Europa League Preview: Sparta Prague vs Liverpool

Sparta Prague will know that Liverpool sailed through their group to make their way to the Generali Arena, and that was accomplished despite a fair amount of rotation from former boss Roy Hodgson.

But the Czechs are no pushovers, as evidence of the same is present in their past games in the group stage of the Europa League.

The hosts had to endure a difficult 3-0 loss to CSKA Moscow in the Russian capital, but went on to recover and go unbeaten in their next four games in the tournament. That they edged out Serie A side Palermo to occupy second spot in Group F and ensure progression is proof enough that their opponents would be best advised not to take things easy.

Still, on paper, they go into the first leg of the double header as underdogs, and a victory at home would likely give them enough inspiration to push forward with what would be a famous result.

This game will be new boss Kenny Dalglish’s baptism in the Europa League, as all previous games in this competition saw former manager Roy Hodgson at the helm.

Domestic troubles saw the Merseyside club divorcing the current West Brom boss, as they brought in club legend Dalglish to take charge until the end of the season.

The Merseyside outfit has since had a new lease of life under the care of the new boss, and is currently unbeaten in six games in all competitions.

But they may have been dealt a blow as previous reports point towards skipper Steven Gerrard being unable to make the starting line-up due to fitness concerns, though it could be argued that the boss could continue Hodgson’s rotation policy and give the captain a rest.

Dalglish could also bench Raul Meireles for this game, as the former Porto midfielder was suffering from a slight virus during the recent 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic. Dirk Kuyt could also be benched to give some much needed experience to the team’s younger forwards.

But all said and done, Liverpool are the stronger side and a loss will likely result in a big dent in confidence.

TEAM NEWS

Sparta Prague

The Czech side is likely to put forth a strong line-up, as that is arguably the only way through which they can hold their own against Liverpool.

Sionko looks set to start on the right side of midfield for Sparta, while Keric is expected to partner Kadlec in attack.

Possible starting XI: Zitka; Brabec, Bondoa, Hejda, Pamic; Sionko, Vacek, Husek, Podany; Keric, Kadlec.

Liverpool

There are reports concerning skipper Steven Gerrard’s fitness, with suggestions that the talismanic midfielder may not be able to play any part in this game. But manager Kenny Dalglish could employ some rotation and yet manage to pull off a positive result.

Luis Suarez is ineligible and will play no part in this game, while Jonjo Shelvey is sidelined. Jay Spearing is still recovering from an injury.

Possible starting XI: Reina; Kelly, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Johnson; Maxi, Lucas, Poulsen, Jovanovic; Cole; Ngog.

Kenny Dalglish 'Honoured' To Finally Lead Liverpool In Europa League

Kenny Dalglish may have conquered Europe as a Liverpool player, but admits he is honoured to now be able to lead them in continental competition as manager.

The 59-year-old won the European Cup three times in seven years during his playing days.

But the ban imposed on English clubs in 1985 – after the role played by Reds fans in the Heysel Stadium disaster – robbed him of the chance to extend that tally as a manager, having taken over from Joe Fagan after that fateful night.

He has since managed Blackburn and Newcastle in Europe but on Thursday - 9,393 days after his first spell in the Anfield dugout began - Dalglish will take charge of Liverpool on the continent for the first time when they face Sparta Prague in the last 32 of the Europa League.

‘It is a great honour for me to be involved with Liverpool, irrespective of the competition, but to be involved in Europe gives that extra little plus,’ said the Scot.

Dalglish’s men head into the first leg with an unbeaten record in Europe behind them this season under former boss Roy Hodgson.

‘It is up to us to carry on the good work which was done by Roy and the players to get us this far,’ added Dalglish.

‘The competition we’re involved in only seems to be unimportant to people who are not involved.

‘How do you define important? It is important because it is the next game. We will be doing our best to get the result everyone wants.’

Sparta hasn’t played competitively since the Czech League closed down for winter in November and Dalglish added: ‘They haven’t played many games.

'Sparta is a good side but we aren’t here to be pessimistic.’

Pablo Hernandez Linked With Summer Anfield Switch

Liverpool is reportedly plotting a summer swoop for Valencia winger Pablo Hernandez.

The Mirror initially reported that the Reds had been alerted to the potential availability of the Spaniard and now tribalfootball.com suggests interest from Merseyside is 'expected' in the 25-year-old.

