Kenny Dalglish Hints At Signing Wide Players In The Summer

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has hinted that he could bring in wide players during the summer.

The Scot signed Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in January from Ajax and Newcastle United respectively, and could now invest in wingers to provide service to the strike duo.

"That’s something we will analyze," Dalglish said, according to The Mirror.

"Andy is part of our team, so is Luis Suarez so we need to get players who complement them.

"Whatever we need we will go for."

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Aston Villa's Ashley Young in the past, with Manchester United also reported to be interested in acquiring the services of the England international, and are also rumoured to be weighing up a summer bid for Wolves winger Matt Jarvis.

Dirk Kuyt Calls For Referees To Give Andy Carroll More Protection

Dirk Kuyt has claimed his fellow Liverpool forward Andy Carroll lost his composure at West Bromwich Albion due to a lack of protection from the referee, Martin Atkinson.

Kuyt was among several Liverpool players who sought to calm Carroll at The Hawthorns, where the towering £35m striker was infuriated by several decisions that went against him during his side's 2-1 defeat.

The Holland international said: "I thought the referee was right with the two penalty decisions but it appears that referees have problems with things our strikers are doing – it was the same with Fernando [Torres]. Every time they go up in the air, they seem to have free-kicks given against them and I don't think the way Andy was treated was very fair.

"It is very frustrating as you see strikers on other teams doing exactly the same thing yet they don't get punished. It's difficult to understand sometimes and referees need to look at the situation. That's why Andy was so frustrated during the game. He felt he should have got a couple of free-kicks. We spoke to him just to try and help him calm down."

Kuyt is expected to sign a 12-month extension to his Liverpool contract in the coming days. The club is also waiting to discover the full extent of Steven Gerrard's latest groin injury amid concerns he faces another extended spell on the sidelines having aggravated a problem in training on Friday.

Liverpool Track £12m 'Japanese Maradona'

Japanese playmaker Keisuke Honda is top of Liverpool's wanted list with the club ready to launch a £12 million for the CSKA Moscow player, according to caughtoffside.com.

The 24-year-old stared for Japan at last year's World Cup as they progressed to the second round in South Africa, which has led to comparisons with Maradona, such is his skill and awareness on the ball.

Despite attracting plenty of attention during the tournament, Honda stayed put in Russia, but now is expected to make the next step up, with Liverpool ready to make him a Premier League player this summer.

Director of Football Damien Comolli has placed the playmaker at the top of his preferred midfield targets, with Liverpool still searching for someone to service striker Andy Carroll.

Liverpool have been linked with a host of midfielders of late, with Ashley Young, Charlie Adam and Matt Jarvis all strongly tipped to join the club this summer, along with the Japanese starlet.

The former Grampus Eight man is expected to fetch £12 million and with Juventus and Marseille both reportedly interested, the Anfield club has competition for his signature.

Liverpool Starlet Drops Huge Hint To 'King Kenny'

Liverpool starlet Daniel Pacheco gave a timely reminder to Kenny Dalglish on loan debut for Norwich City.

The versatile Spaniard has joined the promotion push at Carrow Road, with the Reds boss allowing the 20-year-old to gain valuable first team experience in the Championship.

It was a debut to remember for the forward, who can also play in the attacking midfield position, with a handful of assists and some impressive passes drawing rave reviews from pundits and management alike.

“The tempo of the game was great, the new lads have certainly given the place a lift and the way we played was excellent. I thought his debut was as good as I’ve seen. I thought he was brilliant, he lifted the crowd," Lambert said on Pacheco's performance.

“The hype about him was over the top. People thought he was just going to come in here like Lionel Messi. He’s only a 20-year-old kid learning the game, but I thought his performance was fantastic.”

Pacheco has had limited opportunities in the first team at Anfield, making a total of 14 appearances for Liverpool since his debut for the club in December 2009.

Regarded as a potential star of the future, Pacheco joined the Merseysiders from Barcelona back in 2007 and quickly graduated through the club's academy and reserve sides.

His first team breakthrough has been less emphatic, but Liverpool are still hoping for big things from the Spanish U21 international and will see his loan move as a progressive step in the career ladder.

If the debut performance is anything to go by, then the Liverpool starlet has a bright future ahead of him, and could become a Canaries cult hero if he helps fire the East Anglian outfit into the Barclays Premier League.

Alberto Aquilani To Know Juventus Future 'Soon'

Juventus midfielder Alberto Aquilani says he is focused on doing well for the Bianconeri rather than his future with the Turin club.

The 26-year-old signed a season-long loan from Liverpool, but there has been recent discussion suggesting the midfielder may return to the Reds, as the Bianconeri refuse to meet the €16 million fee wanted by the English club.

