Dalglish Wary Of Rangers

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish admits he has been impressed with Queens Park Rangers as he prepares to tackle them at Anfield this weekend.

The Loftus Road outfit currently sits in 12th spot in the table in their first season back in the Premier League after winning the Championship last term.

Dalglish is expecting a tough test against Neil Warnock's side on Saturday as Liverpool look to bounce back from Monday's defeat against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

"I think the three (promoted) sides have done very well," said Dalglish.

"QPR played well against Man City at Loftus Road and were unlucky not to win, so if they can do well against the team at the top of the league I'm sure they will be looking to do well when they come here. All we can do is compete against them as best as we possibly can.

"They got off to a bad start at home and lost the first game 4-0 (against Bolton). Then they got a new owner, Neil got a couple of quid to spend and spent it well, so that's helped to improve them."

Meanwhile, Dalglish has backed Jonjo Shelvey to push for a place in the side after being recalled from a successful loan spell at Blackpool to cover for the injured Lucas.

"We brought him back from Blackpool, where he had a couple of fantastic games," added Dalglish. "He played in the reserves on Tuesday for an hour and scored a couple.

"We know what Jonjo is all about and it was a good experience for him going to Blackpool.

"If we get everybody back fit and from suspension then it may be the case he goes back out again, but whilst he's here we know what he can do and he can make a contribution as he did last year in a lot of the games he came on in."

Liverpool Fury Over Suarez Charge

Liverpool were in a state of indignation last night after the Football Association charged their striker Luis Suarez with improper conduct over what appeared to be an indecent gesture towards Fulham fans on Monday night and also deemed the club guilty of failing to control its players during their 1-0 defeat.

Liverpool's manager, Kenny Dalglish, will be asked for his reaction at his weekly press conference today and it may be incendiary, given that Suarez is already facing an FA charge over alleged racist abuse towards Manchester United's Patrice Evra during the clubs' match at Anfield in October – another charge which Liverpool have rejected.

The FA's governance and regulation committee, which analyzed images taken from Fulham's Putney End, have concluded that the Uruguayan did raise the middle finger of his left hand to home fans who had subjected him to abuse during the defeat. The additional decision to charge Liverpool with "failing to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion, following the dismissal of Jay Spearing", stems from the way in which the referee, Kevin Friend, was surrounded by Martin Skrtel, Charlie Adam, Craig Bellamy and Glen Johnson after Spearing's fateful 72nd-minute challenge on Moussa Dembele.

Suarez has until 4pm on Monday to decide how to respond to the charge and if convicted he could face a ban, though punishments in such cases have varied. Birmingham City's Stephen Carr was banned for one game for an obscene gesture directed at Aston Villa supporters last year, while Joey Barton – then at Manchester City – was merely fined £2,000 in 2006 for dropping his shorts to Everton fans. Raul Meireles and Emmanuel Frimpong have escaped any punishment for similar offences to Suarez. Wayne Rooney missed two games after hurling abuse into a television camera at West Ham last season.

Spearing is already facing a probable three-game ban and Liverpool can ill afford to be without Suarez even for one game, given his importance for the club. If he pleads guilty to the charge and apologizes – as Carr did – he could miss Liverpool's visit to Aston Villa on Sunday week, with a match at Wigan Athletic following four days later.

Liverpool's position mirrors that of Birmingham who, after the incendiary match at Villa in which Carr made his gesture, were also fined £10,000 for failing to control their players. Four of them were booked in the wake of a penalty award during the match.

Dalglish, who requested a meeting with referees' head Mike Dean earlier this season after complaining of decisions repeatedly going against his side, is convinced that Premier League clubs' failure to contain Suarez is leading others to denigrate him. "I think people try and find it easy to criticize him because he is such a good player," he said last month. "Rather than wax lyrical about him, they try and find a fault that isn't really there."

A Liverpool spokesman said last night: "The club will take the appropriate time to properly review the documentation sent to us before making any comment."

Dalglish Unhappy At FA Example

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has accused the Football Association of not setting a good example in successfully appealing against Wayne Rooney's three-match international ban.

