Suarez Has Trophy Ambition

Luis Suarez is confident that, under the stewardship of Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool can add some silverware to the Anfield trophy cabinet this season.

The Reds are without a notable trophy since the 2006 FA Cup final triumph over West Ham - and five years represents an unaccustomed period of time devoid of glory for a club with such a rich history.

However, Liverpool is out to win everything this term, and Dalglish has built a squad capable of challenging on all fronts.

The January arrivals of Suarez and Andy Carroll - followed by seven high-profile summer acquisitions - heralded a renewed sense of optimism on Merseyside, and the Liverpool players have bought into this feeling.

Suarez certainly feels the Reds have the capability of ending the season with a trophy or two - especially with a manager like Dalglish at the helm.

"We're certainly capable of beating anyone," said the 24-year-old. "The team is in good form and feeling very confident, and it's also good the manager can see we have the ambition to pick up trophies.

"But for now, we'll take each match as it comes and hope to pick up some victories in the next few games."

He added: "I think the new arrivals have all been positive additions that have helped the team a lot.

"Although they know they are key players, the main thing is all of the squad knows we are in it together. No one player is bigger than the rest - on the field we are all equal."

Reds Linked With Inkoom

Ghana full-back Samuel Inkoom has claimed Liverpool are closing in on a deal to sign him in the January transfer window.

The club are reported to be in negotiations with the 22-year-old who is contracted to Ukrainian side Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk.

The right-back area has been a problem for the Reds this season, with Glen Johnson suffering from a hamstring injury.

Centre-back Martin Skrtel has been used as a temporary right-back, while young defender Martin Kelly has also deputized in the position.

Inkoom told Ghana radio station Top Radio: "My agent is still locked in talks with my club and a scout of Liverpool and a deal could be concluded very soon.

"Nothing has been decided yet on whether I will join Liverpool on loan or move permanently.

"Liverpool is one of the biggest names in football and so if everything goes well and the Lord allows it, everyone will see where I am going and hopefully, it will be Liverpool, which will be a big step for me."

Inkoom began his career at Ghanaian side Sekondi Hasaacas before playing for Asante Kotoko and Basle.

He has won 25 caps for his country and was part of the squad that reached the World Cup quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010.

Kenny Dalglish Criticizes Retired Judge Over Hillsborough Comments

The Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has criticised a retired judge who suggested the families of Hillsborough victims should move on and drop their "conspiracy theories".

Sir Oliver Popplewell, who chaired the public inquiry into the 1985 fire at the Valley Parade stadium, which killed 56 people, called on the Liverpool families to look at the "quiet dignity and great courage" that relatives of the Bradford victims have shown in the years following the tragedy.

Dalglish said he was not aware of Popplewell's comments, and offered a dismissive response. "Who is he? Why should he make someone else's mind up?" said Dalglish, who was in his first stint as manager at the time of the 1989 disaster.

"I don't think he should be interfering. It is not comparable. Each one is equally as important to the people who have been involved in it as the other.

"I don't know who the guy is or what he said but certainly the Hillsborough families have been hugely complimented on their dignity and how they have gone about what they want to achieve.

"If two people have different opinions it doesn't mean either is right or wrong, you do what suits you best. Our families have been fantastically dignified in their approach and also, after 22 years, very patient and the least they deserve are some comfort."

Kenny Issues Suarez Support

Kenny Dalglish today insisted that Luis Suarez has the full support of everyone at Liverpool Football Club following allegations made in the aftermath of last weekend's clash with Manchester United.

Dalglish told reporters at Melwood: "The only thing we'll say, and then that is it put to bed, is that this Football club and everyone at the club is totally and utterly behind Luis Suarez.

"There was an allegation after the game about him diving all over the place and then there was an allegation from Patrice Evra.

"Obviously the two things are quite emotive, but we fully support the wee man in both things and everyone at the club does.

"I think the football club came out at the start of the week and made our position known - and apart from what I've said there, we won't be adding to it.

"We fully look forward to a complete, transparent report from the FA and look forward to co-operating 100% fully with what is done."

Evra Must Find Witness To Back Him Over Suárez Racism Claim

Luis Suárez increasingly looks like he will not face any charges from the Football Association unless Patrice Evra can produce witness statements to support his allegation that he was racially abused during Manchester United's 1-1 draw at Liverpool last weekend.

The FA is planning to send a delegate to Manchester to interview Evra, now that he is back in the country following the Champions League tie against Otelul Galati.

