Match Report: Liverpool 1 - 1 Norwich City

Liverpool lost ground on the top four as their leaky defence and a failure to capitalize on numerous opportunities cost them victory at Anfield.

Kenny Dalglish's side hit the woodwork three times among several other chances but had only Craig Bellamy's late first-half goal against his former club to show for their efforts.

And a side which has kept only two clean sheets all season should have known what was coming as a result.

They were punished on the hour when Grant Holt headed home just three minutes after coming off the bench to spoil what would have been perfect story for Bellamy on his first Liverpool start since May 2007.

The Wales international left Carrow Road 11 years ago and on his travels around various clubs in the Premier League spent one season at Anfield.

He admits he returned this summer with unfinished business and appeared to have resumed his mission in ideal fashion with his first league goal of his second spell.

However, what he could not count on was a defence which has so far only kept clean sheets against Arsenal and Everton, both of whom had been reduced to 10 men, and neither of which has been at Anfield.

Norwich were undoubtedly encouraged by this statistic and looked much more of a threat once they had drawn level.

The omens were good for Liverpool before kick-off as they had won their previous four meetings against the Canaries, although the last of those was in January 2005.

Had it not been for the woodwork the Reds would have enjoyed a much more comfortable evening as twice within the opening 12 minutes they came within inches of scoring.

With less than two minutes gone Martin Skrtel's glancing header from Charlie Adam's right-wing corner crashed against the crossbar.

Luis Suarez's first sight of goal saw him uncharacteristically miss the target from the left side of the penalty area with an ambitious shot with the outside of his right foot.

But the Uruguay international's next effort required the combined efforts of John Ruddy and the frame of his goal to prevent him breaking the deadlock.

The Canaries goalkeeper had to be at full stretch to get his fingertips to the shot and deflect the ball onto his left-hand post.

Norwich briefly threatened when Wes Hoolahan's shot and Steve Morison's header were both fumbled by Jose Reina, although in between that Suarez had fired across goal in front of the Kop.

Apart from that brief spell Norwich, who had won three of their last four matches, had to play second fiddle to a Liverpool side who dominated but came up just short in the final third.

But just when it seemed the hosts had failed to take advantage Bellamy struck in first-half added time.

Suarez's nuisance factor in the Norwich defence saw him tussle with Russell Martin, allowing the ball drop to Bellamy on the edge of the area and his low shot took a deflection off Tierney on its way past Ruddy.

The woodwork denied Liverpool for a third time in the 51st minute when Suarez's run left Leon Barnett baffled but the Uruguay international's shot deflected off Martin and onto the post.

However, within three minutes of Holt coming off the bench he had punished the Reds for failing to take their chances.

The striker powered home a 60th-minute header after Reina came for - and missed - Anthony Pilkington's cross with Jamie Carragher and Glen Johnson in close attendance.

Holt almost doubled his tally six minutes later but this time Reina dealt with his far-post header and, as the game opened up, Ruddy was relieved to see Suarez's toe-poke roll behind after squirming through his fingers.

Suarez's 78th-minute shot was turned past the far post by Ruddy with Gerrard lurking outside the six-yard box as the hosts tried to make up for missed opportunities.

Substitute Andy Carroll's header in the fourth minute of added time summed up Liverpool's match as he powered wide from six yards.

As if to rub salt into the wounds Ruddy produced a brilliant save to tip over Suarez's volley even later.

But like against Sunderland on the opening day of the season and - to a lesser extent - Manchester United last weekend a failure to take their chances cost them the win.

Such dropped points could dearly cost Liverpool's bid to regain Champions League status.

Kenny Rues Missed Chances

Kenny Dalglish admitted his frustration after Liverpool failed to turn a succession of chances into goals and were held to a 1-1 draw by Norwich City on Saturday.

Craig Bellamy put the Reds into a deserved lead in first-half stoppage time, but substitute Grant Holt's towering header secured a point for the visitors at Anfield.

Liverpool could have clinched victory had it not been for a stunning save from Norwich 'keeper John Ruddy to thwart a Luis Suarez volley at the death while substitute Andy Carroll went close with a close-range header.