Aquilani has been in good form, and has been rewarded with a recall to the Italy national team, recently playing against Slovenia and Ukraine.

"I have been playing well for a while," he told the club's official website. "The performances of the individual have been overshadowed by the club's results.

"But this Juventus side is maturing and getting better.

"I will know my future soon. For the moment, I aim to finish the season off well and will be giving it my all, as Juventus has given me a chance to return to Italy and regain the Azzurri jersey," he concluded.

Juventus currently sit in seventh position on 48 points.

Liverpool Tipped To Make Move For La Liga Wing Star

Valencia will do everything in their power to keep hold of Juan Mata this summer as Liverpool and Manchester City reportedly chase the winger.

Having been forced to cash-in on David Villa and David Silva last summer, Los Che are reluctant to lose another of their star turns when the transfer window reopens, despite reports in Spain suggesting Mata is gathering interest from England.

According to skysports.com, Liverpool is one of the clubs pursuing the 25-year-old while City have allegedly already made contact over a potential summer swoop.

However, Valencia president Manuel Llorente says he has no intention of letting the Spain international leave the Mestalla.

"The kid is un-negotiable because he is a key man in our project," Llorente told Provincias.

City are reportedly keen to see Mata link up with former teammate Silva at Eastlands, although the player's father has moved to quash speculation that talks have already been held with the Manchester club.

Juan Mata Snr said: "I have not spoken with City."

Meanwhile, Liverpool is known to be in the market for more potent wide options and appear to have identified Mata as a potential acquisition.

More likely, however, would be the purchase of Aston Villa attacker Ashley Young, who has been widely linked with a move to Liverpool - even more so in recent days.

The Mirror reports that Liverpool is chasing Young and Wolves' Matt Jarvis to provide extra penetration on the flanks and link up with record-signing Andy Carroll.

Liverpool director of football strategy has already been outed as a fan of Young and has previously admitted the Reds would be interested in the 25-year-old should Villa be prepared to sell.

But, according to the Daily Mail, Liverpool will have to go toe-to-to with fierce rivals Manchester United if they hope to bring him to Anfield.

Anfield Debate

The enigma of Liverpool's proposed new stadium resurfaced last week in the wake of the club's newly-promoted managing director, Ian Ayre, repeating his preference to sell the naming rights.

Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), have been taking their time over a decision between a construction of a home in Stanley Park, or the redevelopment and expansion of Anfield.

Existing planning permission consents from Liverpool City Council (LCC) are due to expire later in April and in June, which adds expectation on a critically-important selection.

The process has received much scrutiny ever since Liverpool's former co-owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, failed to construct a replacement for Anfield, particularly after what has since become an infamous statement about spades going in the ground.

Architecturally-advised redesigns, the global recession and debates over a potential ground-share with Everton delayed Hicks and Gillett's plans, but the American pair were, of course, dramatically bought out by compatriots FSG last autumn.

Liverpool's new principal owner, John Henry, and chairman, Tom Werner, cited the stadium issue following their takeover in mid-October and it remains a topic of debate in their grand plan to restore the glory days of the 18-time champions of England and five-time kings of Europe.

It was thought that the approved plans for a 60,000-seater new stadium in Stanley Park, which had been favoured by Hicks and Gillett, would be followed by FSG. But in February, having been influenced by the atmosphere and nostalgia upon visiting Anfield, Henry hinted that he could expand or redevelop what has been Liverpool's famous home since 1892.

It is a difficult decision for FSG and information obtained by skysports.com from LCC illustrates that planning permission, community impact and travel links are among a number of factors that need to be taken into account.

Hicks and Gillett preferred a new stadium in Stanley Park, adjacent to Anfield, because it guaranteed increases in capacity and corporate hospitality opportunities, while the construction period would not interfere with the current stadium attendance and, as a result, matchday revenue.

LCC has granted consent on two alternative plans for a 60,000-seater stadium in Stanley Park, one by AFL Architects in 2006 and a second, most recently commissioned by Hicks and Gillett in 2008, by Ryder HKS.

But the consent for AFL's plans expires on 12th April, 2011. Ryder's consent expires on 19th June, 2011.

The schemes have included a number of commitments to the restoration of Stanley Park, which have already taken place, including landscaping and public facilities. There are also future pledges to traffic management and monitoring, public football pitches, tennis courts and a multi-use games area.

The necessary demolition of existing properties 47-71 on Anfield Road has already happened. At the same time, Outline Planning Permission (OPP), which agrees the basic principles of plans with some items still to be agreed, has been granted for the development of an 'Anfield Plaza' on the site of the current Anfield. The Plaza would incorporate a residential scheme, offices, retail, a hotel, and ensure there is no loss in public open space.