The Manchester United striker's UEFA suspension was reduced to two, at the same time as Dalglish was addressing the media at a press conference.

The Scot is deeply unhappy at the treatment of one of his own players, Luis Suarez, both on and off the pitch.

Liverpool's Uruguay international, already facing a racism charge dating back to October, has now been charged with misconduct after allegedly making an obscene gesture to fans following the 1-0 defeat at Fulham on Monday.

And Dalglish believes the FA should look at their own actions before tackling other issues.

"I find it a bit strange the FA are supposed to be setting an example for things yet they appeal against Wayne Rooney's three-match ban," he said.

"I don't think that's a good example to set."

Dalglish labelled the way the FA have dragged their heels over Suarez's racism charge as a "joke".

The alleged racist incident with Manchester United's Patrice Evra occurred in the 1-1 draw at Anfield in mid-October.

No date for a hearing - at which Suarez will deny the allegations against him - has been set.

"The fact it has taken nine weeks to get a decision on one of the other charges is a bit of a joke as well," added Dalglish.

"I don't think that has helped as well. The circus which is around about him has been caused mainly by that. That will be done sooner rather than later and we will move forward."

Prior to Dalglish's press conference a screen, usually used for video analysis for the players in team meetings, was lowered into place.

The manager said there was evidence available from the Fulham game which highlighted why he was unhappy about Suarez's treatment on the pitch.

And he has not moved from his stance of being fully behind the 24-year-old January signing from Ajax.

"For me the most important person, who is under the greater spotlight is Luis," said Dalglish.

"The people at Liverpool and anyone who has any leaning to the club - be it, staff, players, supporters - they will stand by him and they know what the truth is.

"If anyone wants to see the truth from the other night it is on the screen."

Liverpool Want Newcastle Midfielder To Fill Lucas Void

Liverpool are hoping to once again raid Newcastle in order to bolster their squad after learning that Lucas Leiva will be ruled out of action for the rest of the season.

The Reds signed Andy Carroll last January and then Jose Enrique in the summer, while this transfer window they are being linked with a move for defensive midfielder Cheick Tiote.

Kenny Dalglish watched his side lose away at Fulham on Monday night, the first game without Lucas, while stand-in Jay Spearing received a red-card and will now face a three game ban.

Lucas had been in outstanding form for Liverpool over the last 18 months and it seems as though his presence will be missed in the heart of the Liverpool midfield.

With Steven Gerrard also ruled out for a number of weeks, Liverpool are suddenly looking short of options in midfield and could now move for one of Newcastle's stand out performers.

Tiote has been a revelation ever since arriving on Tyneside and Liverpool are known to be admirers of the midfielder after being suitably impressed with his performances.

Alan Pardew would certainly not want to let the midfielder leave but he is worried that a significant offer would be enough to persuade Mike Ashley to part with the Ivory Coast international.

It is believed that Liverpool are ready to offer as much as £20million for the midfield enforcer who is currently contracted to Newcastle until 2017.

Liverpool Set To Move For Marseille Striker

Liverpool have joined Spurs in the race for Marseille striker Loic Remy.

According to reports in France, Kenny Dalglish is interested in the French international striker but also faces a fight with Arsenal for the 24 year old.

Remy almost joined Liverpool in the summer of 2010 however the Reds baulked at the £12.5 million asking price placed on him by his club at the time Nice.

Instead the player moved to Marseille where he has blossomed both domestically and more importantly from an English manager’s point of view against the stronger opposition of Europe.

In two seasons the striker has scored 4 goals in 12 games in the UCL with his header against Borussia Dortmund midweek one of the crucial goals he has scored since his move to Marseille.

Remy also has 22 league goals to his name in 39 starts, with 7 to his name so far this season not to mention 2 assists.

The striker has integrated himself slowly into the French national team, netting his first goal in the blue of France against Chile.

Advisor Of Midfield Star Reveals Liverpool Interest

The uncle and advisor of Celtic midfielder Beram Kayal has revealed that the prospect is currently being tracked by Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish, who currently has Lucas Leiva and Steven Gerrard out as long-term injury concerns.