Liverpool director of football strategy Damien Comolli is thought to be keen on Hernandez after admitting that the Anfield club currently lacks penetrating wide options.

Hernandez would certainly provide Liverpool with more natural width and - valued at €17 million - would be an interesting addition to Kenny Dalglish's squad.

More likely, however, is a Liverpool move for Aston Villa attacker Ashley Young - with both Dalglish and Comolli known to be admirers of the 25-year-old.

However, according to the Mirror, Liverpool will have to battle with Manchester United in order to sign Young in what is likely to be a busy summer transfer window for the former.

Liverpool owners New England Sports Ventures (NESV) are expected to make their mark on the transfer market again when the window reopens in June as they look to further enhance their playing squad.

NESV spent £58 million to bring Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez to Anfield in January and are likely to invest heavily again before the start of the new season.

Niko Kranjcar Linked With Move To Anfield

Fresh reports have emerged linking Tottenham playmaker Niko Kranjcar with a move to Liverpool.


The 26-year-old as enjoyed a recent resurgence in the Spurs team - scoring the winning goal in each of their last two Barclays Premier League outings - but remains on the fringes on the first XI.


Liverpool has previously been linked with a move for the Croatian midfielder by Metro, and now caughtoffside.com reports that the Reds will reignite their interest in the summer.


Reportedly valued at around £10 million, Kranjcar will allegedly be targeted by Liverpool when the transfer window reopens in June as they look to bring players with a creative spark to Anfield.


According to caughtoffside.com, Liverpool have 'earmarked' the former Portsmouth man as a player to enhance their squad and are prepared to meet Tottenham's valuation in their pursuit of attacking reinforcements.


Harry Redknapp is unlikely to stand in Kranjcar's way should Liverpool make an acceptable bid in the closed season, but the Spurs boss maintains that he wants the Croatia international to stay at White Hart Lane.


"I could always stick Niko somewhere else if Gareth was fit because Niko deserves his place in the team," he said.


"He’s a top player. He practises, he spends time after training every day. Every day, he is on the training ground after he finishes doing a half-hour’s [shooting] practice.


"His dad was a top player – his dad is now the manager of Montenegro. He has been brought up with the game. He practises, so it’s not a coincidence he can strike a ball. His technique is great."

Johnson Happy To Play Anywhere

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has put a positive spin on losing his spot at right-back to Martin Kelly, insisting the competition for places is a positive sign for the club.

The 20-year-old Kelly has started every match on the right side of defence since Kenny Dalglish took charge just over a month ago, which has meant Johnson has had to fit in on the left.

However, also included in the squad which travelled to face Sparta Prague in Thursday night's Europa League last-32 tie were youth team full-backs John Flanagan (18) and Jack Robinson (17). Johnson does not feel threatened by the pretenders to his crown, insisting it shows the club has a healthy system growing beneath the first team and that he is happy to help out the team where necessary.

"It shows everyone where the club is going and it is always nice to have young lads competing for places, being involved and being around the team,'' said Johnson. "It is good for them and their careers and competition for places is healthy for any team. I'm playing out of position but I'm happy to do a job for the team.

"Sometimes through your career you have to do things which suit the team but not yourself but I'm more than happy to do it for the team. We haven't done too much work on it (playing on the left), when we've done the team shape I line up there and that is pretty much it. Obviously the more games you play the more comfortable you get and I don't feel too out of position to be honest.''

Dalglish praised Johnson for fitting in with the team ethic.

"The team is more important than any one individual,'' he said. "And without trying to undermine the importance of the individual it is great credit he is prepared to play there because he is England's right-back but he has done an excellent job for us on the left. The team's needs come first and you can tell by his comments he fully appreciates that. We appreciate it is maybe not his first choice but it is better than being substitute.''

Johnson is likely to again line up on the left on Thursday night against Sparta Prague as Dalglish features in his first European match as Liverpool boss.

Liverpool Face Five-Way Fight For St Etienne Star

Liverpool are in a five-way chase for St Etienne's midfield enforcer Blaise Matuidi.

The 23-year-old has been one of the Reds' key transfer targets ever since the arrival of Damien Comolli as the director of sporting strategy.

Comolli moved to Anfield from St Etienne, but Liverpool will face stiff competition from Serie A sides Roma, Juventus and Fiorentina, plus Bundesliga club Schalke.

