Carroll Could Make Debut Against United

Andy Carroll is in line to make his Liverpool debut against Manchester United on Sunday while Raul Meireles, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio could also play.

Liverpool's £35million January signing Carroll has been injured since the turn of the year but he trained fully with the first-team for the first time on Tuesday after recovering from his thigh problem.

Manager Kenny Dalglish has indicated that the club signed Carroll with a view to what he can offer as a long-term replacement for Chelsea signing Fernando Torres but he will still be eager to inject the former Newcastle striker into his team after West Ham ended their eight-match unbeaten run on Sunday.

If Carroll is cleared to face United at Anfield he will almost certainly start on the bench. If either Agger (leg) or Aurelio (abductor) can prove their fitness before Sunday, however, they will likely be inserted straight into the team to cover the left back position vacated by Glen Johnson, who will move to the right in place of Martin Kelly. Impressive young right back Kelly is out for a month after injuring his hamstring against West Ham.

Meireles, who joined Kelly in limping off early during the 3-1 loss at Upton Park, is another who will need to be passed fit later in the week if he is to line up against United in a match that will influence the Premier League title race. Meireles has been in hot scoring form for Liverpool so his inclusion would be a boost for Dalglish's injury-hit team.

Path Set To Be Cleared For Liverpool To Sign £10.5m Croatian

Liverpool target Vedran Corluka could reportedly be available for transfer in the summer.

The Tottenham defender will seemingly fall down the pecking order at White Hart Lane next season after The Times revealed that Harry Redknapp will make Kyle Walker his first choice right-back when he returns from a loan spell at Aston Villa.

It was reported last month by the Daily Mail that Liverpool had made an approach for Corluka during the transfer window and tribalfootball went on to claim that the Anfield club had been 'encouraged' to swoop for the Croatian.

Along with Liverpool, Juventus have also been previously tracking the 25-year-old who - despite being valued by transfermarkt.co.uk at £10.5 million - is likely to available for a reduced sum.

Liverpool are known to be in the market for defensive reinforcements when the transfer window reopens in June and the versatile Corluka would be able to provide cover at full-back or in central defence.

However, with Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger and Sotirios Kyrgiakos vying for starting berths in the centre - while Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly fight for the right-back slot - Liverpool may be unable to offer Corluka the regular first team football he so craves.

Liverpool has also been linked with Birmingham's Scott Dann and Villarreal youngster Mateo Musacchio in their pursuit of new recruits.

Liverpool 'Make Offer' For £9m Midfield Warrior

Liverpool has allegedly make an offer for Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila.

According to sources in France - as reported by tribalfootball - the Reds have tabled an offer in the region of £9 million for the Frenchman and are now awaiting a response from the Ligue 1 club.

Liverpool is understood to have been monitoring the 20-year-old for some time in their pursuit of a combative midfielder to add extra steel alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard and Raul Meireles.

The acquisition of Christian Poulsen by the previous Liverpool regime can fairly be deemed a flop and - while Lucas Leiva has enjoyed arguably his best season at Anfield thus far - the Merseyside club are thought to be keen to bring in another tough tackling midfielder.

M'Vila would certainly provide Liverpool with extra midfield protection and - at his young age - would have the potential to develop into an integral member of the Anfield set up.

The France international's style would seemingly be suited to the Barclays Premier League - something he readily admits himself.

"Which league do I watch on TV? The Premier League! It matches my game," he told L'Equipe.

"I'm a big fan of the English state of mind and tackling.

"It is a warrior's game, where you have to show plenty of fighting spirit.

"I like to watch Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea, but also Manchester City."

Liverpool Defender Target 'Considering' €18m Move

Liverpool defender target Micah Richards is reportedly considering a summer switch from Manchester City.

The England international defender is thought to be wanted by a number of Barclays Premier League teams, with Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish one of those keen to sign the player.

Daily Mail reports claim the right back is questioning his future at Eastlands amidst long-term fears at the club, with the paper going on to claim that the Manchester City defender's representatives have made contact with a number of clubs.

It's thought that Liverpool would face competition from Arsenal and Spurs in the race to sign the 22-year-old, and a fee in the region of €18 million would be needed to secure the signature.

Dalglish has hinted at player additions on Merseyside in the summer, with the Liverpool legend looking to spend big again following over £55 million worth of striker additions in January.

