Wolfsburg Ready To Pounce On Liverpool Striker

Reports from Italy have claimed that Bundesliga side Wolfsburg is ready to exploit any stumbling blocks in contract talks between Dirk Kuyt and Liverpool.

The 30 year old is currently locked in negotiations with the Reds and has expressed his desire to stay on Merseyside as he looks to end his career in front of the Kop.

He has described Liverpool as feeling like “home.”

The Dutch striker has made over 160 appearances for Liverpool and his work rate has done much to endear him to the Liverpool faithful. His lack of goals in the Premier League has been the only flaw in what has been a successful five years in the top division. He has managed four goals in 22 games so far this season with four assists to match.

What Kuyt lacks in breathtaking skill or goals he makes up for in determination, dedication and commitment. There aren’t many players like him that will work for every second of a game in every game he plays in. He has seen his character transform his position on the pitch with Liverpool taking advantage of his industrious work rate and employing him on the wing more than upfront – a factor in his reduced goal rate.

Wolfsburg would be extremely fortunate if they managed to pull a deal off for Kuyt with the Netherlands international seemingly happy at Liverpool and intent on ending his career there. Talks are in progress over a deal that will see the Dutchman stay at Anfield past 2012 and if that goes through Wolfsburg will have no chance of signing the 30 year old.

The German side has to hope and pray that there is a major hiccup which at the moment looks highly unlikely. It would take a brave man to put any money on a move to Germany going through.

Grant Gives Cole Backing

Avram Grant admits it would have cost West Ham United 'big money' to re-sign Joe Cole and is confident the midfielder will be a hit at Liverpool.

Cole joined Liverpool on a free transfer last summer after leaving Chelsea, but he has struggled to make an impact at Anfield.

The England international has started only eight Premier League games for the Reds and has been unable to show the Merseyside faithful his best form.

He will return to first club West Ham on Sunday and Upton Park boss Grant expects Liverpool to eventually see the best of Cole's ability.

"Joe is a very good player, a very, very nice player. He has a good spirit and is good to any team on and off the pitch," said Grant.

"I think he started well, then he had an injury, and then it was not so good for him.

"Sometimes when you are injured it's not easy to come back and it was a little bit difficult for them but I am sure he will be very good for Liverpool. If not, then they can bring him to me."

The Hammers were interested in signing the 29-year-old before he joined Liverpool and were also keen on the playmaker in the January transfer window.

Grant would relish the chance to call on Cole, but acknowledged the player's wages proved to be out of West Ham's reach.

He added: "I will always want a player who plays so good.

"He belongs to Liverpool but I will always be happy if a player like this was in my team.

"But everyone knows the situation in our club. We had the opportunity to take him but for West Ham it was big money."

Ref Banned For Inappropriate Liverpool Joke On Twitter & Facebook

It seems footballers aren’t the only ones getting into trouble for posting comments on Twitter or Facebook – Championship ref Mark Brown has copped a three-week ban for a jibe about Liverpool’s title chances.

Rookie referee Mark Brown thought it amusing to poke fun at Anfield captain Steven Gerrard on his social networking pages, highlighting the Reds’ unlikely chance of winning the Premier League this season.

But match officials boss Mike Riley - no doubt still reeling from Ryan Babel’s photoshop antics, didn’t see it that way and requested Brown hand in his whistle and cards.

‘Riley is taking drastic action as there are many ways for referees' integrity to be called into question,’ an insider told the Sun.

‘If Babel posts a picture of Howard Webb in a Man U shirt, then we can't have officials making comments and jokes about players.’

Currently in his first season as a professional ref, Brown’s highest achievement to date is a Championship game he officiated between Ipswich and Doncaster on January 22nd.

A trip to take charge of a game in front of the Kop could now be some way off for Brown, who will have to do his time officiating in League One and Two for now.

Ex-Liverpool man Babel became the first player to be fined £10,000 by the FA, when he posted a mocked-up picture of Webb on his Twitter page following a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup.

Match Report: Liverpool 1 - 0 Sparta Prague

Dirk Kuyt headed a late winner to snatch a 1-0 victory in Kenny Dalglish's first European tie as Liverpool manager.