Ryder's plans include much the same as AFL, but also propose a club museum and shop, and a screened car park. Both the AFL and Ryder schemes require Liverpool to deliver improved transport links, including park and ride spaces and 17 Football Match Parking Zones (FMPZ), with the latter catering for residents on a permit-only basis, due to the increase in stadium capacity and a determination to avoid additional matchday car journeys.

The FMPZ already exist. If the park and ride spaces are not delivered, consent only allows a stadium capacity of 51,900. But for every 500 park and ride spaces provided the capacity would increase by 1,350 to a maximum of 60,000.

A new stadium would likely include a version of The Kop in an attempt to maintain the atmosphere of the existing Anfield, while, as much as fans may disapprove, Ayre's maintained stance on selling stadium naming rights could generate an estimated income of £120million-plus.

The debate regarding the impact of a new stadium on the surrounding community is a talking point. Opposing perspectives, which include that of the English Heritage body, balance the pros and cons of losing public parkland against the need, and the much-disputed capability, for a private-commercial venture to ensure suitable benefits for the Walton constituency with regards to history, housing, visual amenity, business, employment, open space and facilities.

Planning permission has yet to be submitted to LCC for any redevelopment or expansion of the current Anfield stadium. An expansion of 15,000 seats from a current 45,000 capacity and an increase of hospitality suites for increased corporate opportunities would be anticipated.

This would likely be achieved by building additional tiers on top of the Anfield Road Stand, Centenary Stand and Main Stand, while The Kop would remain untouched to preserve its prestige. A greater number of executive/corporate hospitality boxes are vitally important because this is where Liverpool have a significant deficit when compared to the likes of Old Trafford or Emirates Stadium.

Increasing the size of Anfield's current stands, which still have areas of restricted viewing, and improving the included facilities and access would also be expected to earn a higher rating in Uefa regulations.

Expanding Anfield would be favoured by most fans, who view the stadium as a part of the club's DNA. But the obvious hindrance to remaining at Anfield would be that there would be limited potential for expansion beyond 60,000 if so desired in the future.

Staying at Anfield would be subject to planning permission, and this would probably consider factors such as Right To Light in a congested urban area, while Anfield Road itself would likely require redirection.

The commitment to transport links, such as park and ride, would still be essential to cater for the increase in capacity.

Expansion would lead to a significant amount of interference to Anfield in the construction/building period in the coming seasons, when capacity, resulting matchday revenue and atmosphere would all be damaged. These could ultimately drive the cost up above that of constructing a new stadium.

Title Bid On As Reds Sink United

Adam Morgan continued his hot streak in front of goal as Liverpool U18s clinched an impressive 2-1 win at Manchester United on Monday afternoon.

The Reds' No. 9 struck for the 10th match in succession as he took his tally for the season to 16 in all competitions with a clinical opener.

Tom Lawrence did restore parity for the hosts soon after but an own goal from Alberto Massacci in first-half injury time proved enough to clinch all three points for Rodolfo Borrell's side.

The youngsters went into the contest with a double incentive; to avenge last month's FA Youth Cup exit and close the gap on leaders Everton.

The Toffees had edged further clear at the summit of Academy League Group C with a victory at the weekend and Borrell would have been looking for his side to respond following a 4-2 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest last time out.

The contest got off to a typically cagey start and there were few moments of any real quality until the 15th minute when Morgan turned well 25 yards from goal and fired in a shot that was deflected just wide of the near post.

The chance seemed to give Liverpool the impetus to step up their usual passing game and eight minutes later they stole ahead.

A bright interchange between Michael Ngoo and Krisztian Adorjan ended with the Hungarian rolling a well weighted pass into the path of Morgan and he made no mistake with a cool finish.

The hosts had done very little as an attacking force but on 31 minutes they finally carved out an opening. Paul Pogba did brilliantly to cut the ball back from the left hand byline but JacK Rudge saw his side footer drift inches off target.

If it was a warning then the visitors did not take heed of it and within 60 seconds they were punished.

A ball was fed into the edge of the box for Lawrence. The winger did brilliantly to back spin his flick in behind Stephen Sama and when he reached it ahead of the Reds defender, he showed good composure to toe poke an equalizer under Jamie Stephens.

It looked like being the last of the goal action in the opening 45 minutes but deep into stoppage time Liverpool restored their lead courtesy of a huge slice of fortune.

Adam Hajdu flashed a dangerous right-wing cross into the area where Massacci contrived to bullet a firm header beyond his own 'keeper.

