Match Report: Bolton 0 - 1 Liverpool

Maxi Rodriguez struck a late winner at Bolton as relieved Liverpool finally climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone.

The Argentinian latched onto a brilliant Fernando Torres backheel to settle a competitive encounter at the Reebok Stadium four minutes from time.

Both sides created numerous chances in an evenly-matched contest but Liverpool left satisfied knowing their near month-long stay in the bottom three was over.

The match had looked like bringing more frustration for Liverpool and under-pressure boss Roy Hodgson as Sotirios Krygiakos twice went close and Torres squandered a good early opportunity.

The win drew them level on points with Bolton, who had been enjoying their best start for four years and were looking set for a seventh draw of the campaign.

They might even have won it themselves had a late Kevin Davies glancing header fallen the right side of the post.

Hodgson named the same Liverpool team for the third successive Premier League game as he attempted to instil the cohesion they have been lacking.

It initially appeared to work as the Reds, hoping to build on last week's morale-boosting win over Blackburn, started confidently and created two early chances for Torres.

The first came after three minutes as Steven Gerrard swung in a corner but Torres could not keep his header on target.

His next chance came just five minutes later but, despite netting last week's winner, the Spaniard still showed signs of the rustiness that has hampered him all season.

Torres raced through on goal from a Gerrard pass but delayed a shot and then mis-kicked as he attempted to stab past Jussi Jaaskelainen from close range.

Bolton's first attempt on goal came when Stuart Holden blasted a free-kick at the wall from 25 yards.

After that Bolton gave as good as they got and Jose Reina parried a vicious Holden volley from distance after the US international was teed up by Davies.

The hosts appealed for a penalty as Lee Chung-yong cut inside from the left and went down under a challenge from Jamie Carragher but referee Martin Atkinson played on to few complaints.

Liverpool attacked back but Cole scooped a long-range effort well over the bar and Gerrard did likewise from a free-kick.

Fabrice Muamba shot from long range for Bolton but his effort curved well away from goal.

Torres set up Gerrard but the Reds skipper drove wide from the edge of the box.

Taylor tested Reina with two free-kicks just before the break but the Spaniard managed to smother both attempts and Carragher survived another penalty appeal after the faintest of touches with the hand.

Krygiakos, goalscorer in two of the previous three league games, forced Jaaskelainen to save from a Gerrard cross in injury time.

Bolton made the early running in the second half and twice forced Liverpool to clear unconvincingly without creating a clear-cut chance.

Gerrard tried to raise Liverpool's fading tempo with a powerful run and long ball for Torres, but a promising attack was ended as Muamba collided with Lucas.

Gerrard found good space on the edge of the box but his shot was deflected into the air and claimed easily by Jaaskelainen.

Liverpool suffered a blow just after the hour as Cole was forced off with what looked like a hamstring injury and was replaced by David Ngog.

Krygiakos again went close when Gerrard picked him out from a corner but this time headed narrowly over.

Krygiakos was then involved at the other end after bundling into Davies but Atkinson deemed the Bolton captain to have gone down too easily.

Liverpool might have been struggling to produce the intensity their fans demanded but pieced together a move of genuine quality as Rodriguez finally got into the game midway through the second half.

Rodriguez sent Gerrard away down the left with a clever backheel and the captain whipped in a cross for Torres.

Torres nodded back down for Rodriguez to attempt a spectacular overhead kick which went just inches over. Bolton replied as in-form Johan Elmander, looking for his first home goal of the season after hitting five away, showed great control and drove just wide of the post.

Zat Knight then headed over from the resulting corner and Davies also glanced a header wide from a free-kick as the Trotters enjoyed a strong spell.

But Liverpool roused themselves late on and carved Bolton open with a delightful move to set up the winner for Rodriguez.

Torres was the creator as he nutmegged Gary Cahill with a clever backheel and Rodriguez raced through.

The Argentinian showed great composure as he clipped the ball in off the body of Jaaskelainen.

Roy Hodgson Hails Liverpool FC’s Gritty Defence After Win Over Bolton Wanderers

Roy Hodgson hailed Liverpool’s “gritty” defence and hopes victory against Bolton Wanderers can prove a springboard for his team’s season.