St Etienne's asking price is thought to be around £8million, but the club insists they have received no concrete offers for the midfielder yet.

Reds Launch Mobile Store

Liverpool FC are proud to announce the launch of a brand new 'mobile store'.

The platform is the first of its kind in world football and will allow supporters the chance to browse the latest LFC merchandise on the move.

It will replicate the current online store in almost every way but will offer the majority of smart phone users a fully transactional mobile platform.

Developed by Snow Valley, the platform has been optimized for the iPhone and iPod but will display and operate well on the majority of smart phones and offer a limited service on some older devices.

So if you're planning to buy Luis Suarez's No.7 shirt but can't get to a computer, then this is for you!

The mobile store can be accessed by visiting the online store from your mobile device or by using the url m.store.liverpoolfc.tv

Reds Put Ticket Issues To UEFA

Liverpool FC last night directly raised concerns with UEFA over the pricing of tickets for their Europa League clash with Sparta Prague.

In a meeting at the Generali Stadium, LFC officials expressed their unhappiness at the marked increase in prices compared to previous games played in the competition. They also sought assurances from the home club that ticket prices were comparable for both home and away supporters.

A Club spokesman said: "We'd previously written to UEFA and took the opportunity to raise our concerns with them face to face. It was made clear to us that Sparta were able to set the prices at whatever level they thought appropriate despite them being marked up at a significant premium.

"However, Sparta confirmed to us that general sale tickets were priced the same for both home fans and Liverpool supporters although Sparta season ticket holders were offered match tickets at a discount which is normal practice in Prague.

"There has been considerable comment on the highest priced tickets, but these were Sparta's Category A offering which we only made available to Liverpool supporters because we had sold out of regular priced seats. Again, we have been assured that the prices charged were the same for both home and away fans."

Carragher Plans To Play On

Jamie Carragher has shrugged off his 'veteran' tag by insisting that he has no plans to retire any time soon.

The Liverpool defender is a Premier League stalwart with over 650 appearances to his name.

Such a record, coupled with his 33 years of age, have led some to suggest that he could be approaching the twilight of his career.

Carragher, though, is adamant that he can compete at the top level for some time yet, with stepping aside something he is not prepared to consider until at least 2013.

"I want to play for Liverpool as long as I can," the former England international told the Liverpool Echo.

"I picked up some of the papers after the Chelsea game and each one said 'veteran Carragher'.

"It made me think to myself: 'God, I mustn't have too long left'.

"I know that at a minimum I have two-and-a-half years, and that time will fly."

Carragher's aim this season is to help Liverpool cement a top-six standing in the Premier League and secure European qualification for next season.

One man set to aid that cause over the coming weeks is record signing Andy Carroll, with the £35million striker closing on full fitness and an eagerly-anticipated debut.

Kelly Believes Liverpool Now Have Squad To Mount Challenge

Liverpool defender Martin Kelly believes the squad is now better placed to cope with the dual demands of domestic and European football. Liverpool resumes their Europa League season when they fly out to the Czech Republic today ahead of tomorrow's last-32 game against Sparta Prague.

Having gone unbeaten in their last six Premier League matches, Kelly believes restarting their European program cannot hold any fears for Liverpool. In the group phase, then manager Roy Hodgson chose to use fringe players in order to ensure his first-teamers were not overwhelmed by an arduous campaign, which had disappointed in the early stages.

New manager Kenny Dalglish will have no such concerns and, buoyed by their unbeaten run that has lifted them to sixth and with a free weekend coming up because of the FA Cup, he will select a strong squad.

Morale is high in the camp and – coupled with very few injuries – Kelly believes there is no reason why they cannot be competitive on two fronts – even after the disappointment of a 1-1 draw against Wigan at the weekend ended a four-match winning streak.

"We would have wanted to get the win against Wigan but we have to put it behind us and look to our game against Sparta Prague on Thursday now," said the England Under-21 international. "We've done well to progress and we want to go on to win it but we have to take it one game at a time. Any club can go on and win it so any game as a professional you want to win.

"That's our aim, but we'll take one game at a time. Our next one is the Sparta Prague one and that's what we're focused on. The knockout phase provides a different test to the group stages, you know you are up against good sides.

