Rodgers Wants More Reds Hard Work

Liverpool FC boss Brendan Rodgers has told his Premier League pace-setters: “The hard work is only just beginning.”

The Reds are enjoying their best start to a Premier League campaign for 19 years following three successive victories.

Rodgers believes that is reward for the tireless efforts of his players on the training ground and he is on a mission to ensure those high standards are maintained after the international break.

“It’s been a great start for us but we can’t get carried away,” he said.

“We had a difficult start to last season but since January our form has been outstanding.

“I have to say the players have been magnificent with the work they have put in.

“We had a really good pre-season when we had the whole squad together working well and that ensured we were well prepared.

“If you work your socks off then talent comes through and we need to keep working in this way going forward.

“The players have already demonstrated so far this season that they have that resilience to keep fighting and persevere to get the result.

“There is a long way to go this season but we’re really looking forward to the challenge.”

Rodgers was in the company of a host of Liverpool legends earlier this week when he attended the ECHO’s special dinner to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Bill Shankly’s birth.

The Anfield boss relished hearing tales about the club’s glorious past and says it’s a source of inspiration as he looks to mastermind Liverpool’s revival.

“Events like that are very humbling,” Rodgers said.

“These are the guys who set the club up to what it is today. Where they took the club and where the club is at now in two different places.

“But we will fight for our lives every single day to get the club back up there. The history this club has gives us great motivation going forward. We always have to strive to get back to that.”

Suarez In New Cheat Storm

Luis Suarez is at the centre of a new diving controversy after Uruguay beat Peru 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier on Friday.

Peru coach Sergio Markarian slammed referee Patricio Loustau for sending off Victor Yotun for a clash with Suarez in the first half.

The Uruguay forward fell theatrically to the ground following the clash with Yotun, who was shown a straight red card for his part in the incident.

Marakarian told reporters: "I'll do my best to make this World Cup referee not go because I'm not ashamed to say it was totally decisive.

"What Yotun did was silly but I've seen worse, like elbows or double uncollected simulations that go unpunished."

Four minutes earlier Suarez earned his side a penalty - from which he scored - when he went to ground following a challenge from Christian Ramos, though replays showed there was minimal contact.

Liverpool's striker is currently serving a 10-match ban in England for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during a Premier League match back in April.

Arsenal To Make Another Suarez Swoop

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger could make a sensational swoop for striker Luis Suarez having missed out on his signature in the summer.

According to the Metro, the Uruguayan is still top of Wenger’s wish list having failed to bring in another striker to relieve the pressure off Olivier Giroud.

Wenger was after the striker at the beginning of the window but was rebuffed with an offer of £40.01million believing that the bid was enough to trigger the release clause in his contract.

The only major summer signing was the arrival of Mesut Ozil to the Emirates in a £42.5million deal and it was thought that the Arsenal manager had a transfer kitty of £80million.

That could mean Liverpool may expect another swoop for their key man in January and Suarez has reportedly become unsettled with the speculation over his future throughout the summer.

Wenger made late attempts to bring in Christian Benteke from Aston Villa and were also thought to be on the verge of signing Demba Ba on loan however Chelsea pulled out of the deal last minute.

Skrtel Considering Anfield Departure

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is believed to be considering his future at Anfield after manager Brendan Rodgers signed three new centre-backs over the summer.

The Slovakia captain joined the Reds in 2008 for £6.5 million and after starting last season with Daniel Agger as Rodgers’ first-choice central-defensive pairing, the 28-year-old had a testing campaign on Merseyside last term.

Skrtel was heavily linked with a transfer to Napoli over the summer with former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, who brought the defender to Anfield and is now in charge of the Italian club, keen to take the Slovakian to Serie A.

Napoli are understood to have wanted to initially sign Skrtel on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent transfer but Liverpool rejected an approach from the Italian outfit.

Rodgers, meanwhile, signed defender Kolo Toure on a free transfer from Manchester City at the start of the summer and then bought centre-backs Mamadou Sakho from Paris Saint-Germain and Tiago Ilori from Sporting Lisbon on transfer deadline day for £18 million and £7 million respectively.

A Merseyside source has now told SportsDirect News Skrtel has concerns about the amount of first-team action he will get at Anfield and is seriously considering his future with Liverpool.

