Preview & Matchday: Liverpool vs Valerenga

After a tumultuous few weeks in the capital and beyond, Norwegian football has resumed some sort of normal service—matches in the 17th round of the Tippeligaen, scheduled just two days after the attacks in Oslo and Utoya, were postponed, leaving this past weekend’s fixtures as the first matches in nearly two weeks. And while Monday’s match is a friendly, it’s sure to be an emotional affair, with a minute’s silence scheduled to go along with renditions of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “My Little Country,” an Ole Paus song that’s understandably grown in significance over the past few weeks.

Vålerenga were among the four teams in action as play resumed yesterday, dropping a 2-1 decision to current league leaders Molde FK. That leaves Monday’s hosts alone in the tenth spot in league, eleven points from the top and only seven from bottom. They finished last season in second behind champions (and perennial European qualifiers) Rosenborg, which gave them a spot in Europa League qualifiers starting in mid-July. They got past Armenian outfit Mika FC by way of two 1-0 wins in the first round, but stuttered in the first leg of their tie with Greek side PAOK, falling 2-0 at home. They’ll resume the tie in Greece this coming Thursday, and league play three days later when they host Sogndal.

It’d be surprising to see many of their regular first-teamers just two days after an important league match; from what I can gather, all their familiar faces turned in a full ninety against Molde on Saturday, and with plenty left to do after a long trip midweek, I’d guess we see something resembling a reserve outfit against Liverpool on Monday.

It’s a different story for Liverpool, who has publicized their traveling party as a constellation of stars after sending a decidedly weakened squad to Turkey four days ago. The Liverpool official site lists Glen Johnson, Pepe Reina, and Daniel Agger as the old boys set to return, in addition to summer signings Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson, and Stewart Downing. Vålerenga’s official site took it a bit further, publishing the full squad list, which includes the above names along with youngsters Raheem Sterling (who confirmed his place in the squad earlier on Twitter) and Stephen Sama. Andy Carroll, who played the entire match in Turkey, will travel as well, but with David Ngog included, you’d imagine that there’s little chance for Carroll to see a large number of minutes.

If accurate it’s the same size squad that traveled to Istanbul and missing a number of the names that featured in the loss to Galatasaray—Joe Cole, Christian Poulsen, Emiliano Insua, and Phillipp Degen are among those absent, as are Maxi and Raul Meireles, both of whom missed Thursday’s match as well. It’s essentially a split squad, with only a few names making both trips; Carroll, Kuyt, Kelly, Shelvey, Spearing, Aquilani, and Flanagan all played at least a half earlier in the week but made Monday’s squad, meaning that outside of those names we’ll get an almost entirely new-look side.

And, if you struggled through Thursday’s match like most of us, that’s a welcomed prospect. After a successful Asian Tour, Kenny Dalglish’s squad has stumbled in two matches running, and that’s created some anxiety about how well Liverpool are prepared for the rapidly approaching Premier League season. It’s no coincidence that the recent stumbles have coincided with experimental elevens that featured more reserves than regulars, though, as well as players that nearly everyone’s looking forward to seeing the back of.

With only Valencia separating Liverpool from Monday and Sunderland on the 13th, it’s about time for Liverpool to transition from gaining fitness and putting on a good show (which hasn’t really happened anyhow) to getting themselves prepared for serious competition. Yes, it’s still preseason, and the result isn’t really that important against a weakened opposition, but with the bigger names involved, you’d hope for things to look markedly different than the last two times out.

Liverpool Made An Approach For Crewe Teenager Max Clayton

Liverpool made an approach for England under-17 striker Max Clayton, according to Crewe boss Dario Gradi.

The Crewe teenager has been linked with numerous Barclays Premier League clubs in recent months, but penned a new deal with the Railwaymen in June.

And, according to Gradi, Liverpool had made an attempt to sign the 16-year-old, who opted to stay loyal rather than move to Anfield.