"We've got to get a good result over there so the second leg will be easier here at Anfield. I think the squad is pulling together now and you can see that on the pitch. We are trying to play our football, which is what we have been told to do, and hopefully we can get the results in the future."

Dalglish will make late decisions on the fitness of Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel after both missed the game against Wigan through injury. The manager still will not be able to call on club record signing Andy Carroll, who is continuing his rehabilitation work from a thigh problem at the club's Melwood training ground.

The former Newcastle striker could be set for a debut early next month and vice-captain Jamie Carragher is confident the new arrival will add an extra dimension to Liverpool's play.

Carragher also believes Carroll will work well alongside fellow new signing Luis Suarez, who has already made an impression. "They can become a partnership and bring other things to the team as a target man and someone who can feed off the pieces," Carragher said. "Likewise, if one is injured, the other is still capable of playing on their own through the middle."

Liverpool Target Eljero Elia Unsettled At Hamburg

Eljero Elia came on as a halftime substitute in last week's 3-1 victory for Holland over Austria and did what he has done so many times before, completely change the complexion of the match with his pace and flair.

Yet, despite being in such form, Elia isn't getting opportunities at his current club, Hamburg, and as a result, the Liverpool target may soon want out.

''Apparently there is not much confidence in me,'' he told Voetbal International. ''That hurts. I feel strong and would like to show the fans what I can do. It is very frustrating.

''I have started eight games and we have won seven of them so I cannot have done that badly. I don't know what I have done wrong, I have not been told. I know that I am not a bad player and I am in good shape.

''I am a player who needs confidence. If I play every week I will improve," said Elisa. "No-one can accuse me of not working hard enough, I am as fit as a fiddle.''

Though he hasn't spent much time in the shop window for Armin Vey's club this season, the interest in Elia surely hasn't gone away -- even as Hamburg has been unwilling to sell.

''Last summer, Juventus and Wolfsburg lodged bids for me and in January there was real interest from four teams in the Premier League. Hamburg did not let me go and I resigned myself to staying. I have not created any unrest. The club cannot blame me, I give more than 100% every game," said Elia.

That situation, though, isn't one that is sustainable, as far as the 24-year-old rising star is concerned.

''I'll just keep working hard in training every day. I've been doing that all season and will not change. But at the end of the season we will still have to look at the situation.

''If I am still a substitute then we will sit around the table and see what the consequences might be.''

Width remains Liverpool's area of greatest need heading into the summer signing period. Given Elia's unrest and Liverpool's prior interest, it would be no surprise to see the powers that be at Anfield move to bring in the Dutch winger.

Jose Enrique Keeps Transfer Options Open For Now

Liverpool defender target Jose Enrique is holding out on a new contract at St James' Park.

The Spanish full back has been in fine form for his club this season, earning rave reviews on his return to the Barclays Premier League. Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is thought to be keen on bringing the player to Anfield.

Footylatest claim Damien Comolli, director of football strategy for the Merseysiders, has identified the player as a potential summer addition who can bolster the Liverpool defence. It's thought that Enrique could be the long-term replacement for Paul Konchesky, who is out on loan at Nottingham Forest.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew does not wish to sell the player, who joined the club for a fee in the region of €7.5 million back in 2007. The former Hammers boss knows that if the Magpies fail to secure their survival soon though, the former Valencia player could leave the club.

“Jose has made it quite clear to us that until we’re safe he doesn’t want to open any discussions and we’re comfortable with that, it makes sense for us,” said the Toon boss yesterday.

Dalglish has hinted that new Liverpool owners NESV will spend again in the summer after splashing out over £55 million on strikers in January.

Luis Suarez Ideally Suited To Liverpool - Kelly

The best thing about new Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is that he is "100% committed", according to Reds defender Martin Kelly.

The Uruguayan, 24, has scored one goal in two appearances following his £22.8m move from Ajax earlier this month.

His determined attitude has made a big impression on Liverpool supporters after this season's listless displays from former idol Fernando Torres.

Kelly, 20, told BBC Radio Merseyside: "There is a lot to come from Luis."

Kelly continued: "He [Suarez] gives everything. The best thing is he's 100% committed and at a club like this that's what you need to be, and he shows that commitment for the full 90 minutes."

Another player currently impressing at Anfield is Brazilian midfielder Lucas, who reached a century of Premier League appearances during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Wigan.

