Dalglish To Raid Barcelona For Midfield Ace

Liverpool have contacted Barcelona to find out whether the Spanish giants would be willing to part with midfielder Seydou Keita when the transfer window opens in January.

Respected Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo is reporting that Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has been in touch with the reigning La Liga champions over the availability of Keita.

The Mali international has been with Barcelona since the summer of 2008 when he made the move from Sevilla to the Catalan side in a deal believed to be worth around €14million.

Keita has gone on to make more than 100 league appearances for Pep Guardiola's side but has never managed to become first choice in an incredibly strong Barcelona midfield.

The box-to-box midfielder has to compete with the likes of Sergio Busquets, Javier Mascherano, Xavi, Cesc Fabregas and Andreas Iniesta for a starting berth in the centre of midfield and is often asked to start games from the bench.

The 31-year-old has started five league games this season but has been linked with a move after big spending Russian club Anzhi declared their interest in the midfielder.

Keita was Guardiola's first signing and is currently under contract at the Nou Camp until 2014 and it is believed that Barcelona would demand at least £14million for the midfielder.

Liverpool has plenty of options in midfield but it seems as though Dalglish is keen to add some more experience to his side.

Reds Land US Starlet

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of USA youth international Marc Pelosi.

The 17-year-old midfielder has arrived at Anfield from Californian-based side De Anza Force.

He has played 28 times for the US Under-17s and scored eight goals, and captained the side in this summer's youth-level World Cup in Mexico.

Liverpool confirmed the news and their academy director Frank McParland revealed their delight at concluding the move.

"We're determined to identify the best possible talent globally and I'm delighted we've been able to bring Marc in to the club," McParland told the club's official website.

Suarez - Room For Improvement

Luis Suarez claims there is more to come from him and his Liverpool team-mates this season, insisting there is always room for improvement.

As a club, the Reds will feel that they still have work to do, with league leaders Manchester City having already opened up a 12-point advantage.

Kenny Dalglish is determined to return Liverpool to the Premier League's top four, but must add consistency to a squad brimming with world class talent.

Suarez certainly fits into that category, with the Uruguayan having been a revelation at Anfield following his January arrival from Ajax.

He has been the club's standout performer this term, but believes he can get even better and help to haul the Reds forward by converting more of the opportunities that come his way.

"I'm happy because the team has been performing well but as a striker I am always going to get plenty of chances and I could probably have converted one or two more," said Suarez.

"I also know strikers go through periods where they are trying so hard to score and they don't always go in.

"The main thing is I am playing well and the whole team is playing in the right manner.

"I think all of the lads are playing well and although we know we have some injuries to key players like Stevie and Carra, we know we have players who can step up and perform well.

"That's the good thing about having such a big squad - we have the quality for anyone to come in, do a good job and replace these players.

"But we still know we can do that little bit better."

Suarez's fine form this season has been recognized with three successive player of the month awards at Anfield, but the South American claims his monopoly on that particular prize has left him feeling slightly awkward.

"It's a bit of a surprise because to win it three months running makes me almost feel a bit embarrassed," he told liverpoolfc.tv.

"But as long as people realize I'm just doing my job and I'm working hard for the team then that's great.

"I think if we had managed to pick up a couple more victories in those games we deserved to - the home games against Manchester United and Norwich - we'd obviously be a little bit higher up the league."

Houghton Backs Reds Revival

Former Liverpool midfielder Ray Houghton has been thoroughly impressed with the contribution of Reds midfielder Stewart Downing, and insists the Anfield club have the ability to achieve a top-four finish this year.

Following the England international's £20million move to Merseyside in the summer, Downing has been a virtual ever-present in Kenny Dalglish's new-look side, making 15 appearances for the Reds.

"I've been impressed with Stewart Downing's all-round ability," Houghton told talkSPORT. "He's got a lot more to his game than I thought he had.