Dalglish is likely to once again spend big money either in the January transfer window, or the following summer, and Kayal is now reported to be one of the players he and his scouting team are currently monitoring.

Dalglish has Kayal shorlisted after watching him closely at Parkhead last week. Kayal captained Celtic during their 1-0 defeat to Athletico Madrid, and has been valued at £8 million by a club he has become increasingly influential for.

Beram Kayal's uncle - Hamoudi Kayal - told website www.thejc.com; "These rumours about Kenny Dalglish wanting Beram are very flattering and they give him extra motivation to train harder and play even better.

"I think everybody knows that Beram is worthy of playing in the English Premier League and he has certainly proven himself in the SPL.

"It is no secret that Beram sees Celtic as a stepping stone to one of the big clubs in England. That said, Beram has just signed a new contract and he is completely focused on helping Celtic to win the SPL title and advance in the Europa League."

Liverpool Striker Sets Sights On Next Gerrard

Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy has set his sights on football coaching and management at the end of playing career.

The Welsh international, renowned for his fiery character on the pitch, has enjoyed a successful return to Anfield after moving to the club on a free transfer on deadline day.

But at 32-years-old, the former Newcastle and Manchester City forward admits his mind has pondered life after professional football, and Bellamy is hopeful he can stay in the game.

"I have a philosophy on football about how it should be played but I'd like to start off at a young age and find my feet, and work my way up through the ranks and learn that way," said Bellamy.

"I would like to start with academies. I'd like to coach young kids and try and improve them.

"You have to have a feeling for the club you represent, and it's important to let young players know who they are representing in the supporters."

His time on Merseyside has clearly had an instant impact, with Bellamy already targeting a future England international and Liverpool idol when he takes up a future role.

"I'd love to find the next Steven Gerrard and help him progress; it would be rewarding."

Lucas Feeling Good After Successful Surgery

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has successfully undergone surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament injury that prematurely ended the Brazilian international’s season.

Lucas was stretchered off during Liverpool’s 2-0 Carling Cup quarter final win over Chelsea last month, with scans confirming earlier fears that the former Gremio midfielder would require surgery on his damaged knee.

Writing on his Twitter page, Lucas revealed he had gone under the knife in his home country and added he was “feeling good”, while also thanking fans for their words of support.

“The surgery was successful! It happened yesterday night at São Paulo, Brazil,” he wrote. “I’m feeling good and I hope to recover as soon as possible! Thank you all for the messages!”

He later added in appreciation of all his well-wishers: “I'm also missing you! I will be back as soon as possible! Thanks!”

Lucas has become an essential part of Liverpool’s midfield quartet this year, helping the Reds embark on an eight game unbeaten run in the Premier League to stay in the hunt for a top four spot before their 1-0 loss against Fulham on Monday left them five points off fourth placed Chelsea.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a surge in popularity after a shaky start to his Liverpool career and was named the Reds’ player of the season last time out, leading to boss Kenny Dalglish describing his long-term absence as a “huge disappointment” for the team.

Dalglish’s midfield woes were further compounded by Jay Spearing’s three game ban for his red card against in the defeat against Fulham on Monday that the Reds have decided not to appeal against, meaning the 23-year-old will miss upcoming games against Queens Park Rangers, Aston Villa and West Brom.

With Steven Gerrard still on the sidelines alongside Lucas with an ankle infection, Dalglish has been forced to recall Jonjo Shelvey from his loan spell at Blackpool, but the Scot remains adamant that he will not dip into the transfer market in January for midfield reinforcements.

Luis Suarez Charged By FA Over Hand Gesture

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been charged with improper conduct following an alleged gesture he made towards Fulham fans on Monday night, the Football Association have announced.

The incident was captured by photographers as the Uruguayan left the pitch at the end of Liverpool's 1-0 defeat, and he has until 4pm on Monday to respond to the charge.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have been charged by the FA with failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion following the controversial sending-off of Jay Spearing in the second half.