A Maxi Rodriguez strike four minutes from time earned a 1-0 win at the Reebok Stadium and moved Hodgson’s side out of the relegation zone into 12th place.

It was only Liverpool’s third clean sheet in the Premier League this season but followed an impressive shut-out at Napoli 10 days earlier in the Europa League.

And Hodgson said: “We hope it’s a springboard. We have had three very good results now, including the Napoli one.

“We have defended so much better in the three games. I know that we will score goals but at the moment we aren’t. I suppose I could be criticized for making bold statements such as that but I do believe we will score goals with Torres, Gerrard, Kuyt, Rodriguez and Meireles, along with Soto (Kyrgiakos) coming up from the back.

“One of things that concerned me was that we were leaking goals, and it wasn’t good that we had to score two or three to get a result.

“We have had two good cleans sheets against Bolton and Napoli away from home.

“It was a very gritty performance, especially from the back four. It’s never easy to play against Bolton, they have a very well-honed style of play based on getting it into the box from all areas with two front men strong in the air.

“You have to be well organized and have players who can deal with the situation.”

Liverpool wasted a number of promising attacks until Fernando Torres found Rodriguez inside the area with a clever backheel and the Argentine netted only his second goal for the club.

“We had such a lot of the ball and a lot of situations where I thought we had a good opportunity to put ourselves in to a good goalscoring opportunity, but it never quite came off,” said Hodgson. “Luckily, one more came up and we made the most of it.

“If we’d had a better start to the season we would have had that little bit more composure to make use of those situations.

“When you don’t do that, you worry one of the long balls or long throws is going to bounce kindly for the opposition and you lose.”

Hodgson also hailed the contribution of David Ngog, who gave Liverpool’s attack another dimension after replacing the injured Joe Cole during the second half.

“He is getting better and better,” said the manager. “He works hard at his game and in training he is trying to do some of the things we are asking.

“He did contribute late on, especially as Fernando was tiring at that time. He is a young player and one we think has got potential but when you are at a big club like Liverpool, people aren’t too forgiving when you don’t show that straight away.”

Jamie Carragher Delighted To Move Out Of The Bottom Three

Jamie Carragher has expressed his relief at moving out of the relegation zone following Liverpool's 1-0 win at Bolton Wanderers.

The narrow victory was secured by Maxi Rodriguez's strike in the 86th minute and will lift pressure off Roy Hodgson, who has steered his side to their second consecutive win under his stewardship.

And Carragher believes the Reds can now climb up the table after the close fought encounter inside the Reebok Stadium.

"It is just nice to get out of that bottom three, we've been there [the relegation zone] for a while," Carragher told Sky Sports.

"Now we can look to move up the table. Not sure where that [three points] will take us, I'm sure it will look a lot better.

"We have to go on a run ourselves, we know we have not had a great start but with the league being so tight, a few wins can move us up the table."

Carragher conceded it was not the best performance from his side, with Bolton coming close to equalising through Kevin Davies late on, but the defender hopes victory will give Liverpool the confidence they have been missing this season.

"We all know winning breeds confidence, it was a tough game but not the best performance but we played very well last week and not so well this week.

"We dug in and these are the games this season we have actually been losing so it is nice to win one of them," he added.

Late Defeat Stings Coyle

Bolton boss Owen Coyle conceded he felt his side were unfortunate to fall to a late defeat to Liverpool at the Reebok on Sunday.

A game that was shy of genuine chances throughout the 90 minutes was settled four minutes from time when Maxi Rodriguez stabbed home from Fernando Torres' flick.

Bolton matched their North West neighbours in what was a closely fought contest, with Coyle of the opinion his side deserved at least a share of the spoils.

"I don't think we deserved to lose the game," he told Sky Sports 1. "Late in the game Liverpool have scored a very good goal from their point of view, but having said that, we've had opportunities before that.

"I felt the application and the effort of the players was first class. I thought we dominated the game for large periods without having too many clear-cut opportunities."