"He's linked with well with Jose Enrique and Luis Suarez. It's a work in progress, [but] Downing's end product needs to be better.

"He's been in some fantastic positions and that final cross or shot has let him down a bit, and he needs to score more goals."

The disappointing result against Swansea at the weekend was Liverpool's third consecutive home draw, leaving the club sat in sixth place in the table, three points off of a UEFA Champions League spot.

But Houghton is confident that there is more to come from the Reds, and has backed them to finish the season on a high.

"I honestly think Liverpool isn’t far away from putting a good run of results together consistently," he continued. "They'll be there or thereabouts for fourth place.

"People are always too quick to say Liverpool should be doing a bit better but the games that they've drawn they could have easily won.

"They weren't games that they were going to lose. In most of them they dominated the match and it's just the finishing that let them down."

Downing Out To Seize Chance

Stewart Downing has set his sights on establishing himself as a regular in the England side ahead of next summer's Euro 2012 finals.

Downing made his international debut in February 2005 and then remained on the fringes of the team for some time as competition for places was fierce.

He has become an increasingly important player since Fabio Capello took charge but recognizes that he will have to keep performing well for the rest of the season to book a place on the plane for Poland and Ukraine.

The Liverpool winger is in the squad for Saturday's friendly against world and European champions Spain and is determined to impress if given the opportunity.

"I'm really enjoying it and I've been involved a lot in the qualifying campaign," Downing said in the Daily Star.

"We've qualified and the important thing for me is to take my chance when I get it and hopefully go to the Euros. I've had mixed experiences with England over the years but I've certainly enjoyed it, even though it has been a bit up and down.

"But I don't want to just make up the numbers. I want to be involved and I want to play.

"The main thing for me is to prove I'm good enough for that level.

"I'm enjoying it at Liverpool and that's the main thing I have to concentrate on for Fabio to pick me."

Downing played a starring role against Bulgaria in September and then came on during the 2-2 draw with Montenegro last month that ensured England's qualification for Euro 2012.

He is confident the Three Lions can challenge for glory next summer if they arrive at the tournament with everyone fit and in form.

Downing added: "I enjoyed the game in Bulgaria. There was a lot of attacking play, I thought we gelled quite well.

"It was nice to get on in Montenegro, be involved and help the team qualify.

"If we can get to the Euros in good shape, then I'm confident we can do well.

"We certainly have the players and the quality."

Gerrard Eyes Last Chance

Steven Gerrard is eyeing Euro 2012 as a now-or-never opportunity to win silverware at international level, after admitting this summer's tournament could be his last for England.

Gerrard, 31, is entering the twilight years of an outstanding Liverpool career that has yielded success in the Champions League, UEFA Cup, FA Cup and Carling Cup. The midfielder, so often labelled the talisman of the Reds, has even been spoken of as the club's greatest player.

However, having struggled with injuries early in his career, Gerrard is now experiencing some unwanted symmetry towards the end of his playing days. A severe groin problem kept the Liverpool skipper out for the first few months of the season, and now it appears an ankle infection will further hinder his availability.

Certainly Gerrard will not feature for England in the two forthcoming friendlies against Spain and Sweden, but he will hope to be fit in time to make an impact at Euro 2012.

England players have been accused of not caring after under-par performances at major tournaments in the past, but Gerrard insists he will be doing everything to ensure he leaves the international scene with no regrets.

"If you put things into perspective, we've only been successful at one tournament ever and that makes you realize just how difficult it is to be successful at this level," Gerrard told the Daily Mirror.

"I'm 31, I'll be 32 by the time Euro 2012 comes around, so, whatever happens, I'll be treating it as my last one.

"But it would be nice, if this is to be my last tournament, to get to a semi-final or a final rather than come away disappointed like we have been previously."

Borrell Verdict On Rovers Stalemate

Rodolfo Borrell praised the battling qualities of his side as Liverpool Reserves played out a goalless draw with Blackburn in Leigh on Monday night.

