Tomkins: Glass Still Half-Full

I attempt to read all emails, even though I can't reply to them all. After poor results I get a mixture of messages: those from people who appreciate my attempts to find light in the dark (and who, such as this weekend, request a dose of positivity served in a glass half full), and those from people who offer a suggestion as to what I can go do with myself, sometimes with precise details as to the how and where.

I don't like to dwell upon a bad result. Upon medical advice I am aiming to lessen my workload over the coming months (not easy with a book just released and the season so quickly in full emotional flow), but while a result like beating United can see me happily steer clear of the laptop and just savour the memory, the over reaction to two points dropped at home to a promoted side can spur me into action.

When I read that the Reds definitely cannot win the title after one bad result, I despair. Just as beating Manchester United didn't make Liverpool a certainty to win it, one draw at home to a promoted side does not mean the opposite is now true. What I abhor most about modern football support is this constant swing from one extreme to another.

Anything is still possible, be it bad or good. Unbeaten in eight, only three goals conceded - each time leading to a victory after being behind - and a mere point off the Premier League pace. The big picture seems fine to me.

I still don't fully understand the emails I receive that treat me as if I am the person to blame, but I guess venting spleen is an important desire for many upset fans, and as someone who very much believes in the current manager, I'm an obvious target.

After all, we all feel helpless in the support of our team. We'd love to be able to directly influence the game, but that's just impossible. And we all get wise after the event. Had Stoke scored from a long throw, then it would have been a mistake to not play Hyypia. Had it been from central midfield, it would have been due to leaving out Mascherano.

As it was, it was an attacking line-up from Benitez, with two strikers, one winger and another striker-cum-wideman, and the two most creative central midfielders at the club. And Liverpool did all the attacking. They just drew a blank. Galling as it is, it happens.

Drawing 0-0 at home to Stoke is clearly a bad result. Of course, the referee did not help matters; what the home team desperately needs in parked-bus games is that first goal. It's not an excuse, just a fact of life. If you score legitimately after 67 seconds, you can relax, and the opposition has to change tact.

Let's be clear: brilliant, free-flowing football is virtually impossible in game like this - at least until that first goal goes in. It's hard to pass around a team that sets up like part-timers Andorra did against England; except Stoke are not non-league standard. And while the result wasn't as hoped, Liverpool did pretty much everything text-book against a packed defence.

There may have seemed like too many long distance efforts, but then Liverpool have already beaten 'Boro, Sunderland and Marseilles thanks to shots from outside the area. It can be a way past a massed defence if there is little space to work the ball, but Liverpool also went wide, tried intricate pass-and-moves, and created good chances close to goal as well.

I don't blame Stoke at all; they came with a game plan, just as Liverpool used to go to places like Barcelona under Gerard Houllier and park the bus. The referee allowed it to work this weekend due to his bizarre early decision, and the Reds failed to take their chances. All credit to the Potters.

There are obviously parallels with last season, particularly the 0-0s at Portsmouth and Birmingham at the same stage (not to mention an illogical refereeing mistake at Anfield that cost the Reds two points).

Like then, the first 0-0 - this time at Villa Park - was actually a decent result. Last season Benitez was blamed for resting Torres and Gerrard; this year he has done no such thing (although he was without them in the win against United), which goes to show that sometimes bad things happen to good teams, no matter who features in the line-up.

The difference this season is that Liverpool have already beaten a title favourite. I kept hearing for four seasons that the other big three are the teams you need to beat to win the title. At the same time, I still keep hearing that every single other team is the kind of team you need to beat to win the title. But you can't win 'em all.

All champions have a handful of bad results over the course of a season. No title is ever lost because of one slip-up in September.

However, every bad result clearly lessens the margin for error.

You can always carry a few setbacks, like United did when drawing at home to Reading early last season (amid other bad results in a poor start), but each one means one fewer 'get out of jail free' card. So it's not something to be blase about. It can prove costly, but only in a cumulative fashion.

While drawing with Stoke seems to negate all the good work against United, the fact remains that beating the current champions not only gave the Reds three points, but denied Ferguson's men their own.

Beating Stoke and drawing with United might seem a far more respectable way to get four points, but this way around is actually better, as United, who've already dropped points at home to 19th-placed Newcastle, remain worse off, and that's an important difference. (Unless it's Stoke who end up challenging for the title) Again, it should have been six points, but these blips happen.

For me, the main problem this season has been the fitness, sharpness and confidence of the two strikers. And there's not a lot a manager can do to change that, apart from keep faith and have patience. To my mind Rafa was right to buy Robbie Keane, who is a quality striker, but there was no guarantee of an instant windfall.

Torres was late back from Euro 2008, then suffered a hamstring strain. He's not found his full acceleration, and perhaps he's feeling the pressure a little after the raised expectations after a quite incredible 12 months. He has looked a little tentative when running, and it might be a week or two before we see him feel comfortable enough to use his explosive pace.

As a quick striker in my playing days (with only marginally less ability than Torres), I suffered with hamstring problems. They do play on your mind; it's a horrible feeling when one pings at full-pelt. Even when it's healed, the psychological scars linger a little longer. You need to feel able to trust your body.

I still feel Torres will have an excellent season. He doesn't need to score as many goals overall, just pull a rabbit out of the hat like he did at Sunderland, and of course, in the Euro 2008 final. Fewer goals but more 'winners' would be great.

Robbie Keane, meanwhile, seems overanxious, which is natural for any new striker with a big price tag searching out his first goal. Peter Crouch took 19 games to break his duck, but after that his scoring record was pretty good. Keane's two main efforts against Stoke were deft attempts, but a confident striker feels more able to aim for the corners; when the goals aren't flowing, you tend to concentrate on just hitting the target.

When I started out as a semi-pro I couldn't buy a goal (I was refused credit at Goals'R'Us). But once the first went in, my whole game went from abysmal to what I would call my 'personal best' (to some observers, that was only a fraction better than abysmal, but that's semantics...).

It's hard to explain how different you become as a footballer once you find your confidence. And trying too hard really is a curse. You need work-rate, but a relaxed mind.

Albert Riera seems to have settled much more quickly. For a tricky winger, his passing is superb. He looks a bargain, and Andrea Dossena, who has come in for some unnecessary criticism on a couple of occasions, will help offer a new dimension on that flank.

Another major plus is that Liverpool are defending set-pieces far better this season. The zonal marking system improved upon the arrival of Mauricio Pellegrino as a player in 2005, and he seems to have tweaked things again; particularly important with players like Crouch, Sissoko and Riise replaced by smaller alternatives. Liverpool have played some very tall sides this season, but rarely been worried (touch wood). But the Reds still need to score more from their own corners.

As has been noted, Liverpool have rode their luck at times this season, but it ran out at the weekend. The Manchester United victory showed how good this team can be, and despite the up-and-down nature of the performances, the Reds are brilliantly placed in both the league and in Europe. It could be better still, but every team can say that, including Arsenal, who lost at Fulham. As it stands, six points ahead of United and level on points with Chelsea, in addition to an away win in Marseilles, is something we'd have all taken if offered it in August.

Amidst the gloom of a missed opportunity, it's important to not lose sight of that fact.

Article courtesy of Paul Tomkins.

AFC Liverpool Face Cup Derby Thriller

AFC Liverpool face their first ever competitive derby match on Wednesday in a cup tie against top Liverpool side Waterloo Dock.

The 1st round Senior Cup tie takes place at Valerie Park, the home of Prescot Cables, who AFC Liverpool are groundsharing with this season and kicks off at 7.30pm.

It is the first time that the fledgling non league club has every faced another Merseyside team in a competitive match, and the fact that they do so in a knockout cup tie adds extra spice to the occasion.

AFC Liverpool are currently top of the Vodkat League Division One after a blistering start that has seen them score 22 goals in just six matches.

Waterloo Dock are the Champions of the Liverpool County Premier League and so are certainly of Vodkat League standard. Top of the league so far again this term, they are also renowned for having unearthed popular former Liverpool striker, and current Legends star, John Durnin.

Seasoned observers of the non league football scene believe this will be a mouthwatering clash between two genuine footballing sides each topping their respective leagues.

The cup draw will be particularly enticing for AFC Liverpool vice captain Jay Chandler who now marshalls the Reds’ back four, but who last season played for Waterloo Dock.

The winners will face either East Villa or St Helens in the 2nd Round of the Cup. Tranmere Rovers await the winner of that tie in the Quarter Finals, a suitable incentive for all clubs involved to fight hard for the win.

The Liverpool Senior Cup is a Liverpool County FA run competition which features Liverpool, Everton, Tranmere Rovers and all of the major Merseyside non league clubs. It will be AFC Liverpool’s first appearance in the competition.

Kuyt: We Want Goals

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt admitted to being frustrated in the wake of his side's goalless draw with Stoke City at Anfield but insisted that their opponents' defensive outlook was a compliment for the hosts. The ex-Feyenoord man wants to make amends in the Reds' upcoming matches.

Steven Gerrard had his second minute free-kick scratched by matchday official Andre Marriner, who perceived Dirk Kuyt to be in an offside position.

The Dutchman and his colleagues could not force a way past Stoke thereafter, and had to settle for a measly one point bonus.

The manner in which Stoke performed, with emphasis on not conceding rather than scoring, should be taken as a compliment to Liverpool, according to Kuyt, who wants more goals in the Reds' upcoming fixtures.

He told the Liverpool Echo: “I’ve never played in a game like Saturday’s without winning it.