Coyle felt his side were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty after Jamie Carragher survived an appeal after the faintest of touches with the hand in the first half, and striker Kevin Davies went down under a heavy challenge from Sotirios Krygiakos after the interval.

"I thought we had a penalty in the first half with a clear hand ball from Carragher, possibly a penalty in the second half for the push on Kevin Davies," he added.

"These are the margins in the Barclays Premier League that you have to come out on the right side of, and unfortunately for us it's a cruel ending."

Joe Cole Injury Update

Roy Hodgson is waiting to discover the extent of Joe Cole's injury with the England international set to have a scan on his hamstring on Monday.

Liverpool's No.10 was forced off the field during the 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers and the Reds boss is hoping the scan will be a positive outcome.

"Joe has a slight hamstring injury so he will have a scan on Monday," said Hodgson.

"Hopefully he will be ok but I can't say how long he will be out until we get the results of the scan.

"Often these muscle injuries always seem to take ten days to two weeks, but I know Joe will be keen to be fit for Chelsea next weekend. We'll have to wait and see."

Roy To Launch £9m N'Zogbia Bid

Liverpool gaffer Roy Hodgson plans a £9million transfer window move for Wigan's Charles N'Zogbia.

He has been in stunning form since turning down a summer move to Birmingham City.

Hodgson and talent-spotter Kenny Dalglish watched French wing wizard N'Zogbia (above) in top form against Bolton last weekend when they went to see him and run the rule over today's opponents.

The Anfield pair saw enough to send three of their top scouts, including number one Eduardo Macia, to check him out in midweek - only for N'Zogbia to be restricted to a brief appearance as a sub in the Carling Cup.

Wigan could be tempted to sell, with the player ambitious for a top club and Marseille also showing an interest.

Hodgson hopes to do business in the New Year market and a pacy wide man is his missing link. None of his captures have filled that bill and Ryan Babel looks a likely departure to clear the way.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez wants to hold on to his best players but he and chairman Dave Whelan may allow a sale to strengthen the Latics squad with the cash.

Martinez admits he would like to bring in fresh faces for the second half of the season.

Hodgson Targets Big Haul

Roy Hodgson is looking to bring 'five or six' players to Liverpool in January, including a new striker.

The Reds have endured their worst ever start to a Premier League season this campaign, leaving them languishing in the relegation zone having collected just nine points.

Manager Hodgson hopes to combat his side's poor form by heavily bolstering his squad in the upcoming transfer window, starting with his front line.

"We are going to be very interested in improving our squad in January," Hodgson said in the Daily Star.

"I'm prepared to accept that a number of players we're looking to sign do make five or six - but I don't wish to specify positions other than one is obviously a front player.

"In January we should be really looking to solve one or two situations. We are desperately short of players. Front players.

"Having three front players at the club, and that's if you include Ryan Babel, is nowhere near good enough.

"If Fernando (Torres) isn't playing one week, you have got to get someone in who has got the same level of quality."

Premier League Preview: Bolton Wanderers vs Liverpool

The feel-good factor under Coyle has revitalized Bolton, while Hodgson finally had a week to enjoy since he took over at Liverpool.

Although disappointed to grab just a point against Wigan, the hosts' eighth spot in the table has been well earned, with the bitterness from Gary Megson's reign now just a memory.

Liverpool would kill to be in the same place after a disastrous beginning under Hodgson condemned them to 18th. But following a draw in Napoli and a win against Blackburn, the slow climb up the standings could continue if all three points are claimed.

Bolton will be looking to reverse recent history after having become Liverpool's whipping boys.

The Anfield outfit have enjoyed a six-match winning streak against their weekend opponents after they previously traded results in the early part of the decade. Coyle will be keen to arrest the slide to continue the push into the upper echelons of the table.

What the Scot will not target is the disappointment of last season's 3-2 defeat at the Reebok under Megson. Bolton failed to follow up taking the lead twice and fell to a late Steven Gerrard strike.

TEAM NEWS

Bolton Wanderers

Manager Owen Coyle is able to call on all his big hitters for the visit of Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

Despite the hot-tempered draw at Wigan Athletic last weekend, no fresh injuries have reared their heads. Squad men Ricardo Gardner (thigh), Andy O'Brien (hamstring) and Jlloyd Samuel (calf) still remain sidelined for the coming weeks, with Joe O'Brien (knee) and Sean Davis (knee) out for lengthier periods.