NESV, the new owners on Merseyside, proved that they are willing to back the manager financially and are expected to do so again when the Liverpool manager highlights the player's he wants to sign.

Michel Bastos, Jose Enrique and Fabio Coentrao have all been linked with Anfield in recent weeks, although Richards plays on the opposite side of the defence and will offer Liverpool a separate option to the other three.

Reds Hopeful Over Meireles

Liverpool are hopeful that Raul Meireles, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio will all be fit for Sunday's showdown with Manchester United at Anfield.

Meireles hobbled out of last weekend's defeat at West Ham in the early stages of the second half having damaged a knee in a challenge with Scott Parker before half-time.

The injury was a blow for Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish following the Portuguese playmaker's five goals in seven matches prior to the loss at Upton Park.

But first-team coach Steve Clarke has revealed that the substitution was only a precautionary measure and that Meireles could face Premier League leaders United.

"We're hopeful," Clarke told Liverpool's official website.

"He had a little problem with his knee and as a precaution at the start of the second half we thought it was better to take him off.

"That gives him a better chance of being ready for the next game.

"He'll get three or four days on the easier list and then hopefully towards the end of the week we'll be able to put him back in the preparations for the weekend."

Aurelio could be available to face United as the Brazilian is expected back in full training before the end of the week after recovering from an adductor injury.

Dalglish may also be able to call on Agger, with the injury-prone centre-back set to return from the problem which forced him off in the Europa League win over Sparta Prague

Clarke said: "They are both on the easy list at the moment and we're almost sure Fabio Aurelio will join us (in full training) on Thursday, and we're hopeful Daniel will join us on Thursday or Friday at the latest."

Liverpool Contemplate Controversial Gamble On £15m Nomadic Midfielder

Wolfsburg midfielder Diego is never very far from the newspaper headlines, often for as many antics off the pitch as on it.

But the 25-year-old Brazilian international is in the news again, this time the subject of increased transfer speculation linking him with a summer move to Liverpool.

The Reds’ Director of Football Strategy Damien Comolli is said to be a big fan of Diego, who began his promising career in South America at the tender age of 16, making his debut for Santos after graduating from their academy alongside fellow Brazilian stars Elano, Robinho and current Chelsea defender Alex.

Moves to Porto and Juventus never worked out for the eccentric Diego, who has commanded in excess of £40m in transfer fees during his short career, but has by and large failed to live up to his billing.

However, Liverpool have expressed an interest in the player who has showed signs of what he is capable of with his most impressive season coming in the Bundesliga for Werder Bremen where he scored an impressive 22 goals in 39 games.

That sort of form is exactly what Kop fans will be hoping they will see should a move to Anfield be orchestrated.

However, Diego’s off the field antics have tarnished his reputation somewhat and he is seen as a disruptive influence in the dressing room, which may cause Liverpool to approach a potential deal with caution.

Just two weeks ago SkySports.com reported how Diego was suspended by Wolfsburg after defying orders during a recent 1-0 defeat to Hannover when he stepped up, and missed a penalty for his side despite not being the designated taker.

Having said that, he is known for his flair and ability to pull the strings, setting up play for his teammates. A tremendous passer, Diego is also very skillful with the ball at his feet – something that Kenny Dalglish is rumoured to be a huge admirer of.

The Liverpool chief is looking to bring an attacking midfield talent to Anfield to sit behind his newly acquired attacking partnership of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll and the Merseysiders are preparing to table a £15million bid in the summer.

Udinese Keeping Tabs On Liverpool Midfielder Christian Poulsen

Udinese are reportedly closely monitoring Liverpool midfielder Christian Poulsen with the aim of possibly signing him during the summer transfer window.

According to a report in the Liverpool Echo, the 31-year-old is being followed by the Bianconeri, in the hope of joining the Friuli-based club, as a possible replacement for Gokhan Inler, who is linked with a move away to Napoli.

The Denmark international recently stated he would consider his options at the end of the season, but is happy at the Reds despite getting little game time since Kenny Dalglish took over the team.

The Friuli side is ready to make a £3 million offer for the player. His contract with the Merseyside club is set to expire in June 2013.

Poulsen joined the English side last summer from Juventus for £4.5m.

Reds Suffer Defender Injury Blow

Liverpool defender Martin Kelly has been ruled out for a month with a torn hamstring sustained at the weekend.

