Luis Suárez Confirms He Will Be Staying At Liverpool

Concerns about the striker’s future were raised after his suspension following the Patrice Evra affair, especially as Paris St Germain made their interest known.

Suárez’s contract negotiations are continuing with the club and he was emphatic when asked about his future.

“Yes, yes I will continue at Liverpool,” he said. “It is obvious I will continue. I have four years left on my contract and I am very happy and content to be here and I hope good things continue.”

Asked about the fall-out from his eight-match ban, Suárez said: “I am over that. Obviously the important thing was the support from all the people and there is no need to talk about that as it is already in the past.

"Obviously one has to be used to all this. A lot of things happen in football. It’s difficult and it’s complicated but you have to deal with it.”

Suárez’s family were at Wembley to see his equalizing goal against Everton.

“My joy was for my wife and my daughter and my sister and niece who came from Uruguay and my father-in-law who came from Barcelona,” Suárez said.

“They made a huge effort to be here so my joy was for all the sacrifices they make for me not to mention of course the sacrifices by all the people from Liverpool and all the support they’ve given us despite not having good moments in recent times.”

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard said he believed complacency after the last Wembley success in the Carling Cup was responsible for the team’s Premier League slump. He expects a change in attitude as Liverpool turn their attention to collecting more points.

“The proof is out there about where this team is,” he said. “We’ve proved we’re a very good cup team. But there’s still a very big challenge for us in the league. The league position isn’t good enough. I believe we’ve got the players in this squad to be able to improve things next year. I think we’re in a false position in the league. I think we’re better than where we are.

“As players need to take responsibility for the league position. We won the Carling Cup and we should have gone on and moved up the league and put up a real fight to get in that top four and it never happened.

“As a squad, we need to address that at the end of the season. But if we go on and win this cup, I think we can look at this season as a success as far as the cups are concerned. Everyone knows what we will have to address and that’s the league form. We need more consistency. We need to be winning games against your Wigans and your Stokes. We’re better than those teams and we haven’t shown that this year.

"When we play those teams, it’s about getting the three points. In certain matches we’ve created and tons and tons of chances and we haven’t finished them off. That’s why we are where we are in the league. We need to be mentally stronger in the league.”

Carroll For England

He's been dismissed as a £35million flop in some quarters, but Henry Winter believes Andy Carroll should be in the England squad for Euro 2012.

The Daily Telegraph's football correspondent was speaking on the Sunday Supplement after watching the Liverpool striker net two winners in a week, firstly against Blackburn in the Premier League and then in the FA Cup semi-final against Everton.

Carroll has only scored four Premier League goals all season and hasn't played for England since coming on as a substitute against Wales last September, but with Wayne Rooney suspended for the first two games of Euro 2012, Winter believes he should be included in the 23-man squad.

He said: "When Rooney got sent off everyone was asking who should lead England's line and we all had to file our probable team for the first game of the Euros.

"I said Carroll's got to play - and then I actually thought a couple of days later that it was absolutely daft because he was playing really badly.

"But there's something about Andy Carroll. When he stepped on the pitch for England at Wembley - he's played three times and scored once - he doesn't look overawed by the occasion.

"We know what that England shirt does to players; they become inhibited, they go into their shells and they lose their club form.

"So far he hasn't had much club form to lose, but I just think there's something about Carroll. You can play him up there on his own and you can play Rooney in his favoured position behind him.

"England have to take five strikers to the Euros because Rooney's suspended and because we always get injuries with strikers in championships anyway. I would rather over-club on the strikers.

"Carroll's had a good week and let's not get carried away, but I would definitely take him in the five."

Fabio Capello gave Carroll his England debut against France in November 2010 and he scored his first international goal against Ghana in March last year, but he was then left in the wilderness after questions were raised over his fitness

Capello suggested the striker needed to change his lifestyle to become an international player, but Winter feels his performances for Liverpool this week have indicated that his fitness is improving.

"One of the interesting things for Andy Carroll this week was the fact that he's scoring late on and that's he's a threat late on," Winter added.

"There's always been the question mark over how dedicated he is in training and the off-field issues which Capello raised to us when we were out in Brazil.

"The fact that Carroll scored in injury time at Ewood Park and in the 87th minute at Wembley on a sapping pitch - having never hidden and run all afternoon - just shows that, actually, the fitness probably is there now."