Gradi also claimed that Liverpool had acted illegally when making their move for Clayton.

"Max handled it very well," Gradi told the Sunday Express. "He didn't knock us at all.

"He had the chance to go to Liverpool, which might not happen again. I didn't think it was right for him and in any case it was an illegal approach.

"I couldn't stop him leaving in the June but he could see there would be first-team opportunities here. We offered five boys, including Max, identical contracts and they all signed them without any fuss.

"I am managing to keep them away from the big clubs but it's becoming harder. The scouts will always latch on to our games because they know they are going to see good players."

AC Milan Confirm Interest In Alberto Aquilani

Alberto Aquilani could be offered an escape route from Liverpool by AC Milan.

The Italian spent last season on loan at Juventus and is seemingly surplus to requirements at Anfield following the signings of central midfielders Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam.

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has admitted that his club could be prepared to make a move for the 27-year-old.

"We could talk about Aquilani," he told Gazzetta Dello Sport.

"He’s a midfielder with the characteristics that we are looking for so, like with other players in his role, he could be of interest."

The Italian champions have been linked with a big-money move for a midfielder this summer, but former hero Kaka will almost certainly not be arriving due to his salary expectations.

"His wage is impossible for an Italian club," said Galliani.

Manchester City's Mario Balotelli has also been linked with a move to AC Milan, but Galliani has ruled out a move for the controversial striker.

He said: "Balotelli? If someone comes he will be a left inside midfielder, not a striker."

Villas-Boas Considers Sensational Move For Want-away Liverpool Midfielder

Chelsea could be set to launch a sensational bid for Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani as the club's chances of signing Luka Modric appear increasingly slim.

The Blues have had offers of £22m and £27m rejected by Tottenham for Modric and according to Fanatix.com, manager Andre Villas-Boas is unsure about spending £40m on the Croatian star.

The sports website also claims the Portuguese tactician is looking to alter Chelsea's style of play to a more fluid, passing game rather than the powerful, direct approach they currently use.

And that is the thinking behind the interest in Aquilani who, although struggled at Anfield, has the proven ability of fitting in with that style of play.

The Italy international moved to Liverpool in 2009 in a £20m deal but injuries and a lack of form meant his time at the club as so far been a frustrating one.

He spent last season on-loan at Serie A side Juventus and it is thought the 27-year-old wants his future resolved on a permanent basis rather than spending another season on a temporary deal.

Chelsea are reportedly considering a loan offer with a view to a permanent deal should he prove himself to be a success but it is unclear whether Liverpool, who are eager to recoup some money after spending over £50m this summer, will agree to the deal.

However, Reds boss Kenny Dalglish understands he must attempt to trim down the size of his midfield after bringing in Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing and Charlie Adam and could see Aquilani leaving on-loan as an ideal option.

Liverpool To Table £12m Bid For Stoke Defender

Liverpool are considering an approach for Stoke centre-back Ryan Shawcross as manager Kenny Dalglish looks to bolster his defence ahead of the new season, according to caughtoffside.com.

The Merseyside club has invested heavily in the squad so far this summer as they target a return to the top four. Midfielders Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing have all been brought in but it is thought Dalglish is keen on recruiting a new defender.

Shawcross has been a vital part of a Stoke side that has significantly improved since it arrived in the Premier League in 2008. They achieved a top half finish and made the final of the FA Cup last season.

The 23-year-old defender is hoping for an England call-up after he ruled himself out of playing for Wales and will see a move to a bigger club as the best way to put himself in contention.

Despite having a number of centre-halves in his squad, Dalglish reportedly has issues with his options. Daniel Agger has been hit by a number of injuries that has seen him ruled out of much of the last two seasons while Martin Skrtel has missed all of pre-season with a calf problem.

Jamie Carragher and Sotirios Kyrigiakos are both over 30 and Dalglish is thought to be keen to bring in some young blood. At 23-years-old, Shawcross is at the right age for the younger, new-look Liverpool side.