Ivan Klasnic has been named in the matchday squad after his arrest and bail this week.

Stuart Holden will most likely be in his now familiar role in the middle of the pitch for Bolton.

Probable starting XI: Jaaskelainen; Steinsson, Cahill, Knight, Robinson; Lee, Holden, Muamba, Petrov; Elmander, Davies.

Liverpool

The Reds travel to the Reebok with a midweek reserves defeat to Huddersfield Town having had an impact on boss Roy Hodgson's options.

A knock to Ryan Babel (ribs) that demanded hospital treatment has put his place in jeopardy. More positively, Fabio Aurelio (Achilles) enjoyed a 60-minute run out.

Daniel Agger (illness) is believed to be back in contention, with Glen Johnson (hamstring) has been handed an outside chance. Dirk Kuyt (ankle) is still a week away from a return.

Probable starting XI: Reina; Carragher, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Konchesky; Maxi, Gerrard, Lucas, Cole, Raul Meireles; Torres.

Roy Hodgson Demands Repeat Display From Liverpool At Bolton

It’s little wonder that Roy Hodgson had a spring in his step at Melwood yesterday. By his own admission his first four months as Liverpool manager have been “traumatic” but he’s just enjoyed the best days of his short reign.

Last Sunday’s vital 2-1 victory over Blackburn lifted spirits and since then he’s enjoyed the rare luxury of a full week on the training ground to help ensure the Reds’ improvement is maintained at Bolton on Sunday.

Owner John W Henry’s public declaration yesterday to rubbish rumours that top stars could be sold in January was music to the boss’ ears.

“This week has been very nice,” he said.

“When you have a midweek game it does impact on what you can do training wise. You’re always concerning yourself with ‘can we do this?’ because it’s either too close to the next game or too soon after the last one.

“It’s advantageous having a free week as it gives you extra time to work on things. It means you can give the players Monday off and get a nice rhythm to the week.

“Training has been very good this week and hopefully we carry on from where we left off last Sunday.

“Against Blackburn we had more incisiveness around the penalty area – there was more devil in us.

“It was a good team performance and a good victory.

“It’s important from the first minute at the Reebok that we are as committed as we were in the 90 minutes against Blackburn.”

The win over Blackburn may have represented Liverpool’s best display of the season but Hodgson knows it’s far too early to be talking about turning corners.

For the manager it simply represented the final chapter in a miserable first quarter of the campaign.

Nine games have yielded just nine points, but Hodgson insists the Reds, who remain in the relegation zone, will start the second quarter of their league fixtures at Bolton in much better shape than they were in back in August.

“I’m wary on the back of one good result to say our problems have all finished as we’re still in a poor situation in terms of our league position,” he said.

“The first quarter of the season hasn’t been good for us in terms of the league and the next three quarters are going to be very important.

“When I came there were a lot of things that needed changing here and there’s still a lot of work to be done at the club.

“But going into the next quarter I’m hoping it won’t be quite as traumatic as the first quarter.

“Hopefully by the halfway stage we will start to see a bit of light. In January, with one or two transfers to improve the team and with the work the players have put in every day, we’ll be a stronger team.

“I’m looking for a good second half of the season but the next quarter, starting at Bolton, is important to continue the stabilization process and move us up the table.

“I’m not believing naively that we’re going to win seven out of our next nine and fly up to the top.

“But I want us to move away from the relegation zone and give performances that make us hard to beat and ask plenty of questions of the opposition with our attacking play.

“I believe in the team and I believe we’re capable of doing better in the next quarter of the season.”

Eighth placed Bolton are only three points better off than Liverpool but have only lost once so far this season and that was at Arsenal.

The Reds’ record against the Trotters is impressive having done the double over them in three successive seasons but Owen Coyle’s side are unbeaten at the Reebok since April and Hodgson is wary.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Bolton,” he said.

“They are a very good club and have been successful for a number of years.