The 24-year-old signed for the Reds from Grêmio in 2007 and has enjoyed an extended run in the Liverpool starting line-up this season, playing all but one of the matches since Kenny Dalglish returned as manager.

Lucas says the return of "King Kenny" has had a positive affect on and off the pitch.

"We know how good he was as a player and we can see he has a lot of knowledge about football," Lucas said.

"[First-team coach] Steve Clarke is helping the team a lot and both of them lift our confidence and tell everyone to stick together and believe in ourselves. That has been the most important thing to us.

"Kenny has told us how he wants us to play and the way Liverpool used to play football. We want to do what he tells us and we have to listen and perform on the pitch.

"He gives us things to think about, because at the end of the day we as players make the decisions on the pitch. It's on the training ground where he can give us advice and we have to listen to him and then translate that onto the pitch."

Defenders Fear Liverpool New Boy Andy Carroll - Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher believes that Liverpool new boy Andy Carroll strikes fear into his opponents.

The 22-year-old forward joined the Merseyside outfit in the January transfer window, after the Reds agreed to cough up £35 million to Newcastle United in exchange for the services of the hitman.

"We've had big tall lads, people like Heskey or Crouch, who have done very well for us," Carragher told LFC Weekly.

"But Carroll has that aggression that makes defenders fear him. He seems like a good lad - someone who'll fit in.

"As a defender you know when you go into certain games against particular players that you're going to have a hard day. There aren't too many of them but I know few people will relish playing against Andy.

"You wake up in the morning and think, 'Ah God - I don't want to play against him.' Everyone who has faced him probably thinks, 'I don't need this today.'"

The arrival of Carroll and Luis Suarez also saw the departure of former fans' favourite Fernando Torres, whose transfer to Chelsea has seen his image on Merseyside take a battering.

"It's two players for one if you like," Carragher said. "They can become a partnership and bring other things to the team as a target man [Carroll] and someone who can feed off the pieces [Luis Suarez]. Likewise if one is injured, the other is still capable of playing on their own through the middle."

Carroll, however, is currently recovering from a thigh injury, and earlier reports point towards a March return for the forward.

Liverpool FC Supporters’ Fury Over Cost Of Europa Match Ticket

Angry Liverpool FC fans have written to Europe’s governing body of football in protest at the “exorbitant” match ticket prices for the Europa League game in the Czech Republic tomorrow night.

Fans paid £145 for a single ticket for the match against AC Sparta Prague, which will be played at the Generali Arena.

Fans group Spirit of Shankly (SOS) has written a formal complaint to the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) on behalf of its members.

SOS believes travelling Liverpool supporters who have paid £145 have been asked to stump up at least another £30 more than the home supporters have done for similar seats, which counters UEFA’s rules.

SOS spokesman James McKenna said: “We have submitted a complaint to them because it goes against their rules and it is not acceptable for fans to have to pay £145 for a ticket.

“We copied Liverpool FC into the complaint that we sent to UEFA, but we have not heard anything from either of them yet.

“We found that home supporters were paying a maximum of £115 for their tickets – that is £30 less than what the Liverpool fans have to pay [for their maximum priced ticket].”

The fans group investigated the regulations around ticket pricing and noted that UEFA state: “Unless the associations or clubs concerned agree otherwise, the price of tickets for supporters of the visiting team must not exceed the price paid for tickets of a comparable category that are sold to supporters of the home team.”

Initially, the Anfield club received an allocation of 955 tickets priced at £54 each. A further 100 priced at £145 were later made available.

Daniel Nicolson, who bought a ticket for £54 in the away allocation, told the Daily Post: “What I paid was an extortionate price as it was, especially in a country where the price of living is lower than the UK.

“It seems that because we are Liverpool fans, they have increased the amount of the ticket prices.”

He added: “My flight was £125 and my hotel was fairly cheap.

“No one was expecting it to be dear, but the ticket prices have caught everyone out.”

A Liverpool FC spokesman said last night: “We have written to UEFA to express our concerns because the prices have increased solely because Liverpool is in town. We have not had a reply.

“UEFA regulations say they are allowed to set their own ticket prices. They are substantially higher than previous games in the same competition, and we share the concerns.

“The regulations say that like for like tickets should be put at the same price.”

