce a similar display to the one last night.

“The manager has taken a lot of criticism but he has been around for a long time and he has got a lot of experience,” said Gerrard. “He will take everything on the chin and he is handling things very well. It is up to the players to put in the performances that will ease that kind of pressure. We have got to try and build on this in Switzerland. They are a good team and we know it is going to be tough but we go there with confidence and believe we can get the right result.”

Though it was difficult to ever see England losing once hat-trick hero Jermain Defoe had fired them in to an early lead, Capello was indebted to a couple of smart stops from Joe Hart.

One such save on the hour was the catalyst for Gerrard to lead a rapier counterattack which led to Defoe doubling his and England’s tally and from there they never looked back.

“It was exactly what the manager wanted,” said Gerrard, who is hoping to play in Jamie Carragher’s testimonial this afternoon. “We put in a good performance and were difficult to beat.

“I always thought that if we kept a clean sheet then we’d win the game. We had some exciting players out there and getting the early goal was the key. We went on from there and it boosted everyone’s confidence. Joe made a couple of good saves but that is what we expect from him. I experienced what he could do first hand a few weeks ago.

“When he is in this kind of form, he is unbeatable.”

Liverpool Youngster Jonjo Shelvey Delighted After Landmark Week

Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is hoping that the week he has just enjoyed will set the tone for the rest of his season.

The former Charlton Atheltic man netted a goal on his debut for England Under-19s in their 2-0 win over Slovakia on Thursday evening, the same day as his sister gave birth. Shelvey hopes such highs are a sign of more good times to come.

"Words can't describe it today. We did really well and my sister has just had a baby as well, so this just topped it off," the youngster told the Reds' official website.

"It's the first time I've been an uncle, so I can't wait to go home now and see the baby.

"It's been a great day for my family and to lead the team out as captain, it's a big day for me."

The midfielder was proud of his first appearance in an England U-19 shirt, hailing the overall team display.

"It was a great performance all the way through, from the goalkeeper to the centre-forward, and to play for your country in a performance like that is good," he added.

"Everyone has got on well since we met up. The younger lads have obviously got that winning mentality from the summer and the lads my age have got it as well. There are some good players in this squad.

"We could have scored more too. I missed a few chances myself, but I thought we opened them up quite well and our defensive shape was superb, so it was a good game for the crowd to watch."

Having already represented England at U16 and U17 level, Shelvey is aiming to one day take his international education up at least one more notch.

"It's been proved with Jack Wilshere that if you're good enough you can go into the U21s and seniors," he said.

"And that's where I'm looking to go, to keep pushing on."

Torres Brace Helps Spain To Liechtenstein Win

Fernando Torres scored twice to help world and European champions Spain to a 4-0 away win over Liechtenstein on Friday in their Euro 2012 Group I qualifier.

Torres, who struggled for form and failed to score at the World Cup where he was recovering from knee surgery, opened the visitors' account with a delicate chip in the 18th minute.

Liverpool coach Roy Hodgson had said that he wanted Torres to miss the game but Spain paid no attention and he was on target again in the 54th minute before being substituted. David Villa and substitute David Silva scored the other goals.

Villa, who hit the crossbar in stoppage time, took his international tally to 43 goals, one short of Raul's record, amid some confusion.

The Spanish federation's website listed his total before the match as 43 but a spokesman and Spanish media said it was one fewer.

The tiny Rheinpark stadium with its capacity of just over 6,000, enough to accommodate roughly one sixth of Liechtenstein's population, was a world away from Soccer City in Johannesburg, where Spain won the World Cup just under two months ago.

But if it felt like an anti-climax, the world champions did not show it. Andres Iniesta forced a superb save from Peter Jehle after only three minutes as they quickly got into their stride.

There was a minor scare when Sandro Wieser floated a long free kick over Iker Casillas' crossbar but, with Liechtenstein ranked 141st in the world and without a win in nearly three years, the gulf was far too great for any real hopes of an upset.

Torres opened the scoring in the 18th minute after Iniesta had slipped the ball through to him on the break.