However, the case may rest on whether any of Evra's team-mates can corroborate his accusation that Suárez repeatedly racially abused him. The Uruguayan has vehemently denied the allegation, with the support of his club, and the FA needs to determine whether it is simply one man's word against another's. If that is the case, there may be nowhere further for the investigation to go.

The FA can also study television pictures but it would be highly unusual if it were to bring in lip-readers, and the inquiry will instead focus initially on what precisely the Senegal-born Frenchman claims was said, and whether his allegations can be backed up.

Evra had claimed on French TV that it happened "at least 10 times", but his case is undermined by the fact he did not bring the allegation to the attention of the referee, Andre Marriner, during the match.

The first Marriner knew of it was afterwards when Evra, accompanied by Sir Alex Ferguson, went to the referee's room to ask him to include it in his match report. Marriner then told the Liverpool manager, Kenny Dalglish, who spoke to Suárez and established that the Uruguayan denied the allegation.

Liverpool's belief is that if the case cannot be proved the FA should consider taking action against Evra on the grounds that it was a malicious allegation. This is unlikely to happen, however, unless there is categorical evidence that Suárez did not do what Evra claims.

A more likely outcome is that the case will be dropped if there are no other United players to support Evra's story. If that is the case, the FA may not even interview Suárez, having already been made aware from the Liverpool end that the allegation is denied. The FA is particularly sensitive to the rivalry between the clubs and eager not to be seen to be making any rash judgments.

However, anti-racism campaign groups such as Kick It Out believe Evra should have approached the referee during the game. Kick It Out launched its three-week 'One Game, One Community' action program last weekend, and the row between Evra and Suárez came on the same day that both players wore T-shirts to promote the campaign.

Lucas - More To Come From Reds

Lucas believes Liverpool will continue to improve over the course of the season as new players settle in and others are welcomed back from injury.

The Reds have made a solid start to the new campaign and are currently fifth in the Premier League after playing out a 1-1 draw with fierce rivals Manchester United at Anfield on Saturday.

Steven Gerrard returned to the starting XI against the Red Devils following a lengthy lay-off, while the likes of Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger are also pushing for recalls after getting back to fitness.

Competition for places has been increased by the arrival of several new faces over the summer, and Lucas has backed the Reds to mount a strong challenge this term.

"I think there is more to come," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"There are a lot of new players that came in over the summer and it always takes time to settle and build an understanding between the players."

Lucas will miss Saturday's clash with Norwich after picking up a fifth yellow card of the season, but he is confident Liverpool will return to winning ways after the draw against United.

"Unfortunately I will be out of the game because I am suspended, but I will be cheering the players on," he said.

"I think we deserved to win against Manchester United. We played really well and now we have to take the positives into the next game, hopefully get the three points and be closer to the top four.

"I think there is a lot to come and hopefully it will be a successful season for us.

"We are disappointed with the result because we wanted to win but you could see that we had a few players coming back from injury."

Eccleston Signing Completed

Rochdale have completed the signing of striker Nathan Eccleston on a month's loan from Premier League club Liverpool.

The 20-year-old will go straight into Steve Eyre's squad for the weekend clash at Exeter.

Eyre told the club's official website: "I'm very grateful to Liverpool for their co-operation.

"He's a very good man, he's a got a lot of fire in his belly, a lot of talent and he loves to score a goal."

Eccleston has made seven first-team appearances for Liverpool, making his debut in October 2009, and has had loans spells at Huddersfield and Charlton, where he stayed for the second half of last season

Amoo Extends Bury Loan

Bury manager Richie Barker has extended the loan deal of Liverpool striker David Amoo until the New Year.

Amoo joined the Shakers on an initial month-long deal in September and it was due to expire after Saturday's game against Bournemouth.

However, the 20-year-old has agreed to prolong his time at Gigg Lane and will stick with the League One club until 2nd January.

The forward has scored once in four appearances for Bury after spending spells on loan at MK Dons and Hull City last season.

He has made one senior appearance for Liverpool, which came in a Europa League qualifier against FK Rabotnicki in July 2010.

Liverpool Confirm Deal To Bring Best South American Starlets To Anfield

Liverpool will be able to hand select the some of the best young talent coming out of South America after agreeing a deal with Uruguay's reigning champions Nacional.

The Uruguayan side is considered to have the best academy in the country and have brought through two of Liverpool's current squad in Luis Suarez and Sebastian Coates.

"Liverpool would come and watch how our academy works and would have first option on signing our young players," a Nacional spokesman told BBC Sport. "We are working towards finalizing an agreement as soon as possible."

Nacional have had a major part to play in the resurgence of Uruguayan football with 14 players from this year's 23-man Copa America-winning squad either playing for the side or having come through the youth system.