The 20-year-old has been an ever-present on the right side of defence in the Barclays Premier League since Kenny Dalglish took over as manager in early January.

However, the academy graduate limped off in Sunday's 3-1 defeat at West Ham and will be sidelined for four weeks.

The only consolation for Kelly is that March is a relatively quiet month for the Reds and he is likely to miss Sunday's visit of Manchester United, both legs of Europa League last-16 tie against Portugal's Braga and the trip to Sunderland on March 20.

Reds Bolster Youth Ranks

Liverpool has bolstered their youth ranks by signing 14-year-old Bradford City defender Nial Heaton.

A deal was agreed with the League Two outfit on Tuesday. The Bantams will receive payments based on the teenager's progress.

Youth team coach David Wetherall admitted disappointment at losing such a fine prospect but sees the move as evidence of Bradford's success.

"We have to be realistic about the situation. Part of the success for us is producing players of this quality that benefit the football club financially," he said.

"We are trying to get ourselves in a situation where we no longer have a real need to sell but it’s difficult to stand in players’ way when clubs such as Liverpool come knocking.

"Although myself and Pete [Horne, manager of Bradford's Centre of Excellence] are obviously disappointed that these players won’t be wearing the claret and amber, we’ve a sense of pride that clubs with the quality of Liverpool are interested in them. We’ve got clubs who are interested in other players as well."

Heaton is the third Bantam's youngster to join Liverpool in recent years following Calum Pilkington and Andre Wisdom.

Kenny Dalglish To Work Hard To Repair Damage Of West Ham Defeat

Kenny Dalglish returned to the training ground with Liverpool today on a mission to carry out the “repairs” needed in the wake of his side’s defeat at West Ham.

The preparations will start for Sunday’s crunch clash with Premier League leaders Manchester United at Anfield.

Top of the list will be subjecting his players to a re-run of their miserable performance against the Hammers in a bid to iron out the errors which proved so costly.

No midweek game at least gives the manager the benefit of a full week at Melwood to prepare the Reds for the showdown with United.

“We will sit down and the players can go through the game,” Dalglish said.

“We will have a look and make sure we learn from the mistakes that were made.

“We will look to see where we went wrong and try to repair it.

“The pleasing thing was that the fitness and desire to get back in the game was still there. In the last 20 minutes we played well.

“Collectively we will move forward but we won’t dismiss it. We will get back in and see where we are on Tuesday. A week’s training will do us no harm at all.”

Dalglish will hope for positive news on the injury front. Fabio Aurelio and Daniel Agger both missed last weekend, while Martin Kelly and Raul Meireles limped off at Upton Park.

Liverpool And Arsenal Remain In Hunt To Sign Gervinho

Liverpool and Arsenal have been boosted in the race to sign Ivorian striker Gervinho.

The 23-year-old Lille hitman has been on the radar of a number of Barclays Premier League clubs in recent seasons, with former Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson thought to be keen on the player back in the summer.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has also expressed an interest in the past, with scouts from north London sent to watch the player at the Stade Lille-Metropole on a number of occasions.

It's Liverpool who has most recently been linked with the player though, with IM Scouting reporting that an offer was made at the end of December in an effort to bring the player to Anfield.

"I do not know what will happen at the end of the season, but it is normal that I want to improve and grow as a player," Gervinho told French radio station RMC.

"But now my goal is to fight for Lille to help us qualify for next season's Champions League."

With under 18 months left on the player's contract, talkSPORT reports that Les Douges will do business for a fee in the region of €12m.

This is a similar fee to the one reportedly put on the table by Liverpool back at the end of 2010, although at the time the Ligue 1 outfit were reportedly holding out for €15 million.

It's unknown if Arsenal are in the market for a striker, although injuries at the earlier part of the season exposed a threadbare strike-force at the Emirates.

Robin Van Persie has returned to form, but injury still plagues the Gunners' hitman and Wenger is thought to be unsure over his other Arsenal options.

Both clubs could go head-to head in their efforts to bring the player to England, and it remains unclear as to whether Liverpool or Arsenal appeals most to the player.

Liverpool Locked In Three-Way Battle For Left-Sided Samba Star

Real Madrid and Juventus will face further competition from another European heavyweight in the form of Liverpool in their pursuit for summer additions to their respective squads.

Brazilian international Michel Bastos is the latest player in a long list of targets to be linked with a move to Anfield as the successor to Liverpool’s problem position at left-back.