Agent Confirms Liverpool Target Is Wanted Man

The race for Hertha Berlin midfielder Raffael is hotting up, with the 27-year-old’s agent admitting his client is a wanted man in Italy and slapping a €15M asking price on the player’s head.

Recently Raffael was linked with English Premier League powerhouses Liverpool, whose manager Kenny Dalglish is believed keen to add a creative spark to his side over the summer.

But the Merseyside giants will face opposition for the former FC Zurich schemer, with several Italian sides, most notably Napoli, also desperate to bag the Brazilian.

"At the moment, Napoli have not specifically asked for him, but I can say that he is wanted by several Italian clubs", Raffael’s agent Dino Lamberti told Tutto Mercato.

"The amount needed is €15M", he added.

Raffael looks set to exit the German capital this summer, with the Brazilian having stood out in a Hertha Berlin side battling relegation.

At present Hertha sit second bottom in the Bundesliga and the odds are against 73-year-old Otto Rehhagel leading the club to safety; the former Greece coach was drafted into the hot seat in February.

Liverpool Could Turn To Toffees Loanee

Everton loanee Royston Drenthe is ready to cross the city to join Liverpool this summer.

The 25-year-old Real Madrid winger is out of contract at the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season, and sees his future away from Spain.

However, the Toffees' precarious financial situation means that they are unable to meet his £80,000-a-week wage demands so a permanent move to Goodison Park seems unlikely.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has been impressed with Drenthe's form for Everton this campaign, and is ready to offer him the chance to move to Anfield in June.

Having already spent close to £115million on new signings since returning to the Reds hotseat in January 2011, Dalglish is expected to be busy again in this summer's transfer market, as he looks to continue strengthening his squad.

Despite winning the Carling Cup this season, and confirming their place in the FA Cup final in May with victory over their Merseyside rivals at Wembley on Saturday, Liverpool's season has been a disappointing one in terms of Premier League form.

Currently sitting 8th in the table - a whopping 36 points behind leaders Manchester United - it's clear that the Reds need to continue adding to their squad in order to return the club to the glory days.

Liverpool Look At Txiki Begiristain For Director Of Football Job

Former Barcelona sporting director Txiki Begiristain has emerged as a leading contender to replace Damien Comolli at Liverpool.

The Anfield club's American owners sacked their director of football ahead of the FA Cup semi-final victory over Everton because they were unhappy that a big-spending approach had not resulted in any progress in the Premier League.

They were linked with Ajax and Barcelona great Johan Cruyff, but found the Dutchman had no interest in moving to England.

Instead, he recommended the Liverpool board consider Begiristain for the vacancy, reports the Sunday Times.

Former Spain international Begiristain has been credited with helping to build the current all-conquering Barca team, after bringing in Dani Alves, Gerard Pique and David Villa.

However, he left the Camp Nou in 2010 following the departure of club president Joan Laporta.

Begiristain's exit came just a year after one of Barcelona's worst deals, which saw them sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic and allow Samuel Eto'o to move to Inter Milan as part of the £41million fee.

Despite that blip, he remains highly regarded by Europe's biggest clubs and has been linked with senior roles at both Manchester City and Chelsea.

Should he get the director of football job at Anfield, he would be expected to implement a change in recruitment strategy that would see Liverpool focus their efforts on players aged 21 or under.

Liverpool Plan To Bring Park To Anfield

Liverpool have identified Celtic's chief scout John Park as a leading candidate to replace Damien Comolli as director of football, it has been claimed.

Comolli was relieved of his duties last Thursday following a number of failed signings, and with the Reds faltering in the Premier League.

The Frenchman was responsible for bringing the likes of Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing to Anfield for exorbitant fees, and paid the price for the failings of the pitch of his numerous expensive acquisitions.

Despite the widespread disdain for the position of director of football in the English game, Liverpool will appoint a successor to Comolli, and Park is the latest name to be linked with the vacant role.

According to The Scottish Sun, Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have been impressed by the work Park has done during five years at Parkhead, with the former Hibs man having overseen the recruitment of numerous young talents.

Park also played a prominent role in securing the likes of Emilio Izaguirre, Ki Sung-Yueng, Victor Wanyama, Thomas Rogne and Beram Kayal, who were all relatively unknown before moving to Celtic.

