Steve Clarke defends Liverpool's Average Start

The Liverpool first-team coach, Steve Clarke, says the club's "average start" to the season is partly due to the changes taking place within the squad. The side has 10 points from six matches after losing at Stoke and Tottenham.

At a similar stage last season their tally was six and discontent was growing against the manager, Roy Hodgson, whose reign lasted six months when he was sacked in January.

As part of the overhaul, financed by the owners, Fenway Sports Group, and undertaken by Kenny Dalglish on his return to take charge of the club, seven players were signed in the summer with numerous others heading in the opposite direction.

Most of those new arrivals have featured in most of the opening matches and while Liverpool have played well in patches they are still to consistently produce their top form.

"Without getting too carried away or too disappointed it's probably just an average start," said Clarke. "You're probably looking at about a seven out of 10. Some pleasing performances and some not so pleasing, but you'd expect that from a group of players where you've made so many changes and you're trying to bed a few things down."

One of the key factors in picking up three wins has been the form of the four-goal striker Luis Suárez, with seven of Liverpool's 10 points coming in matches when he has scored. The 24-year-old was voted fans' man of the match for the fifth time in eight games this season (he has played in both Carling Cup ties) after Saturday's win over Wolves.

But it is the Uruguay international's determination to do well – highlighted by his frustration when he was substituted 10 minutes from the end at the weekend – which has equally impressed.

"With any top player the mentality is always that bit stronger. That's what separates them," Clarke said. "There are a lot of good players at this level and the really, really top ones have got that mental edge that drives them on all the time and produces the kind of performances that we've had from Luis so far.

"He's very grounded. He comes back in on Monday morning and works as hard as ever in training, he upsets all the defenders, scores a couple of goals and that's what he's all about. He trains like he plays – absolutely, every day. He loves to be playing football and that's a great thing."

Suárez was replaced by the captain, Steven Gerrard, making his first Premier League appearance for six months after a groin operation. The return of the England midfielder, who added to his 15-minute Carling Cup appearance last Wednesday, is a boost to everyone at Anfield.

He is lacking in match sharpness and this weekend's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park may come just a little too early for him to make his first start of the season. However, that will not stop the Huyton-born 31-year-old pushing for a place in the lineup.

"Steven himself will dictate the pace of his comeback with how he progresses in training," added Clarke. "We're delighted with the stage he's at, we're delighted with everything he's done for us. We could maybe have got Steven on a little bit earlier [against Wolves] but it didn't work out that way. We've got a full week now and we can use him well in training."

Liverpool Enter Race For £20m Brazilian International Striker

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is set to join Premier League rivals Tottenham in the hunt for Brazilian striker Leandro Damiao, according to reports on Goal.com.

Tottenham have been linked with Damiao throughout the course of the summer transfer window and it is now believed Liverpool is prepared to enter the race for the 22-year-old.

Dalglish was one of the busiest Premiership managers during the transfer window and added Craig Bellamy to January signings Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.

It is believed Damiao's current club Internacional have valued the forward at £20million and a number of top clubs from around Europe have also showed an interest including Barcelona, Inter Milan and Porto.

So far this season the Brazilian international has scored 39 goals in all competitions and is expected to be subject of a bidding war when the January transfer window opens.

Speaking earlier this month Damiao said: “If there is an opportunity to play in Europe, of course I would like it."

Dirk Kuyt Frustrated After Losing Liverpool Starting Place

Dirk Kuyt has spoken of his disappointment at losing a regular starting place at Liverpool but accepts the club had to improve competition for places to challenge for honours once more.

The Holland international has started only half of Liverpool's six Premier League games this season as the manager, Kenny Dalglish, seeks to integrate the £20m summer signing Jordan Henderson into the team and utilizes his options up front. Kuyt's absence has surprised many given his form under Dalglish last season and contribution this term, and the 31-year-old admits it has been difficult to adapt to his changing role.

"I'm disappointed to be out of the team," said Kuyt, who returned to the bench against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday having started and scored against Brighton in the Carling Cup. "From childhood, I've always been disappointed when I'm not in the team because I'm desperate to be involved and make a good contribution. But it also makes me very determined too. I need to continue to prove myself, train as hard as possible and, when I do play, make sure my performance is of a high standard."