The 27-year-old Lyon star can operate anywhere down the left hand flank, either as a defender or a midfielder – both of which are positions that Kenny Dalglish is looking to strengthen in the summer.

Liverpool Director of Football Strategy Damien Comolli may favour a move for Bastos as a ‘safer’ option, as he knows the player well from his time spent in France.

The former Lille man has impressed following his €18million move to Lyon in 2009 and is seen as an ideal replacement for the outgoing Paul Konchesky who has been exiled to Championship side Nottingham Forest no sooner after he moved to Anfield just over six month’s ago.

Glenn Johnson has been temporarily deployed as a makeshift left-back with academy graduate Martin Kelly impressing in the right-back berth, but a long-term signing has been made a priority when the transfer window reopens in June.

Manchester United had also expressed an interest in Bastos although they appear to be out of the running after Patrice Evra committed his future to Old Trafford last week when he signed a three-year contract extension.

That news means Madrid - who were one of the clubs keen on luring Evra away from the Barclays Premier League may turn their attention back to Bastos if they fail in a bid to sign Benfica defender Fabio Coentrao, who has also been monitored by Liverpool in recent months.

Shane Long Emerges As Surprise Summer Target

Liverpool are being linked with a shock summer move for Reading striker Shane Long.

The Irish international forward has been in fine form for the Championship outfit this season, and Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is thought to have targeted the player as a potential summer addition.

Long, who scored the winner against Liverpool in Reading's 2-1 FA Cup victory at Anfield last season, has 14 goals to his name this term and is the leading score at the Madejski Stadium for Brian McDermott's outfit.

Joe.ie reports that the player is desperate to ply his trade in the Barclays Premier League, although with Reading only six points outside the play-off places that dream could be realized in Berkshire.

Liverpool spent big on strikers in January, with Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez brought into Merseyside to nulify the exit of Spaniard Fernando Torres.

Dalglish has hinted at strengthening in a number of positions in the summer too, and despite the double striker addition it appears another forward could be on the radar for Liverpool.

A left back is thought to be the club's main priority though, and the Liverpool squad is set for a major revamp in the summer.

Oscar Wendt 'Top Target' for Liverpool Left Back Role

With Paul Konchesky, Emiliano Insua and Fabio Aurelio all seeming unlikely to fill the first-team role in the future and Glen Johnson playing out of position, Liverpool's need to bring in a left back in the summer is no secret.

Emilio Izaguirre and a host of others have been floated as possible options, but now, reports in the Swedish press have revealed that FC Copenhagen's Oscar Wendt is the "top target" for the position, according to talkSPORT.

The 25-year-old Swedish international would come at a great price, as he is available for a free transfer this summer, though his strong performances for club and country have also brought about the interest of Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Liverpool scout Jakob Friis-Hansen has apparently evaluated Wendt and has confirmed interest, reports Sport.co.uk.

Liverpool Line Up Move To Sign Barcelona Youngster On Loan

Liverpool are lining up a move to sign Barcelona youngster Bojan Krkic on a season long loan next term with a view to making such a move permanent on the completion of the initial temporary deal. The Nou Camp side is reticent to sell the talented attacker but is also aware that the Spanish international is growing increasingly disenchanted by his lack of first team football.

Anfield Director of Football Damien Comolli, who helped bring Giovani to Tottenham from Barcelona during his spell at White Hart Lane, is a big fan of the 20 year old starlet who has become something of a cult hero at the Catalan giants and believes he can convince Pep Guardiola to allow the loan move to become a reality.

Bojan is now in his fourth season in the Barca first team set up and is arguably no nearer securing a regular first team spot with the likes of David Villa and the up and coming wide man Pedro forcing themselves ahead of him in the pecking order. The recent arrival of Dutch international Ibrahim Afellay has further restricted his playing time and things look likely to come to a head in the summer.

Though Bojan is tied down to a long term contract it is thought that loaning the pint sized striker, who also plays effectively out wide, is an idea that Barcelona are willing to entertain as it would in many ways kills two birds with one stone. More playing time will help appease a player who clearly wants to make it at the La Liga champions whilst also helping to hone his skills with competitive football.