Kenny Tipped To Capture Celtic Star

Liverpool are thought to be pondering over a move for Celtic full-back Adam Matthews who is also a target for Everton, according to Footylatest. The Merseyside rivals will reportedly battle it out in January for the 19 year-old’s signature who only made the switch from Cardiff City to Parkhead on a free transfer during the summer.

Matthews has made an impressive start to his Celtic career receiving high praise for the 13 appearances he has made, which in turn has helped him become a regular for the Welsh national team. Good form at such a young age inevitably attracts interest from elsewhere and Everton boss David Moyes is thought to be lining up an offer in the region of £1.5m which is sure to annoy any Hoops supporter.

The worrying financial state Everton find themselves in means they would struggle to increase their offer should it fall short of the mark as they search for bargains in the market. Liverpool, however, are now in a strong financial position with sources suggesting that the Red’s will outbid their local rivals by doubling the offer, an amount which Celt’s may still claim to be too small.

Celtic will undoubtedly want to keep hold of the highly-rated teenager but cashing in on a player who was acquired for free may be seen as good business should a reasonable bid be tabled. In the meantime, Celtic await the arrival of Swedish international right-back Mikael Lustig in January who signed on a free transfer from Rosenborg further adding to the speculation surrounding Matthews’ future.

Kenny Dalglish already has a wealth of right-backs at his disposal in Glen Johnson, Martin Kelly, Jon Flanagan and Jack Robinson but clearly the Liverpool boss is aiming to build a strong squad for the future with the emphasis on young promising British talent. Matthews certainly falls under such bracket.

Liverpool Join Arsenal In Race For Uruguayan Defender

Liverpool are the latest club to be linked with a move for Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin who has reiterated his desire to move to the Premier League.

The Uruguay international was strongly linked with a switch to Chelsea over the summer but it appears as though Andre Villas-Boas will now move to sign the cheaper option in Bolton centre-back Gary Cahill.

That has opened the door for two of Chelsea's rivals with Liverpool and Arsenal both hoping to secure the services of 25-year-old defender.

Godin's agent Diego Herdia Triguero has now revealed that the defender has attracted interest from a number of English clubs.

As I said, Godin is talked about a lot in England, there are clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal who are also quite careful about certain players.

"I've spoken a little to all of them. But real negotiations have not yet been launched," Triguero told Calciomercato.com.

Both Liverpool and Arsenal have been linked with a number of defenders in recent months but are aware that they would have to offer as much as £15million for the defender.

Godin has 47 caps for Uruguay and was an integral member of the team that won the Copa America earlier this year.

Villa Star Wants Dream Liverpool Move

Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov would swap his current situation with any Liverpool player in order to fulfil his dream of playing for the Reds.

The 32-year-old began his career in his native Bulgaria with CSKA Sofia before being granted a move to Celtic in the summer of 1999.

It was not until 2006 that Petrov finally realized his ambition of playing in the Barclays Premier League, when he move to Villa Park for £6.5 million.

Petrov, however, still wishes he had signed had moved to Anfield, having grown up as a Liverpool fan.

"I'd swap with any Liverpool player because I'm a Liverpool fan," he told Match of the Day Magazine.

"It'd be great to have that experience. But sometimes dreams don't come true.

"I've been a Liverpool fan since a young boy."

Chiellini Laughs Off Liverpool Talk

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has brushed off speculation linking him with a possible move to Liverpool.

Reports emanating in England had suggested Liverpool were lining up a January swoop for the Italy international.

However, Chiellini has moved quickly to brush off the rumours admitting the reports were "laughable".

"When I read these things, it really is laughable," wrote Chiellini on his Twitter account.

"They really don't know what to write."

Rory Donnelly Is Attracting Interest From Liverpool & Swansea

Swansea face a battle with Liverpool to sign teenage Cliftonville striker Rory Donnelly reports the Daily Express.

The 19-year-old is attracting interest from a number of English clubs, with League One side Brentford having also made an offer for the talented youngster.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish has been alerted to Donnelly's potential and is weighing up an attempt to entice him to Anfield when the transfer window reopens in January.