Suarez has become an instant Kop hero, while Coates is regarded as one of the best young defenders in South America and is expected to have a long career at Anfield.

After bringing Coates to Liverpool, director of football Damien Comolli declared that he was keen to begin a partnership with Nacional.

"We are talking about a partnership with them that we would like to create over the next three, four or five years, to see if there is more talent coming through," he told the Liverpoolfc.tv in September.

"Maybe we can help them to develop their standards and, in turn, have the ability to bring those young players here. We already have a strong link with South America through Lucas [Leiva], Maxi [Rodriguez] and Luis [Suarez].

"Since it's been such a success with Luis - and I'm sure it will be for Sebastian [Coates] - why don't we try to make it an even bigger success by bringing in other players from Nacional?"

Bologna Move To Tie Down Ramirez Amid Liverpool Interest

Liverpool target Gaston Ramirez is set for a new deal at Bologna to put an end to speculation over his future.

The attacking midfielder is highly sought-after and Liverpool, along with Juventus and Roma, has monitored him in Serie A.

Ramirez, 20, is one of Bologna's most prized assets but is on relatively low terms at the club - and his situation is being closely monitored by Liverpool.

He has a contract until 2015 but that hasn't put off Kenny Dalglish and Bologna is wary of interest in him ahead of the winter transfer window.

It is understood the Serie A club will offer Ramirez a fresh deal - to include a minimum release clause - with the Uruguayan in line for a bumper pay day in a bid to keep him from the clutches of admiring clubs.

Liverpool Set To Win The Race For South American Starlet

Liverpool look to have won the race to sign South American sensation Andy Polo - with the teenager expected to arrive at Anfield next month.

A host of top clubs, including Real Madrid and Arsenal, have sent scouts to Peru to run the rule over the highly-rated striker, who made his debut for Universitario aged just 16.

Polo, nicknamed La Joya (The Jewel), has scored three goals in 13 games and has been compared to Brazilian star Robinho.

The teenager is expected to travel to England in November at the end of the Peruvian domestic season.

He will spend a month at Anfield and is then expected to sign a long-term deal to join his South American compatriots Luis Suarez, Lucas and Sebastian Coates.

Steven Gerrard Had Doubts He Would Return From Injury

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has admitted to being concerned whether he would return from injury during the "hardest six months of my career".

Gerrard, 31, scored against Manchester United on Saturday in his first start since groin surgery in March.

Asked if he feared for his career, Gerrard said: "I think it's only natural you have doubts and different things do cross your mind.

"There were times when I was as low as I've ever been as a footballer."

Gerrard said that before the operation he needed injections to get through games.

"Basically, I knew that wasn't right," he added.

"I was missing training sessions and coming in the day before a game trying to get that last session in or having injections to play the next day.

"You can only do that for a certain amount of time before your body gives in - and mine gave in.

"My groin packed in on me and, when it happened, I was down and I was low.

"I knew it was going to be a serious one, something I wasn't used to. I had to try to be positive but I will admit that I was down."

Gerrard had expected to return for the start of the season but caught an infection related to the groin injury in July. He was admitted to hospital for further treatment.

"When it [the injury] happened, it took time before I got back into a positive frame of mind," Gerrard said. "Without doubt the last six months have been the hardest of my career."

Johnson Eyes Norwich Return

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson hopes his injury problems are finally behind him after returning to action against Rangers.

Johnson played more than an hour of Liverpool's friendly defeat at Rangers without suffering any recurrence of his hamstring injury.

The England international has endured an injury-ravaged season to date with the full-back making just a late substitute appearance in the defeat at Stoke in September.

Johnson is now targeting a return to the first team for this weekend's home clash with Norwich.

"It was just fantastic to be back playing again," Johnson told the club's official website. "Obviously I've been a long time out and it's been a hard few months for me but fingers crossed I'm over all that now.

"The last two injuries were pretty much on the same spot and it's been difficult to try to stay positive. I want to push on from this and we all want to get three points against Norwich."

Martin Kelly has filled in for Johnson at right-back in his absence and the former Portsmouth man relishes the competition with the Anfield academy product.

"Martin has done really well as have all the lads since I've been out and hopefully that will continue," added Johnson.

"We've got good competition in every position and it's good for the club."

Doni Suffers Dislocated Finger

Liverpool goalkeeper Alexander Doni suffered a dislocated finger in Tuesday's friendly defeat to Rangers.

The 31-year-old summer signing from Roma was making a rare appearance for Kenny Dalglish's team in the Ibrox fixture.