Dalglish told his post-match press conference: "I think on the balance of the game we deserved to take three points from it. We played really well up to a point, created an awful lot of chances and there was some great passing and moving.

"But when you are only one goal in front it gives them a bit of encouragement. They were hanging on in there.

"If we don't convert our chances we're always going to give the opposition a chance. They took it.

"Even then we came back and the goalkeeper has made a fantastic save from Luis late on and big Andy almost scored with a header as well.

"We're disappointed but I am sure we'll play a lot worse than that and win matches."

As well as being thwarted by Ruddy's late heroics for Norwich, Liverpool also struck the woodwork three times during the course of a contest they dominated for long periods.

However, Dalglish is confident the Reds will soon start to turn their opportunities into goals.

He said: "You work to get the chances on the day. It's difficult to assess how you're going to react when you get the chances, but hitting the post three or four times as well doesn't help.

"But if we keep creating the chances, we've got enough people there who can finish them."

Dalglish: Luis Suarez Needs Protection From Referees

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish believes Luis Suarez is not getting adequate protection from referees.

Suarez felt aggrieved that decisions were not awarded in his favour during the Reds' 1-1 draw with Norwich - and Dalglish thinks the Uruguayan deserves more respect from referees.

"He needs protection and I don't think he got that out there," said Dalglish.

"His integrity has been called into question and I think maybe he is suffering from that at the moment."

Suarez remonstrated with referee Peter Walton on several occasions, claiming he was manhandled by the Norwich defenders. And Dalglish feels his player's reputation may have gone before him.

Dalglish added: "It is their integrity that needs questioning not his. On the football pitch he is exemplary, a fantastic footballer and we have 100% faith in Luis and the way he conducts himself."

Grant Holt rescued a point for Norwich at Anfield after Craig Bellamy had opened the scoring on his return to the first team.

But, for all their late pressure, Suarez could not inspire Liverpool to victory against a well-organized Norwich side.

"He is a terrific footballer and he's created a lot of chances out there," said Dalglish.

"For 90 minutes he was a thorn in their side he just couldn't finish the chances off."

Liverpool started strongly and threatened to run riot as Norwich struggled to get to grips with the home side, but Paul Lambert's side hung on to frustrate Liverpool.

Dalglish's opposite number was thrilled with his side's display and insisted Norwich deserved to take away a point.

"I am proud of the players to come here and play the way we did - they were fantastic," said Lambert.

"I think in the first half there was a bit of stage fright but in the second we were excellent we played with no fear. I don't think we know how to play any other way, there's players in the dressing room who have been absolutely colossal for us.

Following encouraging displays at Manchester United and Chelsea, Lambert believes his side finally got what they deserved.

"We had chances at Old Trafford and at Stamford Bridge and we lost the games but gave it a go. We were always going to come here and do the same and I think we deserved a point," added the Scot.

"The lads ran themselves into the ground and John Ruddy made a few saves. If we'd have come away with anything less than a win we'd have been disappointed.

"We have been playing well all season and we've always got a goal in us. If we keep doing that then we will win more games than we lose."

Luis Suarez To Be Questioned By Football Association

Liverpool forward Luis Suárez is expected to be interviewed by the Football Association next week as investigations continue into allegations of racist abuse made by Manchester United defender Patrice Evra following last Saturday’s 1-1 draw between the two clubs at Anfield.

Suárez has strenuously denied accusations made by Evra that he uttered racial insults during the Premier League fixture, with Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish insisting on Thursday that the club remain “totally and utterly behind” the Uruguay international.

But with representatives of the FA’s disciplinary unit travelling to Manchester to speak to Evra on Thursday, it is understood that Suárez will also be asked for his observations by the FA to maintain the integrity of the investigative process and avoid accusations of an unbalanced inquiry.

There is no suggestion that the FA has received new evidence which supports or weakens the position of either player.

With Evra, who was accompanied by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, reporting the alleged racist abuse to match referee Andre Marriner after last week’s fixture, Suárez will be given the opportunity to offer his version of events when he meets the FA.