He was denied by Jehle from a similar position shortly afterwards but Villa added the second in the 26th minute when he collected the ball just outside the area and, despite being surrounded by defenders, managed to turn and rifle a right-foot shot past Jehle .

Spain's intricate passing moves often resembled futsal as they weaved their way through the home defence, with Jehle coming to the rescue several times.

Jehle could do nothing, however, when substitute Cesc Fabregas slipped the ball to Torres, who fired inside his near post in the 54th minute.

David Silva added the fourth in the 62nd minute and Jehle, who plays for Swiss second division FC Vaduz, prevented further embarrassment with some more fine saves.

I Will Carra On Just Like Ryan

Jamie Carragher aims to carry on playing for three more years after being inspired by Manchester United's old-timers.

The Liverpool centre-back, 33 in January, admits he is prepared to leave Anfield if he is no longer wanted.

But having watched the likes of Ryan Giggs, 36, and Paul Scholes, 35, he feels it is possible. He stresses his testimonial against an Everton XI today to mark 14 years with the Reds is not a sign he is close to quitting.

He said: "I've always had it in my head you finish at 35 but the way people look after themselves you could get another year out of it.

"Some of the Manchester United lads give you inspiration to keep going. I want to play until I'm about 35 or 36 but if the end was before that I'd obviously have to go somewhere else - I would not stop playing football."

Carragher would like to stay at Anfield when he does call it a day. He added: "I would find it very hard not to have football in my life.

"Here would be great. But Liverpool always has top managers and you would have to earn your stripes."

Barcelona's Javier Mascherano 'Let Himself Down Badly' With Handling Of Liverpool Exit - Jamie Carragher

Liverpool's Jamie Carragher believes that Javier Mascherano let himself down badly by refusing to play in the club's away game at Manchester City before his move to Barcelona.

The Argentina captain left Anfield under a cloud after refusing to feature for Roy Hodgson's side at the City of Manchester Stadium, as he angled for a move to the Spanish champions.

Eventually Mascherano got his wish with a €21 million (£17.5m) move to the Nou Camp, but Carragher believes that the midfielder has ruined his relationship with the Liverpool fans and that is something the Argentine will come to regret.

"Mascherano was great for Liverpool for three or four years and it was a privilege to play with them," Carragher told talkSPORT.

"But he let himself down badly and that left a bad taste in the mouth.

"If he'd played in that match he would have got a great send-off and it all would have been fine.

"But he ruined that and I think he'll regret it."

Carragher Blasts For Souness Reign

Jamie Carragher admits he has nothing but admiration for Sir Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho and Fabio Capello but the Liverpool defender is critical of Graeme Souness' tenure at Anfield.

The 32-year-old will today enjoy his testimonial with the likes of Michael Owen, Danny Murphy, Jerzy Dudek, Luis Garcia and Emile Heskey all set to turn out while former manager Gerard Houllier will also be at Anfield.

The Bootle-born player has made 635 appearances for Liverpool since making his debut in January 1997, three years into Roy Evans' spell as manager after he had replaced Souness.

Carragher readily admits he would love to learn from the likes of Ferguson, Mourinho and Capello, who persuaded the defender to come out of international retirement and represent England in their disastrous World Cup campaign.

He told the Daily Mail: "The likes of Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho, I could talk to them all day and that's one reason I answered the call from Fabio Capello to go to the World Cup. I wanted to see him at close quarters.

"I wasn't disappointed and got on great with him. He used to make me laugh every day. It was just the way he was - no messing. I loved that."

The Reds stalwart then settled on Ferguson as the manager he would most like to interview and added: "What would I ask him? How long have you got? All day?

"If I was in his company, I would also tell him first off, that Manchester United never knocked Liverpool off their perch as he put it.

"That's nonsense. Graeme Souness did that.

"When United were going for their first title under Ferguson in 1992-93 they were competing with Norwich and Aston Villa. They weren't competing with Liverpool, were they?"

Jamie Carragher Nearing Agreement For A New Contract At Liverpool

Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher has confirmed that he is close to signing a new contract with the club.