Although 12m-rated Shawcross helped Stoke to a Europa League place last season, Dalglish is reportedly hoping the former Manchester United trainee will be tempted to join a club that is pushing for a Champions League spot.

Henry Demanding Top-Four Finish

Liverpool owner John W Henry has warned Kenny Dalglish it would be a "major disappointment" if the club fail to secure Champions League football this season.

Significant investment in new players has raised expectations at Liverpool, with Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing all arriving as big-money summer captures.

That trio will be used to support the January arrivals of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll, brought in to replace Fernando Torres, and Henry now expects to see a return on his investment.

"It's too early for us to start talking about winning the league," Henry told Dagbladet. "In my opinion Manchester United are the ones to beat. They have a good squad, and look really good.

"Our main goal is to qualify for the Champions League. If we don't it would be a major disappointment."

Alonso Backs Liverpool For Top Four

Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has predicted the Reds will finish in the top four this season ahead of Monday's friendly with Valerenga.

Alonso remains a Liverpool icon following his part in their 2005 Champions League-winning season and, although now a Real Madrid player, he keeps a close eye on how things are developing on Merseyside.

He has already previously stated that Liverpool have the right man at the helm in Kenny Dalglish, and he continues to keep involved by talking to the likes of Pepe Reina and Steven Gerrard.

Dalglish has already added Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing to his outfield playing staff during the summer transfer window, and a new left-back is still expected to arrive. The Reds face stern challenges from the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City, not to mention the top two, for a Champions League spot, but Alonso is confident over their plight.

"The club has clearly been working in the transfer market and they have brought in a few quality players," he said on Liverpool's official website. "I still keep in contact with Pepe and Steve Gerrard. They are looking forward to this season with the new additions.

"With those players - and, more importantly - the stability at the club, I think they will be in the top four at the end of the season. It's where the club belongs. People still talk about that Champions League victory and that's the sort of night Liverpool should be experiencing more regularly."

Liverpool FC's Visit Means A Lot To Norway

Liverpool has been regular visitors to Oslo in recent years but today’s trip to face Valerenga will be unlike any other.

Norway is a nation grieving after the horrific terrorist attacks 10 days ago which claimed 77 lives.

A car bomb at a government building in the capital killed eight with another 69 shot dead on the island of Utoya.

“The whole country is still in shock,” admits former Reds defender Vegard Heggem.

“It has affected everyone in a huge way.

“When I saw the pictures on my TV screen I just couldn’t believe what had gone on.

“You ask yourself how this could possibly happen in a small and peaceful country like this.

“It’s going to take a long time for people to come to terms with what happened.

“It will certainly change this country forever.”

At times like this football seems inconsequential but ex-Norway international Heggem has praised Liverpool’s decision to honour tonight’s friendly.

The Reds have a huge Scandinavian fan base and the 36-year-old says the visit of Kenny Dalglish’s side will have a positive affect on his devastated homeland.

“I’m really happy that Liverpool are still coming to Oslo to play,” he said.

“It means a lot to the club’s Norwegian fans when they come to play here.

“Of course everyone is still hurting from what happened here but you can’t just stop everything entirely.

“Slowly but surely people are trying to get back to every day life and it’s important that as a country we carry on.

“Liverpool as a club is very conscious about values. The club is all about togetherness and that’s what people admire about the club.

“It will be good for the people here to come together on Monday and enjoy the game. It’s all part of starting to move on.”

Valerenga may be at home tonight but Liverpool won’t be short of support in the 25,000 capacity Ullevaal Stadium.

“Fans will be travelling from all across Scandinavia to watch this game and it will be a sell-out,” Heggem said.

“Liverpool’s popularity is massive here. Many Norwegians started to follow the club in the 70s and 80s when the club enjoyed some great periods of success.

“And the fact that the club has had a number of Scandinavian players playing for them over the years has ensured that interest has been maintained.”