Kuyt finally broke the resistance of a determined Sparta Prague side with the only goal of a testing Europa League affair five minutes from the end of the second leg at Anfield.

Both sides had squandered numerous chances in a scrappy round of 32 encounter but Liverpool's superior quality was eventually rewarded by the hard-working Kuyt.

David Ngog, Joe Cole and Raul Meireles had also gone close in front of a sell-out 42,949 crowd which further underlined the gathering momentum of Dalglish's new regime.

Sparta, backed by 3,000 of their own raucous fans, contributed fully to an eventful, if low-quality, clash but were eventually undone as Kuyt profited from a late corner.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, absent for the two previous games with a groin injury, was not risked and his dynamism and precision was missed throughout.

Christian Poulsen, whose partner had a baby earlier in the week, made little impact in a central role while Cole, starting for the first time under Dalglish was quiet on the left.

The former Chelsea midfielder looked determined to kickstart his faltering Reds career, however, and broke clear early on to send over a looping cross which clipped the bar.

The opening stages were lively and suggested the game, which ultimately lacked quality, would be far more eventful than the drab first leg.

Liverpool appealed for a penalty in the second minute when a Meireles free-kick bounced and caught Manuel Pamic on the hand but nothing was given.

At the other end Libor Sionko headed over from a Kamil Vacek cross and a dipping shot from Vaclav Kadlec narrowly missed the target.

Both goalkeepers were tested by headers, Jose Reina first claiming a firm effort from Sinoko.

Sotirios Kyrgiakos then went close to handing Liverpool the lead when he rose to meet a Meireles corner but Jaromir Blazek saved well to his right.

Reina had a scare when he failed to claim a corner but Sionko was unable to take advantage and Meireles missed a good chance when he scooped a cross from the rampaging Martin Kelly over.

Blazek had an uncomfortable moment when he spilled a long-range shot from Cole, who had cut in from the left, but Liverpool could not capitalise.

Ngog tried his luck from distance as the ball dropped invitingly but miskicked as he turned to shoot.

The Frenchman had a better chance moments later as Kuyt cut inside to tee him up but the Frenchman chipped tamely at Blazek, who almost gifted a rebound opportunity to Cole but recovered.

Lucas also saw a 25-yard shot drift narrowly wide just before the interval.

Liverpool were forced to withdraw one of the first half's better players in Kelly at the start of the second period, but were able to replace the right-back with the experienced Jamie Carragher.

The hosts started brightly after the restart with Meireles volleying narrowly wide and then creating another attack with a superb long ball for Kuyt.

Kuyt raced on into the area and pulled back for Ngog but the lone striker again fluffed his shot.

Sparta also continued to threaten but Reina got down well to cut out a cross from Ondrej Kusnir.

Liverpool met more frustration as they tried to prise an opening with Kuyt having a shot blocked and Cole heading wide midway through the second half.

The Reds pressed further with Meireles playing in Ngog but Blazek denied him.

Kyrgiakos was forced off for treatment after a clash of heads with Tomas Repka left him with a nasty cut above the eye.

He returned just as defensive partner Daniel Agger was forced off with injury and replaced by Martin Skrtel.

Kuyt, along with Meireles, had been one of Liverpool's most forthright players in the second half and his efforts were rewarded with his winner.

The Dutchman jumped above the defence five minutes from time to head firmly past Blazek and put the Reds into the last 16.

Cole should have added a second when he raced through on goal in injury time but sliced his shot wide.

Kenny Dalglish Delighted By First European Win

Kenny Dalglish had a late Dirk Kuyt header to thank for his first European win as Liverpool manager on Thursday night.

Kuyt powered home the only goal of a tricky Europa League tie against Sparta Prague with just five minutes of the second leg remaining at Anfield.

The 1-0 aggregate win secured a place in the last 16 and a clash against Portuguese side SC Braga.

It was Dalglish's first taste of continental victory as Liverpool manager having not competed on the European stage during his first spell in charge from 1985-91 due to a ban on English clubs.

Dalglish, appointed until the end of the season after the departure of Roy Hodgson seven weeks ago, said: "I had never done it before and I quite enjoyed it.