“Sometimes this can happen because you know Stoke are going to defend really well and get men behind the ball but it is disappointing. We did not take our chances.

“They are a strong team and are threatening from set pieces and we managed to cope with that side of their game well, it was just the fact that we did not get the early goal we were looking for that made life difficult for us.

"It is a compliment to us that teams come to Anfield and play this way I suppose but there will be many more teams who come here and play like this and we have to make sure we are really focused and take whatever chances come our way.

"After you score the first goal then things usually become a lot easier because the opposition then has to come out and play.

“But we have to win games that we dominate; it is as simple as that. We lost two points but now we have to look to the next game.

“Sometimes things like this happen, we worked really hard and we dominated the game but we did not score goals. The good thing is we have a couple of games coming up to get this one out of our system."

Fernando Torres Needs Matches Not Rest, Says Rafael Benitez

Rafael Benitez, previously renowned for his rotation policy, has indicated that Fernando Torres will remain one of his “untouchables” despite the goals drying up for the Spain striker. The Liverpool manager, who was left frustrated by Saturday’s goalless draw against Stoke City at Anfield, argued that the 24-year-old will be better off playing his way back to full sharpness rather than resting.

Torres, who scored 33 goals in his debut season at Anfield, has scored only once in seven matches this season and missed the recent World Cup qualifiers with a hamstring injury. His reduced potency has been exacerbated by Robbie Keane’s failure to score in his first eight appearances for the club, but while the Ireland forward was left out the starting lineup for last week’s 2-1 win away to Marseilles in the Champions League, Benitez disagreed that Torres needs a rest from big games. A trip across Stanley Park to face Everton on Saturday follows tomorrow’s Carling Cup tie at home to Crewe Alexandra.

“They had some days off and if he [Torres] goes with the national team you cannot control this situation,” Benitez said. “We need all the players and we try to give one or two days off to some of them. Fernando has been injured, so it’s not the same situation. Álvaro Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso and Jose Reina came back late [from Euro 2008], but they didn’t have injuries, so you can work with them.

“Every player coming back from a tournament like this, one month later they will need time [to regain match sharpness]. Physically he needs to improve, but against Stoke it wasn’t a physical problem. It was difficult because he had less space. They were on top of him all the time.”

Albert Riera suggested that it is premature to judge Liverpool and has backed his international colleague to reproduce his best form soon. “I’ve known Fernando for a long time,” the winger said. “I’m sure there will be a connection because we know each other very well. Every player has periods when they don’t score – but they [Torres and Keane] are fantastic players. The only problem is that the shots aren’t going in, but I’m sure they will score a lot of goals.

“It’s still very early in the Premier League. It’s a long season and we must be patient. I’m sure we will get better, but the most important thing is how we finish.”

Liverpool Given Due Warning As Sinama-Pongolle And Atletico Go On Scoring Spree

Atletico Madrid sounded a warning to Liverpool, whom they meet in a Champions League Group D clash next month, with a 4-0 thrashing of Recreativo Huelva at the weekend.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez will need to beware of Atletico's Argentine striker Sergio Aguero, who scored his fourth goal in a week to set Atletico on their way.

And former Liverpool forward Florent Sinama-Pongolle was also on target with two goals, with Portugal midfielder Maniche grabbing the other in a victory that lifted Atletico to six points.

Aguero, left completely alone by Recreativo's defense, took just eight minutes of the game at Vicente Calderon Stadium to continue his prolific form when he headed in the first goal from Simao Sabrosa's floated free-kick.

The Argentina striker had netted twice in Atletico's 3-0 Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday and scored his team's consolation goal in the 2-1 defeat by Valladolid last weekend.

Aguero then had a second goal disallowed 16 minutes later, before Atletico finally doubled their lead in the 53rd when Portugal midfielder Maniche drilled the ball home after Recreativo had failed to clear a corner.

Sinama-Pongolle, who joined Atletico from Recreativo in the summer, ended his former club's hopes with the third goal in the 78th, the French forward side-footing home following a forceful run by Atletico substitute Miguel De Las Cuevas.

Sinama-Pongolle scored again in the 89th when he beat Recreativo defender Cesar Arzo before calmly stroking the ball home to provide Atletico with a repeat of the 4-0 win over Malaga in their opening home game three weeks ago.

It gives Jamie Carragher and the rest of the Liverpool defence plenty to ponder before the teams meet in Spain on October 22.

Albert Riera: Fernando Torres Will Come Good For Liverpool FC

ALBERT RIERA is convinced Fernando Torres is on the verge of recapturing his goalscoring form after his subdued start to the season.

Riera and fellow Spaniard Torres started a game together for the first time on Saturday as Liverpool disappointingly drew 0-0 with Stoke City at Anfield.

The point was good enough to take Liverpool briefly back to the top of the Premier League – but they were overtaken by Arsenal and Chelsea over the course of the weekend.

And the good work of the previous week’s 2-1 victory over Manchester United was undone as Liverpool failed to score against a side that has conceded 10 league goals this season and lies in the bottom three.

Torres, back to full fitness after a hamstring injury, has failed to score in five games since his opening-day winner at Sunderland, which is still his only goal of this season – and on Saturday he missed three chances he would surely have buried during his 33-goal debut season last year.

The stalemate with Stoke also meant Robbie Keane’s wait to open his Anfield account extended to eight games as the strikers struggle to establish an effective partnership.

But left-winger Riera is convinced he can help supply the opportunities that will have Torres and Keane soaring up the scoring charts once again.

“The thing with Fernando and Robbie is every player has periods when they don’t score,” said Riera. “But they are fantastic players.

“The only problem is that the shots aren’t going in for them at the moment, but I’m sure they will score a lot of goals.

“But Stoke was a very difficult match for the forwards. Sometimes they had a line of nine men defending so it was hard to break through.

“We knew before the match it would be like that so it wasn’t a surprise. We tried many times to score but it was one of those typical games where if you don’t score quickly it becomes more and difficult because they just get more and more men behind the ball.”

He added: “I’ve known Fernando for a long time, I was with him at under-18s, under-21s and with the Spanish national team last year.

“I’m sure there will be a connection because we know each other’s games very well.”

Riera, who made his second successive league start following his transfer deadline day move, is also unconcerned by Liverpool’s failure to hit their stride.

They are still unbeaten with 11 points out of 15 and the former Manchester City loan star is confident that the team will improve as the season progresses.

“It’s still very early in the Premier League,” Riera added. “It’s only the beginning and we will have many more matches that are better than today.

“It’s a long season and we must be patient. I’m sure we will get better but the most important thing is how we finish.

Dirk Kuyt added his voice of support to Torres, who he partnered up front towards the end of the draw with Stoke.

“He did really well and he was a bit unlucky, just like me, with his chances today. We were all a bit unlucky,” said the Dutchman.

“But I’m sure he will start scoring goals really quickly because you can see the quality in every game.

“I’m sure he will be back to scoring goals – he played a really good game today but just didn’t score.

“Fernando is fit now and even if he doesn’t score you can see he is a top quality striker, so no worries.”

Has Fernando Torres Lost His Touch For Liverpool FC?

It’s difficult to work out what was the bigger shock at Anfield on Saturday – Stoke gaining a point or the strange feeling that many among the Liverpool faithful are not happy with Fernando Torres’ form.

It’s not long since ‘El Nino’ could do no wrong it seemed.

As Liverpool’s record signing’s debut season in England went on, he just got better and better.

Torres finished the campaign with 24 Premier League goals to eclipse Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record for an overseas striker kicking-off his career on these shores and his overall total in all competitions was a mightily impressive 33.

Having quickly become a cult hero at Anfield with his own unique song and ‘bouncing’ dance in the stands, the former Atletico Madrid striker took his form onto the international stage over the summer, netting Spain’s winning goal in the European Championship final and in doing so ending his country’s 44-year wait for a major trophy.

Although Torres’ heroics in Austria and Switzerland meant that he and the rest of the victorious Spanish quartet in Liverpool’s squad returned late for pre-season training, he certainly looked up to speed by the time the Premier League’s opener came around a month ago.

Under pressure for long periods away against a much-improved Sunderland side, Liverpool pinched the points at the Stadium of Light thanks to another breathtaking piece of Torres brilliance.

Hardly given a sniff all evening, Liverpool’s number nine emerged from seemingly nowhere to crash home the winning goal with virtually his only shot on target of the game.

Five weeks on from his Wearside wonder strike, Torres has become the subject of some quiet rumblings of complaint from his adoring public.

It would still be a brave, or indeed foolish man, to back against a fully fit Torres breaking the 20-goal barrier again this season but just at this moment, the fact that the 24-year-old is a mere mortal is evident.

Whisper it carefully at Anfield because football has a habit of making you look stupid if you write someone off prematurely, especially a front man of such world class quality as Torres but some are even daring to use phrases like “second season syndrome.”

And as the hosts huffed and puffed but were unable to blow the Potters’ defensive house down, the chief culprit in front of goal was the normally clinical Torres.

Fed by compatriot Arbeloa, who is keeping new recruit Philipp Degen out with a string of assured performances in the right-back slot, Torres’ best opportunity came with a headed effort he normally would have buried, but on this occasion the ball sailed wide of the left-hand post.

Another two shots followed from the edge of the area, but both flew over the bar and into the Kop as a resolute Stoke rearguard, who had leaked 11 goals in five previous games this term, dug deep to hold out for their first clean sheet of the season and the most welcome of Premier League points.