Mr. McKenna added: “Having to pay that amount of money just shows how far it is out of touch with reality. People are struggling to keep their jobs and they are playing on our loyalty.”

SOS is concerned with the increase in ticket prices for supporters, and has been contacted by many of its members to ask what it can do.

At last Saturday’s annual general meeting, a plan to campaign against higher ticket prices was under discussion.

Saric Strike Sinks Crewe

Nikola Saric struck a late winner as Liverpool Reserves continued their fine form with a 1-0 friendly success against Crewe on Tuesday afternoon.

The Danish striker cut in on his left foot and unleashed a low drive into the far corner on 84 minutes as a young second-string side edged out the Railwaymen in front of the watching Kenny Dalglish.

The Reds had gone into the contest without a number of regulars and boss John McMahon used the occasion to give a first start to Conor Thomas.

The 17-year-old, who is on loan from Coventry City until the end of the season, gave a good account of himself and looked a composed figure throughout what proved to be a hard-fought encounter in Kirkby.

The visitors had named a relatively strong starting XI for the contest and it was no surprise when they almost took the lead inside six minutes.

A ball into the box found French trialist Marc-Andre Manga in space but his goalbound shot was well blocked by Andre Wisdom, who looked solid on what was his first start since recovering from a serious knee injury.

Next, Manga broke free of Emmanuel Mendy on the left side of the Liverpool area and as the defender attempted to get back he caught the Crewe forward's heels, leaving the referee with no option but to point to the penalty spot.

Up stepped Antoni Sarcevic, but his low shot was brilliantly saved by Martin Hansen in the home side's goal.

The Faroe Island's U21 international, Rogvi Poulsen then crashed a shot way off target before Hansen was again forced into action when he got down well to block Manga's drive following a clever pass from Sarcevic.

Liverpool had rarely threatened but they did carve out a decent chance just after the half hour mark when Saric glanced Brad Smith's searching cross just wide.

With half-time approaching it was the Railwaymen who were again wasteful in front of goal as Poulsen smashed an 18 yard shot off target after he had looked certain to score.

At the interval McMahon replaced Hansen with Brad Jones, while Karl Clair, Jakub Sokolik, Tom King and Henoc Mukendi were also introduced.

The changes almost paid immediate dividends when Saric put Clair in on goal, but the youngster dragged his effort across the face of goal.

Crewe responded and were unlucky to see Sarcevic's low shot crash back off the post.

Defences were clearly on top but Mukendi almost changed that with a rasping shot that shook the stanchion.

Steven Irwin was the next to show, teasing two defenders before thrashing an effort just wide of Steve Phillips' left-hand post.

It was becoming more and more evident that one goal would be decisive and the away side again came close when Joel Grant cut in from the left and fizzed a shot against the post that had Jones beaten all ends up.

Michael Roberts then tested Phillips with a blockbuster from distance before Saric won it six minutes from the end when he cut in from the right and fired a low shot into the far corner.

Andy Carroll Could Make Liverpool Debut Against Manchester United

Liverpool is hopeful that Andy Carroll will make his club debut early next month, raising the tantalizing prospect of the £35m record signing taking his bow against Manchester United at Anfield.

The manager Kenny Dalglish has consistently declined to set a time-frame on Carroll's recovery from the thigh injury that has kept him sidelined since 28 December. The 22-year-old has suffered several setbacks with an injury that Newcastle United, his former club, initially believed would result in a three-week absence. He visited a specialist in Sweden before becoming the costliest British footballer on transfer deadline day.

Carroll has now resumed light training with Liverpool and is targeting a comeback in early March. Dalglish's team entertain Sir Alex Ferguson's league leaders on 6 March and will also face a Europa League tie on 10 March providing they overcome Sparta Prague in the last 32 of the competition. The first leg of that tie takes place in Prague on Thursday.

Liverpool's £57.8m deadline day capture of Carroll and Luis Suárez helped cushion the impact of the £50m departure of Fernando Torres to Chelsea. Jamie Carragher believes the club's new strike partnership will bring added momentum to Dalglish's reign.

"I was delighted to get them in and the club made a statement," said the Liverpool vice-captain. "Suárez has made a great start. He's got the goal, but it's his performances more than anything. With Carroll coming back, it looks the perfect partnership. Someone the size of Andy Carroll and then Suárez, it looks good."