However, Liverpool will face competition from the Swans, after manager Brendan Rodgers tabled an undisclosed bid for a player that has scored an impressive 17 goals already this season in the Irish Carling Premiership.

Donnelly, a 6ft 2in Northern Ireland U21 international is best described as an 'old-school No.9' - with his uncompromising figure, and no-nonsense approach meaning he will be well suited to the Barclays Premier League.

Burnley and Peterborough United lead a list of Championship clubs also believed to be tracking the striker, but Swansea and Liverpool are the favourites to land his signature.

Coates Wants To Play At Anfield

Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates has declared that he cannot wait to run onto the pitch at Anfield and hear the loyal supporters roar the team on.

The Uruguay international signed for the Reds in August and has made four appearances so far which have all been away from home.

The young centre-back has watched many games from the bench this season and he has expressed his desire to play in front of the Kop fans at home.

"I have only played away from home so far and it would be very nice to play at Anfield," Coates told LFC magazine.

"You can see the passion there is in the crowd. You can see it sitting on the bench but it would be much nicer to see it playing on the field.

"It hasn't really come as a surprise to me because I had already heard of the passion that Liverpool fans had but being told about something and then seeing it for yourself first hand are two different things.

"In other parts of the world, the fans of other clubs are also passionate about their teams but here I believe that the passion of the fans is special. It makes it very difficult for the teams that come to visit Anfield."

Coates is enjoying his time at Liverpool and he believes that he is still adapting to the style of the Premier league.

"English football is more dynamic. It is faster but little by little I am trying to adapt better to it," added Coates.

"I have obviously come from a league which is much slower than this, where there is much more time to think about what you are going to do, but I understand this is an area I need to improve.

"I need to change but I think I am making those changes and adapting well to the English league and I reckon with the passing of time I will get better and better.

"I think a year will be long enough for me to adapt. I am learning a lot from Jamie Carragher, from Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel.

"And it is logical for the team and the club to expect me to adapt within a year so I am going to do my best to do so and I think I will achieve it."

Young Reds Crash Out Of Cup

It was a disappointing night for Liverpool U18s after they crashed out of the FA Youth Cup losing 3-1 to Swansea City on Tuesday night.

Mike Marsh's charges were boosted by the inclusion of Raheem Sterling and Brad Smith in their starting line-up, but they were second best to Swansea at the Liberty Stadium.

Two goals in two first half minutes put the Swans in control. Scott Tancock, from a free header, nodded the home side into the lead after 37 minutes and James Loveridge soon made it 2-0 with a spectacular finish.

Liverpool were then dealt a killer blow just after the restart with a bizarre goal that will in the future be a prime candidate for 'What Happened Next?' Joe Rafferty's attempted clearance from the left wing struck the boot of Jandir Zola and the ball ended up looping over Tyrell Belford and into the net.

Lewis Hatch scored a superb header right at the end to give the Reds some consolation but it was a night of frustration for the Reds youngsters.

Liverpool team: Belford, Hatch, Smith, Rafferty (Wilson), Regan, Aylmer (Quirk), Sterling, Pelosi, Morgan, Sumner (Gainford), Lussey. Unused subs: Baio, Wearing.

Dalglish Queries Spearing Red

Kenny Dalglish wants to see greater consistency from match officials after Jay Spearing's red card cost Liverpool in a 1-0 defeat at Fulham.

The Reds midfielder was dismissed after 72 minutes of a keenly-fought encounter at Craven Cottage.

Spearing dived in on Moussa Dembele, catching the Cottagers forward after first winning the ball.

Leaving the ground went against the 23-year-old, with his challenge deemed to be reckless.

Dalglish believes Spearing might have got away with the tackle on a different day, with 'interpretation' now a buzz word in Premier League refereeing.

"He has won the ball with the first thing but he has probably upset the referee with his follow through," the Reds boss told Sky Sports.

"But he has won the ball first and it's not his fault somebody is standing there. Sometimes you see them result in a red, sometimes they get away with it.