Heggem made 65 appearances for the Reds after signing from Rosenborg for £3.5million in 1998 but the talented right-back was hampered by injuries.

He retired in 2003 and returned to Norway where he owns and manages a fly fishing lodge on the Orkla river.

Business is busy but Heggem retains a close affinity with Anfield.

“I loved my time at Liverpool and I’m still a big fan myself,” he said.

“I watch the games and I try to get across to Anfield at least once every season. When you have lived in Liverpool for five years it does something to you. I will follow Liverpool for the rest of my life.

“When I moved back to Norway I took over running the fishing lodge from my parents. It’s on the farm where I grew up about an hour south of Trondheim in central Norway.

“We get visits from anglers from all over the world who come here to fish for wild salmon. June, July and August are the very busy months.

“There’s also a lot of work in terms of planning and marketing so it takes up a lot of my time but it’s going well.”

Heggem will be at tonight’s game and he expects the Reds to return to winning ways after back to back friendly defeats.

The Norwegian League is around the midway point and Valerenga are down in 10th place, some 14 points adrift of leaders Molde. When the clubs last met in 2008 Liverpool were convincing 4-1 winners.

“Norwegian club football is not as good as it was some years ago,” Heggem said.

“Valerenga were expected to be serious title contenders here this year but they have disappointed their fans.

“It’s a game Liverpool should win quite easily but you have to take into account that Liverpool are in pre-season. Valerenga are in the middle of their season so they will be more match fit.

“It should be a decent test which Liverpool will need with the Premier League starting again soon.

“It will be a useful game for them and it’s also a very valuable game for the club to keep close contact with their Norwegian fan base. There is a lot of excitement about the game.”

Dalglish will field a much stronger side than the one involved against Galatasaray last Thursday.

Pepe Reina, Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger are set to return to action along with new boys Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson.

Heggem is bullish about his old club’s future under Dalglish. “We’ve made some good signings and there’s a lot of optimism,” he said.

“It was a disappointing season for the club last year and not qualifying for Europe didn’t feel good.

“We fell a long way behind the other top clubs but things improved a lot after Kenny Dalglish took over.

“I hope the club bounces back. We want to see Liverpool get back to competing for the title.”

Moli Hat-Trick In Another U18 Rout

David Moli smashed a hat-trick as Liverpool U18s beat Shrewsbury 4-0 on Saturday.

The England U16 international had another two goals chalked off for offside.

His Swedish colleague Kris Peterson was the other scorer for Mike Marsh's free-scoring side.

Moli and co have now bagged an awesome 29 goals in five games during pre-season.

Next in the firing line are Macclesfield, who travel west for a friendly on Wednesday.

Liverpool Appoint Former Argentina Striker’s Brother As South American Scout

Liverpool has stepped up their operations in South America with the appointment of Diego Caniggia as the club’s new scout on the continent.

Caniggia is the brother of former Argentina striker Claudio Caniggia, who enjoyed an illustrious career, peaking in the early 1990s with spells at Roma, Benfica and Boca Juniors.

Brother Diego Caniggia has worked with Liverpool Director of Football Damien Comolli previously. The Frenchman employed the Argentine in the same capacity when Comolli was in charge of Tottenham Hotspur’s scouting department.

Liverpool Prepare Bid For James McCarthy

Liverpool is preparing a bid for Wigan Athletic midfielder James McCarthy after a lack of progress in his contract talks with the Latics, according to The Daily Mirror.

As exclusively revealed by Goal.com back in May, the Anfield club is interested in bringing in the Ireland international to continue their policy of building a squad based on young British talent.

The report claims that such a move is now closer than ever as McCarthy has yet to negotiate a pay increase at the DW Stadium despite contract talks having opened more than a month ago, encouraging Liverpool to make their move.

