Match Report: Liverpool 3 - 0 West Ham United

It was hardly a proper test of being able to cope without Steven Gerrard but Liverpool did more than enough to dispose of a woeful West Ham at Anfield.

With the captain out for a month with a hamstring tear manager Roy Hodgson called for his players to step up to fill the void and the Barclays Premier League's bottom side provide the perfect opposition.

First-half goals from Glen Johnson and Maxi Rodriguez, either side of a Dirk Kuyt penalty, were enough to wrap up the points in the first half.

The visiting fans were less than impressed and directed their anger at manager Avram Grant with chants of 'You're getting sacked in the morning'.

It is unlikely Liverpool will have an easier game this season and it was the ideal tonic for them after two poor performances in a 1-1 draw at Wigan and last Saturday's defeat at Stoke which ended a six-game unbeaten run.

Raul Meireles looked better in a more accustomed central position, filling Gerrard's place, while Johnson and Rodriguez also did well and even the much-criticized Christian Poulsen had his best game since joining in the summer.

If there was one criticism it was that Hodgson's side eased up so much after the break they lost all the momentum and rhythm built up in the first half.

But they never looked in danger of conceding and the clean sheet was Jose Reina's 134th in all competitions, taking him past Tommy Lawrence into fourth on the club's all-time list.

West Ham's league record at Anfield is woeful, as they have not won this fixture for 47 years and scored just four Premier League goals in 16 attempts.

The writing was on wall early on as David Ngog forced Robert Green into a low save to his left before Rodriguez and Fernando Torres both fired wide.

Green's goal was being peppered even if the goalkeeper was not being properly extended but that changed in the 18th minute when Raul Meireles' long-range effort was tipped over by the England international.

Meireles swung over the corner and Johnson chested it down before drilling a low shot straight down the middle of the goal with the goalkeeper unsighted by Danny Gabbidon.

It was the first time since the opening weekend of the season a Liverpool goal had not been scored or created by Torres or Gerrard.

England full-back Johnson, criticized by manager Roy Hodgson earlier this month for his poor form, appeared to have got the message on his comeback from a three-match injury absence.

He was a major force down the right in the first half and his cross set up Torres but he uncharacteristically fluff his first-time shot.

But the Spain international contributed to the second goal as it was his flick into the penalty area which bounced off Matthew Upson on to the arm of Gabbidon, allowing Kuyt to roll home a 27th-minute penalty.

Gabbidon was better placed to hook Torres' volley away from an empty net after Green failed to properly clear a Meireles free-kick.

The goalkeeper did better in blocking Torres' shot with his legs but was powerless to stop Paul Konchesky whipping in the rebound to the unmarked Rodriguez, the smallest man in the penalty area, who guided the ball inside the far post with his head.

When Victor Obinna blasted a shot from close range into the top tier of the Anfield Road stand despondent Hammers fans replied with 'That's why we're going down'.

The second half had much less to offer than the first as both teams knew the game was over and while West Ham continued to fail to pose a threat Liverpool were content to coast safe in the knowledge the three points were already wrapped up.

Had it not been for Green the score would have been double as he tipped Torres' fierce shot onto the crossbar at full stretch and, in the same move, then turned Poulsen's long-range effort around his left-hand post.

Substitute Fabio Aurelio, making only his second appearance since the end of August, also drove just over.

Liverpool missed the chance to claw back another position or two in the table by failing to improve their goal difference but that was the least of their worries after some indifferent recent performances.

For West Ham and Grant the problems continue to mount.

Liverpool To Make Significant Midfield Signing In January

Roy Hodgson could be set to end Stephen Ireland’s Aston Villa misery, by bringing him to Anfield this January. The midfielder has struggled to hold down a first-team place at Villa Park, after being brought to the club from Manchester City last summer.

New Villa boss Gerard Houllier does not apppear to be a big fan of the schemer, regularly selecting players such as Nigel Reo-Coker ahead of him.

Stephen Ireland showed during his time at Manchester City, that he is in fact a top-class Premier League player, and Liverpool would be the perfect club for him to get back on track. Hodgson is a long-time admirer of the dynamic midfielder, and would jump at the chance of signing him for the reported figure of around £8million.