In truth it was no more than the away team deserved and they continued to make the better of the chances following the interval.

First Ngoo and Sterling combined to tee up Morgan but the striker was crowded out just when he looked set to make it three.

Then a typically mazy run from Ngoo ended with a curler that missed the top corner by inches after Charni Ekangamene had forced Jamie Stephens to pull off a superb save following a blockbusting volley.

United had done little to suggest they could find a way back into the contest but almost did just that when substitute William Keane snatched at a gilt-edged chance on the hour mark.

With time running out Liverpool continued to look the more likely but they couldn't add to their margin of victory despite going close via Adorjan's shot off the post.

Shelvey Figures In Villa Defeat

Jonjo Shelvey played for almost an hour as Liverpool Reserves crashed to a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa at Villa Park on Monday night.

The midfielder made his first appearance since early February as he continues his recovery from a knee injury, but was unable to prevent the Reds from slipping to a loss in the Midlands.

The reserves made a dominant start, but were made to pay for a succession of missed chances as Marc Albrighton put the hosts into the lead just after the half-hour mark with a well-taken volley.

Gary Gardner doubled Villa's advantage three minutes before half-time when he netted from the penalty spot after Andre Wisdom's foul on Harry Forrester in the box and the home side's No.10 headed his second of the evening shortly after the break to make it three.

Shelvey exited the action on 56 minutes just prior to Toni Silva reducing the deficit with a fine solo effort.

However, despite their best efforts, Liverpool was unable to breach Villa's defence again making it a night to forget at Villa Park.

The second string went into the game searching for their first win under the command of Pep Segura.

The Spaniard had overseen two narrow defeats and a battling mini-derby draw in his opening three matches, but his hopes of securing a maiden victory were boosted by the inclusion of first-team players Shelvey and David Ngog in the starting XI.

It was to be Shelvey's first appearance since figuring as a substitute in the senior side's 2-0 win against Stoke City on February 4 after picking up a knee injury.

There was an additional pre-match boost for Liverpool after news reached Villa Park of Chelsea's 2-0 triumph over Blackburn Rovers earlier in the day, meaning the Reds could close the gap on the Lancashire side at the top of the Barclays Premier Reserve League North to just three points with a victory.

And Segura's contingent almost made a dream start to the contest as Ngog burst beyond Nathan Baker before crossing for Tom Ince, whose close-range effort was saved by the sprawling Andy Marshall inside 30 seconds.

The Villa stopper had to be alert to keep out Shelvey's curler moments later as Liverpool quickly assumed control of the contest.

Then, on 10 minutes, Ince spurned another gilt-edged chance when the winger was sent surging through on Marshall's goal by Suso's pin-point through pass, only to see his low strike repelled by the legs of the diving 'keeper.

The best Villa could muster in the opening exchanges was a wayward volley from Moustapha Salifou that failed to concern Martin Hansen.

On 26 minutes, Ngog's swivel and strike on the edge of the box almost found the top corner but Villa were millimetres away from taking the lead soon after when a slick move between Gary Gardner and Forrester sliced open the Reds rearguard and resulted in the latter crashing a shot against the bar from 10 yards.

However, they did break the deadlock on 31 minutes. Forrester ghosted into the area to collect Ellis Deeney's reverse pass before delivering a deep cross to the back post, where the unmarked Albrighton was able to steer a first-time volley beyond the reach of Hansen.

The striker then lofted an effort onto the roof of the net as the hosts began to dictate.

And their pressure was rewarded three minutes before the break when Andre Wisdom's push on Forrester inside the box saw Villa awarded a penalty.

Gardner took responsibility and made no mistake in dispatching beyond Hansen from the spot to send the Midlanders in two goals to the good at the break.

Any hopes Liverpool had of staging a similar fight back to the one that secured a point in the recent mini derby were dealt a blow moments after the re-start when Villa extended their lead even further.

Albrighton collected possession on the right corner of the Reds' box and his delivery towards the back post made Gardner's task of heading home from close range a simple one.

But Silva reduced the arrears on 57 minutes when the Portuguese forward danced beyond two defenders before stabbing into the bottom corner.

Ngog then cannoned a strike against the legs of Baker and Silva headed over when well placed as Liverpool threatened a second goal.

With 13 minutes left on the Villa Park scoreboard, Emmanuel Mendy's cross intended for the head of Ngog rattled the frame of the goal and bounced to safety, while Suso's clever free-kick carved out a shooting chance for Ince, who struck over.

Matty Regan wasted a good chance at the death as Villa retained their two-goal advantage to seal the win.