A niggling hamstring injury has hampered Torres’s campaign so far, a factor not lost on his manager Rafael Benitez who admits that neither his main striker or influential skipper Steven Gerrard are entirely 100% fit at the moment.

And although it may have been purely coincidental, unbeaten Liverpool’s worst Premier League result of the season so far came just a week after their best – a 2-1 success against English and European champions Manchester United which was a first ever league win over their rivals from Old Trafford during Benitez’s reign.

It’s highly unlikely that Torres will figure against Crewe Alexandra in Liverpool’s Carling Cup third round tie at Anfield tomorrow night so he has a week to get Saturday’s misses out of his system.

And those dissenting voices among Liverpool’s supporters will soon be silenced if the Spaniard manages to repeat his feat of six months ago and nets a winner in the Merseyside derby.

Benitez Backing Goalshy Strikers

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez insists he is not concerned by the lack of goals from strikers Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane.

Torres has netted only one goal in seven appearances this season, while Keane has yet to open his account since joining from Tottenham in July - and both struggled as Liverpool drew 0-0 with Stoke at Anfield on Saturday.

Torres scored 33 goals in all competitions in his first campaign in England after a big-money move from Atletico Madrid in 2007, before firing Spain to European Championship glory this summer.

However, Torres and Keane - who netted 14 times in the Premier League last term - have found the going tough so far this term and Benitez admits confidence may become an issue.

But the Anfield boss believes Torres is still recovering from participating in Euro 2008, and is confident that the 24-year-old and Keane will soon rediscover their goalscoring touch.

He told the Daily Mail: "Torres returned from the Euros a month later than normal and will need more time to build up his strength and fitness.

"That doesn't help, but there were other problems against Stoke because he had no space and was under pressure all the time.

"Confidence becomes an issue with any striker when he is not scoring and it is clear Torres and Keane both need a goal.

"When it happens you will see a real difference."

Rafa Ready To Ring The Changes

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is ready to offer the younger members of his squad the opportunity to impress against Crewe in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.

Benitez is expected to name the likes of left-back Emiliano Insua, midfielder Damien Plessis and forward Daniel Pacheco in his plans as he looks to rest a number of his first-team stars when the Railwaymen arrive at Anfield.

Insua and Plessis enjoyed games in Liverpool's domestic first-team towards the end of last season as Benitez concentrated on the UEFA Champions League, and he is again willing to field fringe players.

But the Spaniard is well aware that he must name a team which will avoid an upset against Liverpool's League One opponents.

"It's an important competition for us but it's also one which gives us the chance to use some different players," said Benitez.

"We have to be careful though. We want to win the game and go on to win the tournament so while we can use some of our youngsters, we need to make sure we get the team right for winning.

"It's a good opportunity for the youngsters who are selected. We have four or five of them training with the first team every day so they know how we work, but to be involved for a match gives them a chance to show us what they can do.

"They played well in pre-season and also in some games last year, so we know they have the quality to have a future here."

One player definitely in line to make his Anfield debut is Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri, who arrived from Palmeiras in the summer, with first choice Jose Reina set to be rested.

"Normally, Diego will play in the Carling Cup - he is a fantastic professional who is learning all the time about English football," Benitez told Liverpool's official website.

"It's a different style to what he was used to in Brazil but I think he showed in pre-season that he can do everything well. He's a good goalkeeper and can challenge Reina."

Kuyt Support For Torres & Keane As Dutchman Says ‘No Worries’ On Lack Of Goals By Liverpool Strike Duo

Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt has given support to strikers Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane both of whom are looking to be amongst the goals but have been frustrated in their endeavour, as the Reds were held to a goalless draw by new-entrants Stoke City at Anfield on Saturday.

Spanish ace Torres has the record of being the most prolific foreign striker in the Premiership debut campaign following his last season’s tally of 24 league goals. However, the 24-year-old is yet to be back to his best so far this term.

Republic of Ireland forward Keane has had a productive career with Tottenham before his summer move to Anfield. The 28-year-old is still looking to score his first goal for Rafa Benitez's side.

Dutch international Kuyt, who started as a target-man, but is now regularly employed in wide right position, however, is confident that the duo will score goals aplenty.

“The goals will come for Fernando and Robbie. Both are trying hard, but Fernando has had an injury and the Euro 2008 finals to recover from. He lasted in them a bit longer than me!” Kuyt is quoted as saying in Liverpool Daily Post.

“I went out in the quarter-finals with Holland, so I have had more rest and a better pre-season. Torres has not had that, but the goals will come again.

“Fernando is fit now. You can see his quality, as you can with Robbie. We have no worries, they will score plenty of goals.”

Owen Caught In Mersey Melee

Michael Owen's future at Newcastle has been cast into further doubt with rumours circulating that both Everton and Liverpool will move for the striker in January.

According to News of the World, the Merseyside nemeses will approach Owen during the winter with a view to convincing the England hitman to complete a free transfer at the end of the season.

The 28-year-old was in and out of contract negotiations all summer long. The Toon at one point attempted to ease their cash-flow crisis by slashing 20 per cent off his wages, while later reports suggested a bumper £140,000-per-week deal was on the horizon.

But there have been no developments on that front in recent weeks, and with Tyneside in a catastrophic state following Kevin Keegan's scandalous departure it is unlikely Owen will commit to the club anytime soon.

Both Liverpool and Everton were linked with the former Real Madrid player late in the transfer window as tensions began to mount between Keegan and owner Mike Ashley at St James' Park, and their interest has only skyrocketed since.

It would be wholly unsurprising if Owen were to rejoin the Reds, having come close to doing so just a year after leaving for the Santiago Bernabeu.

And while factions of the Kop remain hostile towards their former favourite, manager Rafael Benitez's decision to re-sign an ageing Robbie Fowler in 2006 has set a precedent for fairytale homecomings.

Heskey Regrets Liverpool Exit

Powerful Wigan Athletic striker Emile Heskey has said that he regrets leaving Liverpool, and wishes that he had had more of a chance to prove himself at the top level.

The England international’s career has been reignited since his move to the JJB Stadium, with his good performances earning an England recall and interest from several Premier League clubs.

The 30-year-old moved to Anfield from his beloved Leicester City in 2000 in an £11m deal, and in his first season with the club, scored 23 league goals, earning himself an England call up. After that however, he fell out of favour at Anfield, and was sold to Birmingham for a fee that would rise to £6.25m.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, Heskey said, “It was a disappointment to leave Anfield.

“Liverpool are such a big club. Anybody who tells you he wants to leave a club like that is lying.

“But, if your time has run its course, it's no use hanging on.”

Heskey has regained his form since moving to Wigan two years ago, and played a big part in England’s recent World Cup qualifying victories over Andorra and Croatia. However, the Croatia triumph in Zagreb was marred by racist chanting towards Heskey from the home fans.

Heskey commented, “When I made a challenge, which I got booked for, it felt like the whole stand behind the goal we were attacking in the second half was doing it," he continued.

“When we kicked off again with the free kick it stopped, but for 10 or 20 seconds you could hear it, and it was horrible.

“We've had it before, in Spain and Slovakia, and if you think about it, you probably get it in places where they don't have many black players, or even black people, in the community. Not like England, which is multicultural.

“Over there, they are a long way behind us in that respect, and it's down to ignorance. At first I thought, 'What the hell is this?' But as soon as we kicked off again it went out of my head.

“When I was younger, I'd have been angrier, but the more you come across it, the more you're left thinking, 'What can you do?' It's up to the authorities to take action. We've reported it, so let's see what happens.”

Striking Questions For Benitez

Dirk Kuyt is convinced Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane will soon start scoring for Liverpool despite drawing a blank against relegation favourites Stoke.

Tony Pulis' well-organised, defiant Potters forced an unlikely goalless draw and celebrated as if they had won the Barclays Premier League title.

Their fans, packed into the Anfield Road end, gave it their all as well and Stoke's players responded to hold a team who seven days earlier beat Manchester United on the same pitch.

But Liverpool boss Benitez touched on his problem with a suggestion that Liverpool "needed more ability in the box".

That constitutes a remarkable comment considering he was no doubt referring to Fernando Torres, Robbie Keane and Kuyt, who cost him a combined £50million.

The trio have played 23 games between them this term and notched a total of just two goals.

Benitez will moan, rightly, about referee Andre Marriner's "massive mistake" to deny Steven Gerrard his 100th Liverpool goal. But the unbeaten Anfield men should be able to sweep away such predictable defensive tactics as Stoke employed.

Torres is still clearly suffering from the after-effects on his own amazing summer in winning the Euro 2008 crown for Spain, Keane is working himself into the ground but cannot buy a goal, while Kuyt's work-rate can never be doubted, only his accuracy.

Kuyt believes everything will come right soon, and joined the uproar over the decision to rule-out Gerrard's free-kick goal for offside.

Marriner confirmed afterwards that was the reason the strike did not count, and only served to enrage Liverpool further.

Kuyt said: "It was a perfectly good goal, nobody touched the ball as it curled in and certainly not me. I had no intention of doing anything because the ball was going in and it had not been flicked on or anything like that. I was not interfering with play.

"The referee said there was someone in the eye-line of the 'keeper who was offside."

But Kuyt added: "The goals will come for Fernando and Robbie. Both are trying hard, but Fernando has had an injury and the Euro 2008 finals to recover from. He lasted in them a bit longer than me!

"I went out in the quarter-finals with Holland, so I have had more rest and a better pre-season. Torres has not had that, but the goals will come again.