The Liverpool boss will be given significant funds to strengthen his squad this January, and Ireland looks set to be his first major signing.

Another top priority will be a striker, with names such as Mario Gomez, and Fernando Llorente recently linked with a move to Anfield.

Roy Hodgson Hoping To Bring Steven Gerrard Back From Injury Earlier

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is hoping that captain Steven Gerrard will return to action earlier than expected.

The skipper sustained an injury whilst on England international duty and was substituted after straining his groin during the 2-1 loss to France at Wembley.

The club had requested pre-match that Gerrard only be asked to play for 60 minutes of the match, yet England manager Fabio Capello decided to keep his vice-captain on the pitch after other players such as captain Rio Ferdinand and Gareth Barry picked up injuries just before the half-time break.

Liverpool appealed to the FA and are set to receive £500,000 in compensation for the injury.

However, Hodgson praised Gerrard’s efforts this season, which have seen the 30-year-old rescue his side from defeat or drive them to victory on numerous occasions.

“My hope is that because Steven is such a quick healer and is so desperate to get back quickly, it won't keep him out for as long as people are fearing. With injuries like this you can't take chances so it will be really important that the people who play in his place put in some excellent performances,” Hodgson told the club’s official website.

“He's been very good for us this year and was a big factor in the three straight wins that we had. It's a huge blow to be without him. That's in terms of his inspirational leadership, his energy, his enthusiasm and what he brings to the team in terms of technique.”

Vice-captain Jamie Carragher, who lead Liverpool out at Anfield to face West Ham on Saturday, will be making his 650th appearance for his club.

The manager was quick to praise the 32-year-old, claiming that Carragher does not receive anywhere near the credit he is due, probably because it is attackers and midfielders who generally attract the plaudits.

“I don't think he gets anything like the credit he deserves. A defender doesn't capture the headlines in the same way that forwards or attacking midfielders do,” said Hodgson.

“Jamie has been a superb servant for the club. From my point of view, in the five months I have been at the club I don't think I have seen him have a bad game for us. Furthermore, he's had to move between different positions across the backline, even playing at left-back.

It's great he's made 650 and I know he would be very happy to catch Cally's [Ian Callaghan] record [of 856 first team appearances] - but there's still a long way for him to go. With the Barclays Premier League being as intense as it is then he's going to have to keep himself very fit for the next few years."

“His major qualities are his ability and his understanding of the game. His desire to win is a very palpable one and it is obvious to everyone. Those types of players can help the team because they can drag other players up with them,” stated Hodgson.

“Steven is a quieter person but very inspirational with his play. Hopefully Jamie will fire people up out there, although the ones who can do that the most will be the 45,000 fans inside Anfield. When they get behind us like they did against Napoli, Blackburn and Chelsea then you really do feel that 12th man. But to get that 12th man you need to produce the goods on the field of play. If we can play well enough then they can make life very difficult for opponents.”

Glen Johnson Denies Rift With Manager Roy Hodgson

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has denied there is any rift between him and his manager Roy Hodgson after the right back capped his Anfield comeback with a goal in the comfortable victory over bottom placed West Ham United.

Hodgson had criticized the England right-back last week saying he wasn't deserving of his call-up for the midweek friendly with France. Johnson, though, dismissed any fall-out.

“I didn’t need to hear it from the boss to know that I hadn’t been playing at my best, I’m an honest man and I know how well I can play, so it was nice to get a goal today," he told ESPN.

After marking his return to the side with a goal against the Hammers, he spoke about his delight at being back in the team, adding: “It’s always nice to come off the treatment bench and it’s obviously nice to come back with a goal. I missed the last six out of seven games, so I just wanted to get back into it.”

Johnson’s team-mate Dirk Kuyt also spoke about his penalty, after taking over the spot kick duties from injured skipper Steven Gerrard.

He said: “Normally Stevie is taking the penalties, so he gave me a little tip before the game and it helped. He said to shoot through the middle and that’s what I did.”

The Dutch international was also happy with his side’s performance, adding: “I thought that we played well in the first half, we were right in top of them and I thought that Glen scored a great goal. For there on in we kept playing football and creating chances.”

Some had labeled the Anfield team a two-man side, but Kuyt disagreed.

