Genoa & Hamburg After Liverpool Attacker Milan Jovanovic

Serbia international Milan Jovanovic appears to be on his way out of Premier League side Liverpool with clubs such as Genoa and Hamburg having shown an interest in signing the attacker, according to a report in the Daily Mail.

The 29-year-old left Belgian side Standard Liege on a free transfer last summer in order to sign for Liverpool, but the highly rated attacker has so far failed to live up to expectations at his new club and has mainly been warming the bench.

Therefore, Jovanovic could be on his way out again in the January transfer window. Liverpool has reportedly set a €4 million asking price for the left footed forward.

Genoa have been struggling to find their best form this season and are hopeful that Jovanovic can help turning things around after the winter break.

Hamburg on the other hand is looking for a replacement for Mladen Petric, who has been linked with Stuttgart.

Hodgson Tells Joe Cole He Must Play Any Position For Liverpool

Roy Hodgson has told Joe Cole he must accept any role in the team, not just his preferred position behind the striker, if he is to make an impact at Anfield.

"Joe has to come to terms with the fact that he has come here after an unsuccessful period at Chelsea with high hopes of taking Liverpool by storm and unfortunately it's not happened," said the Liverpool manager.

"If he says 'Well I'm not playing in my right position', then you'd have to ask him what his right position is. If he says the only place he can play is behind the striker, then he is limiting his chances of playing here.

"We also have Gerrard and [Raúl] Meireles who can play in that position, and at the moment quite often we are playing with two strikers. I would be sad to hear him saying something like that, because he would be suggesting he can't do what he has done so often for England and Chelsea, which is playing in a different position."

Hodgson Dismisses Rafa Rumours

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson does not feel threatened by predecessor Rafael Benitez's arrival back on Merseyside, admitting it would be “surprising” if the Spaniard was considered the man for the club's future.

Hodgson has so far failed to win over a large number of fans and speculation about his future has persisted since his side's woeful start to the season.

Benitez's confirmed departure from Inter Milan after just six months in charge is seemingly imminent and his return to the home he kept on the Wirral this week has led many supporters to step up their campaign for his reinstatement at Anfield.

Banners declaring their support adorned a fence outside his house yesterday and one online poll had 65% of respondents expressing their desire to see Benitez back at the helm.

Hodgson, however, remains unmoved and unaffected by the continued speculation.

Asked whether he felt under any additional pressure considering Benitez's proximity, he responded: “None at all, no.”

And when quizzed about suggestions Benitez could be a contender for his job, he said: “You'd have to ask the owners about that. It would be surprising.

“If he was the right man for the job it would have been wiser not to let him go for six months and then have to bring him back again. This job will always be linked with lots of people.

“When you are in one of the top jobs in the country it would be very strange if there were not other people being linked with my job.

“I am sure there are many people who are envious of my job and would like to take my place.”

Benitez left Anfield in June, when former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett were still in charge, with a huge pay-off after a seventh-place Barclays Premier League finish.

His relationship with senior figures at the club contributed to his downfall, but many of those have now left.

Hicks and Gillett have been replaced by John Henry and Tom Werner, whose New England Sports Ventures completed a £300million buy-out in October, while the search for a new chief executive is expected to be concluded early in the new year after Christian Purslow — one of Benitez's significant opponents — stepped down two months ago.

Hodgson has been concentrating on preparing his side for the Boxing Day trip to Blackpool after last Saturday's home game against Fulham was postponed because of the heavy snow which fell in the north west.

Bloomfield Road has no undersoil heating and is therefore exposed to the threat of sub-zero temperatures, despite the Seasiders' best efforts to maintain a playable surface.

That only reinforces Hodgson's belief that a winter break is long overdue in England.

“I don't understand the opposition to the winter break,” said the Reds boss, who has also managed in Scandinavia and Italy.

“I come from European football where winter breaks are a necessity and for many years have been accepted as the norm. The insistence everyone plays all of their football month after month without a break and then spend over three months without a game I don't understand any more.