Despite the personal cost, the former Feyenoord striker admits Liverpool's squad now has the depth he encountered upon his arrival at the club in 2006 and required substantial investment following the final draining years under the former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

He added: "Competition is tough now but it's brilliant for the club that there are so many players to choose from now, top-class international players. The players realize at the end of the day you need more than 11 good players to be successful.

"When I first arrived here we had a very good, big squad but for the last two seasons before this one, we haven't had the depth that we did in the first three seasons. Someone like Craig Bellamy is a strong addition to what is already a very strong squad, and that can only be good for the team. We definitely have better quality now and more players to choose from as well. I think with the signings we've made, we have a great squad now so we should be ambitious and have confidence in ourselves."

Henderson Needs More Time - Lucas

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has defended new signing Jordan Henderson and urged critics of the England Under-21 international to be patient.

Henderson has started seven of eight matches this season, only sitting out last week's League Cup win at Brighton, but has struggled to impress despite scoring against Bolton last month.

He has been substituted four times already and a number of poor performances have led to criticism of the 21-year-old.

Having been through a similar process after signing from Gremio in 2007, Lucas knows only too well about being a target for supporters.

In the seasons that followed he turned things around and insists Henderson can do the same.

"I don't blame the young players because I've been in their place for a few years," said the Brazil international.

"He is English and knows the Premier League but to come to such a big club like Liverpool is really hard. We have to encourage him and try to give him confidence to keep improving.

"Don't rush him a lot, give him time to settle and I am sure he will be a good player in the future."

Liverpool Midfielder To Be Sent On Loan To Gain First Team Experience

Liverpool are prepared to let midfielder Jonjo Shelvey leave the club on a short term loan deal as they attempt to give the youngster a chance to play first team football.

Shelvey was signed from Charlton in the summer of 2010 and despite arriving with a big reputation has so far struggled to force his way into the starting eleven.

The 19-year-old has made just four starts in his 22 appearances for the club and with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Lucas, Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson all battling for a place in centre midfield he has found opportunities hard to come by.

Liverpool is keen to let the midfielder move in order to gain some first team experience and a host of Championship clubs have immediately signaled their interest.

Cardiff, Coventry, Hull, Birmingham and high-flying Middlesbrough have all shown an interest in the England youth player and will hope to land the midfielder in the coming weeks.

Bolton Keen On Loan Move For Shelvey

Bolton Wanderers are set to make a loan move for Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey once the transfer window opens in January.

The 19-year-old has struggled to get a place in Kenny Dalglish's squad so far this season and has only made 22 appearances for the Reds since joining them from Charlton in 2010.

At the moment he's behind the likes of Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson, Jay Spearing, Lucas and Steven Gerrard in the pecking order at Anfield, so it's understood that Liverpool are happy for him to go to a fellow Premier League club to gain more experience and confidence of playing at the highest level.

And nowhere could his potential be harnessed more than at the Reebok where under Owen Coyle, Bolton have helped develop Jack Wilshere and Daniel Sturridge over the last two years, both players now regulars when fit at their parent clubs Arsenal and Chelsea.

Joe Cole Eyes Permanent Move To Lille

Joe Cole has admitted he would be happy to make a permanent move to French side Lille at the end of his season-long loan from Liverpool.

Following a frustrating season at Anfield in which the midfielder struggled to make an impact, the 29-year-old moved to the Ligue 1 champions in search of regular football.

"I talked to manager Rudi Garcia and he has the same game philosophy that I have, so I really wanted to come," Cole told L'Equipe.

"You have to make choices in life, and it was certainly not the simplest to me. The easy options were to remain in London or England.

"But I was excited. We are competing for the national title and I can play in the Champions League.

"Finally, it is a young team with great guys that really play good football and I have always dreamt of playing abroad."

He added: "Will I remain at Lille next season? That is possible. They are happy with me, and vice versa, so why not?

"We have started to build a bridge. I really love to play here. I hope it will be a success for everyone."

Cole believes that English players would benefit from moving abroad and experiencing different styles of the game.

"The English players get experience abroad which can enrich our national team," he said.

"In Italy, France or Spain, the game style is more Latin.

"The Premier League is not the best competition; it is just different and unique. Some people told me I was right to go abroad."

Cole scored a stunning goal for the French side in the 1-1 draw with Lorient on Saturday, and has enjoyed a successful start to his new club, even receiving a standing ovation from fans in his last match.