McCarthy reportedly picked Wigan over a move to Merseyside back in 2009 in order to ensure a run in the first-team; but now, at the age of 20, it would seem that the midfield playmaker feels it is time to move on.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan would prefer to keep the player at the club, but may be forced to sell, having previously admitted difficulty in keeping such talents as McCarthy at the club.

Charles N’Zogbia is a prime example of Wigan electing to sell this summer rather than lose a player for a reduced fee in January or at the end of his contract - and the report suggests McCarthy could soon be following the Frenchman out of the exit door.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is understood to be willing to make a bid of around £15 million to fend off apparent interest in McCarthy from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal.

Reds Search Close To Home To Solve Left-Back Issue

Liverpool's left back question could be right on Kenny Dalglish's door step, as Tranmere Rovers youngster Danny Holmes has been linked to the club, according to talkSPORT.

Dalglish has so far been looking abroad to the likes of Aly Cissokho for a new Liverpool left back, but the Merseyside neighbours have been harbouring a budding star suitable for the role.

Holmes is a versatile defender who can play across the back line. He has been between Southport and The New Saints and has found himself back at Npower League One side Tranmere Rovers this year, where he started his youth career.

The 22-year-old has never featured internationally at any level, but has been watched closely by neighbours Liverpool.

Holmes was named in the Welsh Premier League manager's team of the season for two years in a row before moving back to English football, after making 58 appearances for The New Saints.

Liverpool’s Ince Joins Blackpool

Liverpool winger Tom Ince will complete his move to Blackpool today.

The 19-year-old was given special permission to play 45 minutes of last night’s 1-1 draw with Latvian outfit Jelgava at Bloomfield Road, where striker Craig Sutherland scored his first Pool goal.

Ince held talks with Pool chairman Karl Oyston afterwards and is to be confirmed as Pool’s ninth summer signing today.

The son of England midfielder Paul Ince has impressed in the reserve and youth teams at Anfield since 2008. His one first-team appearance was as a substitute in last season’s Carling Cup defeat to Northampton.

He spent a successful loan spell at Notts County, where his father was in charge, scoring twice in six appearances.

Joining Ince in last night’s line-up was trialist goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis.

The 20-year-old Australian was released by Liverpool last month after spending much of last season on loan at Accrington Stanley.

Pepe Reina Looking To Comeback From Injury Against Valerenga

After recovering from a double hernia operation, Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is raring to make his comeback in Monday's friendly against Valerenga.

The Spaniard has played no part in the Red’s pre-season plans so far following his surgery, but now the former Villarreal shot-stopper feels confident that he can appear in some capacity in the club’s next match.

There is some work to be done for him to be ready for the Premier League opener game against Sunderland, but Reina insists he will be fully fit in time for the fixture.

"The target is to play in Valerenga, and then after Valencia there is one more week and that should be good enough to get that fitness," Reina told the club’s website.

"Just because of precaution, we didn't want to rush it - there was no point in doing that. I'm totally recovered now, training with the team as normal and looking forward. I can't wait to play again.

"It wasn't that nice because my holidays were in the same time as my operation. But after three years without having a proper holiday, I did rest a little bit more this season."

Whilst Reina has been recovering from his operation Liverpool have been busy in the transfer market, with new acquisitions such as Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson arriving at the club.

The 28-year-old believes manager Kenny Dalglish and the club has shown positive intentions in restoring the Merseyside outfit’s reputation in the Premier League.

"I think we have shown our ambitions during the window," he said. "The rest of the teams did the same and it's going to be tough to compete against them, but we are optimistic, and the season can go really well for us."

Team-mate Luis Suarez has also not been able to feature in the team’s pre-season exploits thanks to his successful campaign in the Copa America with Uruguay, a feat Reina was proud to see the striker achieve.

Reina added: "It's a great moment and I was happy texting him congratulating him, because he deserved that. And it can be really good for his confidence and the team's confidence at the same time.