“For me it would make sense to divide the calendar up so you play a certain number of matches, have a break and then play some more matches. Then the break you have between the end of one season and the start of the new one would not stretch from the middle of May to the middle of August.

“I am a fan of a winter break because I think people need a break from the intensity that English football brings.

“I know it is difficult to say when that break should be because you can get good weather in January and bad weather in February, but you don't get that many games called off because of unfit pitches any more.

“The beauty of the winter break is that you have this nice flow to your season where you have a shorter pre-season and you get into the season.

“But then when players are just beginning to get a little bit tired and everything is beginning to weigh down on them you get a month to free your head.

“That month may only be two weeks away from football and two weeks doing preparation, but I think that way you go into the second half of the season so much more refreshed and I think that can only be of benefit to the players and the quality of football.

“The fans don't lose anything because it means the games they would be watching in unpleasant weather conditions in January they are watching in May or the early part of June.”

Roy Hodgson Calls For Patience In Rebuilding Squad

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has called on supporters to have patience with him during a time in which he is trying to rebuild the Merseysiders’ squad, although he has condeded it may be more of a long-term project.

Hodgson has been linked with January moves for Bolton pair Gary Cahill and Johan Elmander, as well as Aston Villa midfielder Ashley Young, but the former Fulham boss admits it may take more than one transfer window to resurrect the club.

“I would plead for patience really," he told reporters. "Of course we want Liverpool to be the Liverpool of old. We want to be up there every year competing in the Champions League.

“But we might have to accept that it will take us longer than a few months. That would be a small price to pay if you get it right. You only have to look at teams who have tried to stay in the league or get into the top four.

“Clubs have virtually been destroyed by people making bad decisions. It’s not because they owners haven’t given money or supported the manager. It’s just that they have brought in the wrong people.”

Liverpool Ready To Swoop For £10 Million Next Anfield Hero

Birmingham is reportedly bracing themselves for a £10 million bid from Liverpool from Scott Dann.

According to the Daily Mirror, the Merseysiders have been closely monitoring the 23-year-old who intends to consider his options should an offer be tabled by a serious bidder.

The chance to join the Reds could prove too good to refuse for the defender who is a Liverpool native and supposedly once had an Anfield season ticket.

There has been growing speculation in recent months that Dann could be on his way to Liverpool after a string of imperious displays at the heart of the defence - and the former Walsall man has admitted to being humbled by the interest in his signature.

"Obviously the speculation linking me with some top clubs in the Premier League is flattering," Dann told skysports.com.

"Ultimately it is my ambition to play at the highest level with a major club like it is for any player, but for the time being I am happy playing at Birmingham and I am focused on doing my best for the club."

Whether a move for Dann comes to fruition remains to be seen, but Liverpool are thought to be in the market for defensive reinforcements next month.

Liverpool have had their fair share of defensive woes of late after were hit with the news that Anfield stalwart Jamie Carragher would be out of action for three months after dislocating his shoulder against Spurs last month.

Injury to Daniel Agger has also been a headache for Roy Hodgson as the Liverpool boss has struggled to nail down a regular pair of starting centre-backs during his first season at Anfield.

Hodgson is expected to be backed with upwards of £20 million by new Liverpool owners NESV to solve his mini-crisis come January - with a new striker also high on the list of his priorities.

Liverpool Receive Boost In Ronaldinho Chase

AC Milan have moved a step closer to losing Brazilian Ronaldinho after president Silvio Berlusconi criticising him for not ‘training as well as he can’.

It emerged last week Liverpool and Manchester City were interested in bringing him to the Barclays Premier League but Brazilian Serie A side Gremio revealed they have spoken to his representatives.

Ronaldinho, who was linked with a move to Manchester United before he landed at Barcelona, has just half a year to run on his contract at the San Siro and therefore can speak to other teams after January.

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is looking into attacking signings to complement Fernando Torres at Anfield and the 30-year-old is one of the options.