"Fernando is fit now. You can see his quality, as you can with Robbie. We have no worries, they will score plenty of goals."

Kuyt did not skirt the real issue which cost Liverpool top spot just a couple of hours later when Arsenal won, predictably, at Bolton.

He said: "We had enough chances to score other goals. We worked really hard, had lots of possession, but sometimes you need more luck.

"But we know that many teams come to Anfield and defend like Stoke did. We have just got to be patient and make sure we take the chances we do get, I was guilty of misses too.

"We have lost two points, which after beating Manchester United here is a real blow. But now we must make sure we make up for this.

"Our next league game is at Everton, so we know that will be hard. But we have to make sure we get the points after this.

"That will be the perfect opportunity to make up what we have lost against Stoke."

Pulis was overjoyed, and knew his good fortune.

He said: "To come to one of the greatest clubs in the world and fight like that was magnificent. We even had a decision go our way with that disallowed goal.

"As far as I am concerned, there was nobody offside, and if that is what the referee has said, my view is that I am just happy to have got a point at Anfield and seen a decision go our way.

"We did not have a day off in the week beforehand. We knew we would be under constant pressure and have to face a lot of crosses so we needed to practise defending against them.

"We were confident we have big lads who can handle it and that proved to be the case. It gives us confidence for the rest of the season."

Rafa's Views On Andre Marriner

Rafa Benitez was left to rue a "strange" decision that saw the Reds denied a goal, in a frustrating 0-0 draw with Stoke at Anfield. Stevie Gerrard had a goal ruled out by referee Andre Marriner, as he gave Dirk Kuyt offside, even though he didn't even touch the ball and there was no flag from the assistant. This left Rafa furious with Marriner and he launched an attack, telling Sky Sports:

'It is difficult to explain. When we scored the first goal the game would be open and just the referee in a very bad position disallowed the goal.

'It is strange as I have watched the replay and no one can understand why [the goal was disallowed]. His [the referee's] position is impossible. It is impossible to have a good view, if it was the linesman you could say okay it could be offside but it wasn't.

'Very, very strange [decision], but the referee normally is very, very strange.

'He said to Carra that he disallowed it but didn't say why so maybe he doesn't know.'

Rafa believes that this disallowed goal did make a major difference in the outcome of the match, with things almost certain to have been different otherwise, as he explained:

'Really [the disallowed goal] could be a massive difference, we knew it could be a massive difference, but again having said that we have to score more goals and I think we tried.

'The team was working so hard trying to do everything.

'We had plenty of possession, we were attacking both sides, shooting from distance, playing between the lines.

'At the end of the day the keeper was good in two or three situations but when they defend so deep you don't have space.

'We were controlling and attacking all the time so you cannot do everything perfect and in this case I think the final third we could be better.'

All in all Rafa, despite his anger, couldn't hide his disappointment at two points dropped at Anfield. He does feel that we will still have a good season though as we are still in a good position, even if it could've been better, he added:

'Yeah I am really disappointed as I think this is a game we deserved to win and we could be in a much better situation.

'But we are top of the table and we are in a good position, could be better, but a good position.'

Sometimes you just have one of these matches where nothing goes, but to be fair we have seen a fair amount of fortune this season, times when we haven't played well, or deserved a win, and have still managed it so we can't complain that much really can we? Had this goal not been ruled out after only a minute and a half on the clock the chances are we would've scored a hatful. However for whatever reason the goal was ruled out and we couldn't break down a spirited Stoke rearguard, who deserve credit for this, no matter how hard we tried.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

To me, it's the greatest and most heartfelt football anthem of all time.

Before the dogs start barking about arrogant Liverpool fans, take my view in the context it's intended. Of course it's going to mean a lot to me, as the anthem of my own club I'm going to have a biased opinion, just as other club's fans will state their anthem means a lot to them; but can any other anthem really have so much passion, history and meaning behind it?

It's a song that can lend itself to be sung in triumph and despair, in desperation and in hope. A song that can be sung with ever changing tones to suit differing situations, with no idea how it manages to sound so different, it just does. From the celebratory You'll Never Walk Alone after an historic victory, to the plea for help from above, and act of defiance of the famous half time battle cry in Istanbul. Each time it's sung it sounds different and means something else; it's a musical phenomenon.

But where did it all start?

For years, there's been Man Utd and Everton fans claiming that "it's a Celtic song", and some even claiming it as their own. I even read an article from a women in the Manchester Evening News stating that United fans sang You'll Never Walk Alone in the aftermath of the Munich Air Disaster, at a Memorial Service before the first home following the crash in 1958, so it was their song as they sang it first. I've got no reason to doubt the song was sung that day, but every reason to doubt United fans then adopted it as their anthem from then on in. It didn't become a popular sound to the ears of the nation for another 5 years, when Gerry and The Pacemakers hit the number one spot with a cover of the 1945 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, Carousel; and United fans certainly didn't sing it at their games after that service.

From Kopites a lot older than myself, I have it on good authority that the singing of You'll Never Walk Alone actually began in early 1963, during a 1-0 defeat at Hillsborough. It was reported to be sung at several games towards the end of the 1962/63 season, and became the new song of The Kop, gathering pace all the time. Gerry Marsden knew of this cult and capitalised on its popularity by releasing it as a single on 4th October 1963. This however is the views of a few, with no facts to back it up.

Back in the 1960's and before, the PA at Anfield used to blare out the current top ten in the build up to the match; with the current number one track being played as the last before the teams were announced. On 14th November 1963, Gerry and The Pacemakers shot into the number one spot with You'll Never Walk Alone, staying there for 4 weeks. So as was the custom with the Kopites of yesteryear, they'd join in and sing along to their favourite tracks of the time. The Kop would sing along to You'll Never Walk Alone as it was bellowed out over the PA, before welcoming the team onto the pitch with rattles and rolled up Echo's, dressed smartly in their pristine suits. Can you imagine the Kop full of suits these days? Actually, that might not be so unrealistic if the money men running our game had their way.....

On 12th December 1963, Gerry and The Pacemakers lost their number one slot to The Beatles, with their "I Want To Hold Your Hand"; hence You'll Never Walk Alone was no longer the last song to be played before the game. The travelling Kop began to sing it at away games during this time, and on it's demotion from the number one spot, requests were made to play the song anyway before the game at Anfield. The Kop began to sing You'll Never Walk Alone of their own accord, before the club agreed to revert to the trend of playing of it just before the teams were announced at every game. From that, an anthem was born.

By early in 1964, The Kop had it's official anthem, and it has been sung at every game since. That ladies and gentlemen, is how it all began.

Now some say Celtic sang it first; but I've yet to see any evidence or reasoning to back up that claim. I look at it this way; Celtic went to Lisbon on the 25th May 1967, for The European Cup Final against Inter Milan, famously winning the "Ol Big Ears" with 11 men born within spitting distance of Glasgow. There is footage of that final readily available, so watch it, and let me know if you hear the Celtic fans singing You'll Never Walk Alone at any point during that game. Remember this was over three and half years since The Kop had officially adopted the song as their anthem, and had been singing it at every game throughout that period. So if Celtic had sung it before The Kop, surely we'd be able to hear them roaring it out in victory over in Lisbon? If they'd adopted the song before The Kop, with the night of the famous Lisbon Lions being almost four years on from that date; surely it would have caught on by then and be sung by the masses? Apparently not. So with the original owner of the anthem cleared up...

Just what does it actually mean? Is it just a song like many thousands of others? What makes it different? What sets it apart from the rest?

To me, it's entire complexion changed after 15th April 1989. Before that date, it was a song of triumph and belief. Sang in celebration and in posture. An arrogant airing before every game, in a statement that meant just as much as the "This Is Anfield" sign above the tunnel. It let everyone know they were at Anfield. Sang prior to games as a statement, sang after the game in joy or defiance, result dependant. Yet after the horrors of Hillsborough, the song had a whole new and more powerful meaning. The lyrics were turned on their head in one scandalous swoop. We were no longer just telling the players they would never walk alone and to hold their heads up high, to never be afraid; we were now singing it to the 96 that left us.

Since that day, thousands of fans affected by the tragedy of Hillsborough, those that lost loved ones, sang that song for them. I can't do that, as I didn't know anybody that lost their life at Hillsborough, but every now and again, when the situation arises, I sing that song for them. The game before the anniversary every year, at the Memorial Service, and when stood alongside friends at the match that did lose brothers, cousins and friends. You can see in their eyes just what the song means to them, and almost 20 years on, the feeling is still there each time the song is sung. The most powerful lyrics ever penned still pulling on emotional strings almost two decades later. How can any other football anthem compare with that?

The following clip brings home what the song means, and how far it can reach and affect people:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZrVfMRyoE0

AC Milan fans, in the days following the disaster, printed off song sheets with the words to You'll Never Walk Alone and handed them out amongst their support with a plea to learn them for the next home game, only 4 days after the disaster. A gesture was planned to stop the game at 3.06pm (the time of the game being stopped at Hillsborough) and hold a minutes silence. The AC Milan fans had other ideas, and planned to sing You'll Never Walk Alone during that silence. They took the time and effort to learn the words, and sing the song during that break in play. Learning a song in a different language and hearing it ring around the San Siro really brings home what the song means and the depth it holds. AC Milan fans will always have a special place in my heart for that gesture, along with other club's fans across the continent carrying out similar acts of respect for those that passed away. All using You'll Never Walk Alone as the focal point for their thoughts and respects.