Despite the arrivals at Anfield, Carragher admitted the timing of Torres's exit was unfortunate. "I'd have loved him to stay and I wish he would have given us to the end of the season," he said. "For two or three years for us he's been the best striker in the world. The disappointing thing is the timing of it but the start of the season hasn't gone well.

"I think it was something we were expecting either now or maybe in the summer. It's happened, good luck to him there, and I'm pleased with who we've brought in. We've got to look to the future."

Carragher Reveals Reds Concerns

Defender Jamie Carragher has confessed that he is constantly concerned about the future of Liverpool in the wake of the club's problems over the past 18 months.

The 18-time champions of England failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League last season and severely struggled under Roy Hodgson for the first half of the current campaign.

Liverpool was also on the brink of administration in October before new parent company, Fenway Sports Group, took over from George Gillett and Tom Hicks.

But Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish succeeded Hodgson and has transformed fortunes to put the top four of the Premier League within touching distance after a six-match unbeaten run.

When asked if he was genuinely concerned, Carragher said: "Every day! To be honest, it's been like that for a little while.

"Stevie [Gerrard] and I are so involved emotionally, sometimes too much, and it affects your whole life, and the last 18 months have been really tough.

"We've not been doing too well and the fans are your friends and family and it takes its toll.

"So it's great that the pressure has lessened off and people are starting talking about the top four.

"Dalglish's presence and who he is has galvanized the whole club - players and supporters. I don't need to tell you what he means to the club and the fans."

Simon Kjaer Remains On Anfield Radar After January Interest

Liverpool continues to be linked with defender Simon Kjaer despite having a January bid rejected, according to reports.

The Danish international was being monitored by a number of English clubs in the summer before moving to the Bundesliga, and again in January. It was Liverpool who moved for the 21-year-old though, with German media outlets claiming a bid from Kenny Dalglish was rejected.

Wolfsburg signed the player for an undisclosed fee in July, but it's thought that Liverpool will have to pay in the region of £10 million to bring the player to Anfield.

With 15 international caps to his name already, Kjaer isn't short of experience at either international or domestic level, and the centre back starred for his country during the World Cup in South Africa.

Clubs were already aware of his talent from his performances with Palermo, and his stock has steadily risen since the move from Serie 'A'.

New Liverpool owners NESV have already shown that they are willing to back the Merseysiders financially, spending over £55 million on two strikers in the January transfer window.

Dalglish has hinted that more additions could follow as he looks to strengthen in several core areas at Liverpool, and a centre back is thought to be high on the wish list at Anfield.

Liverpool Target Super Spanish Star To Solve Problem Position

Newcastle United left-back Jose Enrique has been earmarked as a summer transfer target for Liverpool reports the Daily Mirror.

The 25-year-old Spaniard has been in fine form for the Toon this season and is seen as an ideal replacement for the outgoing Paul Konchesky.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish sent Konchesky on loan in the January transfer window after the summer signing struggled for form at Anfield.

He has instead preferred to play an out-of-position Glen Johnson at left back for the rest of the season until they can bring in a long-term replacement.

Enrique has been linked with Liverpool before but fresh reports have surfaced after Anfield Director of Football Strategy Damien Comolli was spotted at Ewood Park this weekend watching Enrique and Newcastle take on Blackburn Rovers.

The highly rated defender is regarded as one of the best players in his specialist position and Magpies fans will be desperate to keep hold of the Spanish star, particularly after having already lost former Toon legend Andy Carroll to Liverpool in the January window.

Enrique was brought to St James’ Park by former manager Sam Allardyce in August 2007 from Villareal for a fee believed to be around £6m, but since his rise to prominence, Newcastle chief Mike Ashley is thought to want at least double that if the player is to be sold.

New Liverpool owners NESV have already shattered the clubs record transfer fee since taking over when they signed Carroll from Newcastle for £35m, proving their financial commitment to the cause as they look to restore the Anfield club to its former glories.

Additional interest from Manchester United could be the only stumbling block as Sir Alex Ferguson continues to look for a replacement for Red Devils star Patrice Evra who is rumoured to be unhappy with life at Old Trafford and has been continuously linked with a move away from Manchester.

A summer transfer tussle between Manchester United and Liverpool will only play into the hands of Newcastle as they look to gain the maximum possible fee for one of their remaining leading stars.