"It's a fantastic football club and I was lucky enough to be asked to come back.

Carra Overtakes United Star

Jamie Carragher last night overtook Ryan Giggs to become the record British appearance holder in European competition.

The 33-year-old came on as a substitute in the 1-0 win against Sparta Prague for what was his 137th game in continental football - one more than Manchester United winger Giggs.

Carragher made his European debut more than 13 years ago in a 2-2 draw away to Celtic.

His Euro trophy haul includes a UEFA Cup, a Champions League and two UEFA Super Cups.

John Arne Riise Wants Anfield Switch, Reports Claim

John Arne Riise reportedly wants to return to Liverpool amid suggestions he will leave Roma in the summer.

According to insidefutbol.com, the Norwegian left-back is expected to be made available to potential suitors when the transfer window reopens in June and the 30-year-old is said to be gunning for a switch to Anfield.

Riise enjoyed seven successful years with Liverpool; winning seven trophies during his time at Anfield - the most notable being the dramatic Champions League final victory over AC Milan in 2005.

The defender joined Roma in 2008 having been displaced in the Liverpool team by Fabio Aurelio but left Anfield with a heavy heart.

"I'm 100 per cent sincere when I say that I will always remember all the great moments we've had and you - our fans - have such great importance for these great matches and great moments," he said in an open letter to Liverpool supporters after his departure.

"Liverpool FC will have a lot more great moments like this in the future and I hope that I will experience great things with my new team - AS Roma."

Riise is the latest in a long line of left-backs to have been linked with Liverpool as they look to fill the problematic role in the summer.

Liverpool are also said to be monitoring Emilio Izaguirre of Celtic and Newcastle's Jose Enrique in their pursuit of defensive reinforcements.

Yuri Zhirkov A Surprise Left-Back Target For Reds

Liverpool are being linked with a surprise move for Chelsea's Yuri Zhirkov.

The Russian has found regular first team opportunities hard to come by since his £18 million switch from CSKA Moscow in 2009 and is now reportedly ready to consider his options in the summer.

Metro reports that Liverpool are preparing to bid for the 27-year-old - should he become surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge - as they pursue defensive reinforcements.

Zhirkov can ably fill either left-back or left-wing role and the former as an area of their current side that Liverpool are keen to address when the transfer window reopens.

Despite favouring the right-side of defence, Liverpool are currently deploying Glen Johnson in the less familiar left-back role and the Anfield club appear to be actively searching for a more long-term solution.

Liverpool Consider Summer Move For Preston Midfielder Adam Barton

Liverpool have reportedly been monitoring Preston youngster Adam Barton.

The midfielder has received glowing reports for his performances in a failing Preston side this season and has been linked with a move away from Deepdale in the summer.

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool has 'extensively' been watching the 20-year-old and is considering making their move when the transfer window reopens in June.

Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee made a check on Barton last weekend as Preston drew with QPR and the Daily Mail suggests an offer of £2.5 million will be made by the Anfield to the Championship side.

PNE, however, value the Northern Ireland international at closer to £5 million but will struggle to command that fee from Liverpool should they drop into League One - something which looks increasingly likely.

Liverpool owners New England Sports Ventures (NESV) are known to be keen make a more concerted effort to invest in young talent and Barton appears to have been identified as potentially shrewd acquisition.

The Reds have been scoring the lower leagues to find exciting youngsters and the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Connor Wickham have also been linked with moves to Liverpool.

Alberto Aquilani Will Not Return To Roma

The agent of Juventus midfielder Alberto Aquilani says his client will not make a surprise return to Roma during the summer transfer window.

The agent of Juventus midfielder Alberto Aquilani has confirmed his client will not be making a surprise return to former club Roma over the summer transfer window.

Franco Zavaglia says only the Bianconeri have the possibility of signing the Italian international by 30 June 2011.

Aquilani is currently on a season-long loan from English side Liverpool, with the Reds asking €16 million for the 26-year-old.

"Let us not joke around, as the situation is laughable," Zavaglia stated to TuttoJuve.com in an interview. "There is no possibility Alberto will return to Roma. It is a fantasy.