Moving onto less sombre renditions of the greatest football anthem of all time; there are two renditions from recent times that will live with me forever, both sung within a few weeks of each other:

1. Full time against Chelsea in the 2005 European Cup Semi Final - http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=11MQnQ8QjJs

2. Half time in Istanbul - http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=S8CEh_TgAg4

That night against Chelsea will go down as the greatest in Anfield history, and I very much doubt it will ever be surpassed. I've watched it back on DVD time and time again, yet the coverage just doesn't do it justice. You had to be there that night to really appreciate the atmosphere and the occasion. No media coverage or outside view could ever transmit the raw passion and desire in the air that night. It was 20 years of frustration and absence being released at once. The whole city had a glow and a buzz about it from the crack of dawn, reaching fever pitch in and around the streets of Anfield as the game approached. You can't recreate that atmosphere, you can't fabricate and manufacture 20 years of pent up desire no matter how much money you spend on plastic flags or handing out scarves. On entering the ground some 45 minutes before kick off, it was already bouncing, and you could genuinely see the Chelsea players and fans alike taken aback by what they'd walked into. They didn't expect this in the slightest.

The next 90 minutes is a blur of noise and shapes; then a minute or so after the final whistle, with hugs and punches of the air still going on all around you, George Sephton hits play, and then it starts...

"When you walk, through a storm..."

I still get goose bumps and a shiver up my spine every time I watch that footage back. Yet even watching it back, it still doesn't do justice to the way it was sung that night. The game was over, we'd done it, and we were going to a European Cup Final. A whole generation going to their first, another generation returning to the place they'd long to be, and it all poured out during that song. It signified the game was over and we were actually going to Istanbul. The streets and bars around the city afterwards were flooded with smiles and song, all triggered by that song sparking the celebrations, and bringing it home to us just what we'd all witnessed. We were the massive underdogs, nobody gave us a chance. Yet we beat the Chelsea billionaires to reach a completely unexpected trip to a European Cup Final. With hope in our hearts; our dreams were tossed and blown. Literally.

The second example is probably the most rousing and defiant You'll Never Walk Alone I've ever been a part of. We were 3-0 down to the mighty AC Milan and being humiliated in front of the watching world, on the biggest stage imaginable. Imagine Buzz Aldrin stepping onto the moon, with people all around the globe glued to their screens, then Neil Armstrong sneaks up behind him and whips his trousers down. Ignore the fact he was in a spacesuit and it would have killed him, you get the idea. We had just had our trousers well and truly torn down by Kaka and co, and stood there exposed to the world, warts and all for everyone to see. The players left the field dejected, we all fell into our seats; slumped into piles of fleshy misery and humiliation, as others remained on their feet just staring into space, wondering if this was all just a dream, had that last 45 minutes really just happened? Well it had, and we were beaten, on and off the field. Our support a mixture of stares and slumpers, then it came.

I was sat down on the floor in the aisle trying to take it all in, cold concrete under my sorry behind and no life left. I was beaten. Then the strains of You'll Never Walk Alone could be heard in the distance. Just the opening few words; but I remained where I was, continuing to feel sorry for myself. My mate then screams out in anger, "that song's not the answer for everything you know".

Then it begins to build. It gets louder and louder, people dragging themselves off the floor and helping up others. Rising from the dead like something out of a film, until there were 40,000 of us standing as one and belting it out. It turned from a few bars being sung in desperation, into a passionate mass of scouse solidarity within seconds, becoming the most rousing and supportive You'll Never Walk Alone I've ever heard or been a part of, every word sung with belief and passion as flares lit up the Turkish sky. The Italians thought they had it won, celebrating amongst themselves at the far end of the stadium as we were draped across the ground like deflated red balloons; only to see the whole mood within the ground change during the singing of one song. Chests puffed out, standing tall, heads held high through the storm. The rest is history.

How can there be a greater anthem than that?

You'll Never Walk Alone

Article courtesy of Paul Jones.

Young Reds Win Again

Goals from James Ellison, Lauri Dalla Valle and Marvin Pourie gave Liverpool Under-18s a 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Hughie McAuley's side have now won four out of their opening five Academy games, scoring 12 goals in the process.

Highlight of the game was a brilliant effort from substitute Marvin Pourie who finished off a fine individual run with a shot into the top corner of the net.

"We controlled the game from start to finish and plyed some nice attacking football," McAuley told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"We scored three excellent goals. Ellison got the first after good play from Adam Pepper and Nathan Eccleston. Dalla Valle then made it 2-0 with a great finish after a great run from Nathan.

"Marvin came off the bench to score a great goal and we could have added to our tally in the end.

"We had Christopher Buchtmann back after his hamstring problems and he did very well when he came on in the second half at left back."

Liverpool Under-18s team: Martin Hansen, Michael Scott, Alex Cooper (Christopher Buchtmann 60), Andre Wisdom, Joe Kennedy, Astrit Ajdarevic, James Ellison (Marvin Pourie 75), Adam Pepper, Lauri Dalla Valle, Nathan Eccleston, Alex Kacaniklic (David Amoo 70). Unused subs: Jack Metcalf, Deale Chamberlain.

Match Report: LiverpooL 0 - 0 Stoke City

Defiant Stoke stopped unbeaten Liverpool in their tracks at Anfield with a magnificent rearguard action.

Liverpool dominated throughout, had close on 70% possession, but just could not find a way past goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen and his outstanding defenders.

Stoke play to their strengths - being direct and physical - but they deserved their day in the sun.

They halted a Liverpool side who had beaten Manchester United and Marseille in the previous week.

Manager Rafael Benitez rested Ryan Babel, Javier Mascherano and Lucas to the bench with Robbie Keane, Albert Riera and Xabi Alonso returning.

Stoke had former Liverpool midfielder Salif Diao in their side, his first start of the season while Amdy Faye was suspended.

Leon Cort and Ricardo Fuller were also on the bench after playing against Everton last weekend, Mamady Sidibe and Abdoulaye Faye returned.

Gerrard thought he had scored his 100th club goal after just two minutes when referee Andre Marriner gave a free-kick for a push in the back on Fernando Torres.

The captain's curling free-kick from the left looked to have been missed by everyone-- including Sorensen - as the ball sailed on into the far corner, with Dirk Kuyt throwing himself at it on the far post, without making contact.

All Gerrard's colleagues rushed to congratulate their captain but a linesman's flag surprisingly cut short the celebrations.

Stoke responded with a 20-yard shot from Dave Kitson just over, while at the other end Sorensen needed to save smartly from a Robbie Keane first-time effort.

Gerrard kept trying and his next effort, a 20-yard free-kick, that Sorensen held comfortably.

Stoke were continually forced back with Liverpool keeping possession and passing well.

Such was Liverpool's territorial advantage that centre-back Martin Skrtel was spending considerable time linking in midfield.

Stoke lost Ibrahima Sonko with a leg injury after 21 minutes, to be replaced by Cort, while Sidibe needed to change his shirt after a gashed eye left him blood-stained.

But despite the constantly flowing attacks Stoke did not panic despite keeping two men up front whenever they could manage.

The tactic gave Liverpool plenty of space and possession, with Andrea Dossena joining Riera down the left almost at will.

Sorensen punched away another Alonso long-range strike and Torres had a drive charged down.

But there was great resilience and organisation about Stoke, with Diao screening the defence where Faye, Danny Higginbotham and Cort were standing firm against the barrage.

Kuyt fired wide and Gerrard saw another right-footer sail wide, while Alonso clattered another 20-yard shot over the top as the Potters reached the break unscathed.

Six minutes into the second period Keane almost ended his goal famine. Alvaro Arbeloa and Kuyt combined down the right and when the cross arrived on the six-yard line Kuyt's stabbed effort was well saved by Sorensen.

Liverpool continued to pour forward but frustration was creeping in with too many players trying increasingly erratic long-range efforts.

Stoke grew in confidence and they started to win set-pieces inside Liverpool's half, while the hosts were becoming wasteful.

Kuyt's lay-off saw Torres side-foot over from 10 yards before Babel replaced Riera after 65 minutes.

Sorensen had to save well from Kuyt, while another curler from the Dutchman just cleared the far post.

Yossi Benayoun then replaced Keane, with Jamie Carragher and Gerrard seeing efforts go close from outside the box.

Gerrard had another effort deflected wide by Cresswell with Stoke now camped in their own final third. Ricardo Fuller came on for Kitson after 77 minutes.

Liverpool's nerves were jangling every time Stoke won a throw or set-piece and for one Delap effort all 11 players were called back into defence.

A Gerrard run and Benayoun pass ended with Torres spinning to lash yet another effort into the Kop.

Skrtel was booked for a foul on Fuller, but Stoke hung on, throwing bodies in the way of numerous crosses and shots.

Rafa: Massive Mistake Costs Us

Rafa Benitez was left cursing a 'massive' refereeing error which denied Liverpool a crucial opener in Saturday's stalemate with newly-promoted Stoke.

Steven Gerrard appeared to have opened the scoring after just three minutes only for the linesman to flag for no valid reason.

"Nobody knows why it was disallowed," Benitez told reporters after the final whistle at Anfield.

"The referee told Carra that he – and not the linesman - disallowed the goal but I don't think he knows why. With the position the referee was in, how could he disallow it? It was unbelievable and we have to talk about it because it was a key decision.

"It is impossible to explain.