It remains unclear as to what Evra told the FA during his meeting on Thursday, however, with both United and the governing body yesterday adhering to an agreement not to discuss the investigation.

Ferguson said on Monday that Evra was determined to follow through with his complaint against Suárez, but the French defender will have to supply secondary evidence to support his claims of racist abuse in order for the FA to consider action against the Liverpool player.

While Ferguson has insisted that United regard the matter as one between Evra and Suárez, rather than a club versus club issue, the rhetoric from Liverpool has been strong, with Dalglish also defending Suárez against United’s accusations of “diving all over the place”.

But despite Liverpool’s unswerving support of Suárez, Dalglish has made it clear that the club will “co-operate 100 per cent” with the FA during the investigation.

Dalglish Expects To Splash Cash

Kenny Dalglish is confident he will continue to be backed by Liverpool's owners in the transfer market.

Dalglish spent big in the last two windows, bringing in the likes of Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez, Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam for sizeable fees.

The Reds boss feels he has a quality squad at his disposal, but would not be afraid to raid the market again and expects Fenway Sports Group to back his judgement.

"We are happy about the strength of the squad we have got," Dalglish said. "The more players I have to choose from the more difficult my job is but the better it is for everyone. We have a fit squad at the moment but I am sure that won't last too long.

"There is a window coming up in January and if we feel the need to use it I am sure we will get full support (from the owners)."

Liverpool To Move For £12m Defender

Liverpool is reportedly preparing a £12 million swoop for Newcastle United defender Fabricio Coloccini.

The Argentinian has been earmarked as a target by Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish, who is looking to bolster his defence.

Coloccini has 18 months remaining on his current deal at St. James' Park, and Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is growing concerned that he could lose the 29-year-old.

Liverpool has struggled with defensive injuries this season, and with doubts over the prolonged fitness of Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel, Dalglish is keen to add Coloccini to the Anfield ranks.

The former Deportivo La Coruna defender is likely to cost Liverpool around £12 million, and has impressed during his time in England.

Should the powerful centre-half leave Newcastle, it would be a massive blow for the club, who bough the player in 2008.

Thomas Linked With Liverpool Again

According to today's Daily Mirror, Liverpool is still interested in Coventry City's talented midfielder Connor Thomas.

When Thomas was sent to Liverpool on loan last January, it was the catalyst that causes a board room struggle to come to a head and ended up with a change of chairman and vice chairman.

The move fell through though when Thomas was injured during training and had to return to Coventry for treatment.

He also had difficulty in settling in the North West, preferring to live in Coventry.

However, the 17 year old, who turns 18 next week, is set to turn down the move to Liverpool.

He has been offered a contract by Coventry City and he is expected to sign on the dotted line sometime next week.

Glen: Kenny Inspires My Best

Glen Johnson claims Kenny Dalglish brings the best out in him – by allowing him to play his natural game.

The full-back admits he was sometimes asked to curtail his attacking instincts under previous boss Roy Hodgson.

Johnson said: "Kenny knows I am an attacking full-back and he wants me to attack whereas maybe Roy didn't want me to attack as much. That jarred the team a bit. I've always been an outlet on the right and everyone knows that.

"When I wasn't getting forward as much I wasn't there for them to hit the diagonal passes so it slowed the game down. Now I'm able to do what I do - to just play.

"Kenny has helped me like he's helped everyone here. He's a good guy. He's always there having a joke with the lads but he lets you know when it's time to knuckle down and work hard. It's just a more relaxed approach which I think makes everyone relax and perform that bit better.

"Training is miles different now than it was. It's a lot shorter and sharper, you are bouncing from one exercise to another. There's a lot less waiting and standing around. You get more touches and it's livelier. It's more enjoyable."

Johnson had offers to join other clubs before signing for Liverpool in 2009 - but he is still convinced he made the right decision despite a trophyless start to his Anfield career.

"If I had gone to Chelsea, I wouldn't have had to move house and things would have been easier," he said.

"Leaving London was a big move but I still believe I made the right decision. I was pleased to do it then and I'm still pleased now.

"I came to this club to win trophies. No-one signs for a club like Liverpool and is happy with not winning anything.