"There is only one truth: Juventus has the possibility to sign him by 30 June 2011. Liverpool has set a €16m price and Juventus has not got much choice.

"It either signs him, or he will return to England. I do not intend to comment any further on the situation, as there is nothing concrete about the rumours," he concluded.

Liverpool bought the Azzurri international from the Giallorossi in 2009 for €25m, but after an injury-hit stint in England, he was loaned to Juventus last summer and has become a regular in the Old Lady's starting line-up.

Christian Purslow Steps Down As Special Advisor & Non-Executive Director For Liverpool

After helping the new Liverpool owners transition into their duties at Anfield, special advisor and non-executive director Christian Purslow has stepped down from his post.

Liverpool made the announcement on Thursday, confirming the successful shift of the club to its new owners, John Henry and Tom Werner, lfc.tv reports.

"We will always be grateful to Christian for his vital contribution to the Club during his time as Managing Director and latterly as Special Advisor," Werner said in Liverpool's official announcement. "He has played a fundamental role in securing the future of the Club and in the sale of LFC to new ownership."

Purslow also made an announcement regarding the news, and said that the club is in "safe hands" with the new ownership group.

"I have been happy to be available to provide support for the new owners during the transitional period since the sale but now Liverpool FC is in excellent shape for the future, and in safe hands, it is time for me to concentrate fully on other business interests," Purslow said. "I look forward with pride and excitement to watching Liverpool FC competes at the highest levels once again."

Before his shift to special advisor, Purslow was the managing director at Liverpool under the ownership of Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Europa League Preview: Liverpool vs Sparta Prague

Liverpool went into the first leg playing over-cautiously and managing to carve out a dull goalless draw at the Generali Arena, where they could have, and probably should have, registered a victory to ease the pressure.

Not that a home game against the Czech side creates any undue pressure on the Reds, but it would have made the job a much simpler task as it would have only been a formality to see them off at Anfield instead of having to win the game as they need to presently.

Kenny Dalglish will likely field a stronger line-up than the one he did during the previous game, and with the Kop behind his men it appears to be a relatively straightforward game on paper.

But football matches are not won on paper, and the players will have to battle it out and claim a victory to progress into the last 16 of the tournament.

With home advantage on their side, however, the Merseyside outfit are certainly strong favorites to brush past their opponents and make their way to the next stage of the continental competition.

Sparta Prague really have nothing to lose, since they were pitted against a much stronger opponent who were expected to make no bones in finishing them off and pushing onward into the next knockout round of the tournament.

Instead, the over-cautious style of play from Dalglish’s men has given the Czech club a glimmer of hope that they may be able to spring an upset in the second leg. But this unlikely event will be a herculean task for Jozef Chovanec’s charges, as they have it all to do at Anfield - where the atmosphere could be intimidating on European nights.

However, the defensive approach coupled with the Dalglish fielding a relatively weakened side could give some hope for the visitors, as the Reds could potentially underestimate them and fall prey to a shock defeat in their own backyard.

But to do this, Sparta Prague will have to give it everything when they are in possession of the ball, as anything lesser than a 100 per cent effort is likely to end in a defeat at the backyard of one of the most successful teams in Europe.

TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

There are reports that skipper Steven Gerrard is still struggling to regain his fitness, and manager Kenny Dalglish recently hinted that it may be wise not to risk the 30-year-old in this game.

Otherwise, Daniel Agger is expected to return to the fold after missing the first leg of the double header.

Possible starting XI: Reina; Kelly, Carragher, Agger, Wilson, Johnson; Poulsen, Lucas, Meireles; Cole; Kuyt.

Sparta Prague

The Czech side has nothing to lose and should put in a strong line-up hoping to score one goal in the hope of pressurizing their opponents and potentially progressing with a narrow win, or the away goals rule.

Possible starting XI: Blazek; Kusnir, Repka, Brabec, Pamic; Keric, Vacek, Abena, Matejovsky; Kadlec, Kweuke.

Kenny Dalglish Enjoying Every Moment In The Anfield Hotseat

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish admits he is relishing his second stint at Anfield after taking over the job almost seven weeks ago and is working as hard as possible to get results.

