Liverpool Set To Pounce For Mario Gomez In January

Liverpool will swoop for Bayern Munich's out of favour striker Mario Gomez in the January transfer window, according to News of the World.

Reds manager Roy Hodgson was unsuccessful in his bid to land a big-name striker as cover for Fernando Torres during the summer transfer window, reportedly missing out on four attacking targets.

Bayern’s Gomez was heading to Anfield on loan with a view to a potential £20m permanent deal in the summer but the deal fell through after the Bavarian giant's chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge pulled the plug on the deal at the last minute.

As a result, Hodgson had less than 48 hours to try and snap up Carlton Cole, Bobby Zamora or Kevin Doyle. All bids were rebuffed by the players’ respective clubs though.

Liverpool will now wait until the New Year to secure Gomez, using Hodgson's unspent money from the summer transfer kitty to conclude a deal.

Konchesky Ready For Reds Challenge

Paul Konchesky reflected on his first appearance in a Liverpool shirt and insisted: "I can't wait for the real action to begin."

The Liverpool defender, who completed his transfer from Fulham to Anfield on deadline day last week, enjoyed a second half run-out for the Reds in Jamie Carragher's testimonial on Saturday afternoon as Roy Hodgson's men cruised to a 4-1 victory.

But now he's focusing on the real action which lies ahead - starting next weekend when he could be in line for his full debut at Birmingham.

"I'm 29 and this is my last chance to play at the highest level," said the 29-year-old. "That is what Liverpool are and I am really looking forward to it.

"I'm looking forward to getting a new lease of life and playing at a very high standard.

"I can't wait to pull on a Liverpool shirt in the Premier League, it is a massive club and it is a big step for me. I just want to give it my all and go from there.

"I've had three or four days' training and although there have not been a lot of players there it has been a good week and I am hopefully going to enjoy it soon.

"It was good to be involved in Jamie's testimonial and put a Liverpool shirt on."

He added: "You look at the history they have got behind them it is unbelievable and there are some great players here," he added.

"If we can bring that back to the side this year in something like the Europa League then this team can go a long way.

"The testimonial was a bit slower than the Premier League but it was good for Jamie.

"I'm glad all the players came back for him; they obviously respect him a lot and he is well respected within the team. He looks fit and I think he has a few more years left in him - and hopefully it will be at Liverpool."

Kevin Doyle 'Was Transfer Deadline Day Target For Liverpool'

Hodgson made no secret of his desire to strengthen his frontline, but the expected last-minute signing failed to materialise.

According to the News of the World, the Reds made a trio of £9 million bids as the end of the transfer window approached, including one for Wolves striker Doyle.

They were told the Ireland international was not for sale at that price and received similar responses from West Ham United about Carlton Cole and Fulham about Bobby Zamora.

Liverpool saw a loan move for Bayern Munich's Germany international Mario Gomez collapse just days before the deadline, while they were reported to have made tentative enquiries about the availability of Tottenham's Peter Crouch earlier in the summer.

Hodgson is also believed to have rejected a late bid from Inter Milan for Lucas Leiva.

Ex-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez wanted to take the midfielder to Italy on loan, but his successor at Anfield decided not to allow the Brazil international to leave, despite signing Raul Meireles and Christian Poulsen.

Former Liverpool Left-Back Andrea Dossena Relishing Return To Anfield With Napoli

Former Liverpool left-back Andrea Dossena is relishing the prospect of returning to Anfield with Napoli.

The two clubs have been drawn in the same UEFA Europa League group, and the 28-year-old hopes he can show the Kop his true ability.

"I cannot wait to return to play at Anfield," he told the Corriere Dello Sport.

"The first thing that came to my mind when the draw was made was that I'll be back at Anfield," he said.

"The second was that finally I would have the opportunity to show the Liverpool fans who the real Dossena is.

"I want to play in that stadium so much, not out of revenge or rancor, just to have a great game."

Dossena moved to Liverpool from Udinese in 2008 for €9 million but made just 27 appearances for the Reds, scoring two goals.

Jay Out To Repay Hodgson Faith

Jay Spearing has spoken of his determination to impress Roy Hodgson after being named in Liverpool's 21-man squad for the Barclays Premier League.