"The good thing is that everybody is pushing towards that. We all want the same thing.

"The new owners have come in, we've signed some great players and we've got a brilliant team.

"On and off the pitch things are going in the right direction."

Match Preview: Liverpool vs Norwich

Liverpool and Norwich will both look to build on some encouraging recent results when they lock horns at Anfield on Saturday evening. Kenny Dalglish's Reds have bounced back from a couple of defeats in September to re-establish themselves in fifth place in the Premier League. Having beaten Wolves and Merseyside rivals Everton, they drew 1-1 with Manchester United last Saturday after being pegged back by Javier Hernandez's equalizer.

Norwich has also been moving in the right direction over the past few weeks after recovering from a poor start to the campaign. The Canaries have won three of their past four games and the 3-1 victory over Swansea last time out left them in the top half of the table. Paul Lambert will now be relishing the chance to claim a famous scalp at Anfield.

Lucas serves a one-match suspension for Liverpool after collecting his fifth booking of the season in the draw with Manchester United. Jordan Henderson, dropped to the bench for the last two matches, may therefore regain his starting place in midfield. Defenders Daniel Agger (rib) and Glen Johnson (hamstring) are fully fit again after playing in the midweek friendly defeat to Rangers. Andy Carroll will be hoping for a recall to the starting XI after Dalglish opted to go with Luis Suarez as a lone frontman against United, supported by fit-again skipper Steven Gerrard.

Lambert has had the luxury of not having to make too many changes to his side this season and again has no fresh injury worries ahead of the trip to Merseyside. He is, however, still without the services of defenders Zak Whitbread (hamstring), Daniel Ayala (knee) and Elliott Ward (knee). James Vaughan is a long-term absentee with a knee problem of his own.

Possible Starting XIs

Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Enrique, Kuyt, Henderson, Adam, Downing, Gerrard, Suarez.

Norwich: Ruddy, Naughton, Martin, Barnett, Tierney, Bennett, Hoolahan, Fox, Pilkington, Morison, Johnson.

Carroll Causing Concern For Dalglish

It's often said that a player returning from a long-term injury is like having a new signing and that is certainly true for Liverpool after Steven Gerrard's first start in more than six months last weekend. He couldn't have asked for a much better comeback, playing 90 minutes against Manchester United and scoring a goal too. As the captain and the driving force of Liverpool, his return is obviously a massive boost and he will be looking to kick on again when Norwich visit Anfield on Saturday.

From a manager's perspective there's not really much you can do for a player when he is injured - apart from offering words of encouragement and cajoling him along. It is down to the player to handle it and it can be really difficult when you're out, especially when you're a bit older.

Steven is 31 now and admitted this week that he seriously worried about whether he'd ever be the same player again whilst he was sidelined. When you know you're nearer the end of your career than the beginning, it's only natural to get those sort of doubts - especially as he's had setbacks as well. There will have been times when he's thought "I'm doing really well and only a couple for weeks away from coming back", and then suddenly he's out for another few months, which then seems like an age.

Although the manager's encouragement is important during a lengthy lay-off, the key people are the physio staff and your family, who keep you going during your low points. Rehab can include days and days of work that feels really mundane, and it can be difficult to find motivation when you're doing such light work. Life is easy for a footballer when you're playing games, winning matches, scoring goals - the whole world is rosy. Then suddenly, that's snatched away and your team-mates go off on holiday over the summer while you're visiting the medical staff - or they're travelling to games and you're not with them. It can be a real mental test; the six inches between your ears is the most important thing in football.

While Steven Gerrard has been frustrated by injury, his team-mate Andy Carroll will have been frustrated by his lack of playing time this season. It's been really difficult for him to deal with the expectations of him and I think people have got to try to forget that £35 million price tag and accept that he's young and going to take time to bed in. When he got into the Newcastle side he knew all the lads because he'd been at the club for years and he knew his way around Newcastle because that's where he's from. Suddenly there's a massive transfer fee, he's left the club he's grown up at and he's thrown in at the deep end playing for a huge club.