Liverpool could well do with more attacking options as apart from new signings Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll the Merseyside club’s fire-power is seemingly non-existent. Whilst Dirk Kuyt can pitch in with important goals he is by no means prolific and the likes of David N’Gog, Milan Jovanovic and Joe Cole have alls failed to shine at the club.

John Aldridge: Martin Kelly Will Be A Big Loss For Liverpool FC

It was sad to see Martin Kelly limping off at Upton Park.

I really feel for the young defender because he’s been playing so well.

I’m a big fan of Kelly – what you see is what you get with him. He’s a 100 per center and it was typical that he pulled his hamstring going full pelt down the wing.

Kelly has been linked with an England call-up and it was no surprise to see Fabio Capello at Anfield last week to watch him.

Anyone who is keeping England’s regular right-back out of that position for his club has to be worth a look.

Capello has talked about how he’s building for the future and I’m sure Kelly is going to be a part of that.

I’ve got no doubt he’s got the quality to make the step up to international football.

My only worry is that he’s had a few of these injuries. I just hope he can get over them because he’s an exciting talent.

Christian Poulsen Keen To Remain At Liverpool

Liverpool midfielder Christian Poulsen has revealed he has every intention of remaining at the Merseyside club.

The former Sevilla and Juventus player has failed to make an impact at the Reds, and has been linked with a move to Danish side Copenhagen at season's end.

"At the end of the season, I will evaluate what to do about my future," the 31-year-old told The Daily Star. "There are many factors to take into consideration.

"I am happy here, as is my family. I have the full support of the side."

The Denmark international has played 12 matches for the English side this campaign, but has struggled to find a starting XI spot since Kenny Dalglish took over the club from Roy Hodgson.

Poulsen joined the team from the Bianconeri for £4.5 million. Liverpool currently sit in sixth position on 39 points.

Liverpool FC Reserves Go Top After Pacheco And Suso Get On The Scoresheet

Spanish duo Suso and Dani Pacheco fired Liverpool Reserves to the top of the Barclays Premier Reserve League North table after a 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers on Monday night.

John McMahon’s side leapfrogged Sunderland after goals in each half from the Spanish forwards.

Liverpool dominated for much of the first half but couldn’t find a way through in the early stages, despite Tom Ince and Steve Irwin both going close.

But on 25 minutes Liverpool took the lead. Jay Spearing and Ince sent Gerardo Bruna down the right-hand side of the area and he then played it inside for Suso to poke a low shot past Blackburn keeper Jake Kean.

Blackburn tried to hit back but Liverpool were unlucky not to add to their goal when Nikola Saric sent Ince through but he was denied by brilliant recovering tackle from Jackson Ramm.

Emmanuel Mendy blocked well from a Tom Hitchcock effort and Zak Aley went close with a header from a corner.

Liverpool gave a debut to Conor Thomas, the England youth international on loan from Coventry, as he replaced Spearing with 20 minutes left.

Then with seven minutes Pacheco sealed the points when he found space in the area before firing an excellent left-footed strike beyond the helpless Kean in the Blackburn goal.

Ince had three chances in the last few minutes to make the scoreline more emphatic, but on each occasion he was stopped by keeper Kean.

But in the end the two goals were enough to seal victory.

Match Report: West Ham United 3 - 1 Liverpool

West Ham produced arguably their best display of the season to haul themselves back off the bottom of the Premier League and all but end Liverpool's faint Champions League hopes.

Goals from Scott Parker, Demba Ba - rapidly developing into one of the signings of the January transfer window - and Carlton Cole secured a 3-1 win at Upton Park and kept the pressure on the Hammers' relegation rivals.

Glen Johnson pulled one back for Liverpool but their late rally was in vain as their revival under Kenny Dalglish suffered its first major setback.

The defeat left the Reds eight points behind fourth-placed Tottenham having played a game more, while Avram Grant was able to celebrate a result that moved the Hammers level on points with fourth-bottom Wolves.

The hosts certainly did not lack for confidence in the opening moments, Thomas Hitzlsperger - making his Premier League debut for the club - unleashing an outrageous 40-yard volley that flew into the arms of Jose Reina.

A minute later, Raul Meireles looped a header wide from the fit-again Steven Gerrard's pinpoint 50-yard ball before Martin Skrtel was booked for tripping Frederic Piquionne in full flight.

Meireles also fired straight at Robert Green, Gary O'Neil's shot hit a Liverpool defender and Glen Johnson saw a header from a corner blocked before the game settled down.

