Kenny Dalglish Encouraged By Liverpool Performance

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is taking heart from the number of chances his side created against Norwich, despite the fact that most of them went unconverted.

The Reds squandered a host of goalscoring opportunities as they were held to a 1-1 draw by the Canaries at Anfield.

It meant Liverpool lost ground on the top four in the Barclays Premier League, but Dalglish is determined to focus on the positives.

"I think we've been brilliant in creating the chances," Dalglish told www.liverpoolfc.tv.

"It's a huge pleasure for us that we're creating that many chances. So we'll look at the positives.

"The finishing side? Obviously we've got to add to it.

"But when you look at the facts and figures and reflect on what they've actually done and what they've actually created, you wouldn't bet against scoring five or six on any given day."

A definite bonus for the Merseyside outfit is the return to fitness of club captain Steven Gerrard, whose start in the Norwich game was his second since making his comeback after a six-month period sidelined by groin problems.

Gerrard has spoken of his appreciation at receiving a visit from the club's owners Fenway Sports Group during his time out of action, and the 31-year-old feels the Americans have done a good job over the year that they have been in control of Liverpool.

"It's been a good 12 months on the pitch and off the pitch," Gerrard told LFC Magazine.

"They've stabilized the club and certainly put the money in. They've backed the manager and (director of football) Damien Comolli. They've been very supportive of the team.

"I thought it was a brilliant touch for them to come and visit me in the hospital when I had my infection.

"I was very low at the time but they called me and made the effort to come and see me. That gave me a huge lift and I was very grateful to them for it."

Gerrard Sets Sights On Trophies

Steven Gerrard admits he would like nothing more than to compete in the UEFA Champions League next season, but insists that a top-four finish will not be Liverpool's sole focus this year.

The Reds captain, who recently returned from a prolonged spell on the sidelines at Anfield, believes that winning some silverware this year is just as important as securing a return to Europe's elite competition.

"Getting back in the top four is a priority, but I wouldn't say it's our only priority," Gerrard told LFC Magazine. "Bringing those European nights back to Anfield is what we all want.

"Some of the best nights of my career have been in the Champions League and I want to experience a few more before I eventually hang up my boots.

"It's difficult to watch it on TV on a Tuesday or Wednesday night knowing we are not involved. Everyone here is striving to get back there and the sooner it happens the better."

As Liverpool prepare for a midweek Carling Cup encounter with Stoke City, Gerrard reiterated the club's desire to improve on all fronts this term, and is targeting progression to the quarter finals.

"At the same time it's about trophies for me and I see the FA Cup and Carling Cup as also being very important," he continued. "Because we are only involved in three competitions we have to focus on all of them.

"There is no European football so you can afford to focus more on the Carling Cup. We haven't done well in any of the cups domestically since 2006.

"It's time we gave the fans a bit of excitement again. They deserve it and there would be nothing better than going to Wembley. That would be fantastic for everyone."

Dalglish Wants Germany Playmaker At Anfield In January

It seems Werder Bremen midfielder Marko Marin has become one of the most wanted players in Europe after it was revealed that Liverpool are the latest club keeping tabs on the diminutive playmaker.

Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea have already checked on the availability of the German international and now Liverpool have emerged as candidates to sign Marin.

Liverpool were one of the busiest teams in the summer transfer window, but it seems that manager Kenny Dalglish is still not happy with his squad and is ready to spend in the New Year.

Dalglish watched his Liverpool side dominate possession at the weekend against Norwich but fail to convert a number of chances and ended up drawing the game 1-1.

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool are interested in bringing the 22-year-old to Anfield and may attempt to beat their Premier League rivals to the players signature in January.

Bremen signed Marin from fellow Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach for €8.5million in the summer of 2009 and became an instant hit with the fans for his impressive displays.

Marin has also become a regular for Germany under Joachim Low and has already made 16 appearances for his country, scoring one goal.

Likened to Real Madrid star Mesut Ozil, Liverpool will face plenty of competition for the attacking midfielder and would certainly have to make a substantial offer to Bremen to convince them to part with their star player.

Liverpool & Man United Told €22m Enough To Land Dutch Striker

Liverpool and Manchester United will be on alert after recent comments made by the agent of Ricky van Wolfswinkel with regards to the buy-out clause in his contract.

Various reports have linked the Sporting Lisbon striker with a move to the Premier League despite only arriving in Portugal this summer. His early form for Sporting, where he has scored four goals in six appearances, has reportedly alerted United and Liverpool.

Understandably, Sporting are unwilling to sell van Wolfswinkel, however, his agent Loius Laros has revealed that a €22m buy-out clause does exist in his contract and any club wanting his services will have to match that figure.

"Portuguese talk about an extended contract is premature," said Laros. "The commitment of Van Wolfswinkel runs until 2016, but he does have a clause.

"With a bid of €22m he can leave Sporting.

Enrique - Suarez Is No Diver

Liverpool defender Jose Enrique insists his club team-mate Luis Suarez is not a diver.

The Reds striker endured a frustrating evening against Norwich on Saturday when he came close to scoring on a number of occasions, and was left frustrated when no foul was given after Marc Tierney appeared to bring down the Uruguayan when he was clean through on goal.

Enrique believes Tierney should have been sent off and responded to recent comments from Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson that Suarez goes down too easily.

"The truth is that it should have been a red card for their defender because he kicked Luis," Enrique told the Liverpool Echo.

"But I don't think what happened was down to anything that was said last week. Referees sometimes make mistakes like all of us.

"Last week, he (Ferguson) defended his team because we played them. The truth is Luis is a really dangerous player and is a really nice guy. He doesn't dive.

