Why Hicks And Gillett Should Be Worried By Man United's Poor Season Ticket Sales

David Gill set a target of selling 54,000 Manchester United season tickets this summer.

But thanks to a laudable protest against the parasitical Glazers by fans group MUST, 2,200 went unsold.

Gill’s reaction to missing a target he was sure he would hit, especially after freezing prices, was “that’s pretty good”. If New Labour ever gets back into power, a Cabinet post is assured.

I hope Liverpool’s owners, its chairman and the Royal Bank of Scotland digested the significance of this story.

Because after a summer when no credible ­candidate has appeared to buy the club, another transfer window has yielded a profit for the banks, and no answers have been given on either issue, revolution is in the air.

If Hicks and Gillett are allowed to refinance their debt in October, the resistance being mounted against their American compatriots at Old Trafford will seem remarkably tame.

Liverpudlians will not allow their club to be strangled by these cowboys any longer.

The boil is about to be lanced at Anfield. If Martin Broughton and the RBS can’t do it, the fans will do it for them. And it won’t be pretty.

Dirk Kuyt Admits To Holding Talks Over Move To Inter

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has admitted that he held talks over a possible switch to European champions Inter.

The Dutch front man was a top target for former Reds manager Rafa Benitez, now in charge of Inter.

And despite the move never materializing, Kuyt admits he was flattered to be in negotiations with the reigning Italian champions.

“I cannot deny there were negotiations with Inter,” he is quoted as saying by ESPN.

“It was pleasing to be courted by such a prestigious club, led by the coach who brought me to England and with whom I still have a splendid rapport.

“However, Liverpool declared I was not for sale and I am in any case happy to have stayed in the Premier League.”

Tommy Smith: Liverpool FC Have Got To Show More Adventure

It might seem a long way off before Liverpool play their next league game against Birmingham.

But I hope there is some radical thinking going in the meantime because after struggling against a Midlands side last weekend, one who we should have beaten pretty easily at home, we cannot afford to run things so close again.

We never looked comfortable and in control against West Brom and the problem was that we were just too defensive with two holding players in Poulsen and Lucas.

I’m not a fan of Lucas - I just don’t see what he brings to the party - but what was obvious was that with Poulsen we had a similar sort of player sitting back there with him.

As the game drew on everyone was looking to Fernando Torres to do something special and as usual he delivered with a great strike.

But once again, as happened so many times last season, we’ve gone into the half time interval without getting a goal or being in front.

If we don’t get ahead if the first 45 minutes it does give sides facing us confidence and only creates tension on and off the pitch.

Birmingham look a better side than West Brom and away from home it will be tougher next weekend. But I really hope new midfield signing Raul Meireles makes his debut because we need more invention and bite than we saw at Anfield.

I’d push Steven Gerrard right up front with Torres. They gel so well together and understand each other’s moves that I’d pair them up.

If we need one midfield player behind them to do some of the donkey work then so be it.

But I want to see the Reds being much more adventurous and attack minded - and playing two holding men in the middle stops that happening.

Chelsea had thrashed West Brom and we were all hoping for something similar at Anfield. But it just never looked like happening.

Birmingham has been busy in the transfer market but has also had their own troubles recently, with stories about their manager Alex McLeish being unhappy and of course they blew a two goal lead last weekend against a ten man Bolton side.

I just hope Roy Hodgson is working hard behind the scenes on a much more attack minded formation so we get our first away win on the board now.

Dominic King: Ryan Babel Must Make The Most Of His Anfield Opportunity

One of the most in vogue websites currently in cyberspace and a tool that makes it easy to keep in touch with the rich and famous, Twitter.

It was also especially useful on transfer deadline day, not least when Ryan Babel tweeted that he was 'going nowhere! YNWA!!!'

There is no doubt that Babel's career on Merseyside came close to ending on Tuesday and there were a couple of clubs who wanted to sign him up.

He has, however, got a reprieve and it will be intriguing to see if he can make the most of this opportunity.

Some will have given up hope of ever seeing Babel produce the performances that lit up the Under 21 European Championships in 2007 and it might be naive to think he will suddenly become consistent.

But, as time has shown, opportunity knocks when it is least expected. Babel must answer in the best possible fashion.