“Sam Allardyce started it off and it was carried on by Gary Megson and now Owen Coyle.

“They are a very stable Premier League team and hard to beat. We will have to be at our best to get a result.

“They have had a lot of draws so far this season but that’s been the same throughout the league and is why so many teams are bunched together from bottom up to 10th spot.

“It’s strange because you get teams like us who have had a poor start and are disappointed with everything that has gone on, while there are teams like Bolton and Fulham on a similar number of points who are happy with the way they’ve done so far.

“They’ve drawn a lot but from what I’ve seen I don’t think Bolton are a defensive team. They like to go forward and have a lot of attacking players.”

One player tasked with halting the Trotters will be Sotirios Kyrgiakos.

The Greek defender has grabbed his chance to shine in recent weeks and produced a man of the match display against Blackburn last weekend.

With Glen Johnson still sidelined by injury, Kyrgiakos is set to continue at the back alongside Martin Skrtel as the Reds look to combat the aerial threat of Kevin Davies.

“I’m very happy with Soto and he’s certainly done a good job since he has come into the team,” Hodgson said.

“He didn’t have many chances here last season but he got his chance this season partly due to injuries to Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson and has taken it with both hands.

“He’s a whole hearted player who defends well and causes problems in opposition penalty areas. He has scored some good goals for us and it’s a good weapon to have.

“In the games so far he has been one of our better players.”

Kyrgiakos rose in front of the Kop to thump home a header from Steven Gerrard’s corner against Blackburn and Hodgson believes that combination with the skipper will bring plenty of rewards.

“We all know about the importance of set-pieces,” Hodgson said.

“It’s not just about movement and position, you need quality from the delivery and someone who is desperate to get their head or foot on the end of it.

“We have someone who can give us excellent delivery. There aren’t many better kickers of a dead ball than Steven Gerrard.

“Having someone like Soto to attack them is great. Long may it continue.”

Roy Hodgson At Ease Alongside Liverpool Ambassador Kenny Dalglish

Roy Hodgson insists he does not consider Kenny Dalglish a threat, despite the former Liverpool player and manager putting himself forward as a potential replacement for Rafael Benítez during the summer.

Fans even pointedly chanted Dalglish's name during the 2-1 defeat by Blackpool earlier this month but Hodgson considers the ambassador's work with the academy and scouting departments crucial to the future of the club and believes the days of in-fighting at Anfield are over.

"I'm not prepared to pass up on quality people who can help because of a fear the day may come the club decides they want Kenny as manager," Hodgson said.

"That wasn't the case in the summer, but that's not to say it won't be the case forever. I don't know. I have no fears in that respect because I know my qualities and I'm not a political person.

"He is doing a great job alongside us and we involve him in our scouting while he still works at The Academy and plays an ambassadorial role. That's what he's good at.

"You cannot find a better person for that than Kenny Dalglish. I told him I was disappointed he went for the manager's job because for me he should be working for Liverpool on a permanent basis, long after I leave for years to come assisting all future Liverpool managers."

Niko Kranjcar 'Set For January Liverpool Transfer'

Niko Kranjcar could be given the chance to kick-start his career with a January transfer to Liverpool.

The Croatia midfielder has indicated he is keen to leave Spurs after falling out of favour at White Hart Lane because of the form of Gareth Bale and summer signing Rafael van der Vaart.

According to the Times, he could get his wish to move on after Liverpool asked about his availability.

Reds boss Roy Hodgson has made it clear he intends to add to his squad in January and is looking for players capable of slotting into a Premier League side straight away.

Kranjcar, 26, fits that profile having played in England since 2006, initially with Portsmouth before making a £2 million switch to Tottenham in 2009.

However, a move for Kranjcar would test the commitment of Liverpool's new owners, as Spurs are believed to value him at around £7 million.

Newcastle United and Everton are also interested, but Tottenham's asking price is likely to prove too expensive for both clubs.

Masch Explains Anfield Exit

Javier Mascherano says he quit Liverpool because of a lack of investment by Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

The Argentinean ace moved to Anfield in February 2007 and made 139 appearances for the Reds before switching to Barcelona in a £18million transfer this summer.