The midfielder has been absent from the national team for some time, but his recent form at Lille will cause many to question whether he should be put back in the side, although Cole admits this is not a priority for him.

"Will Fabio Capello watch Ligue 1? I hope so," he continued.

"It is not my major concern so far. First, I want to be consistently good.

"If I get called back into the national team, I would be the happiest man. I love to play for my country.

"When I lived in Chelsea, everyday there were paparazzi in front of my door. At Lille, I can walk in the streets confidently. People are polite and respectful. It is great to enjoy the city freely.

"Anyway, in England you are forced to deal with the press, you don't have any choice. If I had any choice, I would have liked to never be famous. We are just footballers, aren't we?

"At Lille, I found quality players with unequalled joie de vivre in the changing room. I enjoy myself and I have fun every day. There is a great atmosphere. It reminds me of my first season at Chelsea."

One man who has particularly caught Cole’s eye since joining the French champions is rising star Eden Hazard, who has been linked with a move to the Premier League, and is certainly one to watch for the future.

He continued: "Everyone is talking about him in England. Hazard is the best young player I have ever seen at such an age.

"He has everything to become one of the best players in the world."

Barnes Backs Dalglish For Success

Liverpool legend John Barnes has been delighted with the impact made by Kenny Dalglish since his return to Anfield, saying the combination of an attractive brand of free-flowing football, twinned with some impressive results has meant the Reds can once again be regarded as a force to be reckoned with.

The fiery Scot is, according to Barnes, showing just why supporters are hailing him as the man to bring the glory years back to Merseyside - and attributes the fear-factor installed at the club as a reason they can be successful.

"Liverpool is now playing with the right passion, determination and spirit," said Barnes. "With Kenny in charge everyone is pulling in the right direction and that's what you need to be successful.

"You need everyone, including the fans and the board, to be 100 per cent behind the manager. They are, and the players have responded to that with their performances."

"There has to be a fear factor there. A manager needs that kind of respect and power, and Kenny commands that at Liverpool."

The Reds have been very active in the transfer market since the return of 'King' Kenny - and Barnes is confident that the squad assembled by Liverpool's prodigal son, is strong enough to return the club to the UEFA Champions League next year.

"I don't think Liverpool will win the league but I certainly think they will be in the top four," he continued. "Kenny has made signings not just for the present but for the future.

"That's important as you need continuity. If you keep changing players you'll never get anywhere. Now there are a lot of players in the squad who will be around for a long time and that has to be good.

"Next season young players like Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson will be a year more experienced and with greater consistency of performances Liverpool can challenge for the title.

"I think Kenny can bring the title back to Anfield - everyone has got faith in him."

City Rivalries Set Aside To Fight Crime

A campaign which has seen Liverpool unite with Everton to reduce crime is celebrating its fifth birthday. The Kickz initiative brought the city rivals together to make Merseyside a better place to live. It has seen young people from disadvantaged areas attend football sessions, improve relations with police and become volunteers.

Working with the police, the clubs have produced some impressive results in places like Norris Green, Breckside and Stockbridge, including: 31.7% reduction in Criminal Damage to a Dwelling, 22.4% reduction in Common Assault, 56% reduction in Burglary in a Dwelling, 47.9 % reduction in Theft From Motor Vehicle and 52.6% reduction in Theft of Motor Vehicle.

Inspector Colin Lewis from Merseyside Police said: "Fifteen years ago if you'd said we'd be working alongside Liverpool and Everton to combat anti-social behaviour, reduce crime and victimization and promote citizenship among young people I'd have thought you were mad. I'm not sure the clubs would have believed it either. "It is as good a partnership as I've ever seen - and I've seen a lot."

Home Secretary Teresa May praised the Premier League and the police for their Kickz work during a celebratory reception at the House of Commons, and said: "We all know how many supporters enjoy watching football, but the idea of using its strength to help young people in this way is fantastic.

"It's doing really good work enabling them to not just be taken out of situations in which they might get involved in gangs or crime, but actually giving young people a voice."

Dalglish Dismisses Suarez Comparisons

Kenny Dalglish believes Luis Suarez should be able to carve out a Liverpool legacy of his own, rather than forever be compared to the Anfield king.

With the Scot's famous No.7 shirt now adorned by Suarez, comparisons between the pair were inevitable, but Dalglish wants to allow the Uruguayan the opportunity to be his own man.