For the 2010-11 season, top-flight clubs must register a squad of up to 25 players for league games, which must include at least eight 'home grown' players and no more than 17 'non home grown' players.

Liverpool's No.26 is delighted to be in the list and he is more determined than ever to show what he is capable of and try and keep a regular place in the squad.

"I'm really enjoying working under the manager and he has been really good to me," Spearing told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"I have been working really hard in training and it's going very well so I've just got to keep it going.

"The manager has said he is pleased with what I have done so far and he just told me to keep it up and keep working hard.

"I've been involved in every squad this season, whether it be on the bench or 19th man and that has given me a lot of confidence.

"It's good to be around the squad and with the lads and hopefully I will get another chance to show what I can do.

"Every day is up to me. There is no-one else that can do it and I have to prove to myself, the boss and the fans that I am capable of playing in these games, and when that day comes I've got to grab it."

The Wirral born midfielder spent the second part of last season on loan in the Championship at Leicester City and he helped them reach the Play-off semi-finals when they lost on penalties to Cardiff City.

Spearing admits it was a spell that has given him a lot of belief.

"Playing for Leicester was a massive confidence boost for myself and I enjoyed the experience of playing in front of 30,000 people every week for their home games," he added.

"It's given me the fight to try and show I can step up to play for Liverpool."

Boss Pleased With Torres Double

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has spoken of his delight at seeing Fernando Torres back on the scoresheet after the Liverpool striker netted twice during Friday's 4-0 thrashing of Liechtenstein in Vaduz.

Torres had scored only once in the previous twelve months for his country, but just days after striking the winner for Liverpool against West Bromwich Albion he was in the goalscoring mood again with two clinical finishes to help Spain to a comfortable opening game victory in the 2012 European Championships qualifying campaign.

Asked if he was happy to see Torres back on the mark, Del Bosque said: "Of course. He didn't score during the World Cup and these goals plus the one he got the other day for Liverpool are going to improve his moral and self-confidence.

"That's very good for him and the national team. Today (against Liechtenstein) he moved well close to the area."

Torres was replaced soon after netting his second goal after 54 minutes, but Del Bosque insists he could have continued.

"I don't think it was too draining a game for the players. Torres could have continued perfectly. We had people on the bench who ought to play, we had to give them the opportunity," he added.

"It (the substitutions) was for those we were on the bench than those that were on the pitch."

Spain play again on Tuesday when they travel to Buenos Aires to take on Argentina in a friendly.

Liverpool Confirm Friendly Against Atlético Madrid

Liverpool will begin their long build-up to the first Super League season with a visit to Atlético Madrid for a friendly on Saturday that will further strengthen the relationship between Anfield and the Estadio Vicente Calderón.

The men's teams have met several times during the past two seasons, with Liverpool having also signed Fernando Torres and Maxi Rodríguez from the Spanish club.

"The invitation to play the game came from Atlético," said the Liverpool manager, Robbie Johnson. "They seem keen to keep the good relations between the two clubs going and it gives us the chance to test ourselves against foreign opposition. Their league [Superliga Femenina] starts in a couple of weeks so this will probably be their last pre-season game and our first.

"We've put together a decent program of friendlies, including a trip to Dublin to play the Irish champions [St Francis] and to Glasgow to play [the Scottish champions] Glasgow City at the end of their season in November.

"But it's a strange time at the moment, with the Super League not starting until March and teams just training and getting what friendlies they can. It's giving us the opportunity to add to our playing squad, which I feel still needs strengthening to go into the Super League, but I don't think there'll be any real momentum until the early part of next year. So it's a bit frustrating all-round."

While the eight Super League clubs are kicking their heels the reconstituted Premier League is up and running, with Nottingham Forest becoming the first clear leaders with a 2-1 win against Millwall Lionesses today. Their captain, Beth Bailey, hit a late winner.

Blackburn Rovers and Leeds United are in joint second-place, two points adrift of Forest. Rovers won 2-1 at Reading while Leeds had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Barnet.

Watford held Sunderland to a 1-1 draw despite having their goalkeeper, Lauren Davey, sent off for the 32nd-minute foul which led to the penalty from which the midfielder Kelly McDougall scored the equaliser.

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.