"As we saw the last six months of last season, he is a top, top player, and among the best strikers in the world. He will show that, he will be a fantastic player for us."

Adam Eager To Show His Worth

Liverpool fans will finally get to discover whether the long wait was worth it when Charlie Adam makes his competitive debut next month.

The 25-year-old first emerged as a target for manager Kenny Dalglish in January after some impressive performances as captain of Blackpool.

Dalglish was frustrated not to secure the services of his fellow Scot back then, but some hard bargaining by the Seasiders delayed the completion of a £6.75million deal until July, when the Reds were in a much stronger position as Blackpool had been relegated and Adam was down to the final 12 months of his contract.

Adam finds himself battling for a place in what is already an over-stocked midfield, but it seems inconceivable he will not be given a decent run after the club worked so hard to bring him in.

The Scotland international has impressed in pre-season, but knows he has to take a significant step up when the Barclays Premier League kicks off.

He has played in the Scottish top flight for Rangers with marginal success but his displays for Blackpool, when he was the player the whole team revolved around, were the ones which got him noticed.

Adam is confident he will be able to adapt to no longer being the star turn and is realistic to understand he still has plenty to learn.

He said: "It feels like we have been playing together for a long time but Liverpool have many other talented midfielders, the likes of Steven Gerrard, Lucas Leiva, Raul Meireles and (fellow new signing) Jordan Henderson.

"I think the competition for places will be good for the club. I thrive on that type of challenge and I'm sure the others lads will as well.

"I want to learn and there are some of the best players in the world at this club so if I can learn from them I am going to improve as a player. That is my aim.

"I see this as the perfect development for me to come here, play with such wonderful players and hopefully help the team to win trophies, because that's the most important thing."

Managing expectations is something Adam will also have to get used to.

At Blackpool their sole aim was avoiding relegation, but now he is at a club which will be challenging to regain their place in the top four and the mindset required is totally different.

Not that Adam is lacking in ambition.

"I came to Liverpool to win titles and I would trade in anything for that, even if it meant not scoring at all next season," he added.

"I can't wait to get started and hopefully this will be a successful period in my career and in the club's history.

"At the end of the day you get judged on trophies and as a footballer you want to win as many as you can. This club has had a lot of success over the years, so let's get back to doing that."

Aquilani Calls Fiorentina And Roma

Alberto Aquilani’s agent insists he will only accept a permanent transfer to Fiorentina and blasted Roma. “They would’ve been considered.”

The midfielder spent last season on loan at Juventus and is not part of Liverpool’s plans.

“Alberto has given the all-clear to join Fiorentina, but he doesn’t want to find himself in the same position of having to reconsider his position next season,” agent Franco Zavaglia told Rete Sport.

Other options for a return to Serie A included Milan and Napoli, but not hometown club Roma.

“It has to be said Roma never even bothered to call Aquilani. We didn’t expect them to, but they certainly would’ve been considered.

“At the moment he is a Liverpool player, seeing as recently he played in a friendly against Galatasaray and did well.”

Comolli Excited By Academy

Damien Comolli has revealed how a production line from the Academy to Melwood is crucial to the owners' vision of success at Liverpool.

The emergence of players such as Jack Robinson and John Flanagan at the end of last season provided proof that the work being done by the likes of Pep Segura, Frank McParland and Rodolfo Borrell over in Kirkby was paying dividends.

A clutch of others are on the brink of the senior squad - while more than 25 scholars regularly represent their countries at youth level.

Supporters have witnessed for themselves the potential at the Academy thanks to LFC TV airing live matches - and Comolli shares their excitement.

"It's absolutely crucial for the future of the club," said our Director of Football. "The owners came in and very early said the Academy was very important because that's the way they've been running the Red Sox with players coming through the youth development in baseball.

"They would not understand (if we said) we could not do the same here."

Comolli believes the appointment of Kenny Dalglish as manager will improve the chances of producing 'the next Gerrard' yet further.