People have said that he doesn't fit into the formation that Kenny is using at the moment, but I think that Kenny is actually playing that way because Andy hasn't been good enough. Away from home, just about everyone plays one up front and that one is always going to be Suarez at the moment for Liverpool because of the way he's playing, his knowledge and experience. He's an established international, who's played for a big club in Ajax - Andy hasn't had that, he is still just a young lad. Against Norwich, Kenny will probably think seriously about playing two up top with Andy and Luis Suarez together but if he doesn't play in these sorts of games, it doesn't bode too well.

Kenny's team selection against Norwich will be interesting as it's the sort of fixture - at home to a promoted club - that Liverpool have to win if they are serious about getting into the top four. However, it won't be easy as Norwich has had a very encouraging start to the season and they're a tidy team. Paul Lambert has a lot of hungry players, most of who have been on the edge of being Premier League players but unproven, and they've reminded me of Blackpool last year in the way they try to play good football.

Dalglish Backs Jordan To Shine

Kenny Dalglish admits he does not yet know Jordan Henderson's best position but insists the Liverpool midfielder is at the right club.

Henderson, 21, made a £20million switch from Sunderland to Liverpool in the summer as Dalglish set about creating an English heartbeat to his team.

The size of the fee and the lack of a regular position in the team have seen the England Under 21 international struggle at times to display his best form.

In Liverpool's last two marquee games against Everton and Manchester United, the midfielder has found himself on the bench.

However, the suspension of Lucas Leiva for the Norwich game on Saturday could well provide him with a route back into the team.

And while Dalglish accepts he is yet to extract the best from the youngster, he has no doubt Liverpool will reap the benefit of his future years.

"I don't know his best position yet - but I know his best club and that's this one," said Dalglish.

"We just want him to play and enjoy playing. He's a talented footballer with a great future in front of him and we are just delighted he chose to come here.

"He'll be here for a long, long time and he's going to be a tremendous asset for us. He's got patience too."

He added: "He's a young boy who has come down from Sunderland and is starting to settle in really well now.

"He's another option for us in midfield this weekend. I've just got to make the right decision."

Liverpool Scouts Track England Starlet

Liverpool target Mason Bennett is poised for a shock senior debut with Derby County.

The 15-year-old forward has been scouted by a handful of top clubs in England, and has already earned international recognition at U16 level.

“Mason is someone we have to be patient with, but we can’t deny that we’re very excited about him," said Rams boss Nigel Clough.

“He’s a fantastic prospect and playing in the Championship would certainly not faze him."

Liverpool has a track record of bringing teenage talent to Anfield, with director of football Damien Comolli eager to build for the future on Merseyside, a philosophy proven with the signings of Jordan Henderson and Andy Carroll.

The club's academy at Melwood is regarded as one of the best in Europe, with fellow England youth internationals Adam Morgan, Conor Coady and Raheem Sterling all plying their trade in the Liverpool ranks.

16-year-old Sterling would be of particular relevance, with Liverpool signing the player from QPR in 2010 for a fee that could rise to as much as £5 million.

Liverpool Dealt Decisive Blow In African Defender Pursuit

Liverpool has been dealt a decisive blow in their pursuit of Nigerian international defender Taye Taiwo.

The AC Milan full back was heavily linked with a move to Anfield in the summer transfer window, with Kenny Dalglish thought to be tracking the player before a move to AC Milan in May.

Despite the recent nature of the move, speculation has persisted that a move away from the San Siro could take place in the New Year, forcing agent Fabio Parisi to dismiss the claims.

“I saw him at the end of the match and he was very happy. The fans gave him an extra push. Let’s hope that he gets a chance to prove himself because the more he plays, the more he will believe," said Parisi.

“As for his future, he is definitely staying at Milan.”

A return to Ligue 1 has been mooted, whilst Liverpool are believed to be keen on adding a defender in the transfer window, with Ghanaian international Samuel Inkoom claiming he's close to joining the club.

After failing to secure Taiwo's services before the season began, Dalglish turned Liverpool attentions to Jose Enrique, bringing the Spaniard to Merseyside and solving the left-back conundrum at the club.