The Scot, who left Liverpool almost 20 years ago to the day, took over the Reds when they were languishing in bottom half of the Premier League.

But his presence in the dressing room has seen the Merseyside club rocket up the table and is now in contention for a European place.

Dalglish overlooked the departure of Fernando Torres to Chelsea for £50 million and brought in Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll from Newcastle.

And with all this action happening on and off the field, Dalglish concedes he has hardly known where the time has gone.

"I don't know how long it's been, but it's been hugely enjoyable,” he told the club's official website.

"To come back and be in charge is a great honor and all you can do is try your best, and that's all I'll continue to do - to try and work as well as I can and try and get some positive results.

"I didn't know it was [nearly] seven weeks, but every day you come in and there's something new to be done and every day you look forward to getting up out of bed, which is good.

"It's been a change, but it's been very rewarding and worthwhile for me and I just hope other people are enjoying it as much as I am."

Kenny Dalglish To Give Joe Cole A Chance

Heralded by Jamie Carragher as "like a god" in Liverpool after his summer arrival, the England midfielder has spent much of the subsequent seven months in the wilderness. Many managers might have discarded a player signed by a predecessor, but not so Dalglish. His faith remains steadfast.

The Scot is likely to hand Cole a third chance to start his Liverpool career against Sparta Prague on Thursday, following a lengthy run-out as a substitute in the first leg. He can only hope it goes rather better than the two previous attempts: his first, his Premier League debut, was ruined by a red card; his second, marked by a first Premier League goal, against Bolton, came before he spent a month sidelined by a knee injury.

It is not Dalglish's style to be fazed should Cole stutter once more, though. The Scot is adamant that there is no pressure on the 29 year-old.

Cole will be granted the time to rediscover form and fitness. Nobody at Anfield, where the errors of the past have all been absolved, will rush to judgment.

"He is a talented footballer and we have got to make sure he is right and ready,'' said Dalglish. ''He did well against Sparta last week, so he is really progressing.

"He looks really sharp in training and he did all right in the game. There is no rush with Joe. We have got to be patient with him. We are not going to judge him at this particular time because he is still getting fit.

"He is positive. He is a good wee guy, lively and bubbly, and Steve Clarke coming in has helped him as well, because he has worked with him before.

"Joe is very good around the dressing room. He knows it takes time to adjust after being out for a while injured. It is not a tap you can turn on and off. Even hot water takes a while to come through. He is enthusiastic and talented. We will try our best to get that out of him."

Dalglish should stand a better chance than most. Where the man he replaced, Roy Hodgson, seemed torn between boosting Cole's fragile confidence or indulging his cheeky-chappie persona, Dalglish offers a degree of certainty.

Cole will be granted his chance tonight largely because Dalglish is unlikely to risk Steven Gerrard – still nursing an adductor injury – and Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll remain unavailable because of ineligibility and a thigh problem, respectively. Cole will certainly not be included on grounds of form, despite appearing for almost an hour in the first leg. He has just two goals in 20 underwhelming appearances. So far, this season holds few fond memories.

"It has not gone how I would have liked here, but that is life," said the former Chelsea midfielder. "You have to push through the difficult times. I have had plenty of good times and my share of difficult times in my career, and I will always come through.

"I'm determined to be a success here. I'm working hard every day. The main thing is the club – it's all about Liverpool. I am pleased the team's form has turned around and we are going in the right direction. We're going in the right direction, and if Liverpool can keep going there, I'd love to be part of it."

Liverpool Step Up Chase For New Vieira

Liverpool have stepped up their pursuit of the Rennes midfielder described as the "new Patrick Vieira" - Yann M'Vila.

The all-action Frenchman has been on Liverpool's radar ever since the arrival of Damien Comolli as director of sporting strategy.

And, according to reports in France, Comolli has sent scouts to watch M'Vila in Rennes' last three fixtures - and has received glowing reports.

Now Liverpool could be ready to sanction a summer bid for the 20-year-old, who is also a target for Juventus, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid.