He explained: "When I arrived I could see straight away the quality was there, the training was in place, very competent people were there like Frank McParland, Pep Segura and Rodolfo Borrell.

"Then it became easier in a way because with Kenny being in charge - he's a kind of link between the two because he was at the Academy for a few years. He knows those kids by heart and coming here to Melwood, he never hesitated in promoting them.

"It is very exciting because they've seen Jack Robinson doing well last year, they've seen Flanno doing well last year, they've seen Conor Coady being involved, they've seen Andre Wisdom being involved, they've seen Raheem being involved.

"It's a very exciting time for the Academy and it's very rewarding for the people in the Academy to see the players they are producing actually being used and being played in the first team.

"They are very grateful that Kenny has decided to put those players in."

'NextGen Excites Us All'

In our first Academy column of the new campaign, Frank McParland discusses the NextGen Series as well as the adventures of our youngsters during a memorable pre-season.

First of all, it's great to be back following a productive summer both on and off the pitch for everyone involved at Kirkby.

We have implemented some important changes involving our staff, had up to seven players away at the U17 World Cup and seen a number of our lads feature for the first team as part of Kenny Dalglish's preparations for the new campaign.

Everything about the club is very positive at the moment and there is a general consensus that big progress is being made at all levels.

Rodolfo Borrell has taken charge of the reserve team which has allowed Mike Marsh to assume the U18 post. These are two coaches that we rate very highly and we have already seen some enjoyable football from both teams - even at this stage of the pre-season.

I can't wait for the new campaign to start now and I have to say I am really excited about our involvement in the NextGen Series.

It all kicks off on August 17 with a clash against Sporting Lisbon at Anfield. We have been drawn in a really interesting group as the Portuguese side have one of the finest youth set-ups in Europe. Molde have also stated that their home game against us is going to be a sell-out with over 10,000 spectators, while Wolfsburg have got a strong group of young talent coming through.

There's no doubt the boys are going to be stretched but that's exactly what we want. They will be playing against the continent's most exciting young talents and every last one of them will be hungry to make an impact, which maybe can't be said with regular reserve team football.

The NextGen games will all be played at big stadiums and I think that will help make it a great spectacle. I'd urge our supporters to get along to Anfield and watch these matches. It's all very new and will benefit our players massively.

Last season the U18s were getting 400-500 people at their matches in Kirkby. I'd never seen so many people watching us in action before, but hopefully we can get into the thousands for these eye-catching games in L4.

It would make for a fantastic atmosphere and would certainly help our young lads. We do urge everyone to come along, bring the kids, and let us entertain.

Both the boss and Damien Comolli have been massive in their support for this tournament and it will be great to fly the flag for the club in Europe this season.

I'm delighted it's all come to fruition as I was involved in the initial talks about it three or four years ago. I did a brief stint as first-team scout at Watford with Mark Warburton, who is the man who has got the competition off the ground.

He was the Academy director at Vicarage Road at the time and we often talked about how we could improve and advance youth football.

We used to throw ideas like this one around and say how fantastic it would be to pit kids from the biggest clubs in England against the giants of Europe.

Now it's become a reality and I'm delighted that Mark took this project on after leaving Watford. It's been in the pipeline for some time and I just can't wait for it to get started now.

Like I've said, this will only benefit our young players in the future and the involvement of a number of our lads in the first team's pre-season matches will also be invaluable experience.

The manager has taken players directly from the U18s as well as the reserves and given them a taste of what it's like to represent Liverpool's senior squad.

When they are right to go, they can go. But you need to have everyone on the same page. We have a plan for every player and we will only look to progress them at the right stage for both them and the club.

Not one of the young lads who have gone away with the first team has let themselves down and I'm sure the boss would back me up on that.

A few of them have been involved recently and that's great. Who knows what will happen at the start of the season. They may all be back here with us or one or two might stay at Melwood.