“Everyone knows that we will miss Stevie very much in the next couple of weeks, hopefully he will be back as quickly as possible, but I think today we showed that we are more than a two man team," he said.

Fernando Torres Backs Roy Hodgson To Remain As Liverpool Manager

Talking ahead of the team's vital clash with West Ham on Saturday, the Spanish striker denied recent reports of a split in the Anfield dressing room, reports the Daily Mail.

He told a radio station in his home nation it is never easy for a team to adjust when a new manager comes in, but he is hopeful Liverpool are beginning to move in the right direction.

Torres went on to clarify that he has 'no problem' with the former Fulham boss.

'He's a very serious coach who in the summer explained to me very clearly what he wanted from me. He has always trusted in me and that's very important for any footballer,' the star explained.

Torres said while Liverpool are not as high in the Premier League table as they would wish to be, he was hopeful the team could produce a run of victories to put themselves into a stronger position.

Earlier this week, Hodgson declared himself to be 'frustrated and even a little bit angry' at the hamstring injury sustained by Steven Gerrard while playing for England in the midweek friendly against France.

Lee On Pacheco Claims

Sammy Lee believes hard work on the training field and consistency is the key to Daniel Pacheco returning to the first team set-up.

The talented Spaniard hasn't featured in the first XI since the Carling Cup defeat by Northampton Town, but he looked more like his usual self when he produced an impressive display for the reserves against Blackpool at the Academy on Tuesday.

Lee told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Dani is working hard and he is a good lad who is willing to listen and hopefully his time will come.

"Consistency is the key for everybody. We are looking to get a consistent run of results together and that comes by consistent performances from everybody."

Pacheco has been utilised in a new role this season for the reserves playing on the left and right side of midfield.

Explaining the thinking behind changing his position, Lee added: "At the end of the day sometimes you have to play in a position that is not your natural one.

"You find out a lot of things about players when you play them in a different role. Dani has played in a number of different positions this season.

"He needs to improve, as do all of the players, and he needs to have more of an effect on the game. We have spoken with him about that and hopefully that will happen in the future."

Reflecting on his 90 minute outing against Blackpool, reserves boss John McMahon added: "Daniel did better and was more like his old self.

"He was lively and was a real threat to the opposition and hopefully he can push on from that encouraging performance.

"He can only get back to his best by working hard every day in training.

"When you have difficult spells the only way to get back to your best is to work even harder and do everything that is asked out of you."

U18s Held By City

Liverpool U18s played out an entertaining 2-2 draw away at Manchester City on Saturday morning.

The home side took a first half lead but Rodolfo Borrell's side stormed back in the second half and took the game to their opponents.

Craig Roddan equalized with a terrific half-volley from the edge of the box, then a sweeping team move started from the back ended with Kristjan Gauti Emilsson making it 2-1.

City came back though and equalized 10 minutes from time as the game ended 2-2.

Borrell told Liverpoolfc.tv: "We had some problems to hold them in the first half but in general we played really well against a very good side.

"They were very dangerous going forward but we pressed them all over the pitch in the second half and it was a great effort from the team."

Liverpool U18s: Belford, Poor (Regan), Smith, Sama, McGiveron, Coady, Sterling, Roddan, Ngoo, Emilsson (Adorjan), Silva. Subs unused: Stephens, Aylmer, Morgan.

Former Liverpool Co-Owner George Gillett Sued For £73.3m

Former Liverpool co-owner George Gillett has been sued for over $117 million [£73.2m] for allegedly failing to repay a personal loan he took to invest in the Merseyside club.

A hedge fund, Mill Financial, has made accusations that the American and 12 of his associates made guarantees that a $70m [£43.8m] loan extension in January 2008 would be repaid at an interest rate of 19 per cent, according to the court filing.

The court filing also shows that the lawsuit "arises from the defendants’ failure to honour their obligations pursuant to the unlimited, unconditional, and continuing personal guarantees which they executed in favor of Mill Financial," according to Bloomberg.

The last date for the complete repayment of the loan was reportedly August 13. And it is believed that by July 13 - which was the last time the loan was extended - Mill was already owed $89.9m [£56.19m]. Other fees in addition to legal expenses have taken this sum to £73.3m, which is the sum for which he has been sued.