The defender had been in talks with the club over a new deal, but it had to be put on hold during the summer. Reds boss Roy Hodgson had later conceded that the defender's contract would become a matter of priority once the transfer window came to a close.

And with the window shut now, the 32-year-old believes that the two parties have made significant headway in recent discussions, as he is in the last year of his current contract with the club.

"I have spoken to the managing director, Christian Purslow, and we've had a good chat about the new contract," said Carragher, according to The Guardian.

"I'm sure it will happen.

"The most important thing was for the club to get the ins and outs sorted before the transfer deadline. That's done now so I'm sure we will have something sorted out in the next week or two."

He added: "I want to push on, I want to get in the top four and I want to win a trophy.

"Liverpool supporters haven't been to Wembley for a very long time because of the Cardiff situation a few years ago and I want to play at Wembley for Liverpool. I've never done that and that is one of my aims for this season. We don't want to be treading water, I certainly hope not."

Carragher made a surprise return to international football following his previously self-imposed retirement, but he insists that playing for the Three Lions during the European Championship qualifiers is not on the cards.

"No. England will be all right," he said. "I think [Phil] Jagielka is a great player, [Michael] Dawson has done great for Tottenham and [Matthew] Upson is back in the squad now.

"England knew the situation at the start. It was a one-off thing for me going back. They were in a bit of trouble and so they asked me. I liked the idea of working with [Fabio] Capello and to have another chance of playing in a World Cup. I honestly thought England had a chance of winning it – can you believe that!"

Meireles Backed For Success At Liverpool

Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz believes new Liverpool signing Raul Meireles will prove a success in the Premier League.

Liverpool moved to sign Meireles, 27, from Porto after Alberto Aquilani joined Juventus on loan and Javier Mascherano made his long-awaited switch to Barcelona, and Queiroz feels he could be the ideal replacement for the duo in central midfield.

"I think Raul Meireles is a fantastic player in the national team," he said on Liverpool's official website. "He's one of the pillars of the Portugal team. He's a great player and an excellent professional. He has all the conditions to be a success in English football at Liverpool.

"They have just signed the services of a player who stands out for his application, his professional dedication, his technical and footballing quality, and will be very successful for the Liverpool team.

"He's a box-to-box midfielder, he's hard-working, creative, is a good finisher, he's consistent, very solid, a great team player. He's a great person who is serious. He's a player who has a lot of capacity to communicate. He'll be a great reinforcement for the Liverpool team."

Roy Hodgson Reveals Inter Wanted Javier Mascherano More Than Dirk Kuyt

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has revealed Inter president Massimo Moratti was more interested in signing midfielder Javier Mascherano than winger Dirk Kuyt.

Mascherano eventually moved to Barcelona for approximately €21 million, and the former Fulham boss believes the Nerazzurri could make an offer for the Dutchman during the January transfer window.

"Moratti insisted more on trying to get Mascherano than Kuyt," Hodgson told Sky Sports. "What demonstrates this is the official offer that arrived from the Milan-based club for the Argentine.

"It was an offer that did not satisfy us or meet or valuation of the player.

"As for Kuyt, I hope that Inter do not come back and try to lure him away during the next transfer window," added the tactician.

Jamie Carragher Rules Liverpool Out Of Premier League Title Race

Jamie Carragher has revealed Liverpool stand no chance of lifting the Premier League title this season.

Carragher, 32, is about to celebrate his 14-year career with the club with a testimonial against Everton this weekend. During this time, he has yet to finish top of the domestic standings despite being crowned a Champions League, FA Cup, Uefa Cup and League Cup winner.

The Liverpool legend has admitted he doesn't expect new manager Roy Hodgson to be able to drag the squad from seventh to first place.

He said: "People have said 'You've done this and that for Liverpool' but we've not won a trophy for four years and that is annoying me a little bit.

"I certainly don't want to go on another couple of years not winning one before I finish at Liverpool.

"I don't see any reason why we can't win a trophy this season or the next couple.

"The one I haven't won is the league but I suppose that will be very difficult this season going from seventh last season.