Despite the result, Liverpool remain just six points off table-toppers Blackburn with two games in hand - though they'll require a much-improved display against Bolton next time out.

Carroll Struggles With Liverpool's Inability To Set Up Supply Lines

Shortly after Stan Collymore joined Liverpool, for a then-record £8.5m in 1995, he gave an interview in which he observed that most companies, if they spent millions on a new piece of equipment, would have had a plan as to how they were going to use it. Liverpool, Collymore said, had bought him without realizing his style of play and theirs were incompatible. The partnership did not last long.

At first glance the club would seem to have made the same mistake with their latest record signing, Andy Carroll, for Liverpool have a squad which is totally unsuited to the centre-forward's strengths.

For much of their first defeat to West Bromwich Albion in three decades on Saturday, Liverpool were narrow and devoid of any crossing capability. Largely through injury and lack of alternatives Kenny Dalglish mostly deployed four centre-halves in defence, and three central midfielders and a striker in midfield. There were wingers on the pitch, and overlapping full-backs, but they all played for West Brom.

As a result Carroll's aerial strength was negated in open play. "Carroll is an excellent player," said Roy Hodgson, Albion's manager, "one of those who is a real handful when the ball is played into the penalty area." He added that when facing such players "you have to accept you won't win every ball" but should focus on the knock-downs and flick-ons, and keep them away from the box.

Hodgson said Albion had concentrated on preventing a supply of crosses – a task made easier by their opponents' lack of width. As a consequence Liverpool began to play long, towards Carroll's head but, observed Hodgson, "were struggling to get their midfield players up in support of the long balls". It was, he concluded, "a really satisfying performance for us tactically."

Dalglish bristled when it was put to him that Liverpool played long, and he correctly noted that Abion's second penalty followed "a launch which travelled 50 yards", adding there was nothing wrong with hitting the long ball at times. Liverpool's problem was that it was done too often and without appropriate support for Carroll.

With Raul Meireles drifting inside, Dalglish eventually sent Luis Suarez on to the left wing but Carroll remained unserviced. That, however, will not be the case next season, insisted Dalglish "We signed Andy Carroll for five-and-a-half years, not for three weeks. [In the summer] we'll analyse what we need. Andy is going to be part of our team, so is Suarez, so we need a combination of players who are going to be complementary to what we have."

For now Dalglish must make do with what he has, and his squad has been further depleted by the loss of Glen Johnson (hamstring tear), Daniel Agger (knee) and Steven Gerrard (a new groin problem). With none likely to return quickly, Liverpool's pursuit of fifth, and a place in Europe, may fade. They had looked like closing the gap on Spurs when Martin Skrtel headed in Meireles' corner early in the second period but Peter Odemwingie twice outwitted Sotirios Kyrgiakos to win a brace of penalties converted by Chris Brunt.

For Albion the task remains avoiding relegation – with 36 points they are four clear of the drop zone with seven matches remaining. "This is an important win psychologically but I think relegation will remain in question until the last game," said Hodgson, who added: "I feel the magical 40 points safety mark will be well and truly shattered this season."

Liverpool FC Will Bounce Back Against Man City, Says Jay Spearing

Jay Spearing believes Liverpool will take out their frustration on Manchester City at Anfield next Monday night.

The Reds’ European hopes were dented by a disappointing 2-1 defeat at West Brom on Saturday.

“We will never give up the fight for Europe and there are still plenty of points to play for,” the midfielder said.

“With Tottenham only drawing it was a great opportunity to close the gap but it was a massive disappointment for ourselves.

“When Martin Skrtel got our first goal we thought we were in a great position to get the three points, but we just stopped playing and a couple of lapses in concentration cost us.

“We were disappointed with our performance on Saturday but we need a big response against Manchester City.

“We know we are good enough to beat them and we will be giving it everything we have got to make that happen.”

Liverpool Target Sylvain Marveaux Closer To Free Anfield Switch

Liverpool are reportedly closing in on a deal for French winger Sylvain Marveaux.

The Rennes star has rejected a new deal at the Ligue 1 club, and is poised to make a free summer switch amidst interest from a host of club across Europe.

Kenny Dalglish has been linked with the player for several months now, and the Sunday Mirror claims that Liverpool are 'set to secure' the player's signature on a free transfer under the Bosman Ruling.

Damien Comolli, director of football at Anfield, has been monitoring the situation at the Route de Lorient for some time, and is a known admirer of the versatile winger.

The national newspaper report goes on to claim the Frenchman is moving quickly to tie up a deal for the player as competition to Liverpool grows for the signature both in England and abroad.