The young Reds produced a gritty and determined display to gain a point against a strong and physical Rovers outfit.

Both sides had chances to win the game and Conor Coady almost found a winner right at the end but his header was cleared off the line.

"It was a very competitive game and I was really pleased with the lads as the the difference between the two sides in terms of size and age was massive," Borrell told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"We had some good chances and we deserved at least a point.

"We have a very young side and they are getting better and learning with each game."

Midfielder Conor Coady added: "I thought the boys worked very hard. We started really well and could have scored.

"We dug in deep in the second half and probably should have won with the chances we created."

Gerrard Deal A Liverpool Certainty

Reports that Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has opened talks with the club over a new contract will come as no surprise to the Reds' loyal fans.

Few players command such respect, or hold a position of similar responsibility, at any club around the World, let alone in England, and it's something that the club's American owners have been quick to realize.

Fenway Sports Group have made a conscious effort to impress the fans at Anfield since taking over from Tom Hicks and George Gillett on Merseyside, with the appointment of Kenny Dalglish following the sacking of Roy Hodgson an example of giving the fans what they want.

"I wasn't convinced when we arrived that Kenny should be back managing and I wanted things to work with the manager we inherited. But the fans knew much more than I did," admitted John W. Henry last month.

The fans also know, and firmly believe, that Gerrard remains crucial to any future success the club may have under the guidance of 'King Kenny'.

A product of the club's youth system, the 31-year-old made his debut for the Reds back in 1998, and has since helped the club claim two FA Cups, two League Cups, a UEFA Cup and the UEFA Champions League.

His position as a club legend is already well secured, but ending his career at Liverpool is something FSG are eager to make happen, even with the current run of injuries which have kept the central midfielder out for months at a time.

American sports clubs are traditionally quick to 'cut' players, particularly those suffering from injuries, in an effort to get as much back for the player as possible.

However, keeping Gerrard, whose current contract expires in 18 months, would easily provide Liverpool with the best value possible, given his close-knit affiliation to the supporters.

Having almost joined Chelsea on three occasions during Jose Mourinho's reign at Stamford Bridge, it now seems impossible to think of the 89-cap international plying his trade anywhere other than Anfield.

And, with the Daily Telegraph claiming a two-year extension is to be offered, it now seems a very realistic possibility that Gerrard's entire career will be solely spent at Liverpool.

That's what makes a legend.

Reds Sign With Turkish Tourism

Liverpool Football Club has today announced a new two-year partnership with Turkish Tourism.

The partnership is the first of its kind for Turkish Tourism in the UK and will include advertising rights and other benefits.

Ian Ayre, Liverpool FC Managing Director, said: "Turkey is a great country and we all have fantastic memories of our European Cup win in Istanbul in 2005.

"Through this partnership the Club can provide Turkish Tourism with significant brand visibility and access to our supporter base to help raise awareness of their tourism opportunities."

Tolga Tuyluoglu, Director of the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office in London, said: "I am delighted that Turkey will be an official partner to such a historic club. I am sure that all Liverpool fans will have positive associations with Turkey already, following their dramatic Champions League win in Istanbul back in 2005. We hope to build on this to create a dynamic partnership.

"The city of Liverpool is known for its music and culture; its world-class galleries, museums and landmarks, which of course provides a body of shared values for us to work with. Over one quarter of those taking package-holidays to Turkey do so from the North West of England so this area is very important to Turkey. Of course, the fact that Liverpool FC plays in red and white is a bonus too!"

Kenny: We'll Find The Solution

Kenny Dalglish is convinced Liverpool are close to rediscovering the ruthless streak that will kick-start their season.

The Reds were held to a stalemate by Swansea City on Saturday afternoon despite creating countless openings.

However, Dalglish remains confident his players will find the cutting edge to improve on their chance-conversion ratio and end their run of draws in L4.