Gillett and ex-Texas Rangers owner Tom Hicks only recently lost control of Liverpool, in a deal that is thought to have seen the pair lose about £140m.

Match Preview: Liverpool vs West Ham United

After a poor start to the season, Liverpool had finally begun to show some semblance of form by going on an unbeaten run of six games in all competitions. But a trip to Stoke City saw them relinquish their undefeated run by falling to a 2-0 defeat at the Britannia Stadium.

That game was reminiscent of the Reds’ inconsistency, as it was only a week before that they were celebrating a well-earned victory over Chelsea.

But Hodgson will know that he is one positive run of games away from resurrection, as six points separate the Merseysiders from fourth placed Manchester City.

And playing the bottom placed team in the standings at home can only prove to be a confidence booster in the quest to restore lost pride and reclaim what almost used to be a rightful place in the Champions League.

But for all that to happen, the home side will have to first overcome a few problems in their line-up, as talismanic captain Steven Gerrard has been ruled out for up to four weeks after picking up a hamstring injury whilst on international duty. To add to Hodgson’s woes, Lucas is suspended for this game, and Joe Cole remains a doubt.

This should give Christian Poulsen a chance to shine and redeem himself in the eyes of the fans, after experiencing a poor start to his career on Merseyside.

Thirteen games gone, and West Ham have registered only one victory against their name and are currently at the very bottom of the Premier League - albeit on goal difference. Still, a tally of nine points from 13 games is an underachievement by any standards.

They won’t be able to get out of the drop zone by registering a victory over their opponents, but three points would be a massive step in the right direction.

Avram Grant’s head appeared to be on the chopping block some time back, but vice-chairman Karren Brady has maintained that the gaffer continues to have the owners’ blessing at the moment.

"When you make a very big and important decision to replace a manager you have to take a lot of things into account. We thought very carefully when we appointed Avram and I can assure you there is no finger on the button," she said recently.

"We are not getting results and the table does not lie but we will do everything in our power to support him.”

But having the favour of the upper echelon at Upton Park is far from what the Israeli boss needs at the moment, though it must certainly help in knowing that he is in no danger at the moment.

However, it also means that he has the future of the Hammers in his hands, as a continued inability to register a victory could see the club having to play a deadly catch-up just to secure survival – since they are already four points behind an 18th placed Birmingham City.

TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Steven Gerrard (hamstring) is sidelined for up to four weeks after suffering an injury during the recent international friendly against France.

Worries abound in the engine room, as Lucas is suspended for this game. This means that the Reds will have two different central midfielders for this game.

Joe Cole (hamstring) is unlikely to return in time for this clash, while Daniel Agger (calf) will be unavailable through injury.

But manager Roy Hodgson is booster by the availability of Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt, Martin Skrtel and Glen Johnson for this encounter. Fabio Aurelio has also declared himself fit to face the Hammers, after playing 75 minutes in a reserve game against Blackpool.

Possible starting line-up: Reina; Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Konchesky; Meireles, Poulsen, Spearing, Maxi; Kuyt, Torres.

West Ham United

Julien Faubert is back in contention, but is unlikely to make the cut into the starting line-up. Meanwhile, Tal Ben Haim (ankle) is still a doubt, and may not make in time for the game.

Valon Behrami and Kieron Dyer are both doubtful for this encounter, but the latter could come back in time to feature at Anfield.

Manuel da Costa (ankle), Mark Noble (Appendicitis), Thomas Hitzlsperger (thigh) and Jack Collison (knee) all out with respective injuries, and will not make the trip to Merseyside.

Possible starting line-up: Green; Jacobsen, Upson, Gabbidon, Ilunga, Boa Morte, Kovac, Parker, Dyer, Obinna, Piquionne.

Liverpool Track Argentine International Striker

Liverpool are being linked with a January move for Argentine striker Lisandro Lopez.

The Argentine international striker is reportedly poised for the exit door at current club Lyon, and Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is thought to have been 'sounded out' as a potentially interested party in the player.

Lopez began his career at Racing Club in his homeland before joining FC Porto in 2005. Lyon would pay €24 million for the player in 2009, viewing the striker as a replacement for Karim Benzema.

An impressive strike rate in Ligue 1 has led to interest in the player, and the French club are thought to be willing to let the player leave if the price is right, according to the Daily Mirror.