But, with M'Vila under contract until June 2013, it is reported that Liverpool will have to pay upwards of £10m to land their man.

Liverpool More Popular Than Manchester United - European Football Report

Liverpool is more popular than Manchester United, according to a report published by Sport+Markt and PR Marketing.

The report takes into account the amount of profit generated by merchandise sales.

182 top flight clubs and over 10,000 people from different countries were surveyed and the Reds outshone their opponents, and sit third in the table of the 10 biggest profit-making clubs in Europe, with United only placed in sixth position.

Real Madrid and Barcelona topped the table, which meant the Primera Division of La Liga became the biggest league generator of revenue having generated €190 million, with the bulk of that coming from the Catalan and Madrid clubs.

Despite the Premier League’s worldwide appeal it was second to La Liga, making €168m, although the profit was distributed more equally around the league.

The German Bundesliga was third having generated €130m, with Italy and France making up the rest of the top five leagues in Europe.

“The boom in European football merchandising is ongoing”, according to Dr Peter Rohlmann of PR Marketing.

“However, it is primarily the less established leagues that can look forward to significant growth, as they are gradually identifying the importance of club merchandising in brand management.”

Football shirts are still the most profitable piece of merchandise for clubs as 13.7 million were sold throughout Europe.

“Jersey sales represent the core business of many clubs and are often responsible for around 50 per cent of merchandising revenue”, said Andreas Ullmann, senior consultant at SPORT+MARKT.

“Cultural differences do exist regarding preferences for certain products. Russian or Ukrainian fans, for example, tend to buy more warm scarves, whilst English fans like to buy mugs bearing the logo of their favorite club.”

Liverpool Trump Rivals United And Secure World-First Deal

Premier League soccer club Liverpool FC has agreed a deal with Snow Valley to develop a mobile merchandise store.

The new store will allow Liverpool fans to purchase the same range of content as they would on the full online store, and the site will offer broadly the same functionality. Although it has been optimized for use on the Apple iPhone and iPad, it will also be available across all smartphone platforms and is usable on some older phones. Using Snow Valley's Muse ecommerce platform, the site will also be able to link to information from social media sites, including Facebook.

Liverpool is the first soccer club worldwide to offer their supporters such a service.

Speaking to Marketing magazine, Liverpool FC internet sales manager Chris Jennions said: "[The store is] driven by our fans. We could see that they were visiting the site with their phones and so it made sense to provide them with a really good mobile-optimized shopping experience."

According to the European Football Marketing Report, issued this week by German agency Sport + Markt, revealed that Liverpool generated more revenue from merchandise sales than any other English club last year. The Reds finished third in the list - which measured merchandise sales by clubs across Europe's top leagues - behind Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona but ahead of bitter rivals Manchester United.

Bent Questions 'Crazy' Carroll Fee

Darren Bent has waded into the Andy Carroll transfer, with Aston Villa's £24 million man insisting Liverpool's £35m outlay was "crazy".

Bent joined Villa in January when the Midlands club waved a huge cheque under the noses of Sunderland. But his deal was eclipsed by Liverpool's signing of Carroll and the subsequent sale of Fernando Torres to Chelsea for £50m.

Despite Torres firing blanks early in his Chelsea career, Bent can see the wisdom in splashing the cash for "the best striker in the country". But the purchase of Carroll has left him scratching his head.

"Deadline day was mad," Bent is quoted as saying in The Sun. "More so because of Andy Carroll's move to Liverpool.

"He has played half a season in the Premier League for Newcastle and has gone for £35m, so it is a bit crazy.

"Someone like Fernando Torres is, in my opinion, the best striker in the country and if he goes for £50m you think fair enough."

Young Guns In Seventh Heaven

Adam Morgan struck a brace as Liverpool U18s stretched their winning run to seven matches with a comprehensive 4-1 win over Huddersfield Town at the Academy on Wednesday afternoon.

The young striker gave a superb example of his finishing prowess with two second-half efforts as the Reds made it 19 goals in just four outings during February.

Raheem Sterling and Krisztian Adorjan (penalty) were also on target while Shane Birtles grabbed a consolation for Town as Rodolfo Borrell's team continued their surge up the FA Premier Academy League - Group C table.