"You can go through every referee decision and find a problem with it, I think the problem everyone has at the moment is the level of interpretation and that's not consistent."

While disappointed with that particular call, Dalglish believes Liverpool were unfortunate to leave the capital empty-handed on Monday night.

"I think we would have taken something from the game if we had been left with 11 men," he said.

"For us, we played as well as we have been playing but you have to do enough to win the game. I think we did enough to come away with something, but we haven't done it.

"We need to brush ourselves down and get on with it and not feel sorry for ourselves. The lads put in a great effort to try and win the game, even when we went down to 10 men we had a couple of close things."

Martin Jol: Jay Spearing Could Have Broken Moussa Dembele's Ankle

Martin Jol claims that Jay Spearing’s challenge on Moussa Dembele could have broken the Fulham star's ankle.

The Liverpool midfielder was sent off for the second-half tackle, which won the ball but caught the Belgian’s leg strongly when he followed through.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Jol said: “I will be honest. I saw the tackle from three angles and it could have broken his ankle."

The Fulham manager also defended his players for the close attention they gave to controversial Liverpool dangerman Luis Suarez throughout the 90 minutes during his side's 1-0 win at Craven Cottage.

He said: “If you drop off Suarez too far then he is unbelievable. He will go in front or through you. He is almost impossible to defend.

“They played a 4-3-3 again and in hindsight it was a good decision to play with Moussa Dembele.

"It helps us as a midfield to create chances. If he starts scoring goals then I think Dembele will be a major player in the game.”

Jol was delighted that his team had rediscovered the winning knack at Craven Cottage, which has been such a fortress during the last few years. It was only Fulham’s second league victory on home soil this season.

“It was much-needed and a good win,” he said. “If you win 1-0 and keep a clean sheet, it is always pleasing.

"We have had a lot of clean sheets and results away from home, but we have also had good games at home, especially against Spurs in the second half. Against Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers we also played well.

“The sending off helped us but we were well organized and I think we have the players to score goals in this league.”

Kuyt - Euro Dream Still On

Dirk Kuyt insists Liverpool is still on course to qualify for the UEFA Champions League despite the 1-0 loss at Fulham in which Jay Spearing saw red.

Clint Dempsey was the difference as Kenny Dalglish's ten men made an unhappy return to west London by failing to build on their midweek Carling Cup victory over Chelsea.

The result leaves the Anfield outfit five points off the fourth spot finish they need for a place in Europe's top club competition next season.

But Kuyt believes the result was just a setback and Liverpool will be up there at the end of the season.

He said: "It's a huge disappointment but we need to keep going, look at ourselves and try to improve.

"We definitely want to challenge for the top four and if we want to do that we need to win these type of games.

"I thought we were unlucky because we had the chances to score. We did okay in the first half but the way we came out in the second half was much better.

"I didn't see Jay's challenge and I don't know if it was a red card. Obviously it didn't help us in our efforts to win the game. It's a huge disappointment not to get the three points."

Dalglish Defends Suarez

Kenny Dalglish believes it is time Luis Suarez was afforded some protection after describing chants of 'cheat' during Liverpool's defeat at Fulham as 'scandalous'.

Uruguay international Suarez has seen his reputation come under attack this season amid accusations that the striker is a diver.

During Monday night's 1-0 loss at Craven Cottage, Suarez saw a goal disallowed for offside and he also had a couple of penalty shouts.

Fulham fans felt Suarez went down too easily at times and made their anger known, while the former Ajax ace was pictured appearing to respond to the taunts with a one-fingered gesture.

Asked for his thoughts of the 'cheat' taunts directed at Suarez, Dalglish said: "Scandalous.

"I would like to see you write that in the paper because you would be in a bit of trouble as well. You write what you want to write.

"At the end of the day, we will look after Luis the best we can and I think it is about time he got a wee bit of protection from some people.

"His integrity is impeccable. He can look in the mirror and go to bed at night and sleep soundly. If other people can do that then fine. All we ask is to be fair, is to be honest."