"You are better drawing one, losing one and winning one because you get more points than three draws," said Dalglish.

"But my perspective has never changed. We look forward to the next game, take each one as it comes and eventually add up the points and see where we are.

"There is no difference."

"The most important thing is to create the chances and the next thing is to put them away," he added.

"We go through this nearly after every game. We must be getting closer if the goalkeeper was tested because we have been missing the target.

"We just need to keep working on it and keep getting in there but we never got in there as much as we have done.

"It is more noticeable when you have chances and you walk off with just a point. It punishes you more.

"But it doesn't matter what your reward is, you have to find a better level than we did.

"If you don't do what you are good at you make it more difficult for yourself.

"But the problems that are there are problems that we can solve ourselves."

Agger Slams Liverpool's 'Headless Chickens'

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger has warned Liverpool must raise their game if they are to avoid yet another season without Champions League football.

Liverpool were held to a goalless draw in Saturday's home meeting with Swansea at the weekend, meaning the club have now won just two of their six Premier League matches at Anfield this season.

"Sometimes we looked like headless chickens running around after the ball,'' Agger said in quotes reported by the Daily Express.”It is far from good enough. Everyone was angry and disappointed - some more than others - but that is the way it is.''

Despite their indifferent form, Kenny Dalglish's men are just three points off the Champions League berths in sixth place - but with games against Chelsea and leaders Manchester City looming, Agger admits now is the time to raise the standard.

"If we play like this, we won't do it [qualify for the Champions League],'' he said. We have got to move up a level or two. I won't say it is not possible, because it is, but it is up to the players. We are the only ones who can make a difference. We definitely have to do a lot better.''

Carroll Costs ‘Headless’ Liverpool More Than £35m

If Andy Carroll is not good enough for England, should he continue to be at the heart of Liverpool’s plans.

England coach Fabio Capello picked Daniel Sturridge and Aston Villa's Gabriel Agbonlahor, but left out Liverpool striker Andy Carroll for friendly matches against Spain and Sweden at Wembley.

That might be a message to Liverpool’s coach Kenny Dalglish, who despite a string of poor performances by the £35million record signing.

Carroll hit the bar from six yards on another frustrating day for Dalglish's strikers at Anfield as they were held to a draw on the weekend by newly-promoted Swansea.

Dalglish's men have now won just two of their six league matches at Anfield this season.

And Andy Carroll amazingly is still being protected by King Kenny.

He said: "If we had scored early on it might have changed the way the game went but we never scored so it is hypothetical. No-one has ever in the history of football deliberately missed a chance.

Comolli Interested In Serie-A Striker

Sources in Italy have claimed that Argentine striker Ezequiel Lavezzi may be tempted to an Anfield switch during the summer if Liverpool can book a place in next seasons Champions League.

Liverpool would require to finish this season in at least fourth place to stand a chance of Champions League qualification, a position that many believe the Anfield side can accomplish this season despite competition from Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.

The striker currently plys his trade in the Serie A for Napoli and will turn 27 by May next year. Since joining the Italian side in 2007 the Argentina international has scored 39 league goals in close to 150 league matches. Although his scoring record does not compete with that of former Liverpool strikers, there is room for another striker at the club.

With Kenny Dalglish having to rely on Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez as his main striker force he is well aware that the forward area is lacking in depth and a player of Lavezzi’s quality would not be as expensive as one might fear with a price of around £15m likely to be the maximum most teams would pay for his services.

Inter Milan Set To Swoop On Liverpool In Audacious £15 Million Raid

Inter Milan have set their sights on Liverpool’s Daniel Agger and could make a move for the Danish International as soon as January.

Agger started his senior career at Danish club Brøndby in July 2004, with whom he won the 2005 Danish Superliga championship, Agger then joined Liverpool in January 2006 and fast became a favourite at Anfield whose fans have coined a song about Agger to the tune of Agadoo.