Reds boss Roy Hodgson questioned Mascherano's professionalism for failing to make himself available to play against Manchester City before his move but the 26-year-old insists he had to get out of Anfield because of a lack of investment from the then owners.

He told The Sun: "While Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United were spending big money, Liverpool couldn't because they had no money.

"The situation is clear to me. When you want to fight for big things, titles, you must have a big team to win.

"But, at Liverpool, that wasn't the case.

"That was the main reason we didn't qualify for the Champions League and all players want to test themselves at that level."

He added: "It is not easy to leave a team when you have been there almost four years.

"The Liverpool people and fans treated me very well. I cannot say anything against them and they will always be in my heart.

"But, though it was difficult, I knew my time there was over. Finished. I needed to go."

Liverpool have since been taken over by New England Sports Ventures and Mascherano believes the Reds can now push on.

He added: "I try to watch all of Liverpool's games on TV. They have had a tough start but I'm sure they'll get much better.

"There have been a lot of problems with the owners and this has affected things on the pitch.

"Now this has been sorted out, I think things will get better for the team."

As for his Barcelona career, Mascherano has made six appearances so far and believes he is settling in well.

He said: "We are fighting for three titles this season and have started fairly well.

"I feel I have settled in OK. After only two months here I already feel at home and the people are treating me very, very well.

"I try to improve every day and adapt to the team - but La Liga is totally different to what I have been used to.

"The Premier League is much more physical but, here, they prefer to play more tactically and technically.

"Coming here is a step forward for me and I am trying to do better."

Mascherano admits he would love to see Fernando Torres join him at Camp Nou but believes it will be hard for the Spanish ace to quit the Kop.

He said: "Torres is so good, he could play for any club. I'd like to see him at Barca but don't know if that would be possible.

"Liverpool's fans love him so much and he loves them so much too that I don't know if they would be able to part."

Roy Hodgson Not Under Pressure To Sell Players In January

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has received a welcome boost after new owner John Henry insisted he will not be weakening the squad by selling any players in the January transfer window and will look to bring in reinforcements.

The American owner’s statement comes on the back of reported interest in Liverpool’s key Spanish duo Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina.

Both players have been linked with moves away from Anfield, with Reina reported to be attracting the interest of Manchester United.

But Hodgson, who has been in regular contact with the New England Sports Ventures group since their take-over, has been reassured that he is not under pressure to sell players.

However, he admits things could have been different had former co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett still been in charge.

He said: “The statements were totally self-explanatory and in line with everything John [Henry] and Tom [Werner, co-owner] have told me all along," Hodgson said.

"It is very much in line with our aims for the club.

"One of our aims for the club is to rebuild and restructure and get much stronger. The way we hope to do that is keeping our strong base of top players and adding more players to it.

"There have never been any discussions of the need to sell or get rid of players. All the talk has been of how we are going to make the team stronger.

He added: "It is a very different situation to the one I found myself in at the beginning. There was talk then of staving off administration and having to let players go.

"But the new owners coming in has completely changed the face of things and, as far as we are concerned, their statement is perfect. It is just what everyone wants to hear."

Stadium Decision May Take Some Time

Since NESV’s takeover of Liverpool earlier this month there has been much discussion on whether they will continue with the club’s current plans to build a new stadium at Stanley Park, or instead redevelop Anfield.

It is a situation they inherited when they took over at the Boston Red Sox, where they – eventually – chose redevelopment of the famous ballpark. Therefore some have assumed John Henry and his partners will choose a similar route for Liverpool.

However, Red Sox chief operating officer Sam Kennedy insists no decision has been made and that NESV will take their time to make a calculated decision for the long term future of the football club.

“The idea that any decision has been made about Anfield is inaccurate,” Kennedy says in an interview with the Daily Mail’s Des Kelly. “Henry has built his businesses on having the benefit of all of the information before he makes a call.”

“Nothing is going to be done in a rush. I understand why people draw a link but, frankly, when NESV took over the Red Sox at the end of 2001, we didn’t know what to do — build a new facility or redevelop here?”