Liverpool have been promised money to spend in the transfer window by new owners NESV, and Hodgson will have to consider if an £17 million move for the player will represent good value for the Anfield club.

A foil for Spanish striker Fernando Torres is thought to be the priority on Merseyside, and the Argentine maverick could prove to be the perfect addition for Liverpool.

Benzema, Mario Gomez and Carlton Cole have all been linked with January moves to Liverpool as the Reds boss considers his options, and additions seem certain in the opening month of 2011.

Spearing Faces Six Weeks Out

Jay Spearing's dream of making his first Barclays Premier League start at Anfield this weekend is over after he suffered a hairline fracture in his fibula during the closing stages of Friday's training session.

The 21-year-old was hoping to use the absence of the injured Steven Gerrard and suspended Lucas Leiva to stake his claim for a first-team place.

However, he now stands no chance of featuring in the tea-time kick-off against West Ham and instead faces up to six weeks on the sidelines.

"Unfortunately right at the end of the training session, which was 5-a-side and not at all a competitive game, he turned his ankle and cracked a small bone just above the ankle in his fibula," said boss Roy Hodgson.

"That means he is going to be missing for six weeks. It is a terrible blow for Jay and us. He has been doing ever so well and getting closer and closer to a place in the first team.

"I was considering using him in this game, possibly even starting him."

Roy Hodgson Rubbishes Glen Johnson Exit Talk

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has played down speculation linking Glen Johnson with an Anfield exit and insisted he is the Reds' first choice right-back.

Hodgson has been critical of the England international’s form of late, but the manager is eager for the defender to come back into the team following a spell on the sidelines.

"As far as I'm concerned he has, and I think as far as he's concerned he has. Once again we're talking storms in tea cups and people trying to make something out of nothing," Hodgson told reporters.

"My relationship with Johnson has been very good since I came to the club, and he's always played in the team when he's fit.

"As far as I'm concerned he's the Liverpool right-back and the England right-back and we're very happy to welcome him back into the team now that he's fit again."

Johnson is set to feature against West Ham United on Saturday after a groin injury prevented him from playing against Stoke City last week.

Harry Redknapp Has Defended Fabio Capello Over Steven Gerrard Injury Row

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has defended Fabio Capello over the row that has emerged between England and Liverpool over Steven Gerrard's hamstring injury.

The Liverpool captain has been ruled out for up to four weeks with the injury he picked up in the 85th minute of England's 2-1 loss to France on Wednesday.

Gerrard's injury has angered Liverpool, as they only expected the midfielder to play 60 minutes of the international friendly.

Capello says he kept Gerrard on the pitch because of injuries suffered to other players during the game and the Italian has found an ally in Spurs boss Redknapp.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Redknapp said: "It's a shame for Stevie Gerrard but no one's more patriotic than him.

Gerrard Asks Hodgson To Stop The England Injury Furore

As Anfield faces up to a critical pre-Christmas period without him, Steven Gerrard intervened to prevent the escalation of Liverpool's club-versus-country row with the FA.

His manager, Roy Hodgson, said Gerrard contacted him, asking him to play down the implications of a hamstring injury sustained late on during England's defeat by France at Wembley. Liverpool expected Gerrard to be used for only the first hour and the incident caused the club's fitness coach, Darren Burgess, to label the FA "amateurish and absolutely disgraceful" on his Twitter page.

"When I spoke to Steven this morning he was at pains to say to me: 'Don't prolong the debate, please say as little as you can and be as diplomatic as you can'," said Hodgson, who faces the dilemma of all Liverpool managers since Gerrard made his debut a dozen years ago – when to bring him back from injury.

"Steven is determined it won't be a month," he said. "He doesn't accept for one minute that this will take a month. But the one thing he doesn't want and I certainly don't want is for him to come back after two weeks, play 60 minutes and then the injury flares up again, perhaps even worse than before – because then we could be looking at a season in which Steven plays intermittently; two weeks on and four weeks off.

"When you get these scans you always get a figure thrown at you but it doesn't always work out like that. Joe Cole was supposed to be out for two weeks and now it's gone on to four. Glen Johnson was going to be 10 days and it's turned out to be three and a half weeks.