Cruyff Denies Liverpool Contact

Johan Cruyff has rubbished reports linking him with the vacant director of football role at Liverpool.

Following the abrupt departure of Damien Comolli last week, reports had suggested Cruyff was in line to replace the Frenchman.

However, the Dutchman has denied contact with the FA Cup finalists, claiming talk of a move to Liverpool has no substance.

"I see my name is being mentioned in connection with Liverpool," he said.

"I don’t know where that has come from, because I have not heard anything from them. There has been no contact whatsoever. If you just read speculation like this, without any substance to it, there is no point taking it seriously. It is just talk."

After resigning from the Ajax board last week, Cruyff has taken a new role with the Eredivsie side where he will 'remain involved with the implementation of his football vision within the club'.

Cruyff's success with both Ajax and Barcelona made him a credible candidate for the role, however the Reds will have to seek out alternative options.

Comolli's departure came two days before Liverpool's FA Cup semi-final victory over Everton, which sets up a final against Chelsea in May.

Andy Carroll, whose form since his move from Newcastle United has been heavily scrutinized, silenced his critics with the late winner, his second in a week after scoring against Blackburn Rovers last Tuesday.

The blame for the poor showings of the likes of Carroll, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing this season has been laid at Comolli's door, however manager Kenny Dalglish has since taken full responsibility for the recent additions.

John W Henry And Tom Werner To Attend FA Cup Final

Principal owner John W Henry and chairman Tom Werner returned to Boston before the 2-1 victory as they had to keep long standing promises to watch the Boston Red Sox.

However, there was an instant message of congratulation for the team as the dour mood which had led to director of football Damien Comolli’s dismissal 48 hours earlier was lifted.

Werner confirmed the senior board members would not be absent for next month’s final.

“The team showed a lot of character, and we dominated the second half,” said Werner.

“Suárez and Carroll’s goals were both brilliant, and Wembley will be a lovely place to visit in May.”

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish had been under mounting pressure prior to kick-off, but Cup success — and his own period of self-assessment after a rough week — could make Saturday’s event a turning point of his reign, particularly if Liverpool end the season on a high.

Dalglish said he was willing to take all the flak for Liverpool’s league performance because he believed it would soon reach the same impressive level that has brought success in the Cup.

“You don’t like it but you don’t have to agree with it. You just have to get on with it,” said Dalglish about the criticism of his management.

“If it’s me that’s getting dog’s abuse then good because it takes the pressure off the players.

“I think my skin is a bit thicker than some of theirs. There are a lot of them here for the first time and in their first year.

"It is important for everybody to go through some bad bits to realize how good the good bits are. I have been there before and I suppose I will be there again at some stage.

“I have never said at any given time that we are the finished article and we still won’t say that night now. But what we will do is put every bit of knowledge we have got and every bit of commitment in to getting the football club moving in the right direction.

“There are no scapegoats for anything that has gone wrong. There is only a vision on how we are going to go forward.

“To go forward and be successful, sometimes you need to get battered along the way. We have got to be strong enough to stand up to that.

“We’ve got to be confident enough in our own beliefs and the people that are playing round about us. And the people who are supporting us have got to be strong enough in their beliefs of what we are doing to be correct and we will be OK.

“I think this football club is a fantastic example to anyone else who wants to have a football club. When there is a wee bit of mud flying about we stick together for each other.

"That’s the football club I used to know and it’s the football club I am getting back to knowing.”

Match Report: Liverpool 2 - 1 Everton

Liverpool's much-maligned record signing Andy Carroll went some way to justifying his huge price with the goal which put his side into their first FA Cup final since 2006 and ended the dreams of Everton in the all-Merseyside encounter at Wembley.

The £35million striker had endured a testing afternoon, heading one straightforward chance wide, but came up with the winner four minutes from time at Wembley.

Everton had earlier gone ahead following a first-half defensive blunder which gave Nikica Jelavic a simple chance. Luis Suarez levelled matters in the second half following another defensive howler.

It could be argued the failure of Carroll to score consistently partly contributed to the removal of director of football Damien Comolli by American owners Fenway Sports Group in a ruthless move on Thursday.

Manager Kenny Dalglish has steadfastly defended his big striker despite all the criticism.