"The other thing we have to talk about when you forget about the massive mistake is the game. We had plenty of possession, tried from both sides and between the lines, had corners and free-kicks and long shots - but we couldn't score. This is football sometimes, but the players worked really hard.

"Sometimes you need a bit more luck or sometimes a bit more ability in the final third.

"I don't know how many attempts we had. It's difficult to find a solution when you have 25 to 30 chances – you just have to do the same again and maybe it will be different next time."

Once Keane Breaks Anfield Duck He Won't Stop Scoring, Says Torres

Fernando Torres believes the slow start to Robbie Keane's Liverpool career will be forgotten once the Republic of Ireland international gets his first goal for the club. The Spain striker, who scored three goals in his first eight appearances after moving to Merseyside from Atlético Madrid, expects his forward partner to make up for lost time once he has broken his duck.

Keane has not found the net in his first seven league and cup games following a £20.3m move from Tottenham Hotspur, the only blip to an otherwise healthy start to the season for Rafa Benítez's side. Liverpool will replace Chelsea - who play Manchester United tomorrow - at the top of the table for at least 24 hours if they defeat Stoke City at Anfield and mark their best start to a Premier League season after five matches, beating the 12 points they amassed in the 1993-94 campaign.

"I know Robbie is going to be a very important player for us. Maybe he needs to score his first goal, then he'll go on to score a lot more as that's the type of player he is," said Torres. "When you arrive you want to score straight away to relieve the pressure. He is just waiting and wanting to score that first goal and he is a great player to have in the dressing room. I know Robbie from watching him back when I was at Atlético, so if we want to win trophies we will need players like him."

Whereas Keane scored on his debuts for Wolverhampton Wanderers and Coventry City and was soon among the goals at Internazionale, Leeds United and Tottenham, he is struggling to get his name on the scoresheet for the club he supported as a boy. Yet the player is not feeling the pressure, according to Benítez. "I was speaking to Robbie the other day and I told him that everything would be fine," said the Liverpool manager. "He said: 'Listen, I think you are more worried than me.'"

Despite his difficulties, Keane will fancy his chances today as Stoke pay their first league visit to Anfield for 23 years. Liverpool stuck eight goals past them the last time the clubs met, in a League Cup tie eight years ago, Robbie Fowler helping himself to a hat-trick.

Steven Gerrard, who is on 99 career goals for Liverpool after scoring twice in midweek against Marseille in the Champions League, will be itching to complete his century ahead of next Saturday's derby against Everton at Goodison Park.

"We are lucky to have the best midfielder in the world," said Benítez. "He doesn't just score goals, he scores fantastic goals. If he scores against Stoke we will be very pleased."

Liverpool Charged Over Ziege Approach

LIVERPOOL have been charged by the Premier League with making an illegal approach for former player Christian Ziege while he was at Middlesbrough.

Ziege, the German international defender now at Tottenham, has also been charged in connection with the transfer.

Both the Anfield club and Ziege have been given 14 days to respond to the charges, and are likely to face a Premier League disciplinary commission.

The charges follow a complaint from Middlesbrough over the transfer of Ziege to Liverpool for £5.5million at the start of last season.

The charges follow a 10-month investigation into allegations made by the Teesside club, and are a severe embarrassment to Liverpool and manager Gerard Houllier, who last year described Middlesbrough's claims as "laughable".

A Premier League spokesman said that the charges related to "approaches made to a player registered to another club, without the permission of that club, via his agent."

In an article in a Middlesbrough match programme in October last year, Boro chairman Steve Gibson said the club had given Ziege a get-out clause on compassionate grounds following his move from AC Milan the previous year.

Gibson said: "We were aware that Ziege had suffered greatly in Italy and that he did not want a repeat of that. To safeguard the club's position we took comfort in the rules of the Premier League, where it is written law that no player can induce or look to seek another club during the length of his contract, and neither can any Premier League club look to induce a player to break his contract.

"In addition there is a confidentiality agreement within the contract which forbids the club discussing the contract, or the player discussing any part of a contract to third parties.

"We believe that both Christian Ziege and Liverpool broke the rules of the Premier League and we are seeking redress to this situation."

If the charges are proved, Middlesbrough will seek compensation for a player they valued at £8 million.

Fernando Torres Needs A Rest, Admits Rafa Benitez

Rafa Benitez conceded last night that star striker Fernando Torres is suffering a hangover from the incredible 12 months which catapulted him to world fame.

Torres is now a major candidate to become World Footballer of the Year after scoring a staggering 34 goals in his first season at Liverpool.

He then grabbed the winner for Spain in the European Championship Final.

But such high profile exploits have taken their toll on the shy 24-year-old, who admits he is uncomfortable in the spotlight.

And Benitez explained that the Spanish superstar is struggling for form and fitness at the start of the new campaign, after a punishing workload during his first season in the Premiership.

"We have to accept that Nando is not at the level that he can play because the pre-season has been difficult for him, and also because he has been injured," Benitez revealed.

"He had a big first season with Liverpool and then went all the way to the final with Spain.

"We need to remember that Fernando came back late because of the European Championships.

"That makes it difficult for him and he is not yet 100 per cent fit.

"Physically, he is not at his normal level and I would be really worried if he was right now because it would mean in two months' time he would struggle after everything he has been through."

Benitez knows that Torres is far from his best after such a draining year, but believes it is better for the club that the striker remains low profile in his return to full fitness and comes back gradually.

"I am not worried about him at all. He has quality and he can play well.

"He is 24 and will only improve. I am sure that every week he will be better," said Benitez. "Remember, he has had his pre-season disrupted and it is different for a striker than a midfielder or a defender because they are under more pressure and if you have been injured and not fit it is more difficult.

"He will improve little by little - the same as the other players. But he is not our only option.

"When we signed Keane we knew we were getting a striker who can score 15 goals every year.

"The question was to add the goals of Keane to the goals of Torres and Gerrard.

"At least we can change if we need to change something in a game, or use different players if one is unfit or out of form.

"Against Manchester United we had Keane and Kuyt and it worked very well. We didn't need Torres for that game, so we have many more options this time.

"But don't worry. Fernando will get back to his best level."

It is more likely that he will miss the Carling Cup game against League One Crewe.

Youngsters Take On Owls

Liverpool Under-18s take on Sheffield Wednesday this morning boosted by the return of wing wizards David Amoo and Alex Kacaniklic.

The pair missed last weekend's 3-2 win over Newcastle United with injury but are back to face the Owls. German youngster Christopher Buchtmann is also in line for his first start of the season for Hughie McAuley’s team at left back.

The young Reds have scored nine goals in their opening four games, of which three have been victories. Their only defeat came 2-0 at Coventry City when they were perhaps unfortunate not to have taken anything from that game.

"We have done well so far this season and we certainly have players in our team that are capable of winning football matches," McAuley told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"We have only lost once so far and we were unlucky against Coventry. The game against Wednesday will be similar in the sense it will be a difficult game. They will try and make things difficult for us and it will be a battle but we have to compete with them and try and let our football do the talking.

"It's good to have Amoo and Kacaniklic available again as they started the season really well. They love to take on defenders and on their day can be a real handful to the opposition.

"Buchtmann is available again and he gives us more options in the wide areas."

Rafa Hails Number Two Lee

Rafael Benitez has spoken of his admiration for number two Sammy Lee and believes he has had a big impact on the team this season.

The Reds boss said Lee's infectious enthusiasm for the club never ceases to amaze him and added his help has been invaluable.

"I think we have made a fantastic addition this season with Sammy Lee," said Rafa.

"Sammy knows the mentality of the fans, he knows the mentality of the players so little by little we are bringing back something that we needed."

Rafael Benitez Seeks To Reassure Liverpool Supporters

Rafael Benítez interrupted his preparation for today’s match against Stoke City — in which victory would send his Liverpool side to the top of the Barclays Premier League — to spend four hours with a delegation of fans from the Spirit of Shankly (SOS) supporters’ union on Thursday. The Liverpool manager covered a wide range of subjects during the discussions but reassured the fans that his future lies at Anfield.

The meeting came five days after George Gillett Jr., the club’s co-owner, held face-to-face talks with the SOS group. Then, the supporters left bemused, after the American expressed the view that the club were in a “sound financial state”, despite Gillett and Tom Hicks, his fellow owner, plunging the club into debt with a £350 million refinancing package and failing to provide funds for the promised new stadium.

After talking to Benítez, the SOS mood was more upbeat. The Spaniard admitted to sharing the supporters’ frustrations with the political turmoil behind the scenes at Anfield but refused to be drawn on ownership issues or his relationship with Rick Parry, the chief executive, saying he preferred to concentrate on the progress of the team. Benítez was keen, however, to emphasise his commitment to the club, informing the fans’ delegation that he had no career plans other than to bring success to Anfield. The manager illustrated this by detailing his intention to revamp the club’s academy.

He also said that Sammy Lee had been brought back to Anfield’s backroom staff not just for his coaching ability but because, as a former player, he could strengthen the present regime’s links with the club’s tradition.

“It was a very good meeting,” a member of the SOS delegation said. “The manager showed his passion for the club and convinced us that he is taking Liverpool in the right direction.”

Yesterday, Benítez turned his attention back to the matter in hand. With Chelsea, the leaders, playing tomorrow, victory over Stoke would put Liverpool top of the table for the first time in 12 months. The Spaniard is aware, however, that the Premier League newcomers will present a difficult challenge. “We must match them physically and also make sure the technical aspects of our game and our tactics prevail,” Benítez said. “We know every challenge will be hard, but we have the quality to make the difference.”