"I don't know if I am being diplomatic, I am simply refusing to prolong a debate. Our fitness coach, Darren, in his naivety and frustration, was foolish enough to voice an opinion on Twitter and that's led to these two days of vitriol. I think it's time we got it stopped."

Although the FA will pay his estimated £120,000-a-week wages while he is injured, the anxiety at Liverpool's training ground at Melwood is easy to understand. Of the two outstanding performances Liverpool have produced under Hodgson, the dismantling of Chelsea was the work of Fernando Torres, while the astonishing comeback to cut the ground from beneath Napoli's feet was classic Gerrard.

West Ham will not present the problems Stoke did last Saturday night; they are without Scott Parker, who is as precious to Avram Grant as Gerrard is to Hodgson, and the last West Ham captain to win at Anfield was Bobby Moore in 1963.

However, of the midfielders remaining to Hodgson, Cole and Lucas Leiva are unavailable through injury and suspension while he admits Christian Poulsen and Raul Meireles have yet to find their feet on Merseyside.

Hodgson has known Poulsen since their time at Copenhagen a decade ago but he accepts that he has struggled to find his rhythm. The victory over Napoli was probably the nadir; his substitution was greeted by an ovation from the Kop and then he had to watch as Gerrard turned the night on its head.

"In the first game [the 0-0 draw in Naples] he was outstanding and he did very well in Trabzon," Hodgson said. "But, of course, he has had two very unfortunate games at Anfield, where he's not played to his true ability, he has missed some passes and the crowd have jumped on to him. Christian is a strong person, though, very strong mentally so he is just going to have to get through that, although that won't happen overnight. Nothing I can say will change the fact that, if he misses the first two or three passes against West Ham, the crowd will get on to him again. That's what will happen. That's life, but he will deal with that."

NESV Separates Itself From Former Liverpool Owners With 'Organization and Vision'

It's likely that one of the first emotions that ran through the minds of many Liverpool fans when NESV took over was fear. And who could blame them? It was an American group that had previously run their beloved club into the ground, what would make this group any different?

If it was dread running through the Reds' fans minds, it was quickly diminished when they realized the vision of NESV, and what they have in store for the future of Liverpool.

In a recent article on goal.com, a comparison is drawn to the 2004 Red Sox. Soon after John Henry, Tom Werner and Larry Lucchino took to the helm of the Red Sox' organization, a dream was realized by hundreds of Red Sox fans. A dream that hadn't been reached in 86 years.

Henry looks to bring that same notion of change and hope to Liverpool. No exciting promises of billion-dollar players and spanking-new stadiums -- just the forward-looking promise that things will change.

One of the many differences between NESV and Liverpool's former owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, is what the goal.com article refers to as a "sporting philosophy." Henry has proven that he's not in this game for the sake of owning a big-name football club. He's in it to change the fate of a historical club that has a devoted fan base.

This isn't Henry's first time working with a passionate group of fans. Red Sox Nation ring a bell?

Henry has already laid out the groundwork of the upcoming plans for the Reds. Transfers will be made through scouting young talent, and developing players from the ground up, rather than buying big names. A similar framework was run in Boston, weeding out the aging veterans and bringing in a young squad that formed an unbreakable chemistry.

Henry also brings with him a wealth of business experience, and Anfield will be run as a business. Henry has developed the Red Sox into more than just a baseball team, they're a way of life, and several business ventures run through the walls of Fenway, and it's looking like Liverpool will be no different.

The relationship between NESV and Liverpool is still young, but it seems the Reds have much to look forward to in what lies ahead.

Roy Needs Results To Turn Reds Around

Roy Hodgson has struggled to meet the increased level of expectation that comes with managing a club the size of Liverpool, and even though he has plenty of valid excuses, the only thing that will lead Liverpool and Roy through their current troubles is results. Actions will have to speak louder than words over the next few months.

There is no doubt that Roy Hodgson has had a very difficult job to do at Liverpool. After all, the club was in chaos when he went there because of the ownership problem. But the fans have been on his back when chanting Kenny Dalglish's name - most recently in the defeat to Stoke City last weekend - and that is very difficult to hear for a manager. Roy will have to deal with that and accept it.