Benitez is likely to make another move for the 28-year-old in January when the transfer market re-opens as he looks to team Skrtel up with Pepe Reina, who joined Napoli on loan this summer from Liverpool.

Barcelona To Pursue Pepe Reina

Pepe Reina has reportedly agreed to join Barcelona at the end of the season to replace Victor Valdes.

The Liverpool keeper is currently spending a season-long loan at Napoli after reuniting with manager Rafa Benitez.

But it is becoming increasing likely that Reina has played his last game in a Liverpool jersey following the arrival of summer signing Simon Mignolet.

The Spanish keeper, who has 28 caps for his national side, came under speculation that he would depart for the Nou Camp earlier in the year but the deal never materialized.

But fresh reports in the Metro, suggest that a deal could well be completed before January as Thibaut Courtouis wants to stay and fight for the No.1 spot at Chelsea.

It was reported that Barcelona may offer around £30million for the Belgium, who is currently on loan at Athletico Madrid, but the 21-year-old has stated that he wants to prove his worth to Chelsea.

Sturridge Out Of Ukraine Match

Daniel Sturridge has been ruled out of England’s World Cup qualifying tie against Ukraine next week, leaving manager Roy Hodgson short of attacking options.

The Liverpool striker missed the Three Lions’ 4-0 victory over Moldova on Friday after aggravating a thigh injury in the Reds’ 1-0 derby triumph over Manchester United.

Sturridge, who has scored five goals in four games for Liverpool already this season, was hoping to win the fitness battle in time for England’s crucial Ukraine clash.

But after returning to the Merseyside outfit’s Melwood training ground for additional treatment last week, the FA confirmed he will not be fit for the game, with the forward’s likely return to fitness not detailed by club or country.

The news will not be well received by Hodgson, who has only Rickie Lambert and Jermain Defoe to choose from up front against Ukraine, following Danny Welbeck’s suspension for a harsh yellow card during the Moldova win.

The full statement read: “The FA can confirm that Daniel Sturridge will not return to the England squad ahead of the World Cup qualifier with Ukraine on Tuesday.

“Club England medical staff have been in constant contact with their counterparts at Liverpool Football Club since he returned there on Thursday, his injury has not progressed as had been hoped and it is now clear that Sturridge will not be fit for the match in Kiev on Tuesday evening.

“No additions will be made to Roy Hodgson’s squad of 23 players who travel to Ukraine on Sunday evening.”

Aspas Recommends Playing In Premier League

New Liverpool signing Iago Aspas is loving life at Anfield and has encouraged other players to join him in England.

The Spanish forward arrived at the Anfield club in June and has started every league game so far under Brendan Rodgers.

And the Celta Vigo youth product is beaming in his praise for the Premier League and is adjusting quickly to the physical nature of English football.

"I would tell any player to go to the Premier League," he told reporters during a return to Spain during the international break. "You get a different feeling - especially compared to Spain.

"I'm playing a bit further back that it did at Celta, but the big difference is how physical the league is compared to Spain.

"It's hard to say which is better, but when the season ends and I have played all the teams I will have a better idea."

Aspas is delighted to have played a part in Liverpool's positive start to the season, with the Merseyside club top of the table after beating rivals Manchester United.

“I’m very happy," he said. "Especially because we are leading the league.

"(But) it’s only been three games, and it’s a very long competition."

Aspas and Liverpool will look to maintain their unbeaten run on September 16 when they travel to Swansea City.

Carragher Unsure Of Sakho Role

Jamie Carragher admits he is unsure how Brendan Rodgers will fit Mamadou Sakho into his first-choice XI but expects the Frenchman to be a regular starter.

The 23-year-old is yet to make an appearance for the Reds after completing an £18m move to Anfield from Ligue 1 winners Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day.

The left-footed France international arrives on Merseyside with a burgeoning reputation despite finding himself behind Alex and Thiago Silva in the pecking order at PSG last season.

Carragher, who formed centre-half partnerships with Daniel Agger, Sami Hyypia and Martin Skrtel at Liverpool, is unsure whether Sakho could line up alongside the club’s vice-captain, who is also a left-sided centre-half.

“It has been good to see Liverpool replace the old man who pottered away in retirement last May with three central defenders,” Carragher wrote in his Daily Mail column.

“Kolo Toure has settled well and made a bright start, Tiago Ilori has been brought from Sporting Lisbon for the future and then there is Mamadou Sakho.