Dalglish was quizzed about the similarities between himself and the Reds striker following Liverpool's 2-1 win over Wolves, in which Suarez netted his eighth goal for the Merseyside club.

And the Liverpool boss was quick to relieve the pressure on Suarez to follow in his footsteps.

"I think everyone has their own identity and it undermines the boy if you compare him with anyone else," said Dalglish.

"He is Luis Suarez. He is a fantastic player and it is not fair to compare him with others who have been here before.

"Does he benefit from working with me? I don't know - I don't speak Spanish! I don't know where he gets his ideas from but he is full of them and he certainly knows how to play.

"The fans take to him because he is so genuine and 100 per cent committed. The crowd love players like that. He has his own ideas and he is full of them. He is just a fantastic player."

Enrique Tips Carroll To Shine

Jose Enrique has no doubt Andy Carroll will reproduce the form that made Liverpool buy him for a record-breaking transfer fee.

The 22-year-old joined the Merseyside club for £35million in January from Newcastle, but a combination of injuries and a loss of form have contributed to his indifferent start at Anfield.

In contrast Luis Suarez, who along with Carroll forms the apex of Kenny Dalglish's attack, has been in scintillating form since joining the club.

On Saturday against Wolves the Uruguay international again made the difference with a goal in an impressive all-round display, while the England international saw his header rebound off a post and wasted another opportunity.

Enrique, however, is of the opinion that it's just a matter of time before Carroll is back to his marauding best.

"Everyone knows Luis is one of the best strikers in the world but he is still young and has a lot to learn," said Enrique, who played alongside the striker at Newcastle.

"I think they (Suarez and Carroll) complement each other well. Andy was unlucky not to score. Maybe he tried too many tricks with the chance at the end but I think he will score next time."

Liverpool will make the short trip across Stanley Park on Saturday to face Everton in the first Merseyside derby of the season.

The England international is yet to open his Premier League account this term but a goal against his team's longest and most fierce rivals could catapult him into Liverpool folklore.

"Against Everton would be the perfect game for him to score," added Enrique.

"The derby is a massive game bit it is just three points and we have to get points now if we want a position in the Champions League.

"We have to win these games - especially before the international break."

Kelly Eyes Derby Clash

Liverpool defender Martin Kelly is crossing his fingers he has a chance to impress in the Merseyside derby with Everton.

The Reds tackle their neighbours at Goodison Park on Saturday, although the 21-year-old knows there are no guarantees he will feature.

Kelly played in the 2-2 draw with Everton at Anfield last season, but he missed their 2-0 defeat away to the Toffees.

The talented youngster impressed in Liverpool's weekend win over Wolves and is hoping he has done enough to stay in Kenny Dalglish's side.

Kelly has been hindered by hamstring problems this year, but he insists those issues are in the past as he is now feeling 'fitter than ever'.

"I'm really looking forward to playing in the derby if I'm selected," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"I was on the bench there last season and it was a tough game. They started well and put us under pressure. We'll be looking for the win but it's a derby day and it's always difficult.

"I'm feeling good. The medical staff has worked me a lot this week to keep me on top of the hamstring injury.

"It was about being sensible against Wolves and I thought I did that. I'm made up I've played the last two games and I'm feeling fitter than ever."

Dalglish Baffled By Carroll Fuss

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish cannot understand the "obsession" with Andy Carroll's form as the £35million striker continues to search for his first Premier League goal of the season.

The England international is yet to score in five league appearances so far this season, although he was on target for the Reds in the Carling Cup second-round victory at Exeter.

England manager Fabio Capello again warned Carroll about his lifestyle earlier this month but Dalglish appears frustrated by the continued focus on the former Newcastle man, who he is convinced will prove to be a valuable long-term asset to Liverpool.

Quoted in several national newspapers this morning, Dalglish said: "I don't understand the obsession. There are other players who haven't played either. I think people are obsessed with Andy Carroll.

"He's learning, but I'm an old guy and I'm still learning. I don't understand the paranoia with Andy. People talk about him like they know him. They don't know him. They talk about his lifestyle - what lifestyle? Everybody is obsessed with Andy Carroll.

"We'll always look after him and I'm sure he'll look after us. We've spoken in the past about Andy being one for the future, not just the short term, but it's immediate for everyone.