The situation at Anfield is undoubtedly complex. Kenny said he wanted to replace Rafa Benitez over the summer and for whatever reason he was passed over for the job by the board. A legend amongst the fans, he now remains at the club and his shadow looms large. Roy is an experienced manager but at big clubs you are exposed to a wider range of pressures than you would be at a club like Fulham. He may have been disappointed to hear the chants but fans are entitled to do what they want - they have paid their money. Supporters will have their say and you cannot put words in their mouth.

What you must do is win the fans over and that is the job of everyone at Liverpool FC. It starts with the owners and it runs through to Roy. The only way he can improve his standing in the long term is to secure positive results. That is how he became a favourite of Fulham fans, but what constitutes a good result at Fulham is not always the same as at Anfield. Fulham's level of expectation is lower, and managing Liverpool is another ball game entirely.

The lack of ambition shown by Liverpool on the pitch this season has also been a little bit surprising. You can't just blame Roy Hodgson - they have had this problem for a few years - but the same problems are persisting. Under Benitez they played two defensive midfielders in Javier Mascherano and Lucas, and Hodgson has replaced Mascherano with Christian Poulsen. These players are capable of winning the ball but they are not particularly gifted in terms of creativity. While Gerrard can obviously provide chances for Torres, the other important outlet is Glen Johnson and it looks as though he has had a falling out with Roy Hodgson. Liverpool's best players are up front, Gerrard and Fernando Torres, and they are the match-winners so you shouldn't have any fear in supporting them with positive players if possible.

Liverpool have a whole catalogue of players who are not any better than the ones they have replaced - they are similar players, just with different names. The Liverpool squad is full of average Premier League performers, and below average in some cases. As such, I don't foresee a terrific season ahead for my former club. Not even the most fanatical Liverpool fan is looking at finishing in the top four this season - it isn't going to happen. By Liverpool's standards they are in turmoil, and they are a long way from where they want to be, but they will still finish fairly high up the league and the fans will keep behind them, even if they will be disgruntled at times, because that's what Liverpool fans do.

Roy will need his best players fit over the season but we learned on Thursday that Gerrard will be sidelined for up to a month having sustained an injury when representing England against France. The news infuriated Liverpool's medical team, and what you mustn't do as an international manager is damage players for their clubs because they will make it difficult for you in future. The demands of club and international football do not fit hand-in-hand - when I was manager of Newcastle I would have 15 players travelling all over the world and you would be concerned about the condition they would return in - but when they are picked for England, they are England players.

The manager has to handle them how he thinks fit and as England manager you cannot satisfy everyone. If Sir Alex Ferguson rings you up and asks you not to play his player for more than 60 minutes then the next thing you know is that Liverpool hear that and make similar demands. It is farcical. If they are deemed to be fit then clubs shouldn't have any say in it, but it is a very complex and difficult situation.

Gerrard Scan Result

Steven Gerrard is facing a three to four-week spell on the sidelines after sustaining a 'significant' hamstring injury on England duty, a scan has today confirmed.

The skipper underwent tests this afternoon which confirmed the early assessment of our medical team at Melwood that the injury is a grade two tear.

Gerrard left the field after 85 minutes of England's 2-1 defeat to France on Wednesday night.

Speaking before the scan, Dr. Peter Brukner told us: "Steven injured his hamstring on Wednesday night. He's just been in for an early assessment here and it certainly looks like a significant hamstring injury.

"He's going to be out for a little while, I'm afraid. I'd imagine it could be three to four weeks."

Fans were disappointed to see Gerrard play almost 90 minutes of the friendly encounter but Dr. Brukner remains philosophical.

"If you put your hand up to play for your country, you've got to accept how long they want you to play for," he said.

"There were obviously circumstances on Wednesday night which came together to result in Steven playing for a bit longer than we'd hoped, which is disappointing but there's nothing we can do about that now.

"We'll move on and work as hard as we can to get him back playing for Liverpool as soon as possible."

Jamie Carragher Demands Liverpool Cope Without Steven Gerrard

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has urged the team to rise to the challenge of losing captain Steven Gerrard for up to a month.

Scans yesterday revealed the Reds skipper had sustained a grade two hamstring tear in England's friendly defeat to France on Wednesday, having played 25 minutes longer than agreed.