24-year-old Marveaux has made over 100 league appearances for the club after graduating from the youth team in 2006, and was capped 11 times at Under 21 level for Les Bleus.

The versatile midfielder can play on either flank, and with Dalglish known to be in the market for a winger it's no surprise that the link has grown stronger between Liverpool and the player.

A left back, striker and defensive midfielder are also thought to be on the agenda at Anfield, with the Scottish boss looking to spend in the summer as he puts his own stamp on the team at Liverpool.

It's the wing position that has led to much speculation though, with Ashley Young, Matt Jarvis and Eden Hazard all thought to be on a shortlist of players being put together by the Reds.

Marveaux's free availability makes him an attractive target for a number of clubs, although club owners Fenway Sports Group proved in January that they are willing to back the manager financially in the transfer market.

Dalglish is poised for a busy summer come the end of the season, but with Comolli eager to secure the signing of his compatriot, Marveaux could become one of the first to join the Reds were they able to secure a pre-contract agreement in the coming weeks.

Liverpool Plot To 'Hijack' Milan Move For Spanish Defender

Liverpool are reportedly prepared to go toe-to-toe with AC Milan in pursuit of Newcastle defender Jose Enrique.

According to the Sunday Mirror, Milan are confident they can land the Spaniard with the lure of Champions League football, but Liverpool are ready to ‘hijack’ the Italian giants’ swoop for the 25-year-old.

It was initially reported by talkSPORT that Liverpool were set to complete a deal for Enrique when the summer transfer window reopens, but it now appears they will have their work cut out to land the highly-rated full-back.

Liverpool is known to be in the market for a permanent fixture at left-back, with the Anfield club relatively light in that area at the present time.

The departure of Paul Konchesky - albeit temporarily - from Anfield has left Liverpool short on options at full-back and the acquisition of reinforcements remains a priority for the Merseyside club.

Glen Johnson has been deployed on the left by Kenny Dalglish of late, but the Liverpool boss is after a more long-term solution and a host of potential signings have been linked with the seemingly problematic role.

Liverpool are also allegedly after Celtic's Emilio Izaguirre and former Kop favourite John Arne Riise, and the signing of recognized full-back is high on the Reds’ summer to do list.

Gerrard And Agger May Miss Out On Reds' Run-In

Liverpool may be without both Steven Gerrard and Daniel Agger for the final seven games of the season as the injury crisis afflicting Kenny Dalglish's side deepened before, during and after this defeat.

Gerrard underwent groin surgery last month and had been in line to return against West Brom, but Dalglish revealed that his captain had suffered a recurrence in training on Friday.

Dalglish said the latest injury was "in the same area of his groin but not the same thing," but it is feared that Gerrard may not recover from the setback in time to feature in any of the remaining games this campaign.

Agger, meanwhile, was substituted in the first half -- along with Glen Johnson -- after sustaining a tendon injury and reports in Denmark yesterday suggested the problem would put an end to the defender's troubled season.

Dalglish is already without Martin Kelly for the remainder of the campaign, while Fabio Aurelio and Johnson have been plagued by niggling complaints.

Reds 'Keeper Can't Handle Suarez And Carroll

Liverpool goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi says Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll provide him with plenty of work to do in training.

Although they have yet to fire in unison, Suarez and Carroll have been backed to form a devastating partnership for the Reds sooner rather than later and have already shown glimpses of what they have to offer as a front pairing.

Gulacsi, who joined Liverpool from MTK Hungaria in 2007, knows first-hand how potent the strike duo can be, and the 20-year-old has revealed the £58 million men keep him busy at Melwood.

"People can see how good they are and Luis and Andy are always a real threat for any defence," Gulacsi told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"Andy can keep hold of the ball so well and can challenge for everything, Luis can play just behind him and he has a lot of skill.

"I'm sure both of them will have a great future at Liverpool and they can be a big help for us now in our push for a European place.

"It's difficult facing them in training as both are fantastic players. Luis is really tricky and you don't know what to expect when he faces you.

"You have to be ready for the challenge as he has a powerful shot. I have to say they have scored a few goals past me in training!

"I always have some good banter with Luis on the training ground because I always tell him I am going to keep a clean sheet against him.

"When he scores he comes up to me and gives me a little bit of stick! That's happened a few times I have to say."

Jones Rubbishes Reds Exit Talk

On-loan goalkeeper Brad Jones has rubbished reports he is set to leave Liverpool in the summer.

The Australian signed from Middlesbrough for £2.3million last August as a back-up to Jose Reina but has played just twice, in the Carling Cup defeat at home to Northampton and the Europa League against Utrecht in December.

He was loaned out to Championship side Derby and made his debut in Saturday's 4-1 defeat at Cardiff.