Gerrard Attacked At Carra Bash

Liverpool star Steven ­Gerrard was attacked at a surprise 30th birthday party for team-mate Jamie Carragher’s wife.

A partygoer threw a punch at the England ­captain at the bash for WAG Nicola Carragher at a hotel in Merseyside.

Liverpool star Gerrard, 30, was targeted as he chatted with friends in a private area of the hotel.

Shocked guests stopped the man before he could throw more punches at the midfielder, who led out England against Bulgaria on Friday evening.

A witness told the Sunday Mirror: “Steven was ­minding his own business when this bloke started a row with him, apparently over nothing.

“He squared up to Stevie and was shouting abuse. Before anyone knew what was happening the man had thrown a punch.

“Thankfully he didn’t connect properly — probably because he was quite drunk. Steven looked as shocked as anyone else. It was unprovoked but Steven didn’t rise to it.”

The attacker was thrown out of the party, at Liverpool’s Hilton Hotel last Sunday, but police were not called.

Guests at the bash included Liverpool’s Joe Cole, 28, and wife Carly, 26. The X Factor star Alexandra Burke was paid £30,000 to sing for 15 minutes.

Last year Gerrard was cleared of affray following a fight at a Southport bar.

Carra: My Mersey Pride

Jamie Carragher reflected on his testimonial celebrations and admitted the day couldn't have gone any better for him.

Liverpool stars past and present turned out to help mark the defender's 14 years in the first team on an occasion to savour at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

The likes of Luis Garcia, Jerzy Dudek, Michael Owen, Emile Heskey, Gary McAllister and Danny Murphy all donned the famous red jersey once again as they secured a 4-1 victory over an Everton XI.

A host of Liverpool's most promising young stars were given the chance to shine in the second half in front of a crowd of 35,361 - and Carragher believes he couldn't have asked for much more from the event.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv afterwards: "It was a good afternoon. It was all about having a good day and I'm pleased Everton were involved, there was a good crowd and everyone enjoyed it.

"It was a decent, proper game. There were a lot of changes and Everton had a lot of young lads playing, as we did in the second half, so I think it was great they were able to all get a game and hopefully that bodes well for the futures of both clubs.

"It's always good to see your mates come back and I was delighted they all got involved. I'm pleased it went well for them.

"There's been a bit of graft over the last few weeks, so I'll enjoy the occasion and hopefully it's done now."

Carragher found the back of the net at each end in the contest - both from the penalty spot.

After putting Liverpool 2-0 ahead from 12 yards on the stroke of half-time, he fired the ball past debutant Brad Jones as Yakubu prepared to take an Everton spot kick in the second period.

He explained: "I don't score too often, but I actually wanted the first penalty to be for Michael Owen to score - I'd totally forgot people would want me to take it.

"As for the second penalty, I was a big Everton fan as a kid and always wanted to score a goal for them, so I've done that as well now and I was pleased with it."

Carra On Target In Derby Win

Jamie Carragher was on target at both ends as a Liverpool XI beat an Everton XI 4-1 in the defender's testimonial at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

The Reds stalwart converted a penalty on the stroke of half-time to add to Luis Garcia's opener.

Joe Cole extended Liverpool's lead with a well-worked goal on the hour - his first for the club - before Carragher put through his own net via the penalty spot shortly after.

But Nathan Eccleston restored the home side's three-goal cushion with a cool finish on an afternoon to remember.

A whole host of Kop stars past and present turned out to help celebrate Carragher's 15 seasons in the first team at Anfield, over the course of which he has firmly positioned himself not only alongside the finest defenders to have represented the club, but also as one of the world's very best.

Treble winners Emile Heskey and Michael Owen led the attack from the off, while there were also places for Istanbul heroes Garcia and Jerzy Dudek.

And further swelling the feel-good factor, Steven Gerrard made a dash back from London to participate in the opening 11 minutes - the Liverpool skipper granted special permission by England coach Fabio Capello to return having last night played the whole game for the Three Lions against Bulgaria at Wembley.

He was joined in the starting XI by Cole, while summer signings Brad Jones and Paul Konchesky were named amongst the substitutes.

Meanwhile, Everton's squad included the likes of Tony Hibbert, Francis Jeffers, Leon Osman, Yakubu, Lee Carsley, Leighton Baines, Mikel Arteta and Jermaine Beckford.