Agger has suffered from injuries and there was concern at Liverpool at the amount of games Agger could manage in a season, this concern prompted a lot of speculation towards the end of last season with talk of moving him on but this talk has since cooled and it appeared that Agger would remain a Liverpool player for some time.

Inter are in a transition period and they are looking for an experienced defender to add to their defensive line up and they have identified Agger as an ideal candidate if the reports are to be believed.

A fee in the region of £15 Million was mentioned and it is thought that the Liverpool board would seriously consider such an offer.

Liverpool Set To Go Up Against Juventus In Race To Sign Portuguese Defender

Liverpool is set to go up against Juventus in the battle to sign Portuguese international centre-back Bruno Alves, playing with with Zenit Saint-Petersbourg.

It has been reported that the 29 year old was Juventus bound, however it now appears, according to reports in Italy, that Juventus face strong opposition from Liverpool who are looking to add Alves experience to their defence.

Alves is noted for his strength, tough tackling and aerial ability. He spent most of his professional career at F.C. Porto, winning a total of nine titles, seven as first-choice.

On 3 August 2010, aged 28, Alves signed with Russian Premier League’s FC Zenit for €22 million, joining compatriots Danny and Fernando Meira in the squad. Upon his arrival, head coach Luciano Spalletti described him as a very important player for the team, noting his experience, ability in the air and strong character.

No fee has been mentioned but it is thought that at least £20 Million will be required to even tempt Zenit in to opening up negotiations.

Dalglish To Resurrect Interest In Real Madrid Striker

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is ready to resurrect his interest in Real Madrid's prolific goal scorer Gonzalo Higuain after watching his side once again dominate possession but fail to find the back of the net.

The Reds had plenty of chances against Swansea on Saturday but failed to tale their chances as they ended up drawing their third consecutive game at Anfield in a 0-0 draw with the newly promoted Welsh side.

Liverpool were linked with the Argentina international during the summer but instead decided to bring a number of midfielders to the club and eventually completed a deal for Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy.

Dalglish already has Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez at the club but it seems he may once again try to bring another goal scorer to Anfield in the New Year as he plots to finish in the top four and achieve Champions League football.

Higuain has started the season in superb fashion as he today scored his eleventh league goal of the season as Real Madrid strolled past Osasuna with a 7-1 win.

The 23-year-old has scored 80 league goals for the Spanish giants and also has an equally impressive record for Argentina where he has scored 12 goals in 20 games.

Higuain was signed from River Plate back in 2007 for €13million and should Liverpool try to prise the striker away from the Bernanbeu then they would almost certainly have to make a substantial offer.

Real Madrid have a number of attacking options and despite the superb form of Higuain he often has to start on the bench because of the competition at the club with the likes of Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel di Maria all battling for a place in the front three.

Liverpool proved they have big ambitions over the summer as they paid £20million for Jordan Henderson, while in January they spent £35m on Carroll. Should they want to land Higuain then they would need to make a similar offer to Real Madrid.

Lucas Our Most Accurate Passer

Lucas Leiva was the most accurate passer on the pitch during Liverpool's goalless draw with Swansea at the weekend.

Liverpool had 25 shots, five of which were on target. Swansea directed three of their 12 efforts between the sticks.

Ten of Liverpool's hits were from outside of the 18-yard box - Swansea tried from distance nine times.

The hosts had 52.3% of possession but lost 52.4% of their 'duels'.

They dominated in the air, however, winning 68.8% of their aerial battles.

The story of the goalkeepers was that Pepe Reina made three saves to Michel Vorm's five. Our man between the posts had an 80% passing accuracy to Vorm's 43.8%.

Charlie Adam had the most touches of anyone in red with 100. Glen Johnson had 82 to leave him second.

Lucas Leiva recorded the best stats in possession of the 22 who started the game. He passed the ball 66 times with an accuracy of 95.5%, though just 3% of his passes were long.