Milan today announced they have agreed to sign another Liverpool target, Antonio Cassano, and it looks likely Ronaldinho will be allowed to leave.

However, one sticking point for Liverpool will be wages because new Anfield owners NESV are unwilling to commit to big numbers for over 30s.

Manchester City, though, will have no such qualms as his current earnings of around £120,000 per week are the norm at Eastlands.

Berlusconi, after revealing his club’s new signing, said: “It is a shame for Ronaldinho. At the moment, he has not been playing well or training as well as he can.”

Avram Grant To Move For Liverpool Flop Christian Poulsen

West Ham will make a January move for Liverpool flop Christian Poulsen if Avram Grant hangs on to his job at Upton Park, Goal.com UK can reveal.

The Hammers have made the Danish midfielder a target as they look to toughen up a squad that sits rock bottom in the Premier League at the halfway point of the season.

Goal.com UK revealed in November that Liverpool are prepared to sell Poulsen in the January transfer window after he failure to make an impact at Anfield following his £4.5 million summer switch from Italian giants Juventus.

West Ham believes they will be able to sign Poulsen for a cut-price £3m as they desperately seek to avoid relegation. The 30-year-old has found himself out of favour under Reds manager Roy Hodgson after falling behind Raul Meireles and Lucas in the pecking order.

But the deal hinges on the future of Hammers boss Grant, who has to win one of the Londoners' next two games in order to save his job.

West Ham co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan have lined up Sam Allardyce following his dismissal from Blackburn last week and it is uncertain whether he would press ahead with the Israeli's plans to swoop for Poulsen.

Liverpool would like to line up a replacement before allowing Poulsen to leave Merseyside because of their small squad but Goal.com UK understands West Ham would not even countenance a deal involving Scott Parker going the other way.

Parker is seen as absolutely crucial to West Ham's chances of avoiding relegation this season and Poulsen has been identified as a player who can support the former Newcastle and Chelsea man, rather than replace him.

Grant is also lining up a move for Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell as he desperately tries to add a more combative edge to the spine of his side.

Poulsen was widely criticised earlier in the season for his poor performances in Liverpool's dreadful start to the season as he failed to live up to his billing as a replacement for Javier Mascherano following the Argentine's £21m summer switch to Barcelona.

Liverpool Sign Young Millwall Goalkeeper Yusuf Mersin

Young Millwall goalkeeper Yusuf Mersin has agreed a move to Liverpool for an undisclosed fee.

Mersin, 16, who has represented Turkey at under-17 level, will officially sign for the Premier League side in January.

Lions boss Kenny Jackett told the club's official website: "We will do everything in our power to keep our best young players.

"However, in a case such as this, it is impossible to stop a boy leaving when a club such as Liverpool makes an offer."

Jackett added: "We have secured financial compensation which will enable us to nurture and bring through other promising players for Millwall."

Mersin will go straight into Liverpool's academy under former Barcelona coach Josep Segura.

The Spaniard said: "The most important thing for Liverpool is that players aged 16, 17 and 18 go on to become professionals with the club."

Mersin follows in the footsteps of David Amoo, who joined Liverpool from Millwall in 2007.

Hull City Hoping To Extend The Loan Of Daniel Ayala

Hull City is hoping to extend the loan deal of defender Daniel Ayala who is set to return to Liverpool in January.

Ayala joined the Tigers in September and has been an influential figure in the side, making 12 appearances and scoring once, and Hull manager Nigel Pearson has admitted that he is now looking to extend the loan of the 20 year-old.

Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside, Pearson confessed he is optimistic that Ayala will stay with Hull beyond January — although the decision ultimately lies with Liverpool.

"We're hopeful, but a lot will depend on circumstances at his own club," Pearson said.

"They may want him back but we'll try and do something to secure him."

Pearson believes that Ayala has already proven his ability since arriving on loan and has he would love the chance to keep hold of the Spaniard until the end of the season.

"Daniel has done well since he has been here and we would love to extend his loan," he added.