"Some of the Manchester United players (go down like they) dive into the swimming pool. They defend their team, we defend our team - that's normal.

"When you lose two points at home, no-one is positive but Luis did really well. He had a lot of chances and was just unlucky."

On the 1-1 draw with Norwich, Enrique added: "It was frustrating. We created a lot of chances and deserved the three points.

"In the first half we played really well but in the second half they played better than us.

"It is bad luck when you try, try and try but do not score the goals. We have to be more like we were in the first half.

"We respect Norwich and they played well, but against a team like that we have to win if we want to be in the Champions League. We have lost a lot of points like that this season.

"At home we have to win. I hope in the future we will not look back and need these points."

Dalglish's Anti-Technical Tactics Revealed

1980s Liverpool star Gary Gillespie has revealed that when Kenny Dalglish managed the Reds the first time around, the legend learnt that football shouldn’t be over complicated.

Gillespie was part of the multiple-trophy winning side of 1988/89, and the former defender said that while Dalglish was player/manager at Anfield, he preferred a simpler format of coaching.

"When I say this to people they’re amazed: In 8 years at Liverpool, the days we were actually coached I can count on one hand. We were just told to go out and play,” he said.

"At times, the game becomes a little bit too technical and...I think formations sometimes go out the window. Ultimately, with good players in the side...that know the game, and know exactly what they’re doing...they'll find their positions."

"You’ve got to have a structure to work with, but too much is made of it. Within that structure you’ve got to have license, and think since Kenny’s come in, he’s given them a bit more license to express themselves".

Dalglish has been manager at Liverpool again since January, and the club is hoping to make a return to the top four and challenge for top European honours.

While Liverpool suffered a disappointing draw against Norwich on the weekend, the side is currently sixth in the Barclays Premier League table and has enjoyed a much better start to this season than last.

Borrell: Bring On Chelsea

Rodolfo Borrell has set his sights on a first Barclays Premier Reserve League North victory of the season as his Liverpool youngsters prepare to host big-spending Chelsea on Wednesday afternoon.

The Reds' second-string have played just two domestic games so far this term due to their involvement in the NextGen Series tournament.

The Spaniard's fledgling team have come out of both contests empty-handed but he remains confident that facing such a high standard of opposition will eventually pay big dividends for the club's future.

Borrell told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Everyone knows that Chelsea have spent massive money on youngsters over the past few years. That means they are able to bring through players who are competitive but also of a high quality.

"They have used some big name players in their reserves already this season and last week Romelu Lukaku was involved.

"So we know they are a good side and it will be a very good experience for our young team. I think it will be a good contest and we are looking forward to it."

He continued: "It's important to get our first league win. I have always said that winning is important and helps with the development too.

"This season is more of a learning curve for us though, and similar to my first one here where we had young players facing older, more physical opponents.

"They say that if you are good enough, you are old enough - but this is when you have youngsters who are surrounded by players with experience. We do not have that experience in our squad and playing against older sides is really difficult over 90 minutes.

"Each week we must look to progress that little bit more and build on what we are learning. We have belief in our youngsters and know they will develop over the course of this season."

Chelsea aside, Borrell's U19 side remain in the hunt for qualification to the knockout stage of the NextGen Series following Wolfsburg's goalless draw with Group 2 leaders Sporting Lisbon last week.

The tournament has provided Liverpool with a very different challenge to that posed by the domestic league and the former Barcelona man is convinced his charges will benefit from both competitions.

Borrell said: "The difference is very big between the NextGen Series and the domestic league. In Europe you are getting international experience and facing other mentalities but you are also playing against sides of a similar age.

"In the English league we play with an U19 team against some teams who have players who are up to 30-years-old.

"This is how it is in our country and I think there are positives of playing in both competitions for us."

He added: "I think our season has been tough so far, like I predicted in pre-season. It would have been easy to play weaker sides in pre-season and get some wins, but it would not have been the reality when it all started competitively.

"I wanted to have a tough calendar of fixtures right from the very start and I expect that to be the same right the way through the campaign.

"We might struggle in terms of results early on but slowly and surely we will overcome this."

LFC Spread The Word In India

Two intrepid members of the Liverpool FC Foundation will soon be departing for India to send out a very important message to young girls in the city of Mumbai.

Rebecca Hughes and Jade Adekoya will be spreading the word about the Goals 4 Girls project which is an initiative aimed at raising awareness about important social issues, and increasing female participation in football and other sports.

Departing on November 8th, the team will be working with other members of the Liverpool FC Foundation to help improve the lives of the local girls in Mumbai.

LFC Foundation coach Rebecca Hughes said: "Jade and I have been involved in the Goals 4 Girls project from the beginning, it has been about two years now. We are really excited and looking forward to the trip, because it is a very important initiative.

"We have a number of important messages specifically aimed at girls and young women. We want to share and learn from them about important social issues like bullying, drug abuse and image consciousness, and we tell our own stories to give it a personal touch."

Jade Adekoya added: "We will also be doing disability awareness in India which involves blind football and deaf football. We will also be coached in netball by Standard Chartered coaches."

Rishi Jain, Social Inclusion Officer for Liverpool FC, will be joining the girls on their trip and is expecting the Reds to have a big impact in India.

He said: "We are going to link the Goals 4 Girls project with the Standard Chartered Goal program in India.

"It is absolutely brilliant for Liverpool FC to be involved in this, and we are all really looking forward to this trip. The support we get as a department from Standard Chartered is fantastic.

"It's great to be able to go to India and work with girls from different backgrounds and it's going to be a real privilege for everyone involved."

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.