"But I see no reason why we can't have a good go and have a trip to Wembley."

Steven Gerrard Pledges His Allegiance To Fabio Capello

It is Steven Gerrard's way to take responsibility. Maybe, sometimes, with that deep worry frown and his desire for the 'Hollywood pass' when on the pitch, he tries to accept too much.

On Thursday the England captain dealt, unequivocally, with two theories that have developed around Fabio Capello post-World Cup – that the manager is unable to communicate properly with the players and that he has lost the dressing room. For Gerrard, Capello is not, as he has been portrayed, a "weirdo" or a "jackass".

Turkeys do not vote for Christmas. And footballers do not, usually, accept blame. Their primary concern is their own performance – and after that the team's.

And neither was Gerrard going to pour out his innermost thoughts on the eve of England's crucial opening Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria.

But he is a plain dealer. "All the players believe in this manager and are right behind him," Gerrard said. "Everyone's desperate to put things right together."

But can he, amid the claims, strongly rejected, of disenchantment and dislike, truly say that?

"I don't know if everyone is totally 100 per cent behind him, of course, because I can't control what's going through every player's mind," the midfielder added. "But I've not seen anything that makes me think they're not.

"It seems as if there's a lot of blame going towards the manager. But it was the players who under-performed out there [at the World Cup].

"People talk about tactics and stuff, but there's only so much that a manager can do. The players have to deliver, and the players never delivered in Africa.

"Of course, everyone knows in football that the manager eventually gets the blame if things don't go well, but for me, we should get behind him now."

That starts against Bulgaria on Friday evening, at what will be a nervy Wembley, and, next Tuesday, away to Switzerland.

There is an appetite in some quarters for Capello's blood. Does it feel to the players that the manager's future may be decided by the next two games?

"I hope not," Gerrard said emphatically. "It has happened before but, hopefully, that won't be the case again. Hopefully we can get two good results and start slowly building.

"It'd be a knee-jerk reaction to sack a manager after one bad tournament, then think everything will be rosy when you start with a new guy and we'll go on and win the Euros.

"It's crazy to think it's as easy as that. I want him to stay. I have a lot of belief in him."

But can Gerrard understand – as the Football Association, somewhat oddly, has already publicly stated – that Capello's successor should be English, or at least British? "Not just yet," he said.

"It's important that Fabio is still given a chance. For me, he's a fantastic manager. Who out there that's an English manager has the CV that Fabio Capello has got?

"The communication is not a problem. He talks to the players individually, and the team, and the message does come across."

Certainly some of the attacks on Capello have not only been personal but vindictive.

He is, after all, not only probably the most decorated coach in European football but one whose methods and approach were being lauded by some of those same critics prior to South Africa.

A terrible tournament changes many things, of course, but perspective has been lost.

Nevertheless, has Capello been urged by the FA to soften his style, and be more approachable? Has he changed? "No, not at all," Gerrard said.

"The routines are quite similar. We've been through the mistakes we made out there and things we need to improve on."

Hasn't the criticism affected Capello? "It doesn't seem to me that it affects him," Gerrard added of the 64 year-old who has actually appeared more combative recently.

"He's got a lot of experience and he's handling it quite well. It's up to the players to ease the pressure and take the focus off him, and make us a better team, more successful."

And neither, he added, did any of those players play a part in deciding Capello's future after the World Cup. Gerrard, certainly, was not consulted.

"We shouldn't be contacted," he said. "It's got nothing to do with the players." Time will tell. "The only way we can recover is to improve results and try and qualify smoothly out of this group," Gerrard added.

"Then we've got to try and prove to people in the tournament, if we get there, that we can do a lot better than in South Africa. I'm 30 and there's still an opportunity for me to go out on a high with England."

Starlets Shine For England

Michael Ngoo scored on his debut and Jonjo Shelvey netted a sublime free-kick as the duo helped England U19s to a 2-0 friendly victory over Slovakia at Crewe Alexandra FC on Thursday night.

Shelvey captained the team and had a superb match in the centre of midfield and defender Andre Wisdom also made his debut for the U19s.