However, the Reds lack depth in position, and one of the African pair could join the ranks at Liverpool to provide competition for places under the stewardship of 'King Kenny'.

Molby: Goal Has Inspired Him

Jan Molby believes Jordan Henderson's strike for England U21s has given him a lift that could see him make a real impact against Norwich City this weekend.

The Reds will be without the suspended Lucas Leiva for the visit of Paul Lambert's men and Molby is tipping the former Sunderland midfielder to make a well deserved return to the starting XI.

Molby said: "With Lucas suspended, Kenny Dalglish has a decision to make about who to bring in.

"I expect Jordan Henderson to come in on the right, with Dirk Kuyt up alongside Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard in midfield with Charlie Adam. Henderson did himself no harm at all with his cameo against United. It seems that going away with England Under-21s and getting a goal has helped boost his confidence."

Three points against Norwich would see Liverpool put further pressure on the sides currently occupying the top four positions.

Molby expects a tough encounter against the Barclays Premier League newcomers but feels the Reds must pick up a victory if they have serious intentions of returning to the Champions League next season.

"We need to get back in the top four as quickly as possible," he said.

"If we're serious about achieving that we have to win games like tomorrow's home clash with Norwich City.

"I've been impressed by what I've seen of Norwich so far this season

"When they came up, you looked at the squad and thought it smelt a bit like the Championship. But they've managed to improve both individually and as a team.

"They attempt to play a similar type of game to Liverpool with a lot of quick passing. They've got good width in Elliott Bennett, who they signed from Brighton, and they aren't scared of anyone. They showed that recently at Old Trafford when they carved United apart on a number of occasions."

Reds Welcome Chinese Trialists

Two Chinese youngsters have realized a dream by beginning a week-long trial with Liverpool Football Club.

Lung Chan, 16, and Chen Nal, 15, arrived in the city on Wednesday ahead of a seven-day spell at the club's Academy.

A meet and greet with the likes of Frank McParland and Damien Comolli was first on the agenda prior to a Thursday evening training session with the Reds' U16 squad.

The duo both produced some neat touches during a two-hour work-out and they will now be hoping to show the club's coaching staff what they can do throughout their time in Kirkby.

The Academy’s director of recruitment Stuart Webber explained the decision to invite the pair to Liverpool.

Webber told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It all came to fruition when Damien (Comolli) introduced me to a Chinese agent. He had some ideas that involved us going out to China to have a look at a few of their players.

"As a result, a few weeks ago, I went out there and watched them in action. I saw the two who are here now and decided to ask them to come over to the UK so we could have a look at them in our own environment to see what they are like playing with our players and in our conditions.

"Asia is a massive market for us to explore and if we ever get it right, it could be huge for us. You only have to look at what it has done at Manchester United with Ji-Sung Park.

"It would be fantastic if we could find a player of that quality. It would be fantastic for us and for the whole of Asia. There is such a passion for football over there and it would be great to be able to give something back to them if we can find a player who is good enough to make it here at Liverpool FC."

He added: "Both of these lads have done well so far. Obviously the language barrier is difficult and it is a different culture. But they have adapted well and their ability is beginning to shine through. It promises to be an interesting week for both them and us."

Liverpool Don't Want To Scrap Relegation - Henry

Liverpool owner John W Henry has dismissed reports that foreign owners are keen to scrap Premier League relegation as "complete nonsense".

League Managers' Association (LMA) chief executive Richard Bevan claimed earlier this week that the English top-flight's American and Asian power holders have discussed the possibility of ending relegation to the Championship, claiming that "particularly American owners without doubt" are keen on the concept.

Bevan's revelation led to an angry backlash from many involved in the game, with the Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson describing it as "suicide" and Wigan owner Dave Whelan threatening to pull Wigan out of the Premier League if such an idea became a reality.

But Henry, who took control of Liverpool last year, has rejected Bevan's comments - describing them as "complete nonsense" and telling the Associated Press that the issue "hasn't been discussed".

Fellow American owner Randy Lerner, who is the man at the Aston Villa helm, also dismissed the relegation reform claims, insisting he was "confused and surprised" by them.

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."