“He arrives on Merseyside with a solid reputation and it was interesting to hear that Ian Ayre, Liverpool’s managing director, described him as ‘a marquee signing’ — when you spend £18million on someone, you would expect they will play.

“So it will be fascinating to see how Brendan fits Sakho in. He is a left-sided central defender but Liverpool already has a very good one of those in Daniel Agger, who has succeeded me as vice-captain.”

He added: “In my experience, you can play two right-footed central defenders as a partnership — that was the case when Sami Hyypia and I played alongside each other — but I have never seen a team line up with two left-footed central defenders as a partnership.

“I would doubt that Brendan is now going to start playing 3-5-2, even though he used it at fleeting times last season, so where Sakho fits in remains to be seen. One thing that is not in doubt, however, is the start Liverpool have made to the season.

“Nobody will be getting carried away by three consecutive wins but the positive thing is that Liverpool has laid solid foundations — and three clean sheets show they are going to be difficult to beat.”

Reds Defender Fighting For Fitness

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has given fans somewhat of an injury update, stressing that he is working hard to make a quick return to club and international action. Johnson was forced to watch Friday night’s England match from the stands after withdrawing from the squad with an injury, and revealed on his official Twitter account that he is gutted to be missing the Three Lions’ World Cup qualifying campaign.

England ran out 4-0 winners in a convincing display against Moldova at Wembley on Friday night, with Danny Welbeck grabbing a brace. Southampton star Rickie Lambert continued his dream start to his international career, scoring his second goal in two matches. Tottenham’s Kyle Walker filled in for the injured Johnson and was largely impressive with both his defensive and attacking duties, putting further pressure on Johnson to regain his place ahead of next summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

Johnson picked up an injury against Manchester United a week ago and was replaced by young defender Andre Wisdom. Wisdom is an emerging talent at Anfield, and was recently handed the Under-21s’ captain’s armband by Gareth Southgate. Wisdom helped lead the young Lions to victory this week as they beat Moldova in 2015 Under-21 European Championships qualifying.

Mamadou Sakho Thanks Anfield Fans

Liverpool summer signing Mamadou Sakho has expressed his gratitude to Anfield fans for the warm reception he received before signing up.

Brendan Rodgers swooped for the former PSG man in the final few days of the summer transfer window and his £18million switch was confirmed early on deadline day.

Liverpool confirmed the purchase of promising Sporting Lisbon defender Tiago Ilori at the same time in what is a young new-look back line put together by Rodgers.

Sakho became surplus to requirements at PSG due to the influx of expensive big-name signings at the free-spending Qatar-funded Ligue 1 champions.

Despite a great affinity with the club he came through the ranks with, the 23-year-old would not say which stadium was the more impressive out of Anfield and the Parc des Princes.

However, he did express his gratitude for all the good wishes he received from Liverpool fans ahead of finalizing his deal.

"They [Anfield and Parc des Princes] not comparable, but Le Parc is my birthplace," he is quoted as saying by Le10Sport.

"I would also like to thank the public for the ovation he gave me last weekend when I was in Liverpool about to sign my contract."

Reds Appoint New U18s Coach

Liverpool Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Neil Critchley as the club's new U18s coach.

Neil arrives at the Academy from Crewe Alexandra, where he has held the role of academy director since 2007.

The 34-year-old started his career as a junior player at Crewe, before rising through the ranks to make one appearance for the club's senior side against Fulham during the 1999-2000 season.

As a coach, Critchley is one of only 16 in the country to have gained the highest possible qualification in the game after he was handpicked by the FA to take UEFA's first elite badge course.

After 18 months the former midfielder graduated - and is currently among the top-graded coaches in Europe.

Reds' Hunger Refreshing To See

Liverpool FanZoner Richard Garnett gives his take on the Reds' current squad and their 100% start to the Premier League campaign.

No you haven't woken up in 1990, Liverpool really are top of the league.

It's get better too. A 1-0 victory over the old enemy has maintained a 100% start to the league campaign in which the Reds are yet to concede a goal.

Daniel Sturridge has scored five goals in four domestic matches. Luis Suarez hasn't kicked a ball yet and Liverpool has even scored a goal from a corner. You couldn't make this type of stuff up.

Monday's calm completion of deadline day deals for Mamadou Sahko, Tiago Ilori and Victor Moses bolstered a compact but improving squad, which is understandably high on confidence.