Both the Reds boss and the 23-year-old forward will be hoping such a significant goal in Liverpool's season - hopes of Champions League qualification having been ended by a woeful run of results - will be a turning point for both of them.

Having already won the Carling Cup in February Liverpool remain on course for a cup double, which has only been achieved three times previously - and once by themselves.

Past experience favoured Liverpool against Everton at Wembley in this competition, having had two FA Cup final wins against their near-neighbours in 1986 and 1989.

Of the four FA Cup semi-finals the teams had contested, Everton had been victorious in only the first in 1906 and they went on to win the competition.

But the history did not weigh heavy on the Toffees, who had the better of a relatively incident-free first half with neither goalkeeper having a proper save to make.

That statistic would have been different had Jay Spearing not snatched at a third-minute chance after Andy Carroll had worked space to cut the ball back to the edge of the area.

With no goals in 48 previous matches of his Liverpool career Spearing was the last man the Reds would have wanted to see in a shooting position and he lived up to expectations by firing over.

Everton had two off-target free-kicks from Leighton Baines and Jelavic, who also had an overhead kick saved by Brad Jones, while Martin Skrtel shot tamely at Tim Howard after Steven Gerrard had picked out Carroll.

It may have been no real surprise the opening goal came from a mistake but the source of the error was.

Carragher, a veteran of 696 appearances, hesitated along with stand-in left-back Agger when the ball dropped in the penalty area and when the vice-captain eventually decided to deal with it he succeeded only in driving it at Tim Cahill.

The rebound fell favourably to Jelavic who coolly slotted a shot between the legs of a diving Jones to spark wild celebrations from Moyes on the touchline.

Carroll looked like he was to have one of those afternoons which have been all-too-regular since his January 2011 move from Newcastle with a glaring miss just two minutes into the second half.

Stewart Downing's inviting cross to the far post was headed wide from close range, prompting the striker to rightly hide his face under his shirt and his manager put his head in his hands.

Fortunately for Carroll strike partner Suarez is sharper in front of goal, especially when gifted opportunities like the one in the 62nd minute.

The otherwise-excellent Sylvain Distin badly mis-hit a backpass from wide on Everton's left and the Uruguay international raced into the area to slide a low shot with the outside of his right foot past Howard.

Carroll was at it again in the 78th minute, dragging wide left-footed from a good position but Jelavic, who at £5.5million already looks a bargain, was much closer in drilling a shot into the side-netting.

Suarez got in the way of another Carroll effort which bounced wide before Everton substitute Seamus Coleman, booked soon after coming on, was lucky to escape a second caution when he clattered into Gerrard but Liverpool took full advantage.

Craig Bellamy, on for Downing, whipped in the 86th-minute free-kick and Carroll flicked in a header.

Liverpool could even afford for another substitute Maxi Rodriguez to hit the post from close range as they booked a third appearance at Wembley in three months and kept their season alive.

For Everton, however, their priority now will be finishing ahead of their local rivals in the Barclays Premier League, something they have done only once since its inception.

Dalglish Proud To Progress

Kenny Dalglish praised the 'attitude, application and intent' of his Liverpool players after hitting back to beat Everton 2-1 in the FA Cup semi-finals.

The Reds fell behind to a Nikica Jelavic goal in the first half before equalizing through Luis Suarez just after the hour mark and then securing victory when Andy Carroll headed home in the 87th minute.

Dalglish did not try to hide his pride after the final whistle after the Reds produced precisely the type of battling performance he had demanded.

"I think the players that were out there - and the players that have made a contribution throughout the whole run in the FA Cup - have been fantastic for the football club," he said.

"Their attitude, application and intent in getting that positive result from today's game was there for everybody to see.

"Whether it's deserved or not, people are going to have their own opinion on it - but everything needed to win a football game, we showed today as a team."

Dalglish played down his own influence on proceedings by insisting that the players were already motivated to bounce back before hearing his half-time team talk.

Asked what he had said during the interval, Dalglish replied: "They really never needed much, we just pointed them in the right direction.

"They wanted to win the game. They'd got this far and wanted to go a step further.

"We started the game well, Everton scored and came into it, and then we picked up again just after half-time."

Liverpool are now on course for a domestic cup double after winning the Carling Cup in February, and Dalglish is looking forward to returning to Wembley next month to face either Tottenham or Chelsea.