Former Southend United youngster Ngoo opened the scoring after 16 minutes with a clinical finish.

The Academy striker had an impressive outing and figured for the opening 62 minutes.

Shelvey added the second goal in the 73rd minute with a superbly curled home free-kick.

The former Charlton Athletic starlet then left the field three minutes later and fellow Red Wisdom proudly took over the skipper's armband.

Sangria Star Set To Return

Luis Garcia could be set for an emotional return to Anfield in Jamie Carragher's testimonial against Everton on Saturday.

Our former No.10 played a major role during our glorious Champions League win in 2005, and was a big favourite with the Kop.

The Spanish ace is set to join a whole host of former Reds who are set to feature in the game including another Istanbul hero Jerzy Dudek.

"Luis wants to be involved so hopefully he will be back at Anfield and I'm just waiting for a call," Carragher told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"It would be great to see him again. He played an important part in our success in 2005 and he never really got the chance to say goodbye because he was injured and then he left the club.

"It would be great for Luis as well to get a welcome back from our crowd.

"It will be also be nice to see Jerzy back in goal. Michael Owen will be up front with Emile Heskey, Danny Murphy will be back in central midfield. We'll also have Steve Finnan and Stephen Warnock playing so we've got a few familiar faces."

Liverpool Name Just 21 Players In 25-Man Premier League Squad

Liverpool have named just 21 senior players in their 25-man Premier League matchday squad.

The new regulations state that for the 2010-11 season, teams must register a maximum of 17 'non homegrown' and minimum of eight 'homegrown players'. The homegrown players - such as Steven Gerrard, Joe Cole and Jay Spearing - are those trained for three years by any English or Welsh club before the age of 21.

Once the list is named, no changes can be made until the close of the transfer window. Anyone outside the 25 over the age of 21 cannot be selected and would be forced to stay on the sidelines unless they repeat Craig Bellamy's loan to a Football League side.

Clubs can, however, use an unlimited number of players under the age of 21 regardless of nationality. This law allows manager Roy Hodgson to call on un-named youth products Peter Gulacsi, Martin Kelly, Daniel Wilson, Jonjo Shelvey, Daniel Pacheco, Nathan Eccleston and David Ngog.

Home grown players:

Jamie Carragher

Joe Cole

Stephen Darby

Steven Gerrard

Glen Johnson

Brad Jones

Paul Konchesky

Jay Spearing

Non home grown players:

Daniel Agger

Fabio Aurelio

Ryan Babel

Milan Jovanovic

Dirk Kuyt

Sotirios Kyrgiakos

Lucas Leiva

Raul Meireles

Christian Poulsen

Pepe Reina

Maxi Rodriguez

Martin Skrtel

Fernando Torres

Christian Poulsen Says Tough Schedule Will Help Liverpool FC

Christian Poulsen today claimed a hectic September schedule is exactly what the new-look Liverpool need to show their best form.

The Reds midfielder is currently with compatriot Daniel Agger in Copenhagen preparing for next Tuesday European Championship qualifier against Iceland.

However, he already has one eye on what lies in store for Liverpool during the course of the next four weeks and cannot wait to get started.

Aside from Premier League games against Birmingham, Manchester United and Sunderland, Liverpool has a Carling Cup tie against Northampton and two Europa League dates with Steaua Bucharest and FC Utrecht.

It means everyone in the 21-man squad Roy Hodgson submitted to the Premier League will get a chance to shine and Poulsen feels the more they play, the better they will become.

“We have a lot of games so with (Javier) Mascherano and (Alberto) Aquilani leaving we need quality players for the team because for the next six months we will have a game every four days,” said Poulsen.

“It is important for a club who wants to play at the top of the Premier League and fighting for the Europa League to have strong players. I hope after the international break we can come strong again and pick up a lot of points up in the coming months.

“When I came here I had not played since the World Cup so I feel I need some time to get into the rhythm but last Thursday (in the second leg against Trabzonspor) I did better than in the first game.

“I feel comfortable here. The match against West Brom was the first game with Fernando (Torres) and the captain (Steven Gerrard) so you have to learn how they want the ball.