Hull are also said to be looking to extend the loans of Arsenal keeper Vito Mannone and Manchester United winger Cameron Stewart, who have both impressed since arriving at the KC Stadium.

Jay Spearing Pleased To Be Given Chances To Prove Worth By Roy Hodgson

Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing is enjoying life under the management of Roy Hodgson, as he has made seven senior appearances for the club this season.

The 22-year-old struggled to break into the first-team under former boss Rafael Benitez, but the new boss has given him opportunities - largely in the Europa League - to prove his mettle and shine for the Reds.

Now the midfielder hopes to repay the faith that the former Fulham boss has shown in him.

"With the new boss coming in, Roy Hodgson, it was a clean slate for everyone - especially for me, now that I'm 22 - to try and break in on a regular basis," Spearing told NESN.com.

"It was a clean slate for everyone, and I needed to show him what I was capable of, that I wanted to stay at this club and I was willing to fight for a place and be involved throughout the year and break into the side, a side I have always wanted to play for since I was a young lad. My aim this year is to start a new year and get more games.

"Since he's [Hodgson] come in, he stated his claim straight away. He's come in and showed everyone what he wants and how he wants to play. He's brought in a few players he wanted to bring in during the summer transfer window, and I think if he can, he will bring in a few more during the January transfer window, but we'll have to wait and see.

"He's come off very determined, and he wants to take this club to higher places and win trophies. That's what this club is all about.

"From my point of view, he's given me a lot more games to play, and I'm very appreciative of that. Hopefully, I think I've proven to him I'm capable of stepping in whenever he needs me. I have to say thanks to him for giving me the chance as well."

Carragher On Fast-Track To Be England Boss

Jamie Carragher has been earmarked as an England manager of the future after being offered a fast track route into the coaching set-up.

Liverpool veteran Carragher is seen by the Football Association as someone with outstanding potential after taking his coaching badges.

The FA have seen big names such as Alan Shearer, Jamie Redknapp and Gareth Southgate swap football and management careers for the TV studio.

But Sir Trevor Brooking, the FA’s director of football development, is determined to keep more talented players within the game and sees Carragher as having the potential.

Carragher will initially be offered the chance to work with one of England’s youth teams, such as the Under-16s, and then be given the chance to work his way up through the ranks.

It is separate from the young English coach the FA want to work with Fabio Capello, although that appointment was first mooted after the World Cup and still no-one has been installed.

Carragher would not be on the bench with Capello, as David Beckham was during the World Cup, but it is clear Liverpool’s former England international is highly regarded at the FA.

Brooking said: ‘We want good young coaches with something to offer to stay in the game, to work with good young players and help them to develop.

‘It’s important that coaches with something to offer stay with us and it’s also important we can show that good young English coaches will get an opportunity at all levels.’

England Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce could also be set to take charge of the Olympic team in 2012.

The FA and British Olympic Association have yet to finalize the make up of the team - whether it will be British or separate home nations - but that will be decided early next year.

Pearce’s contract expires after next summer’s Under-21 Championship in Denmark, and Brooking revealed his future role will now be looked at.

Brooking said: ‘The Olympic job is a big job and I’d be surprised if someone like Stuart didn’t ask about it - at least pose the question.

‘He has worked with a lot of the players, helped them develop and I don’t think you can underestimate how big the Olympics will be.

‘We, as hosts, should be there and we’ll see how things develop in the first quarter of next year.’

Brooking was yesterday outlining his vision before a full review of the FA youth set-up is presented.

It comes just months after England’s failure at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and perhaps Brooking’s biggest challenge and goal will be to ensure the release of Premier League youngsters for future Under-17, Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 tournaments.

The FA have already written to every club advising them of next summer’s dates for tournaments, with England already qualified for the Under-21 Championship in Denmark.

But that may cause more club versus rows similar to what happened 18 months ago when Arsenal star Theo Walcott - who is still eligible for next summer - was called up for the Under-21s having also played for the seniors regularly.

That upset Walcott's Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, yet the same may happen again next summer as the Gunners' Jack Wilshere has been capped at full level but has made it clear he wants to play in the Under-21 tournament.