He said: "As a group of players, and as a football club, I think it was fantastic. Although it's not been too good over the past few weeks in the league, which is now two cup finals (this season) - one we've won and the other one we're now looking forward to. That gives everybody who supports Liverpool Football Club a lift.

"We've got a great deal of respect for David Moyes and Everton Football Club, and coming from the same city as ourselves we're not sitting here gloating - but we're very proud and pleased it's us in the final."

Carroll - Best Feeling Ever

Andy Carroll revelled in Liverpool's FA Cup semi-final success after heading the Reds to a 2-1 victory over Merseyside rivals Everton at Wembley.

The former Newcastle striker has faced frequent criticism this season and endured another frustrating afternoon before scoring the winner in the 87th minute from Craig Bellamy's free-kick.

Nikica Jelavic's opener for Everton had earlier been equalized by Luis Suarez, and Carroll could not contain his excitement after the final whistle at playing such an important part in a vital win.

"It's the best feeling ever," he told ESPN. "We worked hard and getting the goal right there at the end was great.

"I had a few chances and should have probably scored earlier.

"But I kept at it and it was a great ball in by Craig, and I just had to score with that one and I did.

"It's a great feeling. I've had some criticism but I've just kept on going. I get the winner here and it's a great feeling. I believe in myself every day."

Jamie Carragher also expressed his delight after seeing Liverpool set up a final meeting with Tottenham or Chelsea, who contest the second semi on Sunday.

Asked for his emotions, Carragher said: "Relief really. Liverpool losing to Everton in the semi-final - it would have been a nightmare."

Carragher was particularly pleased with the outcome after being involved in the defensive mix-up with Daniel Agger that led to the Toffees' opener.

"Just relief that the lads went up the other end and showed what Liverpool is all about," he said.

"Everyone wanted Everton to win. (Everton manager) David Moyes said the whole country was with them. Well, we showed we're a special club, special fans. Not many teams can come back. We've done it again. We've got that ability to come back."

Carragher and goalkeeper Brad Jones were both quick to praise the strike-force, particularly Carroll after his second crucial late winning goal this week.

"He'll be remembered forever for that," the former England international added.

"And Suarez I wouldn't swap for any other player in the league."

Australian goalkeeper Jones said of Carroll: "The media knock him but he's a fantastic guy. He works hard, does extra training and deserved this goal at Wembley.

"We knew they've got a lot of quality players and we had to deal with it and I think the boys at the back dealt with it well. I didn't really have a lot to do.

"At half-time we knew we had to step up a gear. We were confident but knew we had to put the work in."

Gerrard - Carroll's Delivered

Steven Gerrard described the criticism directed at Andy Carroll this season as 'nonsense' after the striker scored Liverpool's winning goal against Everton.

Carroll's performances have been closely scrutinized since he made the move to Anfield from Newcastle for £35million, but he has always been stoutly defended by manager Kenny Dalglish.

His team-mates have also continued to rally round him and Gerrard was delighted to see the 23-year-old find the target in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final.

Carroll headed home Craig Bellamy's free-kick in the 87th minute to seal victory and set up a final meeting with Tottenham or Chelsea.

"We are all happy for him. He is a good player and it just goes to show that all that is written about him is nonsense," said Gerrard.

"Andy's always in the spotlight because of how much we paid for him but I think on days like this one he shows his critics what he is all about.

"He doesn't hide and he takes criticism on the chin.

"We are pleased to have him, he has stepped up on Saturday, he has taken the criticism on the chin and he has responded very well and is the hero getting us the winner.

"That's what we bought him for, to score big goals, and he's delivered."

Gerrard added: "We were superb in the second half. We showed superb character.

"It's superb to be in the final. It's great to deliver and one more step and we're there."

Gerrard also dedicated the victory to the families of the 96 fans who died in the Hillsborough disaster, the 23rd anniversary of which is on Sunday.

"We've got to dedicate this win to all of the families connected with Hillsborough," the England international told Liverpool's official website.

"All of the players and the staff will be at Anfield on Sunday to pay our respects at the service, and it's so nice to be able to dedicate a win to those people."

David Moyes Rues FA Cup Loss To Liverpool

Despondent Everton manager David Moyes admitted his side missed the perfect opportunity to reach the FA Cup final after they lost to Liverpool.