"Some of them that aren't as fortunate as he is, their future might not be as long as Andy Carroll's."

Lucas Hails Important Reds Win

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has claimed the club's season is 'back on track' following Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Wolves at Anfield.

The Reds took an early lead through Roger Johnson's own goal, and Luis Suarez made it 2-0 for Kenny Dalglish's side relatively early. Steven Fletcher made it a tense second period though, scoring early after half-time.

With Steven Gerrard returning to fitness on Merseyside, the Brazilian is fighting for his starting spot in the Merseysiders' first XI, and will be hoping to be involved as the side look to continue improving.

"It was an important win. It was a heavy defeat at Spurs, so it was important to win in the Carling Cup and get three points in the Barclays Premier League which gives us the chance to be closer to the top four," Lucas told the official Liverpool website.

"We spoke before the game against Brighton. We needed to win, get back on track, go into the next round and come into this game with confidence - and to win too. That is what happened."

Mick McCarthy's side made it a difficult second-half for the Reds, and had chances to equalize as tension mounted at Anfield.

Lucas was happy to claim the important victory in any way possible though, with the most important thing being the three points on the board.

"It was a tough game and we had plenty of chances but only took two," he added.

"It is hard when you concede a goal early in the second half. We tried to control the game and I think we managed well.

"I think sometimes we are a bit unlucky; we twice hit the post and there were a couple of saves by the 'keeper but that means we are creating chances. If we can score more goals it will be good but it was an important win."

Liverpool FC Are Heading For Stoke In The Carling Cup

Liverpool faces another away day in the Carling Cup after being drawn against Stoke City in the last 16.

The Reds’ reward for their 2-1 win at Brighton is a tie at the Britannia Stadium to be played in the week commencing October 24.

Kenny Dalglish’s men will be looking to avenge the 1-0 defeat they suffered at the hands of the Potters in the Premier League earlier this month.

Liverpool has lost two and drawn two of their four visits to the Britannia since Tony Pulis’ side were promoted to the top flight.

However, the last time the clubs met in the League Cup in November 2000 the Reds hammered them 8-0.

Stoke earned their place in the fourth round after beating Tottenham on penalties.

The Boss Loves Visiting Us

In our latest column from the club's Academy, Frank McParland offers his thoughts on the NextGen Series so far and reveals which two Reds legends have visited Kirkby recently.

It's been a frustrating couple of weeks for us with regards to the NextGen Series double header against Wolfsburg.

I felt we played poorly in the first game at Anfield and were somewhat fortunate to get a point thanks to a late own goal.

However, we produced a fine display in the away fixture last Wednesday and didn't deserve to go down to a 2-0 loss.

It's one of those strange situations that can arise in football from time to time. You can pull out all of the stops and come away with nothing and yet, on another day, you will be well below the standard you are capable of and manage to get something out of the game.

The defeat in Germany was particularly hard to take as I don't think the hosts could have argued had we gone in at the interval leading by three or four. That's not an exaggeration either. If you haven't seen the highlights on LFC TV, then you should check it out as we had a whole raft of clear-cut opportunities.

Wolfsburg rode their luck and in the second half they came out and struck two quickfire goals that really knocked the stuffing out of our lads. To our credit, we kept probing away and we could even have sneaked a point had we managed to convert some of our late chances.

It's all part of the learning curve for the kids. I've said in the past that playing against different cultures and styles is important to their development and they will still take positives from this tournament.

The travelling and the way we have approached it is almost gearing them up for what a European campaign would be like in the first-team. They've faced the physical approach of the Norwegians, the well-organized Germans and the flair players of the Portuguese outfit. They have also come up against referees of different nationalities so on the whole it's a great experience for them.

We now turn our attention to our penultimate Group 2 game with Molde this Thursday. We are well aware that qualification for the knockout stage is going to be Sporting plus one of the other three teams.

We've just got to go with the old adage of taking it one game at a time. We can't underestimate Molde. We need to do our job well in that game. If we do that we give ourselves a chance.

NextGen Series aside, things have been ticking along nicely for the Academy as a whole.

The league season is underway for all age groups and there have been some entertaining games already.

A couple of weeks ago, Kenny Dalglish was down here to watch some of the younger teams in action. That was the day after the first-team's unfortunate 1-0 loss at Stoke. It was fantastic to see him there as he could have decided to give it a miss after the frustrations at the Britannia.