For the second game in succession, Martin Skrtel pipped every defender on the pitch when it came to passing. An impressive 91.9 % of his 37 passes reached their destination.

The Slovakia international also attempted a higher percentage of long balls than any of his LFC teammates with 18.9%.

Of all the strikers who started, Luis Suarez completed the most passes (39) and had the highest accuracy (71.8%).

Daniel Agger executed more shots than any defender on the pitch - four. None were on target. Stewart Downing took this honour in midfield, hitting the target twice from four attempts.

Suarez was by far the busiest striker on the field of play with seven shots, three of which were on target.

Adam set up more shots for teammates than anyone else. In fact his tally of seven shot assists was more than double anyone on the pitch.

Lucas, Adam and Agger conceded the most fouls on the day, earning a whistle three times each.

The corner count was Liverpool 11-4 Swansea.

Liverpool played 512 passes and had an 83% accuracy rate - up 1.5% from the victory over West Brom.

Swansea played 471 passes, 86% of which found their target.

Phil Dowd awarded 15 free-kicks against Kenny's men but penalized Swansea just five times.

Match Report: Liverpool 0 - 0 Swansea

Striker Andy Carroll was the fall-guy for Liverpool after missing a first-half sitter in the goalless draw at home to Swansea.

For the second successive home match against a newly-promoted team Kenny Dalglish's side failed to convert their chances.

Carroll's was the miss everyone will remember, although there were enough opportunities created afterwards to have prevented a third home draw in a row.

The £35million club-record signing side-footed against the crossbar from just six yards with the goal at his mercy.

In the end they were fortunate to escape with a draw as Swansea improved as the game progressed and could have snatched victory in the closing stages.

It was only the second point away from home this season for Brendan Rodgers' side but, on the strength of their performance alone, they were well worth it.

Liverpool have hit the frame of the goal more than any other team this season and they made that unwanted tally 10 in only the seventh minute with a chance which Carroll should have buried.

Charlie Adam's through-ball down the inside-left channel was picked up by Stewart Downing whose low, teasing cross into the six-yard box required only the simplest of touches to convert but the big striker leant back and somehow crashed his shot against the crossbar.

Swansea were confident enough in possession without really opening up the home defence but it was a different story at the other end with Luis Suarez flashing a long-range shot just wide, Downing having an effort deflected behind and Lucas Leiva's header dropping the wrong side of the post.

Only a brilliant one-handed reaction save from Jose Reina, on his 163rd consecutive league appearance, kept out Wayne Routledge's inswinging cross intended for Danny Graham.

But Swansea counterpart Michel Vorm, who kept a clean sheet for Utrecht at Anfield in the Europa League last season, showed he was equally adept as he got down superbly to tip wide Suarez's shot wide after the Uruguay international had reacted first to Adam's blocked shot on the edge of the penalty area.

Joe Allen was next to try his luck for the visitors with a low, right-footed shot but there was just not enough curl on the ball to get it inside the far post while just before the interval Downing's weak far-post header from Jose Enrique's deep cross was easily picked up by Vorm.

It was no surprise to see Dirk Kuyt replace the ineffective Jordan Henderson for the start of the second half as the Reds resumed their pressure on the visitors' goal with Suarez heading Adam's free-kick into the arms of Vorm.

While Liverpool have been their own worst enemies up front they nearly compounded that problem at the other end when Graham almost robbed Reina just a couple of yards off his goalline as the goalkeeper tried to clear a Daniel Agger backpass.

Swansea were starting to ask more questions of the Liverpool defence and in the 64th minute Dyer's diagonal right-to-left run allowed him to collect a through-ball but Reina deflected his shot behind off his body.

Suddenly the Spaniard was the busier of the two goalkeepers and when he only half-saved Dyer's shot he had to react swiftly to blocked what looked like being a certain goal from Graham on the follow-up.

Carroll's hopes of redeeming himself for that first-half miss were ended in the 74th minute when he was replaced by former Cardiff striker Craig Bellamy.