Doni was also one of Liverpool's standout performers on a forgettable night for the Reds, but he had to be substituted after sustaining his injury when saving a Kyle Lafferty shot in the second half.

Dalglish confirmed the nature of the problem after the match and was unsure how long his back-up option to first-choice goalkeeper Jose Reina would be facing on the sidelines.

"He's dislocated his finger, though it's been put back in," Liverpool's manager told his club's official website.

"I don't know how long that takes to recover from, but it was good for him, aside from the injury, because he made a couple of decent saves. It was good for him to get a game."

Lee McCulloch's goal condemned Liverpool to defeat ahead of the Premier League club's match against Norwich on Saturday evening.

But Dalglish took some positives from the Rangers game, as Glen Johnson, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio all returned to action after injury.

"It was worthwhile in some aspects," said the Scot. "We've got some boys who haven't played for a while, like Glen Johnson.

"He got injured before the end of last season, went with England, came back and has never really been fully fit since. For him to get an hour was important.

"For Daniel Agger to get some time after injuring his rib and the same for Fabio Aurelio - it's a useful exercise for some of the boys."

Liverpool Starlet Sends Another Message To Dalglish

Raheem Sterling again demonstrated his potential in Liverpool's reserves, despite the Reds' second string falling to defeat against Newcastle.

It was a thrilling encounter in the north-east on Tuesday night as the Magpies won 3-2 under the watchful eye of new boss Willie Donachie.

Former Anfield star Peter Beardsley had been in charge of the Newcastle reserves until last week, when he was promoted to football development manager at St James' Park.

Sterling, meanwhile, opened the scoring for Liverpool with a sumptuous curling effort to further reinforce his claims for a spot in Kenny Dalglish's senior side.

The 16-year-old has already had a taste of first team action after Dalglish named him in Liverpool's Europa League squad that travelled to Prague in February.

Sterling, however, did not make his Liverpool debut but continues to put himself in contention for a first senior appearance.

Despite some personal satisfaction for the young winger, it was a disappointing team performance last night as Newcastle overturned Sterling's opener.

Nile Ranger netted twice for the home side, before Michael Richardson made it 3-1 with a spectacular effort.

Michael Roberts did get a goal back for Liverpool, but it was not enough for Rodolfo Borrell's charges.

Legend Backs Kick It Out Campaign

Liverpool legend Alan Kennedy sported a blindfold to help promote the Kick It Out Weeks of Action campaign at Anfield on Tuesday afternoon.

The former Reds defender attended a special event, hosted by the club's Equality 4 All project, to support those affected by disabilities within the local community.

Youngsters from Myerscough College and St Vincent's School for the Blind were in attendance for a series of workshops that involved sessions with Guide Dogs for the Blind, as well as a focus on British Sign Language with the National Deaf Children's Society.

Liverpool Football Club's Social Inclusion Officer, Rishi Jain, who is heavily involved with the club's work during the Kick It Out Weeks of Action, said: "The work that the club completes alongside Kick It Out during this time and all year round is a significant part of challenging discriminatory issues both on and off the pitch.

"It allows Liverpool FC to further demonstrate its stance of anti-tolerance of discrimination in any form, regardless of an individual’s age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability or religion."

Liverpool will continue their support of the campaign during Saturday's Barclays Premier League match with Norwich City when both sets of players will wear 'One game one community' t-shirts in the warm-up.

Young people from the Pagoda Chinese Community Centre, who participate in the club's Equality 4 All project, will then take part in some on-the-pitch activities, including a crossbar challenge in front of the Kop during the half-time interval.

Defender Martin Kelly has also backed this year's Weeks of Action campaign.

He added: "Everyone across the world should be able to enjoy their football no matter what race, culture, religion or sexual orientation. We have to unite and work together on the pitch, so it should be no different off it."

Match Report: Rangers 1 - 0 Liverpool

Lee McCulloch grabbed the only goal of the game as Rangers claimed victory over Liverpool in a friendly at Ibrox.

Both sides used the fixture to give game time to players who have not featured as regularly as others so far in their respective domestic campaigns.

Skipper David Weir made only his second appearance of the season for Rangers after spending the early part of the campaign sidelined through injury, while Matt McKay was handed his first start.

Danny Wilson was named in the starting line-up for Liverpool against his former club but another ex-Rangers player, Charlie Adam, started on the bench, while Steven Gerrard was not included in the squad.

Juan Manuel Ortiz tried his luck with a decent shot early on that Doni did well to smother, before the goalkeeper was called into action again to block from Steven Whittaker.

The breakthrough came from the resulting corner when Steven Davis delivered into the packed goalmouth and the ball broke for McCulloch who forced home with 20 minutes gone.