Of course, there is no need to get carried away here. The Premier League season is only three weeks old and there is a sufficient sum of other clubs with stronger squads to suggest that any hope of Liverpool finishing in the position they now find themselves is pure fantasy.

Nevertheless, something has changed at Anfield. Overnight the team appears to have developed a mental strength that was previously conspicuous by its absence.

Perhaps the catalyst for this welcome upturn in resilience was Simon Mignolet's penalty save against Stoke on the opening day of the season.

The Belgian's inspirational 'thy shall not pass' moment appears to have set an example to his new teammates who are now displaying a hunger that is refreshing and in all honesty, unexpected.

On paper Liverpool should finish sixth this season - a one-place improvement on the previous campaign.

But leagues aren't won on paper and after a perfect start, Brendan Rodgers must be buoyed by the knowledge that instilling belief in his players is now not the hard sell it must have seemed last season, when Liverpool were incapable of beating any team above them in the table.

The deadline day acquisitions of Sahko and Ilori bring much welcome competition to the centre of defence - an area that proved to be an Achilles heel for Liverpool last season.

Competition for places has already made a positive impact, with Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel delivering stellar performances against United. Exactly what Rodgers would have wanted.

Without question however, Rodgers' finest piece of business was holding on to Suarez amidst a whirlwind of speculation that he was out the door.

There's little doubt that Suarez wanted to move on and play in the Champions League but now that the transfer window is shut, I expect him to be fully committed to the Liverpool cause.

With no European football to offer this term, players like Suarez are very difficult to replace. It was vital that Rodgers held onto him if the club is serious about fulfilling its ambition to return to the Champions League and kick on from there.

But Liverpool currently sits at the top of the table without the help of the Uruguayan. That in itself is refreshing as new stars emerge from his shadow at Anfield.

As Liverpool dug in for victory against Manchester United, bufferflies fluttered in the stomach of supporters. It was a feeling of nervous anticipation as belief started to grow on mass that Liverpool could be a force to be reckoned with again after a period of relative obscurity.

It's too early to say how the Reds' season will pan out from here with injuries already providing an unwanted distraction, but with confidence rocketing and new recruits inspired by Sunday's uplifting victory there could be some fun times ahead.

United will get an early opportunity to make amends for this defeat when the two sides meet in the League Cup at Old Trafford on 25th September.

That is if they can handle the returning South American gun-slinger of course.

Hamann Believes The Reds Can Gain CL Qualification

Ex-Liverpool star Dietmar Hamann believes Liverpool have a realistic chance of gaining Champions League qualification this season.

The Reds have made an impressive start to the Premier League season, winning their first three games of the league season. Brendan Rodgers' side, who beat Manchester United in their last outing, have yet to concede a league goal in this campaign.

Additionally, the Merseyside outfit will soon be welcoming star-man Luis Suarez back into the fold as he only has two games left to serve on his 10-game ban.

And, the former German international believes that the Reds can secure a place in next year's Champions League by ending in the top four this season.

Hamann told Goal.com: "They've given themselves a chance because, last year, they had a terrible start to the season [but] top of the league now, haven't conceded a goal yet and, with Suarez coming back, you expect them to score more goals.

"If they keep the defence as tight as it is, I think the top four is a very realistic target."

Hamann believes keeping central-midfielders Steven Gerrard and Lucas fit could be key to Liverpool's season.

He continued by saying: "They've bought two centre-halves, [Martin] Skrtel came back into the side but, in midfield, they have to make sure [Steven] Gerrard and Lucas stay in one piece because they're vital players to the team."

And, the former Reds man believes the Merseyside outfit can soon make a challenge for the Premier League title and believes another couple of additions to Rodgers' squad will allow the club to further improve.

Hamann finished by saying: "Other than that, I think they're only one or two players away from being a top, top side and, with the squad Brendan Rodgers has built there, if they continue to improve the way they have over the past 12 months, then I wouldn't rule out Liverpool being a competitor for the Premier League title in the next four or five years."

Henderson Hails Liverpool's Deadline Day Business

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has praised the club’s deadline day activity as the Reds bid to secure Champions League football for the first time in five seasons.

Brendan Rodgers capped a successful transfer window with the addition of three new players on Monday, with defenders Mamadou Sakho and Tiago Ilori joined by on-loan Chelsea forward Victor Moses.