Brooking yesterday made it plain that world champions Spain enforce FIFA rules for the release of players and the FA doing the same is discussed in the forthcoming review.

Ex-England World Cup star Brooking also outlined why the FA are prepared to get tough to ensure players get enough experience, as Spain are the glowing example of playing their best youngsters at every level.

Brooking said: ‘We’ve found this with the seniors, that tournament football is really different.

‘Some players adapt well, others are not good travellers, and it’s vital they get experience and get a tournament mindset in every aspect.

‘The more players and coaches sample that the better. The more clubs release players the better.

‘We want to be able to call up our best players for tournaments within their age groups. That’s important for the players, the coaches and to encourage them to play the right way.

‘You can see that at every level with Spain. They develop players, keep them playing the right way all the way through to the seniors.

‘Spain enforces it and that’s something we could look at but we’ve often relied on the clubs and their understanding so it’s something now for the review.’

Reds Spread Festive Cheer

Liverpool players and staff took time out of their preparations for the hectic Festive fixture schedule to spread some Christmas cheer around the wards of Alder Hey children's hospital today.

The Reds donned their Santa hats to make their annual visit to the local hospital and spend time with children who are likely to remain on the wards throughout the Christmas period and beyond.

After being spilt into groups, the entire first-team squad and management staff set off around the various wards of the hospital to ensure as many kids as possible got the chance to meet their heroes.

And as well as chatting, posing for photographs and signing autographs for excited patients and their delighted family members, the squad also took the opportunity to play Father Christmas for the afternoon as they delivered a wide range of LFC presents to the children.

Speaking to Liverpooolfc.tv, boss Roy Hodgson admitted he was thrilled for the club to be able to give something back ahead of the holiday period.

"I think it's a very good tradition that the club have kept up for many years now," he said.

"It's great we have the opportunity to come in and give Christmas presents to the children and spend time with them and their families.

"You see so many children who have just had operations or are not in a very good condition, so it's important if we can do anything at all just by being here then it's fantastic.

"It's great for us that we've done something worthwhile for the children by offering something so very little in giving up a bit of our time and spending time talking to them.

"If our visit can do any good then fantastic."

Skipper Steven Gerrard added: "It's a difficult time, so the least we can do is come and give up a couple of hours of our time, bring the children some presents and try to lift their spirits for Christmas.

"There are a lot of Liverpool fans in hospital, which is not nice to see, but if we can put a smile on their face and try to cheer them up a bit then we've done our job."

It was certainly a poignant afternoon for the Liverpool stars - and the mood of the squad was summed up by Lucas Leiva.

The Brazilian wrote on social networking site Twitter: "You leave the hospital and realize how good your life is. I could see a lot of children fighting to be alive."

Our photographer was with the players to snap the Liverpool stars bringing Christmas cheer to the hospital wards.

Dirk Kuyt Hoping For 'Four Good Results In A Row' During Christmas Period

Dirk Kuyt is hoping that Liverpool can muster up four consecutive victories during the Christmas period.

The Reds' recent home game against Fulham was cancelled due to bad weather, but the Dutchman is now targeting the game against Blackpool on Boxing Day to start a winning streak.

Wolves, Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers are set to follow within a span of 10 days, and the 30-year-old is looking ahead to taking maximum points from these fixtures.

"This period is one of the most important of the season," Kuyt said, according to the Liverpool Echo.

"If we can produce a good run I'm sure we will be up near the top four.

"I’m sure a lot of the top teams will drop some points this month. If we could get four good results in a row, then who knows? Certainly the gap will be closer."

Kuyt added: "December is always a special month in the Premier League and one I always look forward to.

"It's hard work with four games in 10 days but that's what you want. I love to play games and always want to play as many as I can.

"Hopefully at the beginning of the New Year we can look back and say it was a great time for us and we climbed the table."

Seasiders Clash In Doubt

Blackpool's home tie with Liverpool scheduled for Boxing Day is already in danger of being postponed because of the adverse weather conditions.