McKay should have doubled the advantage a few minutes later with a header from six yards but Doni produced a great save to deny the Australian.

Liverpool could have levelled through a deflected shot from Andy Carroll but Allan McGregor was able to block comfortably in the Rangers goal.

Davis ran onto a long ball from McCulloch in plenty of space and tried to lob the goalkeeper only for his effort to dip just over the crossbar.

Liverpool emerged for the second half unchanged, while Rangers made five changes at the break, including McGregor being replaced in goal by Neil Alexander.

The home side thought they had added to their lead 10 minutes after the restart when substitute Kyle Lafferty tested Doni at his right-hand post and the goalkeeper spilled the ball but referee Willie Collum ruled that the effort did not cross the line.

Doni injured himself while attempting to make the save and was replaced by Martin Hansen.

Both sides then made a number of changes with just over an hour gone and Adam's introduction to the action was met with one of the biggest cheers of the night from the Ibrox crowd.

Rangers continued to carve out the best of the chances and Lafferty saw his long-range shot graze the crossbar, with the woodwork denying the Northern Irishman on this occasion.

Liverpool almost levelled late on when Carroll teed up the shot for Jordan Henderson and his well-struck shot was deflected just past the upright.

Carroll then went to ground under pressure from Alexander but there was no penalty award as Rangers held on for the win.

Reina - Gerrard's A Born Winner

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is delighted to have club captain Steven Gerrard back from injury and has described him as 'a born winner'.

Gerrard started his first game for the Merseyside giants in seven months on Saturday against Manchester United at Anfield in the Premier League and also found the target, as the match finished in a 1-1 draw.

Reina is overjoyed that the England international midfielder has recovered from a groin injury and is hopeful of watching him in action regularly this season.

"Stevie is the badge of this football club, the soul of this team and we are more than happy to have him back in the team," said the Spaniard in the Liverpool Echo.

"Hopefully he will be back for a long, long time. Just by the fact that he is on the pitch it is an inspiration for us.

"He always leads by example and anything he does he does with passion and a lot of commitment. He is a born winner."

The draw with champions United has placed Liverpool in fifth spot on 14 points from eight matches, making Reina optimistic of further progress in the table as the season unfolds.

"It's a positive thing to be disappointed at having not beaten Manchester United," enthused the 29-year-old.

"It speaks well about the hunger of the team and the performance of the team that clearly we deserved three points. It was unlucky but we have to keep going.

"We have been consistent so far this season. We had just one poor game at Spurs (4-0 defeat in September).

"It shows without doubt the progress that has been made. We are all much happier than a year ago.

"It is not about belief. It is about the quality of the team and the squad and the strength we have as a group.

"We have to work on a daily basis to improve, keep going and compete more often with the people above us.

"We will find out at the end of the season and hopefully the distance won't be that big."

Liverpool Scouts Cast Eye Over Crystal Palace Starlet

Crystal Palace starlet Wilfried Zaha is reportedly edging closer to a move to a Premier League club after starring against Watford at the weekend.

The 18-year-old forward is thought to be attracting the interest of Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham with reports claiming a battle for his signature will begin during the January transfer window.

According to the Daily Star, Liverpool and Newcastle scouts were in attendance on Saturday when Zaha put in another dazzling display, scoring in their 2-0 victory at Vicarage Road.

However, Palace is determined to hold onto their prized asset and will attempt to hold off any interested parties in January.

Varoius reported claim the Championship side value Zaha at around £10m and will only entertain offers around that amount.

Reds Yet To Return For Chedjou

Aurelien Chedjou claims to have received no further contact from Liverpool, but admits Juventus have expressed an interest in signing him.

The Lille defender was a transfer target for the Reds last season, but eventually penned a new deal in France.

That agreement is due to run until 2015, but a clause inserted in the agreement means he is free to discuss a move next summer.

Chedjou is yet to decide what action, if any, he will take at that juncture, but admits he is open to offers.

A move to the Premier League would be his preferred choice, but he claims Liverpool have offered no indication as to whether they will be re-entering the chase.

"When I signed the extension did I reach an agreement to be able to leave next summer? Yes, we have such an agreement," Chedjou told L'Equipe.

"But I am not thinking I will play this season and then leave. I will try to play as well as possible and if there are offers, we will sit down and discuss them.

"I will not forget that Lille have shown great faith in me.

"Do I have news from Liverpool? No.

"The last contact from abroad came from Juventus. They contacted my agent during my holidays, but I gave my word to Lille when I signed the new contract and I am happy to stay for another season.

"We will see what happens, but England would be an exciting destination for me."