Jones wrote on Twitter: "Completely untrue and really a poor attempt at a story."

Alonso Is Still A Liverpool Fan And Wants His Son To Be Too

World Cup-winning Real Madrid star Xabi Alonso has revealed that he intends to bring up his son as a Liverpool supporter.

The midfielder left Anfield for the Bernabeu in 2009 but admits that he still retains a soft-spot for the club and considers himself a Liverpool fan.

'I am still a Liverpool fan and will be forever, absolutely,' Alonso said.

'The things that I have lived and the experiences I had during those five years are deep in my heart and the passion and respect I had for the club and its supporters are still the same.

'Hopefully I can transmit to my son what Liverpool Football Club means and how special it is, as he was born in the city and he will visit it in the future.'

Alonso, 29, has enjoyed a highly successful career so far - winning the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 and the World Cup with Spain in 2010 - and he will be hoping to beat Tottenham in Madrid on Tuesday night.

Alonso still follows Liverpool closely and he has impressed by their recent up-turn in form since Kenny Dalglish took charge.

He said: 'I think they have regained their confidence and despite being knocked out of the Europa League (by Braga) their form in the Premier League has improved a lot.

'I think they can rebuild a competitive team, especially as it looks like there is now stability at the club again. Now they have to think about the sport side and create a plan for the following years.'

Selection Headache For Segura

Pep Segura admits he faces a selection headache as Liverpool Reserves head to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa tonight.

With Rodolfo Borrell's U18s also in action against Manchester United today, Segura will not be able to call on the Academy starlets for the trip to the Midlands - a match you can watch live on LFC TV and LFC TV Online tonight from 6.30pm.

Segura told Liverpoolfc.tv: "This is a difficult situation for us because in the last games we have used players from the Academy like Toni Silva, Stephen Sama, Adam Hajdu and Henoc Mukendi, but I won't be using them in this game.

"We must protect the U18s because they also have a chance of winning their league so for that reason I respect that.

"The U18s have a difficult game against Manchester United and I will help Rodolfo Borrell with this.

"Okay, I would like to have the best players available for my team but the most important thing is the club and making good decisions, not selfish ones."

Villa's second string is managed by former Anfield double winner Kevin MacDonald and play in the Southern section of the Barclays Premier Reserve League.

They started the year with an incredible 10-1 win over Arsenal and Segura knows they have a talented side.

"Aston Villa will be a tough game for us, but also for them," he added.

"It was a strange result to see them beat Arsenal 10-1 because it is not a logical one, but what I do know is Villa are a good team with some good players.

"I am expecting a difficult game but what I want to see from my players is a good performance in every game.

"They all need to understand their responsibility on the pitch and keep their concentration for the whole 90 minutes.

"Winning is always fantastic but it's how you win that is important.

"If we win a game and we don't play well then I can't be happy. I need to say to the team that wasn't good enough and we must improve.

"I have been pleased with the players in our last two league games. We were unlucky to lose at Arsenal and then we played very well against Everton.

"The spirit and character of the team was very good and they have trained well. I need to help the players to grow and get to a level when they can be ready for the first team. This is my job."

Segura also explained his reasoning behind changing Steven Irwin's position from a full-back role to playing just off the striker.

He added: "We understand this is a new position for Steven to what he is normally used to.

"I needed to change a few things and this is a position I believe he can play in and he has done well in this position."

With four games remaining in the Barclays Premier Reserve League North Group B, Segura's side are six points behind leaders Blackburn with two games in hand.

There is still a chance Liverpool could win a 19th reserve league title, but that is not the Spaniard's main focus.

He said: "Our idea is game by game and I like to win always, but I need to understand also what is my job here.

"My job first is to help the players and get them ready so they can play for the first team.

"When I was at Barcelona with the U18s we won the league and cup in the same season and I said to the players this is not important. What is important is how many players from that side get to the first team.

"Winning is fantastic and makes me very happy but the players need to understand they must work hard every day if they want to get to the first team.

"If we were to win the reserve league it would be fantastic but I prefer to see the players grow. If we can do both then, fantastic."

Match Report: West Brom 2 - 1 Liverpool

Chris Brunt's second-half penalty double enabled West Brom to win the battle of Liverpool managers past and present at The Hawthorns.

Current Reds manager Kenny Dalglish saw Martin Skrtel head his side in front five minutes into the second half.

But his predecessor, Roy Hodgson, was indebted to Brunt for initially levelling matters from the spot and then scoring the 88th-minute winner.

Albion were worthy of their victory and are now unbeaten in five games under Hodgson.