A crowd of 35,361 gathered inside Anfield, helping to bolster funds for Carragher's 23 Foundation.

And Carra couldn't have wished for a better start to the afternoon as Garcia curled home an opening goal inside two minutes.

Collecting Heskey's layoff on the right corner of the box, the Spaniard cut inside before clipping a fine effort beyond the reach of Iain Turner to bring Anfield back to its feet.

Moments later, Owen drew a good stop from the Blues' goalkeeper before the striker saw a goal-bound effort blocked on the line by Aristote Nsiala.

Gerrard was withdrawn from the action shortly after the 10-minute mark, with Danny Murphy his replacement. Both were naturally afforded a warm reception.

Despite the relaxed feel to the contest, there was a good flow about the game with the football pleasing on the eye.

Liverpool were the only team threatening, however, and after Garcia had stabbed a volley wide, Cole struck straight at Turner after being fed by Owen. Meanwhile, at the other end, a mis-kick by Yakubu when in a promising position inside the box drew ironic cheers from the Kop.

And they were cheering again soon after as Carragher produced the sort of interception that has established him as one of the finest defenders in the club's history as he prevented Jeffers from going through on goal.

Play quickly swung to the other end and Heskey's sublime control of a long-ball forward presented him with a clear shooting opportunity. Unfortunately the finish did not match.

The striker did help carve out a chance for Murphy on 34 minutes, playing a neat one-two with Owen before releasing the ball into the path of the Fulham man, who prodded narrowly wide of the post.

Even Carra himself was trying his luck as he struck wide from 25 yards after Garcia's corner had been cleared to the edge of the box.

He was soon back patrolling the defence, however, and a challenge on Lee Carsley inside the area led to the Everton midfielder dramatically collapsing in a heap before kicking the ball away in comedy fashion after failing to win a spot kick, for which a yellow card was issued by referee Mark Halsey.

However, Liverpool were awarded a penalty when Shane Duffy blocked Owen's shot with his hand on 44 minutes.

There was only ever going to be one taker, and Carragher dispatched his effort into the top corner with aplomb to send the Reds in with a two-goal advantage at the break.

A raft of changes were made during the interval, with some of Liverpool's most promising youngsters handed an opportunity to impress.

Only Carragher, Cole and Spearing remained on the field from the first half with Eccleston, Jonjo Shelvey, David Amoo, Andre Wisdom and Daniel Ayala entering the fray.

There were also Reds debuts for Jones and Konchesky, while Ryan Babel was introduced to the action for the second half.

Shelvey almost made an instant impact as he arrowed an attempted clearance inches wide of the upright.

But Liverpool did further their lead on the hour mark when Cole fired home his first goal for the Reds.

Meeting Babel's measured cross, the No.10 expertly dispatched a low volley into the Kop end goal.

However, Everton were given the chance to reduce the arrears when they were awarded a penalty for shirt pulling inside the box.

With Yakubu poised to take the kick, Carragher took everyone by surprise by surging ahead of the Everton forward and hammering the ball into his own goal - cue much laughter inside the stadium.

It was to be his last playing act of the afternoon, with youngster John Flanaghan promptly replacing him.

Cole then stung the palms of Turner before Babel outstripped Duffy for pace and teed up Eccleston, whose shot was hacked off the line by Zac Thompson.

The youngster did not have to wait long to find the target, however, as he drove low into the bottom corner after being found in space inside the box by Babel.

Former crowd favourite David Thompson took the place of Cole in the aftermath, moments prior to Gary McAllister and Jason McAteer returning to the hallowed L4 turf - the former greeted by cries of 'shoot' every time he collected possession in reference to his unforgettable derby winner at Goodison in 2001.

Babel's sublime skill to put the ball through the legs of Baines almost garnered a fifth goal for the Reds, but the Dutchman's strike was beaten away by Turner, while Ross Barkley's snap shot for Everton was blocked by Jones and Anfield's newest custodian produced an even better save to deny Beckford late on.

But the afternoon belongs to one man - and Carragher was given a thunderous reception as he returned to the field at the end of a contest that proved a fitting tribute to Liverpool's legendary No.23.

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."