The Reds came from behind to win 2-1 at Wembley with goals from Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll after Nikica Jelavic put Everton ahead.

"It was a great opportunity for us to give ourselves a chance to play in another Wembley final," said Moyes.

"With the way we've been playing it was our chance but it wasn't to be."

Moyes felt the key moment was Suarez's equalizer just after the hour, when the striker collected an intended backpass from Everton defender Sylvain Distin to beat keeper Tim Howard.

The Toffees boss waited to console Distin as he left the field and said: "He's really down. He's an experienced player who has been here before and won the FA Cup with Portsmouth, so he knows what it means and how important it is.

"Sylvain has been great for us but he made a mistake that gave Liverpool impetus. I actually thought we had weathered what they had thrown at us in the first 20 minutes of the second half.

"There were only small margins between the sides. It was a mistake that changed the game. We were so desperate to get to the final for the supporters and we felt we were in good shape.

"It was a good opportunity to get to the final and when it goes like that you feel sorry for them all."

The result ends for another season Moyes's hopes of winning a first trophy in his 10 years at Goodison Park.

"As you can imagine we are not full of the joys but we now need to focus on the rest of the season," he commented.

"I'm just really disappointed we are not able to give the supporters a final because they were fantastic and when you lose to your local rivals it is even harder to take."

Distin Takes Responsibility

Sylvain Distin felt that he had cost Everton a place in the FA Cup final after his mistake kick-started Liverpool's comeback at Wembley on Saturday.

The Toffees were leading their Merseyside rivals 1-0 when Distin attempted to pass the ball back to goalkeeper Tim Howard but only succeeded in playing in Luis Suarez.

Suarez made no mistake with a calm finish and Andy Carroll later headed in a second for the Reds to condemn Everton to a 2-1 defeat.

Distin believes his error was the turning point and apologized to his team-mates in the dressing room after the match.

He said: "I take full responsibility for that goal. I think it changed the game, so I have to accept it."

The 34-year-old's team-mates rallied around him and he added: "The guys have been amazing.

"They don't need to point at me or anything because they know I'm man enough to face my responsibilities.

"I don't need anyone to tell me what I do right or what I do wrong because I'm mature enough to know what I do right and wrong.

"That's clearly a bad mistake from me and I have to accept it, no matter the consequences. And, for me, the consequences are not going to the final, which is very disappointing.

"I know I cost a lot of people the final and it's tough to accept.

"Personally, I just want a few days to put that behind me and re-focus. That's going to be very important.

"But, right now, I have to admit it is difficult because I realize where we could've been and I feel responsible for that because we are not there.

"At the moment, I don't think too much about tomorrow. I just keep having flashbacks about this bad decision from me."

Everton remain well placed to finish above Liverpool in the Premier League but Distin insists that would be no consolation.

"No matter where we finish at the end of the season, we missed a final," said the defender.

"So, that won't make me feel better, no."

Distin, whose last Wembley appearance saw him taste FA Cup glory with Portsmouth four years ago, added: "I know what it is to win the cup and, today, I've obviously got the other extreme regarding the feeling.

"Only three years ago, I went on a high and now I leave the cup in the really wrong place, so it's two completely different feelings. That's the cup."

Carragher Rules Out Reds Exit

Jamie Carragher has ruled out leaving Liverpool this summer despite losing his place in the starting line-up.

The Reds stalwart has found himself no longer first-choice in central defence this season with Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger establishing themselves as regulars in Kenny Dalglish's side.

Carragher accepts his place is no longer guaranteed in the side, but he is ready to play his part when called upon.

The 34-year-old insists he will not consider moving on at the end of the season despite his lack of regular first-team action.

Carragher is sweating on his own starting place with Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson fit again.

"I know I am not first-choice but if people get knocks or suspensions I am there to come in and help and do as well as I can. I would never think about moving on in the summer, no, no," Carragher told the Daily Telegraph.

Dalglish Admits He Mishandled Suarez Racism Row

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has admitted that he should have handled the Luis Suarez racism row differently.

The Uruguayan was banned for eight matches after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra during a Premier League match in October.

The Liverpool manager defended his striker staunchly in the face of the accusations, maintaining Suarez had done nothing wrong.