Having claimed maximum points from their first three league fixtures, Liverpool has signalled their intent to mount a serious challenge for a top-four place and Henderson was delighted to see the trio arrive on Merseyside this week.

"I think they are fantastic signings. I think we've brought some great quality into the team," he told the club’s official website.

"It will boost us up again and so hopefully they will contribute well this season. Hopefully we'll have a really good season altogether.

"I've played with Victor before and he's a fantastic talent. He'll come in here and contribute to the team like the rest of the new signings.

"He's very talented. He's powerful, he's good with the ball, he can use both feet and he's good at cutting inside or going on down the outside."

Gerrard Dreams Of Liverpool Management

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has revealed his aim to go into management once he hangs up his boots and dreams of taking over at Anfield one day.

The 33-year-old continues to play an integral role for the Reds on the pitch but is already planning for life after retirement by commencing work on his coaching badges within the next year.

"The dream come true would be to manage Liverpool, when the Liverpool job becomes available," he told TwentyFour 7 Football.

"There are world-class managers there ready already but we'll have to wait and see; it would be the icing on the cake.

"When you get to a certain age, my age, you need to start thinking seriously about a life after football.

"I am planning on doing my badges and qualifications over the next 12 months. I definitely see myself as a manager rather than a coach but that could change.

"I remember speaking to Jamie Carragher and he really fancied it but he's decided media is what he wants to do. It'll be strange seeing him on Sky but I'm really delighted he's doing it. He can leave managing Liverpool to me!"

The England skipper has two years remaining on his current contract and has previously spoken of his intention to finish his career at the club where he has spent his entire professional career.

Reds Line Up Adan Swoop

The Reds are looking for quality competition for current number one Simon Mignolet, having failed in a summer move for Aston Villa stopper Shay Given.

Brendan Rodgers allowed Pepe Reina to leave the club for Napoli on loan after landing Mignolet from Sunderland in a £9 million deal.

Rafael Benitez, who is currently in charge of the Serie A club, expressed his surprise at the Reds’ decision to allow Reina to leave, and his departure has left the Anfield outfit desperately short of quality cover for the big Belgian.

Australian Brad Jones is the only other goalkeeper named in the Reds’ Premier League squad list, and Adan has now emerged as a target.

The Spaniard rescinded his contract with Real Madrid on transfer deadline day, and is currently on the lookout for a new club.

Rodgers has long admired the 26-year-old, and could now swoop in with a contract offer.

However, Adan may yet choose to further his career elsewhere after playing second fiddle to Iker Casillas for three years.

A number of La Liga clubs are believed to be monitoring his situation, and it is understood he would rather remain in Spain than move abroad.

That is unlikely to deter Rodgers, though, who is desperate to recruit a ‘keeper before the January transfer window.

Should he fail in his bid to land Adan, he may look to the emergency loan market – which opens on 10 September – before looking to bring in a stopper permanently in the next transfer window.

Liverpool Ruled Out Fabio Borini Sale

Lazio president Claudio Lotito has revealed Lazio tried to buy Liverpool striker Fabio Borini this summer but the Reds refused to sell the Italy international.

The 22-year-old sealed a season-long loan move to Sunderland on deadline day after the forward had previously rejected speculation linking him with a return to Serie A.

Lazio president Lotito admitted the Italian side was keen to sign the former Roma man but the Reds wanted Borini to remain in the Premier League.

“His name was under consideration, but Liverpool didn’t want to sell him outright and they preferred to keep him in the Premiership,” Lotito told Corriere dello Sport.

On Wednesday, Rodgers explained the reasoning behind the decision to send Borini out on loan to Paolo Di Canio’s side.

“It’s just to get games. He had a stop-start season last year with his injuries and I just felt this year he needed to go and play football,” Rodgers told Liverpool’s website.

“With Daniel Sturridge, Luis Suarez, Iago Aspas and some of the other attacking players, that might have been limited.

“I have a real belief in Fabio – he is a talent and we’ve seen that on occasions, but he needs to be playing regularly to demonstrate that talent.

“We had a host of clubs wanting to take him, but with Sunderland having the Italian connection there and being a big club where he can go and play, I’m sure he’ll get the chance to shine and we’ll look closely at his development this year.”