The Premier League calendar was decimated at the weekend following the big freeze which has swept across the country, with Liverpool's clash with Fulham and Blackpool's game against Tottenham falling victim.

The pair are due to face each other on Sunday but with the weather showing no signs of abating, Tangerines acting chief executive Karl Oyston is in talks with the league regarding the game at Bloomfield Road.

"We can almost certainly guarantee the pitch will be playable but it is the prevailing conditions once the covers have been removed and whether the pitch will freeze before the end of the game taking place," Oyston told Sky Sports News.

"That is one we are talking to the Premier League about to see what their standpoint and inspection protocol will be."

Blackpool has already had games against Spurs and Manchester United called off because they do not have undersoil heating.

Meanwhile, the Premier League is confident the postponements at the weekend will not lead to a serious pile-up of games at the end of the season.

A spokesman said: "Our football department will already have contingency dates in mind and will work closely with the affected clubs to get new dates agreed as quickly as possible."

Blackpool versus United has been rearranged to the last week in January and other matches can take place if and when clubs are knocked out of the FA Cup.

There is also the possibility for some ties to be played in weeks usually reserved for European games.

Liverpool FC Set To Capture Highly-Rated Sweden Striker

Liverpool are set to secure the services of rising Swedish starlet Kristoffer Peterson.

Promising Millwall goalkeeper Yousef Mercin became the latest prodigy to join the Reds' ranks last night following the capture of Raheem Sterling and fellow England starlet Jonjo Shelvey, who has featured for the club in this season's Europa League, earlier this year

And he is set to be joined by Savedalens IF striker Kristoffer, 16, after he spent a successful three-week trial at Liverpool's centre of excellence in Kirkby in April.

"I am no longer just toying with the dream," he told a Swedish newspaper at the time.

"It feels like the club really wants to give me a chance."

Liverpool Line Up Move For Inter Milan Youngster

Liverpool are hoping to sign Inter Milan youngster Davide Santon as Roy Hodgson looks to bring in more youthful talent to help build for the future.

The talented teenage Italian international has been told he can leave the San Siro and a host of clubs are looking to secure his signature and given the much publicized reports of a falling out between Hodgson and England international Glen Johnson the reports of interest in another right back are no surprise.

Santon has spent the past two seasons trying valiantly to fight for his place with the Serie A giants but is now looking for a new challenge and has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League with the likes of Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly interested in the attack minded wide man who can also operate in an advanced right wing role.

Ironically Liverpool’s hopes of signing the £8m rated Inter Milan starlet may be helped if Rafa Benitez, as widely reported, is sacked as the former Anfield boss may not be so keen to sell to a club who gave him the axe.

Liverpool Set To Join Pursuit Of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

If the Reds hope to land Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, they better prepare for a fight.

Liverpool is reportedly in pursuit of the 17-year-old midfielder, but they're far from the only team interested in him, according to Goal.com UK.

"A lot of the big clubs are watching Alex, but it will take serious money to get him," a source told the website.

That "serious money" is expected to be as much as $15 million (10 million pounds).

Oxlade-Chamberlain currently plays for Southampton, where he's started 13 matches and scored five goals.

Liverpool Set To Tie Down Another Youngster To Long-Term Deal

Jay Spearing is set to be signed by Liverpool on a long-term contract as new Liverpool recruitment supremo Damien Comolli steps up his youth policy.

Comolli, 38, arrived at Anfield last month as director of football strategy following the club’s takeover by New England Sports Ventures.

He has been busy scouting for new players as well as tying down the future of the club’s brightest prospects.

Already since Comolli arrived, youngsters Daniel Pacheco and Martin Kelly have committed themselves to Liverpool until 2014.

Spanish forward Pacheco, 19, has signed a two-year contract extension and full-back Kelly, 20, has signed a three-year extension.

And now Mirrorsport understands Liverpool officials are close to getting midfielder Spearing, 22, to pen a new contract too.