The row further escalated during the return fixture between United and Liverpool at Old Trafford. Suarez suggested he would shake Evra's hand prior to the match but appeared to move his hand away during the pre-match introductions.

Dalglish told ESPN: "It would be done completely differently if it ever happened again - and I hope it never does.

"I wouldn't say publicly what I would do differently but I know what I would do differently. I would address that.

"If I have done something wrong I am not shy in saying I have done something wrong. If I can do something better I will try and do it better.

"Everybody can look at themselves, whether they are good, bad or indifferent and say, 'I could do things much better. That is what I will try to do. I would certainly hope not to do things any worse."

During Suarez's suspension Liverpool's form dropped off and they are now well short of a Champions League spot that was targeted at the start of the campaign.

Dalglish added: "You will never know how much the situation affected us. We will never know whether we would have won the games with Luis in or without him.

"It happened. We had to deal with it and we did deal with it.

"We have to brush ourselves down, stop feeling sorry for ourselves and get on with it. I think Luis is doing that now. We just have to get on with our life and make sure we learn our lessons from the past."

Match Preview: Liverpool vs Everton

Merseyside pride and a place in the FA Cup final will be at stake when Liverpool and Everton rekindle their fierce rivalry at Wembley Stadium.

A semi-final showdown at the home of English football appears to have all the makings of a cup classic, with derby tensions adding extra spice to what is always a special occasion.

The decision to host the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley has been questioned by many, but fixtures such as this deserve the grandest of stages.

Both sides will make the journey to the capital on Saturday buoyed by successful showings in their last Premier League outings.

Liverpool finally got back to winning ways at Blackburn on Tuesday and took the opportunity at Ewood Park to rest key men, meaning they have fresh legs to call upon.

Everton swept aside Sunderland, the side they saw off in the quarter-finals of the cup, at Goodison Park and are now unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions.

League form tends to go out of the window in knockout football, though, and the fact that local bragging rights have been added to the mix means anything is possible this weekend.

Liverpool and Everton do have previous when it comes to FA Cup meetings, and contests at Wembley.

The Toffees have emerged victorious in the last two cup dates between the two, with replay successes earned in 2009 and 1991.

Liverpool have prevailed when it matters most, though, with all-Merseyside finals in 1986 and 1989 going the way of the Reds.

Kenny Dalglish's side have also tasted Wembley glory once already this season, with the Carling Cup tucked away in their trophy cabinet.

Goalkeeper Brad Jones is set to make his first start since December 2010 as Liverpool prepare to turn to their third-choice shot-stopper.

The Australian comes into the side in place of suspended duo Jose Reina and Alexander Doni.

Defenders Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson are pushing for starting places having both made their comebacks from injury in the midweek win at Blackburn.

Steven Gerrard, Jose Enrique and Luis Suarez were left on the bench at Ewood Park, but they are expected to come back into Dalglish's starting XI on Saturday.

Everton manager David Moyes is set to revert to his strongest line-up after resting a number of players on Easter Monday.

Defender Leighton Baines, midfielder Tim Cahill and striker Nikica Jelavic are all set to return having been left out of the squad for the 4-0 win over Sunderland.

On-loan Tottenham midfielder Steven Pienaar is cup-tied but Darron Gibson will return to the team having been an unused substitute earlier in the week.

Dalglish Puts Faith In Liverpool FC Character For Wembley

Kenny Dalglish is convinced Liverpool FC have the character to defy the formbook by beating Everton to reach a second domestic cup final this season.

Having already claimed the Carling Cup in February, Dalglish’s side returns to Wembley this afternoon to take on the neighbours in their FA Cup semi-final.

While Everton are among the Premier League’s form teams, Liverpool’s dramatic 3-2 triumph at Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday was only a third win in 14 top-flight games this season.

The victory came despite playing more than an hour with 10 men following the dismissal of goalkeeper Alexander Doni.

And Dalglish believes the Ewood Park performance of an understrength side underlines the togetherness of his squad ahead of the 218th Merseyside derby.

“The other night showed you how important the players can be for each other,” said the Liverpool FC manager.

“With 10 men we showed great determination. We had six players aged 23 or under on the pitch and the young lads got great help from players around them like Maxi Rodriguez, Craig Bellamy and Martin Skrtel.

“It was rewarding to get that win as everyone worked so hard together. It was helpful for us to get that positive result.