Benítez is unconcerned about the form of Robbie Keane, who has failed to score in eight appearances for the club since his arrival from Tottenham Hotspur for a projected £20.3 million in the summer. The manager gave the Ireland striker a vote of confidence yesterday, praising his all-round game. “I am not concerned about this [Keane's lack of goals] — his effort and work for the team is outstanding,” he said.

Fernando Torres backed Keane to have a big influence on the season. “I know Robbie is going to be a very important player for us,” the Liverpool striker said. “Maybe he needs to score his first goal and then he will go on to score a lot more.”

Keane, 28, said that his experience is helping him to cope with the slow start at Anfield. “I have not scored yet and that is something that I want to do, but it is also not something I am too worried about,” the forward said. “If I was a young lad and a bit naive, I would probably be really worried about it, but as long as the team is winning and I keep working hard, that is all I can do. My first goal is just around the corner and hopefully many more will follow.”

Slow Starter Keane Given Double Boost To Confidence

MISFIRING striker Robbie Keane has been given a double vote of confidence that he’ll soon be hitting the goals trail – by both strike partner Fernando Torres and manager Rafael Benitez.

Despite netting for the Republic of Ireland against Norway last month, Keane, who will be hoping to open his account this afternoon against a Stoke side who have conceded 12 goals in five games this season, has so far failed to find the goals to justify his £20million price tag since arriving at Anfield.

Now 11 games including friendlies into his fledgling career on Merseyside, Keane has still to hit the mark in a Liverpool jersey and was axed from the starting line-up by Benitez for Tuesday, only coming on four the final four minutes of the 2-1 win over Marseille in the Champions League.

However, with the player a notoriously slow starter to campaigns – he broke his duck on the corresponding weekend for Tottenham against Bolton last season before going on to net 23 times for the Londoners – Keane has been backed to start finding the net soon by striker partner Fernando Torres.

Torres, who bagged 33 goals in his debut season at Anfield, said: “I know Robbie is going to be a very important player for us.

“Once he scores his first goal, he will go on to score a lot more, because that is the sort of player he is.

“You want to score straight away to relieve the pressure when you join a new club.

“But I know Robbie from watching him when I was with Atletico, and I know we will need players like him if we want to win trophies.”

The player himself seems unconcerned by his continuing goal drought and even had to reassure his manager that he was feeling fine.

Benitez revealed: “I talked with him two weeks ago and said don’t be anxious and he said: ‘Listen, you are more worried than me!’ It was okay.”

The Spaniard believes that Keane’s barren streak is similar to similar runs for Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt under his stewardship but he does not feel it is a major problem.

He said: “I am really pleased with Robbie. He is doing a very good job.

“The other day Robbie and Kuyt were doing really well against United.

“It is just that we have the same situation now that we had with Crouch – people talking about when he will score.

“I am sure that as soon as he scores the first goal, you will see a lot of them.”

Benitez added: “I have spoken to him during the training sessions when we talk about movement but he has experience and he is clever.

“I said try to play well. I will be really pleased if you play well and we continue winning.

“It doesn’t matter if you score or not. It would be better for everyone, but if you don't score and we win then that is good.”

And Keane himself has insisted he is not worried about his failure to find the net.

He said: “Obviously I realise I have not scored yet and that is something that I want to do, but it is also not something I am too worried about.

“If I was a young lad and a bit naive, then I would probably be really worried about it, but as long as the team is winning and I keep working hard, then that is all I can do.

“I know I will get my reward for all the hard work I have put in. I think my first goal is just around the corner. Hopefully when that does come, many more will follow.”

Keane believes the continued support of the Anfield crowd will help him along.

He said: “The crowd have been brilliant to me since I came here. It has been everything I expected, what with being a Liverpool fan already. They are always the 12th man behind the ball and were roaring us on against Manchester United last week.

“They have really been great to me, and I can feel everyone pushing me on to get my first goal and hopefully that will be sooner rather than later.”

Liverpool’s Reina Wants To Stay At Anfield And Not Return To Spain Just Yet

Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper Jose Manuel Reina insisted that he is going nowhere so soon after reports in Spain claimed that he was hoping to make his return to the La Liga by next season.

The former Villarreal goalkeeper was reported to be keen to return home after being linked with Atletico Madrid.

However the 26-year old who won three successive Premiership Golden Gloves awards insisted that he wants to stay in England for the next few years.

"I see myself continuing outside of Spain. You never know, but I would like to spend a few more years in England. The plan is to stay here," Reina told Marca.

Reina further went on to say that the spirit in the Reds camp is buoyed after their spectacular 2-1 win against Manchester United, insisting that they most definitely are in contention for lifting the Premier League title this season.

"The team has not played great football, apart from the game last weekend against Manchester United, but we are on the right path," he continued.

"We are playing with comfort and that has allowed us to push up to the near the top.

"People are saying it could be our season. The Premier League is always difficult as their are plenty of other teams, like Chelsea and Manchester United, that can do well.

"We have to reduce the difference at the top that has been there in the past few years."

Rafa: We Must Respect Stoke

Despite overcoming Manchester United in their last Premier League encounter, Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has issued a caveat to his side ahead of this weekend's clash with Stoke City.

Brazilian full-back Fabio Aurelio is set to remain sidelined with the calf injury that prevented him taking to the field in the midweek win over Marseille.

Instead, Rafa Benitez will deploy Andrea Dossena on the left side of defence as Aurelio continues his rehabilitation.

Confidence is brimming at Anfield with the hoodoo against Manchester United broken, but Benitez is not getting too carried away.

He believes that this weekend's opponents, Tony Pulis' Stoke City, are a side that deserve respect following their strong showings against Everton and Aston Villa.

The Potters defeated Villa by three goals to two at the Britannia Stadium before losing out by the same scoreline at the same venue to Everton last weekend.

Benitez is aware that the newly-promoted side will be keen to make an impression at Anfield and his side should be on the front foot.

He told the press: "We know that Stoke will be difficult opponents because they have just come into the Premier League and they will be keen to do well, particularly when they come to places like Anfield," he said.

"They have already had one good win against Aston Villa at home and they have been unfortunate in another couple of games so we know that they will be hard to beat."

"Beating Man United was a good achievement and it will improve our confidence but now we have to try to beat Stoke. They play with a different style to United and they cause different kinds of problems but we must treat them with the same respect."

David Prentice: Why Liverpool's Rafa Benitez Is A Master Tactician

WHAT constitutes a master tactician? The ability to make changes to the pattern of a match with influential substitutions is clearly one criterion.

And in Rafael Benitez, Liverpool possess the best Anfield has ever seen.

Ryan Babel’s goalscoring impact against Manchester United last Saturday was the 50th occasion Benitez has brought on a player who has scored.

Even given the increased number of substitutions in modern football, that’s a remarkable record.

To give that stat even greater resonance, on 12 separate occasions Benitez has made substitutions which have led to two or more goals – many from losing positions.

Cynics might suggest that the Reds boss sent out the wrong team in the first place. But I prefer the argument that there aren’t many better coaches in Europe at analysing the flow of a match and making the necessary switches which work.

Remember Olympiakos? Steven Gerrard’s late piledriver is the obvious memory, but without goals from supersubs Mellor and Pongolle that match-winner might have been meaningless.

Then there’s Kewell and Alonso scoring against Charlton to salvage a 2-2 draw, Crouch and Warnock against Fulham, Garcia and Cisse saving a draw at Birmingham, then Alonso and Biscan turning a 2-0 deficit at Fulham into a 4-2 win.

And none of them were even Benitez’s greatest switch.

Arguably the Reds’ manager’s most valuable intervention was the introduction of a player who didn’t score at all – not until a penalty shoot-out anyway.

Vladimir Smicer might have come on and scored in Istanbul, but it was Dietmar Hamann’s half-time introduction which swung the match back Liverpool’s way.

It’s just as easy to make a damaging switch as it is to introduce an effective change – as Sir Alf Ramsey discovered in Mexico, Howard Kendall at Wembley in 1986 and Gerard Houllier in Leverkusen.

But Benitez has, so far, managed to avoid that pitfall.

Even his controversial withdrawal of Steven Gerrard at Goodison Park for showing “too much passion” paid off.

The use of an impact substitute was a tactic whose effectiveness grew only stealthily.

It was first allowed in England in 1965, but only for injuries. Tactical switches were later allowed in 1967, increased to two changes 20 years later then, in 1995, increased to the current limit of three.

Predictably the influence of Anfield substitutes has grown with the times.

Bill Shankly made just 18 scoring switches in nine years, the last – in 1974 – resulting in a last-minute winner from Peter Cormack against Norwich.

Bob Paisley doubled that figure in eight years, but then he could call on the greatest Supersub of them all, David Fairclough, who scored 18 goals after stepping off the bench.

Joe Fagan did it three times, Dalglish 21, Souness 10 and Roy Evans 12, before the folly of a joint management team was exposed.

While Evans and Gerard Houllier argued amongst themselves about which subs to bring on, only Karl-Heinz Rieldle stepped off the bench to score during their joint stewardship.

Left to his own devices, Houllier introduced 40 scoring subs in five years, but that figure has already been eclipsed by Benitez in four years.

The Reds boss may have his faults, but the effective use of substitutes is not one of them.

Rafa Keen On Anthem Switch

Rafael Benitez is hopeful a tactical switch off the field of play will help Liverpool generate an atmosphere to send shivers down the spines of any side visiting Anfield this season.