Spearing, who has made 14 appearances for the club, still has 18 months to run on his deal at Anfield.

But Comolli wants the club’s brightest prospects nailed down to Liverpool.

And negotiations with Spearing have started about giving the starlet a new three-and-a-half-year deal.

Paul Konchesky Determined To Prove Doubters Wrong

Liverpool defender Paul Konchesky is ready to prove the critics wrong after a disappointing start to his career at Anfield.

The left-back by his own accord has not produced his best form since leaving Fulham in August, but this will not have been helped after his mother Carol became embroiled in an argument on Facebook with Liverpool supporters.

This has further intensified the scrutiny on him and his manager Roy Hodgson as their side are languishing in mid-table and struggling to reach the European spots.

But Konchesky seems convinced that they can turn around the fortunes of the club.

"I know right now the fans obviously want a different style of football, but I think his style will work here," the defender told the Liverpool Daily Post.

"He wants to be at the top. He isn't happy about us being eighth and ninth.

"I knew coming to Liverpool that the expectations would be different to Fulham, but I didn't fully understand by how much until I got here."

Liverpool sit in ninth position having only took 22 points from 17 games and are only a couple of games from being caught up in a relegation battle.

With a fixture pile up over the festive period - four games in 11 days - starting with a trip to Blackpool on Boxing Day, the same side that beat them 2-1 at Anfield earlier on the campaign, Konchesky realizes the importance of the up and coming fixtures.

"Every single person in Liverpool wants their team to be back in the top four," he added.

"The pressure is high, but it's also good because you have to show people what you are about.

"The league is funny this season. It's not just Liverpool not winning matches. It gives us a chance of getting back up there, especially if we do well over Christmas when we'll have players coming back from injury."

Segura Keen To Find More Starlets

Liverpool's academy technical manager Josep Segura is determined to find more young talent for the first team.

Promotion through the ranks has become increasingly difficult at most Premier League clubs because of the need for instant results.

At Anfield former reserve-team defender Martin Kelly has established himself in Roy Hodgson's senior squad this season, starting five Europa League matches and making three Premier League appearances.

But the path from the club's academy in Kirkby to the first team is not a well-trodden one, although former reserves captain Jay Spearing - currently recovering from an ankle injury - Dani Pacheco and Nathan Eccleston have made infrequent appearances in the current campaign.

Segura knows their main task at the academy is to provide better quality players who can cut it at the highest level.

"The most important thing for Liverpool is that these players aged 16, 17 and 18 years old go on to become professionals with this club," said the Spaniard, formerly an academy and B team coach at Barcelona.

"This is our target. It is clear that we must strive to produce great players to play for Liverpool for years to come and hopefully they can help us to win many trophies at first-team level.

"It is not an easy challenge for us but it is one that we must work hard to make a reality with every passing day."

Segura added on liverpoolfc.tv: "When I was at Barcelona we won the equivalent of the youth cup at under-18 level.

"Everyone was delighted and it is a great memory, but only five players went on to become professionals with the first team.

"I feel we have made good progress since I arrived here in the summer of 2009, the academy is growing and the level of our players is growing too.

"I said when I made the move here that the opportunity to work for such a great club was one I could not turn down.

"The aim is now to ensure that this great club is blessed with some of the best homegrown players of the future."

Hodgson has benefited from the progress some of the younger players have made, utilizing them extensively as the club reached the last 32 of the Europa League.

He too knows there is a vast difference from making it into the first team squad and developing into an established member.

But their presence this season has allowed him to rest the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres for almost every Europa League match so far.

"It is a different kettle of fish having the courage and ability to go out and play at Anfield in front of 40,000 very expectant and optimistic fans," the Reds boss said.

"The happiest thing for me is we have done it (qualify for the knockout stage) and achieved results without bashing our more recognised players.

"Torres played in Utrecht - the only game he has played - and Gerrard played against Rabotnicki and a half against Napoli, but Raul Meireles, Maxi Rodriguez, Paul Konchesky and Glen Johnson have hardly played."