They had the game's most potent attacker in Peter Odemwingie while Youssouf Mulumbu anchored the midfield effectively.

Luis Suarez again showed flashes of his quality for the Reds but Andy Carroll had a quiet game after scoring his first England goal in midweek against Ghana.

Liverpool were the first to settle and almost went ahead after two minutes.

Carroll won a header from a Raul Meireles corner and the ball fell to Dirk Kuyt whose close-range effort was blocked by Scott Carson.

Kuyt was first to react to the rebound and his shot clipped the top of the bar.

Carroll appealed in vain for a penalty after a challenge by Baggies central defender Jonas Olsson.

Liverpool suffered a setback after six minutes when Glen Johnson pulled up with a hamstring injury when trying to close down Brunt.

He was replaced by Sotirios Kyrgiakos who went into the middle of the back four with Daniel Agger replacing Johnson at left-back.

Kuyt dragged a low shot wide after Suarez had turned the ball into his path.

Brunt tried to catch Jose Reina out with a low 35-yard free-kick but the keeper was alert to the situation.

Liverpool received another injury blow after 25 minutes when Agger hobbled off with what appeared to be a knee setback to be replaced by Danny Wilson in a straight swap at left-back.

Paul Scharner became the first player to be yellow carded after 27 minutes for a foul on Jay Spearing.

Carroll followed him into Martin Atkinson's notebook late after a challenge on Steven Reid inside the Baggies box.

Reina was brought into meaningful action for the first time to cling on to a Reid header from Brunt's deep free-kick.

Wilson was yellow carded after bringing down Odemwingie two minutes before the interval.

Albion began the second half brightly and Reina parried away a well-struck drive from Cox.

But Liverpool broke the deadlock after 50 minutes through Skrtel's second goal of the season.

Carroll won a corner after his shot on the turn was tipped over by Carson at full stretch but he was well beaten by Skrtel's header from the resulting cross by Meireles after he had outjumped Scharner.

Carson then had to be alert to block a swerving shot from Kuyt after he had ran unopposed into the Albion box.

The home side tried to regroup and Reina went down to hold Brunt's left-footed shot.

Then after 62 minutes Brunt brought Albion level from the penalty spot.

Kyrgiakos was adjudged to have brought down the impressive Odemwingie inside the box and Brunt sent Reina the wrong way from the spot.

It was the third goal of the campaign for the Northern Ireland international.

Odemwingie was a constant menace to Liverpool and Reina did well to turn aside a fierce drive.

Hodgson made his first substitution after 74 minutes with Marc-Antoine Fortune replacing Cox.

Liverpool skipper Jamie Carragher made a crucial block on Odemwingie's powerful shot.

Then Odemwingie flashed a shot across the face of goal after being found in space by Fortune.

A minute late Brunt put the Baggies ahead with his second penalty of the game.

Odemwingie shook off the challenge of Kyrgiakos and then was brought by Reina.

Up stepped Brunt to hammer the spot-kick past Reina.

In injury-time Nicky Shorey headed off the line from Suarez.

Kenny Dalglish Confused By Penalty Decisions In West Brom Defeat

Kenny Dalglish was left frustrated by his Liverpool side's 2-1 defeat to West Brom after going down to two second half penalties.

Speaking after the game, the Scot called for better communication after being left confused as to why the penalties were awarded by the linesman.

“The only thing I would say about the penalty kicks is one was given by the referee and the other by the linesman,” Dalglish told Sky Sports.

“If they just tell us when the linesman takes over the authority from the referee, then I think we will understand it better.

“We had the benefit two weeks ago against Sunderland I don't know why. And two weeks later I still don't know why.

“The linesman is there to be of assistance to the referee. It's important for them to tell us when the linesman has overruled the referee. The referee was only 10 yards away. Communication is always good.”

Dalglish was disappointed his side came away with no points after the awarding of two controversial penalties.

“We are always frustrated when we have nothing to show from our work," he added.

“They took the lead and when they got themselves back in front with two penalty kicks and you can argue whether they are penalty kicks or they weren't but sometimes it's not clear sometimes why it was a penalty and sometimes why the linesman flags for it.”

Liverpool was hampered by the news that Steven Gerrard picked up an injury the day before the game along with news that Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson are also struggling with knocks.

“We lost Steven [Gerrard] on Friday in training. It was innocuous, as were the two injuries today," he said.

“Steven was training to be ready for today and innocuously felt a sharp pain turning for the ball. It's the same area [groin] but not the same thing.

“We will get him and the other boys assessed later in next week – then we will know more.

“Daniel [Agger] has damaged a tendon behind his knee, Glen [Johnson] has damaged a muscle.”