But the boss still loves coming to the Academy and having him visit from time to time gives us all a big lift.

We also had Ian Rush here last Monday. He ran an indoor session with the U15 and U16 strikers and gave them tips on how to improve their finishing. It's not bad being able to call upon the club's record goalscorer in all competitions, is it?

I'm sure those lads will have taken every word he said on board and it'll be a day they remember for the rest of their lives. Hopefully we'll see the benefit of it out on the pitch in the months and years ahead.

Stadium Decision Extension Given By City Council

Liverpool have been handed an extension by the city council to make a decision regarding their new stadium, according to The Daily Mail.

A decision over whether the club wishes to build a new ground at Stanley Park, or redevelop parts of Anfield was expected at the end of the month.

However, Liverpool have been given extra time to make a decision, that if the club move, with cost in the region of £400 million.

Liverpool have invested £100 million on their playing squad in the past nine months, but further investment may have to be halted fit he club decide to leave their current home.

Liverpool already have planning permission for the Stanley Park site, however, the history connected with Anfield means the club are keen to investigate how they can develop their existing home.

Reds Head For New York

Liverpool Football Club is today heading for New York to showcase the Tactics 4 Families initiative after the project was shortlisted for a prestigious Beyond Sport award.

The program has been nominated for the Sport Team of the Year accolade and as a result, Tactics 4 Families project manager Mark Chester will give a presentation at the world famous Yankee Stadium on Tuesday as part of the Beyond Sport United summit.

The audience members at the conference will each have $50 to donate to the project they're most impressed by following the presentations. Each scheme can benefit from up to a maximum of $10,000.

Reds Community Department manager Bill Bygroves will also be involved in a panel discussion about taking community work overseas, as Liverpool have done to great success over the years.

"It's fantastic for the Tactics 4 Families program," Chester said. "It's confirmation that we're doing the right thing.

"It's a pioneering project and it's great to get that recognized by an organization that is as prestigious as Beyond Sport.

"Just to be shortlisted is a great achievement."

Beyond Sport is the charitable arm of the Benchmark Sports business, who run annual award ceremonies consisting of a wide-range of categories.

Its aim is to promote, support and develop the use of sport to create positive social change across the world.

Sports clubs can apply for their individual community projects to be considered - and after LFC entered Tactics 4 Families, the initiative was shortlisted by a team of judges alongside Manchester City's 'Enterprise City' scheme, as well as programs from the Philadelphia Eagles and the Memphis Grizzlies.

The winner will be announced at a ceremony in Cape Town in December.

Match Report: Liverpool 2 - 1 Wolves

Liverpool returned to winning ways but made hard work of it at home to Wolves as defensive frailties and equally-fragile confidence levels were almost exposed for a third successive week.

Everything appeared to be going to plan as a Roger Johnson own goal, diverting in Charlie Adam's shot, and another magical Luis Suarez strike appeared to have put the Reds in the comfort zone at half-time.

But substitute Steven Fletcher pulled one back within minutes of the second half starting to ratchet up the pressure on the hosts, who were guilty of missing a number of opportunities to make the victory easier than it turned out to be.

Having lost back-to-back matches at Stoke and Tottenham, where they were humiliated 4-0, it was understandable nerves would be shaky.

And with the Reds keen to avoid a third successive defeat, which would have been their worst run since 2003, the pressure to secure a victory - especially with the Merseyside derby and the visit of Manchester United around the corner - was all-important.

What was equally key to Kenny Dalglish's side's fortunes this season was captain Steven Gerrard making his first Barclays Premier League appearance since March having recovered from a groin operation.

Wolves had actually started the brighter, aided by their hosts' penchant for conceding free-kicks outside their own penalty area.

Their best chance fell to Jamie O'Hara when a ill-judged backpass from Martin Kelly, returning to the side in the absence of the injured Daniel Agger, saw the midfielder shoot weakly at Jose Reina.

A couple of Adam corners caused some difficulties for the Wolves defence but not as much as the midfielder's 11th-minute long-range shot.

Stewart Downing's lay-off saw the Scotland midfielder unleash a 25-yard shot which was diverted past Wayne Hennessey by Johnson's diving header.

Andy Carroll, still the subject of intense debate about his place in the side, should have silenced his critics with a free header from Downing's corner but planted the ball straight at the goalkeeper.