A Hitzlsperger rocket was again too close to Reina before Parker showed the kind of precision his team-mate had been lacking to give West Ham a 22nd-minute lead.

He and Hitzlsperger played a neat one-two on the edge of the box and Parker floated a delightful finish right into the far corner with the outside of his foot.

Dirk Kuyt hit the side netting from 20 yards following a lightning Liverpool break when team-mates were arguably better placed.

The recalled Piquionne then sent a wicked ball across the six-yard box, which just evaded Ba.

Liverpool struggled to respond, Luis Suarez repeatedly coming off second best in his personal battle with the impressive James Tomkins.

Right-back Martin Kelly's low drive was too close to Green as the interval approached, while Mark Noble curled a free-kick wide at the other end.

Liverpool suffered another blow when Kelly pulled a hamstring and was replaced by Joe Cole, Dalglish switching his formation from 5-3-2 to 4-4-2.

That was not the end of their woes, with the unmarked Ba powering home a header on the stroke of half-time from O'Neil's cross.

Liverpool began the second half on top but nevertheless made a quick change when David Ngog came on for Meireles.

With Wolves having won 4-0 yesterday, West Ham needed another goal to climb out of the drop zone and Ba almost provided it when he drilled inches wide from 25 yards.

Tomkins, Piquionne and Ba were all close to connecting with a corner as the home side hit back.

But they had Green to thank for preserving their two-goal lead when Suarez finally beat Tomkins with a quick turn and unleashed a rising drive which the goalkeeper tipped behind.

Piquionne missed a glorious chance to kill the game when he glanced Noble's corner wide midway through the half but West Ham's commitment was summed up when Parker threw himself in front of a goalbound Gerrard shot.

Gerrard was making his presence felt and Green tipped a dipping volley over the bar from the England star.

Reina had to be equally alert to beat Ba to the ball from a Hammers break but he almost produced an absolute howler when he spilt Piquionne's shot goalwards before recovering.

It was all Liverpool at this stage and Grant responded by withdrawing Piquionne for Jonathan Spector after Cole had mishit a volley for the visitors.

But the Reds' pressure paid off six minutes from time when Suarez crossed for Johnson to tap into an unguarded net.

West Ham ran down the clock by bringing on Cole for Ba - although time-wasting was the last thing on the substitute's mind as he left Skrtel in a heap and drilled home at Reina's near post in stoppage-time.

There was still time for Suarez to test Green again but the points had already been lost.

Kenny Dalglish Wants Team To Learn From Mistakes

Disappointed Kenny Dalglish has urged Liverpool to learn from their mistakes after their eight-match unbeaten run was brought to a shuddering halt.

First-half goals from Scott Parker and Demba Ba sent West Ham United on their way a convincing 3-1 victory at Upton Park yesterday.

Glen Johnson's 84th-minute strike – his second goal of the season against his former club – did threaten a comeback until Carlton Cole's injury-time clincher.

And Dalglish has warned his players there can be no repeat of the failings that gave Liverpool too large a task to overcome after the interval.

“The last 20 or 25 minutes we started to play a wee bit like we can,” said the Anfield manager.

“We got the goal near the end and we thought we might steal a point, but then Carlton scored. There were a couple of shouts for a penalty, things that are outside our control that you can’t manage, but we’ll try and correct the mistakes we made today.

“I don’t know if it was an aftermath to Thursday night, but we just didn’t seem as good as we have been.

“We still had a few opportunities up and around their box. Obviously we’re disappointed at losing, but it was the way we played as well. Don’t take any credit from West Ham, though.”

Injuries to Martin Kelly and Raul Meireles added to the gloom for Dalglish, although the Liverpool manager was pleased to see Steven Gerrard return from a three-match absence and Johnson recover from an Achilles problem.

The game came too soon for Andy Carroll, with Dalglish refusing to rush the £35million into his debut having been sidelined since December by a thigh complaint.

“We’re analyzing Andy every day,” said the Scot. “He’s better than bang on schedule. We never pencilled in a date when he’d play.

“If he’s okay, then as soon as he is he’ll be involved.

“We just have to wait and see. There’s been nothing that’s happened since he came in that’s had an adverse effect on his progress.

“We never had him in mind for this game.”

Remarkably, yesterday's defeat was only Liverpool's sixth in their last 47 meetings with West Ham.