Carroll did not hang around to see how the Wales international would do as he headed straight down the tunnel.

Liverpool cranked up the pressure with Neil Taylor's last-gasp clearance denying Kuyt, Agger heading over and Adam having a free-kick deflected wide.

With six minutes remaining Mark Gower should have snatched victory for the Swans but he could not keep his shot down from Graham's knockdown.

Kuyt thought he had scored the winner in the 88th minute but he was correctly flagged offside from Agger's header by assistant referee Sian Massey.

There was still time for Vorm, emulating Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy a fortnight ago, to pull off a brilliant save to deny Suarez and an even better one to tip over Johnson's volley.

Liverpool felt they should have had a penalty in added time when Suarez went down in the area but referee Phil Dowd waved away appeals.

It may have been an eighth successive match unbeaten for Dalgish's side but four dropped points at home to two of the promoted teams does not make good reading for Liverpool's top-four prospects.

Reds Must Improve, Says Dalglish

Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Swansea condemned Liverpool to their third successive home draw in the Barclays Premier League, leaving Kenny Dalglish to call for improvements from his players.

Another frustrating afternoon at Anfield with the Reds again unable to break the deadlock, was compounded when Andy Carroll missed a guilt-edged chance when he lashed against the crossbar - the tenth time Liverpool have been denied by the woodwork in 2011-12.

"Our performance was disappointing," Dalglish admitted. "Swansea played the way we expected them to play but we didn't play the way we expected to play.

"Maybe if the chance went in early doors it would have changed the complexion of the game but as well as paying credit to Swansea we have to look at ourselves.

"Anything we're good at we didn't do much of today. We're usually good at passing and movement but there wasn't much of that there. When we got it back we gave it away quickly."

For all Liverpool's promise, and endeavour that has been on show in the past few weeks on their home turf, Dalglish was disappointed that his players lacked a cutting edge against the Swans.

"We've got to understand, realize and accept that that level of performance isn't acceptable," he added. "Even at the death the goalie's made a couple of good saves.

"We must be getting closer if the goalkeeper was tested today - usually we miss the target! The most important thing is to create the chances, the next is to put them away.

Downing: We'll Keep On Working

Stewart Downing acknowledged his disappointment at Saturday's 0-0 draw with Swansea City - but pledged that Liverpool will keep working hard at Melwood to ensure they turn chances into goals over the coming weeks.

While the England winger accepts the Reds were not at their best against the Swans, he cites several good goalscoring opportunities as proof that Kenny Dalglish's side can perhaps consider themselves somewhat unfortunate not to have taken all three points.

As a result, Downing remains unwavering in his belief that the goals will soon start to flow for the Reds.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It was disappointing to draw, but although Swansea played quite well, if we had put our chances away and scored early it might have been different.

"Probably the pleasing thing for the manager and the team is that we are creating chances. But we're not putting them away.

"We'll just have to keep working on it and keep getting ourselves in the right positions and hopefully they'll turn into goals soon."

Andy Carroll had Liverpool's best chance of the game when the No.9 cannoned a close-range effort against the crossbar with just six minutes on the clock.

Meanwhile, Glen Johnson was left holding his head in his hands after seeing his late volley thwarted by a stunning stop from visiting goalkeeper Michel Vorm, while substitute Dirk Kuyt also had an effort ruled out for offside.

Downing added: "If Andy had scored with that early chance, it may have been a different game - Swansea might have had to change the way they played.

"It was a brilliant save from Glen's shot. I think the goalkeeper has probably been their best player this season, which shows how well he's done.

"But we had chances through Daniel (Agger), Glen as well as Andy's right at the start, and I'm not sure if Dirk's goal was offside or not.

"Swansea are a good footballing team and they've played well this season, but with no disrespect to them we need to be winning games like that at home if we want to get to where we want to be, so it was a bit disappointing for us not to get the three points."