What we are emphasizing to them is that they look to give the same performance in training every day, whether it be with the U18s, the reserves or alongside Luis Suarez with the first team.

I'm watching that situation very closely and speaking to the boss and Damien about our players on a daily basis. We can't have someone coming back thinking they have made it because if that's the case, they won't be going to Melwood again.

It's up to them to show their quality and do it week in, week out.

I was speaking to Conor Coady the other day and he wasn't sure at that stage whether he was going away with the first team to Galatasaray.

He asked me if he could play for the reserves if he didn't travel. That's the type of attitude you are looking for.

It's all coming together nicely as we adapt to being a centre that develops youngsters as well as reserve team players.

We feel we are making good strides in what we are trying to achieve here and we are now looking forward to what we hope can be an even better year this time around.

Match Report: Galatasaray 3 - 0 Liverpool

An understrength Liverpool side lost 3-0 to Galatasaray in Istanbul, their second successive pre-season defeat by that scoreline.

Having been defeated at Hull on Saturday, manager Kenny Dalglish sent out a virtual reserve side in the first half at the Turk Telekom Arena, with only Andy Carroll considered a genuine first-team starter.

Such was the make-up of the team there were five full-backs on the pitch at the start and the disjointedness cost them as former Reds striker Milan Baros hooked home an eighth-minute volley and added a far-post header just before half-time.

The introduction of Dirk Kuyt and Alberto Aquilani at the interval improved the cohesion slightly but when former Bolton striker Johan Elmander crashed home a volley from the edge of the area seven minutes from time the visitors' difficult night was complete.

Liverpool has now conceded three goals in each of their four pre-season friendlies so far.

They play Valerenga in Norway on Monday when Dalglish is expected to field a much stronger side.

Kenny's Istanbul Verdict

Kenny Dalglish acknowledged his disappointment at seeing Liverpool go down to a 3-0 friendly defeat to Galatasaray on Thursday, but believes the game can stand his squad in good stead for the season ahead.

Two first-half goals from former Anfield forward Milan Baros and a stunning volley from Johan Elmander condemned the Reds to defeat in Istanbul.

But while unhappy with the result, Dalglish feels the workout his players were given at the Turk Telekom Arena will assist in ensuring their primed for the start of the Barclays Premier League season next month.

He told a post-match press conference: "I think they looked a bit sharper than us at the start of the game. It was the same as at the weekend in that we played a lot better in the second half than we did in the first half.

"But the players worked hard and they'll benefit from the effort they put in. It won't do us any harm for the season ahead, but we've got to get ourselves a bit sharper, a bit more clued up and lively when we're not in possession of the ball."

He added: "I think the benefit is it's another game. They looked a bit sharper than us and are maybe a wee bit ahead of us. Their season was due to start but I think it's been put back for a number of days."

"We've just got to get ourselves street-wise on the pitch and get up to speed with our thoughts when we're not in possession of the ball. August 13 is a big day for us when the season starts, and we'd like to think this will stand us in good stead getting towards that date."

Liverpool named a youthful squad for the trip to Turkey, with the likes of Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson, Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger remaining at Melwood to prepare for Monday's trip to Valerenga.

Asked about his team selection, Dalglish told reporters: "It's pre-season. We've another game on Monday and we've got to pick another team.

"We'll have people back who weren't eligible for this game. For the young boys who played it will have been a great experience for them, and for the players who played it will be good for fitness.

"We don't want to lose a game, but we've got two games in four days and a long trip home tonight, so we had to take that into consideration when we were picking the team - and we'll also take it into consideration when we pick the team on Monday."

Meanwhile, local journalists asked Dalglish for his thoughts on the performance of Galatasaray star Arda Turan as well as the atmosphere inside the Turk Telekom Arena.

He replied: "It was a good atmosphere, Galatasaray played well, they were sharp at the beginning and quicker than us, but I wouldn't have picked out any of their players because we were only watching our own players."