In his favour, however, the England international's performance offered plenty apart from a goal.

But it was Suarez who, once again, was providing the major threat up front with the Wolves centre-backs struggling to contain the Uruguay forward.

Johnson was left bewildered when Suarez brought down Reina's kick and turned the defender inside the penalty area only for his cross to be cut out.

Two further half-chances fell to the South American before he finally got he just desserts in the 38th minute with a goal which owed everything to his movement and Jose Enrique's vision.

The Liverpool left-back lifted a ball over the top of the defence and his team-mate timed his run perfectly to collect, turn Christophe Berra inside then out before firing a shot inside the near post.

Just before the break - during which the third biggest cheer of the afternoon greeted news of former Reds striker Fernando Torres' sending-off for Chelsea - Suarez poked another shot just wide of the far post.

But Liverpool's defensive record this season - they have kept only one clean sheet - meant the third goal would be crucial and it fell to Wolves.

Four minutes after coming on for the start of the second half boyhood Reds fan Fletcher smashed home a shot from Stephen Hunt's cut-back after Reina and Martin Skrtel had got in the way of each other trying to clear their lines.

But Wolves almost crumbled in the aftermath as Hennessey produced his most important save of the game to block Suarez's effort at close quarters from Carroll's knockdown.

Carroll headed against a post while Hennessey made yet another vital block to deny Downing, who should have scored after Liverpool broke quickly on the counter-attack.

Wolves recovered their composure and turned the tables with an extended spell of pressure which caused some consternation amid the massed Red ranks and almost saw Berra equalize with a far-post header.

The long-awaited appearance of Gerrard, who made a brief substitute appearance in the Carling Cup in midweek, finally arrived in the 81st minute when the England midfielder replaced Suarez, who had run himself into the ground.

When the ball dropped to the Reds captain 25 yards out he did not need a second invitation to unleash a dipping volley but there was no fairytale Anfield comeback as the ball bounced wide.

There were a few worrying moments before the end but Dalglish's side saw them out to get back on the winning track.

Happy Days With Suarez

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is looking forward to a long and happy future with Luis Suarez at Anfield.

The Uruguayan scored his side's decisive second goal in superb, solo style in Saturday's engrossing 2-1 win over Wolves at Anfield, where Roger Johnson's own goal had set the home team on their way.

Substitute Steven Fletcher inspired Wolves to a second-half fightback with his goal, but Suarez was still the star of the show after tormenting Mick McCarthy's team.

The Copa America winner was visibly furious when Dalglish opted to replace him in the 81st minute with returning captain Steven Gerrard, who played his first Premier League match since March.

But Dalglish was full of praise for January signing Suarez after the match, as the Reds boss told Sky Sports: "It was a fantastic goal for Luis. He has been fantastic since he came here.

"He is playing with a wee smile on his face all the time and he is a good personality to have in and around the place.

"On the pitch, he has made a fantastic contribution. We are fortunate to have him and we look forward to a lot more happy days with him."

Gerrard had made a 15-minute outing in Liverpool's Carling Cup win over Brighton in midweek, but this was his first appearance at Anfield since the win over Manchester United on 6th March.

The England international has been missing for six months due to a groin problem, which required surgery, and he showed flashes of his class in his short outing against Wolves.

Dalglish, though, maintains he will not be rushing his star man back into the starting line-up, despite Everton and Manchester United looming on the fixture list.

The Scot said: "We are lucky to have Steven. Any football club is better off with a fit Steven Gerrard. As we keep saying, we'll continue in an educated fashion and look after him as best we can.

"We will reward him for the fantastic work he has done so far. If everybody has got the same mentality as Steven, we will be okay. We are just delighted for him and delighted with him."

Dalglish thought Liverpool were good value for their win, although they did look nervy after Fletcher pulled a goal back for Wolves shortly after his half-time introduction.

The Anfield boss said: "It was a difficult game. I think it was an entertaining game. I think we deserved to win.

"I think they got a lift in the second half. We came in two goals up, and deservedly so. Second half, they got a goal early doors and it gave them a bit of momentum and they put us under a bit of pressure.

"But the boys defended really well. They got a lot of headers in and one or two blocks. At the other end of the pitch, we could have scored another three or four with a bit of good fortune. But maybe we got a bit of good fortune with the first goal."