The Reds boss believes the introduction of the Barclays Premier League anthem has curbed the impact of the club's anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone' and feels that asking fans to sing the famous song just prior to kick-off will help give his side a psychological edge.

"Before this season we always played the Premier League anthem immediately before games, but some of the players, Sammy Lee and I spoke and we think it is better to have 'You'll Never Walk Alone' instead when the players are on the pitch," said Benitez.

"It used to be played five minutes before the kick-off and the team came out towards the end of the song, but we have reversed the order with the Premier League anthem now.

"We thought it would keep the atmosphere right up until the kick-off and that way the opposition is on the pitch when all the noise is in the ground.

"The supporters are always good, but this might be better. It is something we have been thinking about for a while and the atmosphere has been great when we start our matches."

Meanwhile, Daniel Agger has vowed to fight to regain his first-team place after spending much of the opening weeks out of the first team.

Agger, who spent the best part of a year injured with a metatarsal problem, didn't make the bench for the weekend win against United, but was back among the substitutes for the Champions League victory at Marseille on Tuesday and is eager to win his place back in the side.

He said: "I sat on the bench in Marseille, so that is an improvement.

"All I can do at the moment to get into the team is to work hard in training."

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez Tips Steven Gerrard To Score 150 Goals

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez paid tribute to much-criticised Premier League new-boys Stoke but warned: "We have the best midfield player in the world."

Benitez's unbeaten Reds face Tony Pulis' promoted Potters at Anfield intent on strengthening their position in the Barclays Premier League table, ahead of the clash between rivals Chelsea and Manchester United 24 hours later.

But Stoke have already embarrassed several of their new top-flight colleagues, and Benitez insists they will have to be on their guard against Rory Delap's massive long throws.

But with skipper Steven Gerrard needing one goal to reach a club century, Benitez has faith in the player he believes is the world's best to lead Liverpool to victory.

He said: "Steven has quality, he's a fantastic player and 99 goals is amazing for a midfielder.

"But he can score more. But once he has scored his 100th, then we will give him the objective of maybe 150.

"He scores great goals that few other players can manage. We are lucky to have the best midfielder in the world."

Coming straight after victories over champions Manchester United and then in Europe against Marseille, he said: "It is not easy to win every game. We know Stoke are tough, disciplined and well organised. They are very strong and play direct football.

"But I have been really impressed with their set-pieces, not just the long throws but also their corners and free-kicks and it shows that their manager has done a very good job.

"The key is not to give them too many opportunities for long throws close to our area.

It will be difficult, but there are a lot of teams who use long throws, so we have to be aware and be ready for what happens."

Liverpool have won their last 12 league meetings with Stoke at Anfield, the Potters last success there being in 1959.

Benitez Not Swayed By Title Talk As Liverpool Prepare To Face Stoke Following Victories Over Man United & Marseille

Rafa Benitez insists that Liverpool are taking one game at a time and not getting carried away by the good start they have got off to this season, as the Reds prepare to take on new-entrants Stoke City in the Premiership at Anfield on Saturday.

The Merseysiders boosted their confidence and self-belief as the real contenders for the title this season with a victory against their bitterest rivals and defending champions Manchester United before winning the UEFA Champions League group opener in Marseille in midweek.

Benitez however, is not swayed by the early title talk and stressed that he is focused on making step by step progress.

"Overall it's been a really good week," Benitez told Sky Sports News. "We've had two difficult and important games to play and we won them both so everyone is very happy here at Liverpool.

"But we are just looking at the next game and we are now ready to play Stoke. It is important to understand that we need to take one game at a time.

"If we keep winning then every game, little by little, we will be in a better position so we will talk about this maybe in two or three months time, but now it is game by game."

The Reds can go top of the table if they beat the Potters at the weekend, and it will also mean the best-ever start to the season for the Anfield side. And Benitez believes that his side can be lot better.

“Yes, I think we can improve," added the Spanish tactician.

"The pre-season was different from normal with a lot of players coming back from the Olympic Games and the European Championships late, so I think physically we can improve a lot and that means we can also do that technically and tactically too.

"We have a very good squad and the mentality is really good. We won against United without Torres and Gerrard on the pitch from the start so I think it is really good to see some members of the squad playing well and that means for rest of season we can maybe use different players in other competitions this season and keep the same level."

Keane - The Goals Will Come

Liverpool striker Robbie Keane insists he is too experienced to become anxious about his Anfield goal drought.

The Republic of Ireland international joined the Reds in July in a £20million move from Tottenham, but he has yet to find the back of the net for his new employers.

Keane has now gone seven games without breaking his Liverpool duck, and he also scored just once in his final eight games for Spurs.

However, the 28-year-old is confident he will soon rediscover the goalscoring touch and is hopeful he will net when Stoke visit Merseyside on Saturday.

"Obviously I realise I have not scored yet and that is something that I want to do, but it is also not something I am too worried about," said Keane.

"If I was a young lad and a bit naive, then I would probably be really worried about it, but as long as the team is winning and I keep working hard, then that is all I can do.

"I know I will get my reward for all the hard work I have put in. I think my first goal is just around the corner. Hopefully when that does come, many more will follow."

Manager Rafa Benitez is also eager for Keane to open his Liverpool account at the weekend, but has hinted that the forward is not guaranteed a place in his first XI.

Keane started among the substitutes in the mid-week UEFA Champions League victory over Marseille and Benitez is keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of the arrival of Stoke.

Benitez said: "We want Robbie to score soon, yes. And if he is selected against Stoke, maybe that will be the time.

"But I am not concerned about this, his effort and work for the team is outstanding."

Betting Recommendation: LiverpooL vs. Stoke City

An unbeaten start to the season sees Liverpool tied at the top of the table with Chelsea and they are 1/5 to secure another three points against the Potters.

It has been an excellent week for Rafa Benitez's side - backing up a 2-1 win over bitter rivals Manchester United with a successful start to the Champions League in Marseille.

What will have pleased those connected to the club most was the way they did not allow United to play for the much of the game - so could that be the springboard to finally launch a sustained challenge for an elusive Premier League crown?

Stoke gaffer Tony Pulis has been more than satisfied with his own side's efforts so far since promotion and if they go about this match with similar vigour to their performances against Aston Villa and Everton last week then they won't be disgraced at Anfield.

Perhaps it is time to be convinced that the home side are the real deal this season so nothing less than a solid home win will suffice against their plucky rivals.

Verdict: Liverpool 3 Stoke City 1

Match Preview: LiverpooL vs. Stoke City

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez hopes full-back Fabio Aurelio recovers from a calf injury to face Stoke having failed to make the midweek trip to Marseille.

Andrea Dossena was a less than convincing alternative at left-back in France, while Benitez must also decide whether to recall Robbie Keane to partner striker Fernando Torres.

Xabi Alonso will contest a midfield role with Lucas and veteran defender Sami Hyypia may be brought in to help contest Stoke's now famed long throws from Rory Delap.

Winger Albert Riera, who made his debut in last weekend's victory over Manchester United, could replace Ryan Babel.

Benitez paid tribute to much-criticised Premier League new-boys Stoke but warned: "We have the best midfield player in the world.''

Benitez's unbeaten Reds face Tony Pulis' promoted Potters at Anfield intent on strengthening their position in the Barclays Premier League table, ahead of the clash between rivals Chelsea and Manchester United 24 hours later.

But Stoke have already embarrassed several of their new top-flight colleagues, and Benitez insists they will have to be on their guard against Delap's massive long throws.

But with skipper Steven Gerrard needing one goal to reach a club century, Benitez has faith in the player he believes is the world's best to lead Liverpool to victory.

He said: "Steven has quality, he's a fantastic player and 99 goals is amazing for a midfielder.

"But he can score more. But once he has scored his 100th, then we will give him the objective of maybe 150.

"He scores great goals that few other players can manage. We are lucky to have the best midfielder in the world.''

Coming straight after victories over champions Manchester United and then in Europe against Marseille, he said: "It is not easy to win every game. We know Stoke are tough, disciplined and well organised. They are very strong and play direct football.

"But I have been really impressed with their set-pieces, not just the long throws but also their corners and free-kicks and it shows that their manager has done a very good job.''

Only Amdy Faye (suspended) and the injured Andrew Davies will be absent for Stoke.

Both players missed Sunday's defeat by Everton and Pulis' main selection headache may concern whether to move Abdoulaye Faye back into defence after he played as a midfield anchor last weekend.

Glenn Whelan will be hoping for a recall to the Stoke midfield following his fine performances for the Republic of Ireland and he could get the nod at Leon Cort's expense if Faye is switched.

Danny Higginbotham has played in a winning Southampton side at Liverpool and he will strain every sinew in an attempt to repeat the experience with Stoke.

It is almost five years since Higginbotham was in the Saints team which came away from Anfield with a shock 2-1 victory, courtesy of goals by Brett Ormerod and Thomas Svensson.

A late reply from Emile Heskey could not save Gerard Houllier's side and defender Higginbotham's memories of the occasion remain crystal clear.

"Brett scored in the first couple of minutes and that gave us a real boost. My current Stoke team-mate Rory Delap was also in our team and it was a terrific performance on the day,'' he said.

"It's something really special to play in front of the Kop, but if you can get the Liverpool fans frustrated it can work in your favour.

"It's going to be very important to start the game well by working very hard and keeping our concentration.

"We've got the players here to do that and we will give it our best shot.

"If there is any negativity before you go to places like Liverpool, you might as well not turn up.