“Fernando is a strong player and can do things at speed and can do things one against one. You also feel Steven and Fernando have a good eye for each other and you saw that against West Brom – I hope it will get even better.”

Though it might seem Liverpool will be light in terms of numbers they can call upon, the 21 names confirmed are also beefed up by the fact clubs can call on unlimited numbers of players under 21.

That means Peter Gulacsi, Martin Kelly, Daniel Wilson, Jonjo Shelvey, Daniel Pacheco, Nathan Eccleston and David Ngog are all eligible.

Liverpool Plan £12m Playmaker Bid

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is rumoured to be preparing a January bid for CSKA Moscow playmaker Keisuke Honda and has been promised funds to make such a move due to the sales of Javier Mascherano, Albert Riera and Yossi Benayoun during the recent transfer window.

Hodgson had hoped to secure a striker signing before the transfer deadline but failed in his attempts to sign Carlton Cole and Roman Pavlyuchenko but apparently the Anfield manager is also looking to add more creativity to his midfield and is hoping to bring in a player who can supply the ammunition for his threadbare front line.

Keisuke Honda had a successful World Cup and has promising start to his CSKA career but is reportedly considering his options and has expressed his interest in a move to the Premier League. The Russian League ends in the last week of November so the 24 year old playmaker will then be considering his options and whether he wishes to stay in Moscow.

Valued at around £12m Honda was a Liverpool target under Rafa Benitez whilst he the Japanese international was still in the Dutch Eredivisie with VVV Venlo. He has been a target for many of Europe’s elite and is admired for his good close control his range of passing and his set piece taking abilities.

Paul Konchesky Looking To Achieve Big Things With Roy Hodgson At Liverpool

Liverpool new boy Paul Konchesky has revealed that he felt that the chance to move to Anfield from Fulham was too good to turn down.

The left-back signed a four-year deal for the Reds on transfer deadline day, moving for a reported £4 million from Craven Cottage.

Now he is targeting trophies as he looks forward to linking up with his former gaffer once again.

"I'm very excited to be here. I can't wait to get started and I'm really looking forward to the challenge," the 29-year-old told his new club's official website.

"I know what the manager is about and he knows what I am about. I had a great time with him at Fulham for two-and-a-half years. He did really well for Fulham and hopefully we can have great success at Liverpool and we can achieve bigger and better things.

"I want to win silverware. I believe this club is capable of doing that and hopefully we can start this year."

Konchesky also revealed that once the Reds had come calling it was not a difficult decision to make to join them.

"No, not when a club like Liverpool comes in for you," he said.

"You look at the background and history they have got and they are one of the most famous names in football.

"It also helped me with the manager being here who I know well. When Liverpool came in for me it was an easy choice."

The former England international knows all about Liverpool's history and tradition and is looking forward to following in the footsteps of some of the club's true greats.

"Yes of course and I know they have had some fantastic players over the years like Kenny Dalglish and John Barnes," he added.

"I played with John at Charlton when I was a kid so I know a lot about the club from him. He used to talk about Liverpool and he spoke to the young players at Charlton about the history and background of the club. He has a lot of respect for this club and he was a big player here.

"I have played against Liverpool at Anfield and the crowd are always fantastic towards their team and give them great support. I am looking forward to playing in front of them for Liverpool."

Meanwhile, Konchesky also revealed that he could make his debut in a red shirt as early as this weekend, when a Liverpool XI take on an Everton XI in Jamie Carragher's testimonial.

"I am looking forward to playing in Jamie's testimonial and it will be a great day for him," he stated.

"It will be nice to play in front of the Kop as a Liverpool player for the first time and it will help me get used to it and I can just go out and enjoy it.

"I've got a lot of respect for Jamie and what he's achieved at this club.

"He has been at Liverpool for a long while. For someone to do that, especially at this great club, you've got to have something about you.

"He's a great character and he is also someone you can look up to.

"If ever you need someone to look to and get advice then you should look up to Jamie. He's a great professional and he does everything how it should be done."