“We have to ensure we're ready physically, mentally and tactically for Saturday.”

Although Liverpool have won both Premier League derbies this season, Dalglish admits this afternoon’s game is the biggest of the campaign.

“We need to stand up and compete,” he said. “Some people see it as success to get as far as the semi-final. But when you get that far you want to go on and win it.

“Winning a trophy is the more important thing. In order to do that, we need to win the semi-final.

“Whatever gets said beforehand doesn't matter. It will all come down to what happens on that pitch.

“What we do on the day is going to be far more important that what we've done at any other stage of the season. The build-up is irrelevant.”

While today is Dalglish’s seventh FA Cup semi-final as a player or manager with Liverpool, he admits the nature of the opposition adds to the significance of the occasion.

“Playing a semi-final is special, playing at Wembley is special but then you add Everton into it, our local rivals, and that makes it a wee bit extra special,” said the manager. “For us there are three ingredients there and we know what the rewards are.

“It's not like any other game. We won't try to kid anyone else that it is like that.

“We know we are up against a team in a really good run of form who we know will be well up for it.

“We know what we need to compete against.”

With Doni and Pepe Reina both suspended, third-choice goalkeeper Brad Jones will be between the sticks at Wembley – creating a piece of history by becoming the first Liverpool FC player to make his first four appearances for the club in four different competitions.

“Brad will be happy he got a few minutes under his belt at Blackburn,” Dalglish added.

“He’ll be excited as everyone else is about playing. That's what the squad is there for – to cover for every eventually.

“It’s credit to Doni that he kept himself fit and active and sharp, and Brad’s the same.”

Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez, Jose Enrique and Stewart Downing, who all sat out the Blackburn victory, will all come back into contention while Glen Johnson, Martin Kelly and Daniel Agger, who have each been sidelined in recent weeks, could all start.

Suarez Ready To Sacrifice Himself

Luis Suarez admits he would repeat his World Cup handball to help Liverpool beat Everton in their FA Cup semi-final.

The Uruguayan stopped the ball on the line, earning a red card in the process, to help his side beat Ghana in the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010.

The controversial forward claims he would do the same if it helped Liverpool overcome local rivals Everton at Wembley.

"The sacrifice I made was because it was so important for Uruguay to make the semi-finals," Suarez is quoted as saying in The Sun. "Now I want to win this semi-final."

"It will take an enormous effort but I am dedicated to the team. If I am obliged to stop a ball in the last minute and we win, then I will repeat the action.

"Success for Liverpool is more important to me than anything else. But I do hope there is no drama like this for me."

Suarez, who is expected to start in attack after being rested for the midweek win over Blackburn, has called on Reds boss Kenny Dalglish to pair him with Andy Carroll up front so they can shoot down Everton.

"The manager has not decided on the team yet but I believe if I do play alongside Andy Carroll we will generate a lot of danger," added Suarez. "We haven't functioned 100 per cent together this season but now is the moment to change the situation.

"Andy got the winner at Blackburn on Tuesday and is happy about that. And that win has boosted our morale for the derby."

Downing Wants Fans' Glory

Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher have left the rest of the Liverpool squad in no doubt what a victory over rivals Everton on Saturday would mean according to Stewart Downing.

The England winger has been given a crash course on Merseyside bragging rights by the two local heroes ahead of their FA Cup semi-final clash.

Cup fever gripped the city as soon as the two famous old teams were drawn out of the hat to face each other - although Everton had to overcome a tricky replay at Sunderland first.

And Downing, who joined from Aston Villa at the start of the season, admits he cannot walk down the street without people telling him how much it would mean to them to beat Everton.

Downing told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Obviously Stevie, Carra and Jay Spearing, people like that, have been saying, 'Come on, we have to beat these'.

"They've been on at us. You can understand that. I've played in semi-finals and against local teams when I've been at other clubs, and people were the same there.

"You can sense it, the atmosphere - seeing the fans and the kids hanging about. They're all stopping you and asking questions about the semi-final.

"It's going to be a massive game and Liverpool will be like a ghost town on the day.

"It's bragging rights. I sometimes hear (from fans), 'As long as we finish above Everton in the league, everything's fine'. That just shows. If you've grown up with it as a young kid it's massive. It could make their week, it could make their year.

"We know what's at stake but I'm confident we can get a result."