Ahead of the clash the Spanish coach made six changes to the line-up that had ruthlessly put Stoke City to the sword, with captain Conor Coady the most noticeable absentee due to his involvement with the first-team squad.

It looked like having an adverse effect upon their freeflowing style in the early stages as the visitors created the first opportunity of note. Warrick Charlton's clever run gave him a clear sight of goal but his tame effort was easily gathered by Jamie Stephens.

The home side responded and a jinking run and shot from Toni Silva was superbly blocked by Lloyd Allinson before Sterling saw his goalbound drive deflected to safety.

On 16 minutes the young winger gave another cameo of his sublime talent when he outpaced the Huddersfield defence but his low cross was cut out at the near post.

The 16-year-old was getting himself into some good positions and should have done better just two minutes later when he failed to get a shot away following some neat footwork in the penalty area.

Adorjan then blazed well off target and Morgan had a goal ruled out for offside as Liverpool began to press.

It appeared that it would be only a matter of time until the hosts took the lead and they got the reward for their efforts on 38 minutes.

Adorjan picked up the ball in the midfield and immediately looked for Sterling with a beautifully weighted pass in behind the right full-back. The diminutive winger beat the advancing 'keeper to the ball and bravely dinked a delightful finish into the empty net.

The visitors had done very little in the attacking third but they almost drew level on the stroke of half-time when a set piece caused havoc in the Reds defence, leading to a free header for Birtles that he somehow contrived to nod wide.

If that was a warning for Borrell and co they certainly took heed of it as within five minutes of the restart they had doubled their advantage.

Morgan picked the ball up on the far right of the penalty area and shimmied his way beyond two defenders before cutting a sweet shot back across goal and into the bottom left-hand corner of Allinson's net.

It was a huge blow for the visitors and within moments they found themselves three behind when Adorjan showed great maturity to send the Terriers 'keeper the wrong way from the spot after Sterling was tripped on the left edge of the area.

Liverpool were now in cruise control and the fourth and best of the afternoon arrived on 59 minutes when an Adorjan knock down found Morgan who made no mistake with a crisp volley that arrowed into the far corner of the net.

By now it was completely over as a contest and Borrell was allowed the luxury of substituting both Sterling and Morgan as the home team continued to dominate.

The Yorkshire outfit did try to fight back but it just left more gaps for the Reds to expose and Adorjan should have grabbed his second of the afternoon on 70 minutes when he blazed over following a well timed pass from Silva.

Michael Roberts almost made it five with a delightful free-kick before Huddersfield finally had something to cheer when Birtles tapped home after a smart save from Stephens in stoppage time.

Kenny Dalglish Cautious Over Steven Gerrard's Liverpool Return

Kenny Dalglish will not hurry the Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, back into action before he is ready, promising before Thursday's Europa league tie against Sparta Prague to "think a bit longer term than just one game".

Gerrard has missed Liverpool's last two games due to a groin problem and Dalglish is anxious not to bring him back into the fold too soon. The manager told the club's website: "Steven is almost there. Whether he gets there in time or not remains to be seen but we're not going to push somebody into a game that's not quite ready.

"Much as Steven would love to play and we'd love to have him, I think we've got to think a bit longer term than just one game. But if he's fit and well, he'll come under consideration like everybody else.

"I think it's important we adopt the same philosophy as we've had before with the likes of Jay Spearing, who could have carried on a little bit longer with his injury but we wanted to get it done and dusted and get him looked after.

"Daniel Agger was the same, Martin Skrtel got a rest last week [in the first leg against Sparta], Martin Kelly got a rest, so I think we've got to be consistent in our approach to things and, if there is any doubt whatsoever, if we can get by without Steven, then we will do. Daniel is fit now, so he's up for consideration."

As for Liverpool's record signing, Andy Carroll, Dalglish says he is still some way off being considered for action but is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a thigh injury.

"He has done everything that has been expected of him up to this time," Dalglish said. "The medical people and ourselves on the football side are delighted with his progress. He's still got a bit to go before he'll be considered for a match but he's probably a little bit ahead of schedule rather than behind schedule."