“It wasn’t until 2005 that we gave the commitment to stay at Fenway for the next generation. We’ll do the same at Liverpool, listening and learning about what the employees, the council and supporters want before making any move, for however long it takes.”

“At Fenway we wanted to preserve one of the most important ball parks in the country,” Kennedy explains. ‘But if we didn’t think it could work economically we would not have pursued it. We have the expertise for building new and renovating old, and both options are definitely still on the table.”

Liverpool Owner John W. Henry Has 'No Intention' Of Selling Top Stars

Liverpool owner John W. Henry has "no intention" of sanctioning the sale of star men such as Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina.

Reports emerged this week that the club's key players were disillusioned with life at Anfield and were prepared to head for the exit door in January.

Henry has moved quickly to allay fan's fears and promised to "build on the strength of the current squad, not undermine it" in a statement released to the club's website.

He said: "We have recently read stories about our intentions for the forthcoming January transfer window and have a sense of humour about this type of inevitable speculation.

"As everyone knows we are new to English football, but not to sport, and we are studying all options. Opportunities and value will drive spending in January and in the future.

"Our clear focus from day one of our ownership has been - and will be - to improve the club and focus on what it will take to put Liverpool FC consistently in a position to challenge for trophies. We intend to build this club the right way.

"Stories about our top players leaving are destructive and unwarranted but we realize that this kind of speculation is also common.

"We intend to build on the strength of the current squad, not undermine it. And I can reassure our supporters that we have no intention of allowing the team to be weakened going forward."

Roy Outlines Transfer Plans

Roy Hodgson today revealed plans to improve his squad in the January transfer window - and insisted Liverpool can attract top stars.

The boss is hopeful of having money to spend following discussions with new owners NESV, but he is determined the Reds won't be held to ransom in the transfer market.

He explained: "If we want the right quality, we have got to be prepared to pay the right price.

"The owners know that perfectly well. We have got to make certain that if we go out and spend £20m, we are getting a £20m player.

"We want to be attracting the players that Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter are chasing. It would be nice to think that we can shop at a high level.

"I'm like all managers in that I'm wary of the January transfer window. I think it can be dangerous as clubs try to correct mistakes.

"But, having said that, we are going to very interested in trying to improve our squad in January. There is no question about that. I am sure we will sign players."

Despite outlining his intent to dip into the market in two months' time, Hodgson's immediate concern is to guide those currently in his ranks up the Barclays Premier League table.

That way, he believes, there will be less pressure on any dealings carried out in the New Year.

"What I would hope to do is get this group of players playing well enough so we don't need to panic," said Hodgson.

"Then I can say to the owners, 'If we are going to spend a lot of money, let's get the right man.'

"I don't want to spend half the money that might be available on someone for the sake of buying when the player we actually want might not be available until the summer.

"The lucky thing is that we are rebuilding around several top-class players. We have got Reina, Carragher, Gerrard, Torres, Kuyt - it's not as if we are rebuilding from nothing."

The ownership of the club was resolved earlier this month when NESV completed their takeover.

Since then principal owner John Henry and chairman Thomas Werner have outlined their commitment to winning - but Hodgson knows being clever in his transfer dealings is just as important to that end as splashing the cash.

"I think you can pay an awful lot of money for poor players and you can pay not very much money for very good ones - it is all to do with how good your scouting and your eye is," he said.

"There are a lot of things here that the club has got to get right. We have got a lot more expensive failures on our list than good players that we have brought in for next to nothing.

"Free transfers don't necessarily mean that you have got a bargain. My experience of them has been very mixed. You need to be sure that the player you get can do the job you want from him."

Reds Close On Miller Move

Skysports.com understands Liverpool are poised to sign Gillingham starlet Ashley Miller.

Miller has been playing in Gillingham's junior ranks since 2003 and he is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in England.

The likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Everton have all been linked with the 16-year-old, but it appears Liverpool are set to win the race for his signature.

Liverpool's scouting team have moved quickly to arrange a deal to take the striker to Anfield with the club keen to tie up the move to ward off other suitors.

Miller is highly rated at Priestfield and the schoolboy has been called up to the first-team squad for Saturday's game at Northampton.