Sturridge To Miss Moldova Clash

Daniel Sturridge has been ruled out of England's World Cup qualifier against Moldova on Friday, and faces a race against time to prove his fitness for Tuesday's crucial clash with Ukraine.

The withdrawal leaves Roy Hodgson's options up front limited, with Wayne Rooney also unavailable after suffering a severe cut to his head in Manchester United training last week. Hodgson confirmed Rickie Lambert will start against Moldova.

Steven Caulker - who was called up to the squad after Glen Johnson and Phil Jones suffered injuries in Sunday's clash between Liverpool and United - will also miss out on Friday after turning his ankle in training, but like Sturridge could be back to play a part against Ukraine.

Hodgson said: "We won't know until training on Sunday if Daniel Sturridge will be fit for the Ukraine game.

"We've not been lucky with injuries, we've lost five players, but it's an opportunity for others and up to them to do a job."

Sturridge has netted five goals in four games after a red-hot start for Liverpool this season, including the winner against United that took his side to the top of the Premier League.

However the striker has admitted he was not 100 per cent fit for the match, even restraining himself from long-range efforts on goal because of a thigh injury.

Hodgson may not have too much cause for concern with Sturridge's absence on Friday, however, with England never having lost to Moldova, thrashing them 5-0 last year. But Ukraine will provide a much stiffer test - defeat would deal a severe blow to England's hopes of qualifying for next year's World Cup in Brazil.

England are two points behind group leaders Montenegro but have a game in hand, while Ukraine are in third place, a point off Hodgson's side.

But Hodgson remained bullish on England's qualifying chances. He said: "I would say we need ten points from four games as long as we don't lose to Ukraine and we beat Montenegro."

The FA have confirmed Sturridge will return to Liverpool to receive treatment, but he could rejoin the England squad if his injury improves.

England Defender Sings Sturridge's Praises

England and Chelsea defender Gary Cahill believes Daniel Sturridge can replace Wayne Rooney as England's main striker ahead of Friday's vital World Cup Qualifier against Moldova.

Wayne Rooney will miss England's next two matches after sustaining a deep cut to his head which needed stitches.

Liverpool striker Sturridge is the Premier League's form-player after the Reds' perfect start to the season see's them top of the table with three clean sheets and three Sturridge goals.

Cahill, a former team mate of Sturridge' at Chelsea and Bolton Wanderers, expects the forward to prove his worth for his country this weekend.

"Daniel is ready to step-in for Wayne for sure, with the form he is in. If you're a centre-forward, confidence and goals are what helps you in your performances.

"At the moment, he's a guy with both those things in abundance and playing really well. He is the kind of player that the Moldova and Ukraine defenders will be worried about. He can strike fear into any defence," said Cahill.

Sturridge sustained a calf strain leading up to Liverpool's defeat of Manchester United last weekend and admitted he couldn't shoot properly during the match. The 24-year-old still managed to bag the winner and looks set to start on Friday.

Sturridge, whose only England goal came against San Marino last year in an 8-0 win, is still doubtful for the game at Wembley but Cahill believes the striker can overcome the injury and continue his good form for his country.

"He's flying at the minute so hopefully he can shake-off this niggle and be ready to have a huge impact," said the Chelsea man.

The England centre-half has been a witness to the rise of Sturridge since the Liverpool man had an impressive loan spell at the Reebok, with the defender moving to Stamford Bridge half way through Sturridge' returning season at Chelsea.

At Chelsea, Sturridge played a wide-role in a font three, and Cahill knows a more central role is bringing the best out of the forward.

"Obviously he's started the season tremendously well. Everyone knew what talent he had. Not potential, but what he could actually do. Daniel is flourishing in the role he's playing at Liverpool now, and confidence-wise, the manager has put him up top where he always wanted to be. He has repaid him with three fantastic performances and goals," he added.

Michael Carrick Praises Liverpool Star

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has praised England teammate Daniel Sturridge after an outstanding start with Liverpool in this season's Premier league campaign.

The Liverpool striker has hit great heights scoring three winning goals in three games for the Reds. And, the long serving United player hailed the 24 year old forwards talent.

Reported in The Daily Express, Carrick said: "He has started the season very well but that is no surprise.

"He has so much ability and so much talent. He has had a good run of games since he has been at Liverpool. He has done ever so well.

"We have some real attacking options now [for England], which is nice."