One startling statistic this season is that all the team's goals have either come from, or been created by Gerrard or Fernando Torres.

With the captain now out for a month it could easily be argued Liverpool have lost at least 50% of their cutting edge.

But Carragher, who will lead the side in the 30-year-old's absence, insists they have to adapt and cope - starting against Barclays Premier League bottom side West Ham at Anfield tomorrow.

"There is no doubt Steven will be missed whether we win, lose or draw because he is such an important player here," said Carragher, who recently described Gerrard as the best player in the club's history.

"But it is up to us to perform well and lessen the impact, like when we beat Spurs (2-0) in January without him and Fernando.

"There are a few similarities because that game came a few days after a disappointing result against Stoke when we drew 1-1 but we showed we could bounce back."

Carragher added in the Liverpool Echo: "Everyone knows what great quality Steven has and it is frustrating for everyone - though nobody more than him - that he is out because he has been in such good form.

"But the most important thing now is beating West Ham. We know we didn't perform at Stoke but if we get three points tomorrow, the league table will look much better and we can push on."

There has been some good news on the injury front, although the return of defenders Glen Johnson and Fabio Aurelio hardly compensates for the loss of Gerrard.

Johnson has been out for three games with an adductor strain while Aurelio, who has struggled with Achilles and groin injuries, has made just one 25-minute substitute appearance since August 26.

"It's nice to have some good news," said Dr Peter Brukner, head of sports medicine and sports science.

"Fabio's worked incredibly hard. I think we all know he's had a horrendous run with injuries in the last two or three years and he got injured again a few weeks ago.

"He's worked very hard to get himself right. He's trained for the last week or so and played the majority of the reserve game on Tuesday, and I'm happy to report that he's come through that well.

"He's available for first-team selection this week and hopefully his injury problems are in the past."

Liverpool And Chelsea Ready £10 Million Bids For Serie A Midfield Ace

Liverpool and Chelsea are reportedly set to battle for Palermo midfielder Armin Bačinovič.

The Slovenian midfielder has been in fine form for Palermo since joining the Serie A side in August, and has attracted interest from both various clubs across Europe - with Liverpool and Chelsea thought to be frontrunners for his signature.

It was reported last week that Liverpool were plotting a January bid for the Slovenian - who reportedly has a buyout clause in his contract of €12 million - but, according to Sportal, Chelsea have also emerged as contenders for the highly-rated 21-year-old.

However, Roy Hodgson and Carlo Ancelotti may have to put their interest on hold after Bačinovič's agent revealed his client needs to gain more experience in Italy.

Amir Ruznic told TMW: "Armin, in a few years, will certainly be ready for Liverpool or Chelsea, but now I know nothing.

"Just yesterday I spoke to someone asking about these rumours, of which I am not aware of. Certainly within a year, he will be a player ready for a top club."

This could pave the way for a summer move to either Anfield or Stamford Bridge for the former Maribor ace, who would fit with Liverpool owners NESV's ethos of bringing exciting young talent to the club.

However, Liverpool will face stiff competition for Bačinovič with Chelsea's renowned financial clout making them slight favourites to win the race for the Slovenia international.

Jovanovic Doesn't Want To Play

Milan Jovanovic claims he does not want to be considered by Serbia until he is playing regularly at Liverpool.

The 29-year-old forward moved to Anfield as a free agent over the summer, fresh from catching the eye at the 2010 World Cup.

He has, however, struggled to make an impression in England and has quickly tumbled down the pecking order under Roy Hodgson.

Jovanovic insists he is prepared to fight for a place in the Reds side and has no plans to seek a move elsewhere just yet.

He is ruling out a return to international football any time soon, though, with it imperative that he gives his full attention to domestic duties.

Speaking after Serbia's 1-0 win over Bulgaria on Wednesday, Jovanovic told Sport: "Did I go to the airport to wish my friends good luck before the game in Sofia? No, because I didn't want to be in the spotlight for nothing. This isn't how I do things.

"I am 29 years old and I have a career which is quite good.

"But I know when I am not playing well and that is why I told my national coach (Vladimir) Petrovic that I don't want to be called up until I am playing first-team football at Liverpool.

"This is the honest thing to do and I wouldn't have it any other way."