Miller is the latest young talent to come through the ranks at Gillingham with the club having sold 15-year-old Luke Freeman to Arsenal for a six-figure fee in 2008.

Aquilani - I Feel At Home

Liverpool misfit Alberto Aquilani says he feels at home playing for Juventus.

The 26-year-old is on a season-long loan in Turin after failing to live up to expectations with the Reds following his £20million move from Roma.

The midfielder says he is loving life back in Serie A with the Turin giants, who have an option to make the move permanent next summer.

He told La Stampa: "I like the team. I like Turin. I have found a home. I am happy."

Asked about his role at Juventus, he added: "I am more of a central midfielder. Before, I was further forward in the offensive phase.

"Now I have to have more balance and be careful also in defence."

Aquilani is relishing Saturday's clash with AC Milan, who have won four on the bounce to sit second in the Italian top flight.

He added: "Their most dangerous and important player right now is (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic.

"The problem is that they have more than one (strong player). They are a team who have many strong players: if they are all healthy, it's tough for the other teams.

"This doesn't mean we are inferior or are afraid to play against them, not at all actually.

"We are Juve and we must go out on the pitch to win. Then again in football, you win and you lose. The important thing is trying."

Hodgson Learning To Cope With Liverpool Criticism

Roy Hodgson says he is now starting to develop the thick skin needed to cope with the negative press aimed at Liverpool.

Hodgson was widely praised in his previous role at Fulham, where he secured the club's best ever league position as well as reaching the Europa League final, but he has come under heavy fire during his first few months at Liverpool.

With the club still in the relegation zone, Hodgson has found it hard to deal with the spotlight, but he says he is now developing the necessary mindset.

"This football club has a lot of players who have played for Liverpool for a long time," he said. "Every other day they've probably read or heard some nonsense about them and they seem to be a pretty hardened bunch.

"I'm relatively hardened but I've been spared too much at Fulham, where never a bad word was said. It is an interesting thing for me to get into the type of mindset Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard are so good at.

"Having heard and seen it all before, they are quite prepared to shrug their shoulders and write it off. It is part and parcel of the business of working for Liverpool Football Club. I am beginning to turn it around myself."

The latest negative stories surrounding the club have suggested Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina will walk away in January.

"It is sad these stories surface," Hodgson said. "There is no truth in them, they have no meaning. Reina and Torres are excellent trainers and their commitment to the club is as good as ever. There is no question they are anything other than committed.

"It is destructive but it depends on how you deal with it. It is fantastic so many people want to write nonsense about us because it must mean we are still a big club.

"The trick is to get on with the job, be happy and let the birds sing."

Ahead of this weekend's game at Bolton, Hodgson says he hopes his team "carry on from where we left off" against Blackburn, but he accepts there is still plenty of improvement needed.

"If we can produce the performances and results we will definitely be stronger but we do still need to do a bit of work," he said. "If I am being honest, when I came to the club there were a lot of things that needed changing.

"Not least of all the ownership issue - which was the major one - but there were a lot of things we wanted to do differently.

"Some of the things we asked to do will require the owners' permission and will cost a lot of money, so there is still a lot of work to do."

Milan Jovanovic Thanks 'Understanding' Liverpool Supporters

Milan Jovanovic has hailed the role of the Liverpool supporters in their recent upturn in fortunes.

Roy Hodgson's side claimed an impressive 0-0 Europa League draw in Napoli and followed that with a 2-1 Premier League victory against Blackburn Rovers. After a month of misery, the results hint at a brighter future as the players look to drag themselves out of the relegation zone.

Serbia international Jovanovic believes the "understanding" shown by fans has provided the platform for success.

"The fans here have been very understanding and I have been encouraged by their support," the 29-year-old told the club's official website.

"At other clubs, when the form is bad, they can start to criticise, but here they seem to try and help you even more. That's the great thing about Liverpool."

Jovanovic added: "I am sure all the players can get better and we can play as a team. Everybody is trying really hard in the training sessions to get it right.

"I don't think people can say we haven't worked hard in the games, but a lack of confidence and lack of luck can have a big impact."