Premier League Preview: Liverpool vs. Burnley

It's been a strange old start to the season for Liverpool. They headed in with sky-high expectations after taking home the silver medal in last season's Premier League race, but the mob from Merseyside have lost two and won two in their first four games of 2009-10.

And it could have been worse - for when the half-time whistle blew in their last outing against Bolton Wanderers, it looked like the Reds would go into the international break with three defeats under their belts. However, Steven Gerrard struck late to secure what was a morale-boosting victory.

Spirits have been alarmingly low at Anfield over the early stages of the season, with questions continuing to mount as to whether Rafael Benitez's Xabi Alonso-less squad can match, let alone exceed, the standards set in the last campaign.

The manager has acknowledged the problem but believes the gritty win at the Reebok could prove a turning point for Liverpool.

"When you are not doing well you always need character - and the players showed character against Bolton," Benitez told the press on Thursday. "We controlled the game and although we conceded two goals, we scored three and came from behind to win. That is very positive and hopefully it will be a different situation for us now."

It is Burnley who visit Anfield this weekend, and recent events indicate that the promoted club could cause their out-of-sorts hosts any number of problems.

The 3-0 drubbing by in-form Chelsea last time out was something of an anomaly for the Clarets, who have sent out warning shots to their doubters with shock wins against Manchester United and Everton.

Thus, although situated three places back in 10th, Owen Coyle's men stand level on points with their upcoming opponents, whom they famously ousted from the FA Cup in 2005.

And while both Burnley's wins so far this season have come at Turf Moor, they head to Liverpool confident of competing. Veteran defender Graham Alexander said recently: "It's an amazing spirit we've got, the gaffer instils it and breeds it that we can beat anyone on our day."

Early trends suggest that away form could be the Lancashire outfit's undoing, as they have yet to pick up a point - or score a goal - on the road this term.


FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Aug 29 Bolton Wanderers 2-3 Liverpool (Premier League)
Aug 24 Liverpool 1-3 Aston Villa (Premier League)
Aug 19 Liverpool 4-0 Stoke City (Premier League)
Aug 16 Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
Aug 8 Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid (Friendly)

Burnley

Aug 29 Chelsea 3-0 Burnley (Premier League)
Aug 25 Hartlepool United 1-2 Burnley (League Cup)
Aug 23 Burnley 1-0 Everton (Premier League)
Aug 19 Burnley 1-0 Manchester United (Premier League)
Aug 15 Stoke City 0-2 Burnley (Premier League)


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Five of Benitez's first-team players featured over the international break, including England heroes Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson, but all appear to have reported back to Melwood unscathed.

In some good news, Fabio Aurelio is available for selection after recovering from a freak knee injury sustained duting the summer. Young Emiliano Insua has impressed at left-back in the Brazilian's absence.

Alberto Aquilani (ankle) and Daniel Agger (back) remain sidelined with long-term problems.

Possible Starting XI: Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Insua; Mascherano, Lucas; Kuyt, Gerrard, Benayoun; Torres.

Burnley

Manchester United product Richard Eckersley is back in the frame after completing a suspension, giving Coyle an extra option in defence.

At the other end of the pitch, David Nugent could make his league debut for the Clarets. The one-time England striker - who began his career in Liverpool's youth team - recently moved from Portsmouth on loan.

Nugent has impressed his new manager in training and is an outside chance to start ahead of Martin Paterson, who played in Northern Ireland's midweek defeat by Slovakia.

Possible Starting XI: Jensen; Mears, Bikey, Carlisle, Jordan; Elliot, Alexander, McCann, Blake; Fletcher, Paterson.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Glen Johnson (Liverpool)

The dashing wing-back has made a superb start to life at Anfield since his summer move from Portsmouth, yet his defensively suspect performances for England continue to draw criticism. Thus, he will be hoping to bounce back with another dynamic display in red.

Robbie Blake (Burnley)

In a career that has been spent largely in the lower divisions, this man has often been touted as the best player outside the Premier League. The wily 33-year-old has already shown his class this term with a magnificent strike against Man United - could he undo the other giants of the North West?

Rafa Must Avoid Burnley Banana Skin

Rafael Benitez v Owen Coyle

There's no doubt Owen Coyle has enjoyed a better start to the season than his opposite number. Burnley's opening day defeat at Stoke was quickly forgotten after a famous victory over Manchester United in their first top flight fixture at Turf Moor in 33 years. Add to that another three points when Everton visited four days later and Clarets' fans already have more memories to cherish than many promoted sides acquire in a full season. At Chelsea, Burnley were given a harsh lesson about life in the top flight, and the top four especially, but if Coyle's men can hold out until half-time at Anfield they may put a brittle Liverpool side under even more pressure.

Nothing less than three points and a clean sheet will allow Rafael Benitez to emerge from Saturday's game without any sort of stick. A limp defeat at Spurs on the opening weekend and a home reverse against Aston Villa showed what life is like when neither of his two heavyweights - Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres - can launch a sustained assault between them. A victory is a must but just as important is emerging with the fitness of his two major players intact. Benitez has left himself very little room for manoeuvre already and the season is only just into September.

Fernando Torres v Brian Jensen

Brian Jensen probably had an inkling before the big kick-off he was in line for his busiest ever season and the opening four games will have done little to convince him otherwise. Jensen will have to complement his heroics against Manchester United and Chelsea with another all-action display at Anfield. As ever with a team involving Gerrard, he will be worked from long distance while the obvious threat of Torres will be felt much closer to his net. Any side to take points from Liverpool needs their keeper to play a blinder; Burnley will hope Jensen makes it a hat-trick for the season.

Like the rest of his team-mates, Torres has endured a slovenly start to the season. Isolated from his midfield, and Gerrard in particular, at Spurs he was starved of supply against Aston Villa, despite notching his second goal of the campaign. With Gerrard restored to form, the axis Liverpool relies on so heavily should be renewed. Despite Burnley's obvious game plan to close the Spaniard down as much as possible, Torres will still be vital to the home side's threat. Chances usually fall his way and even if they don't his movement is enough to attract defenders and create space for his colleagues.

Steven Gerrard v Graham Alexander

Benitez underlined Gerrard's continued importance to the cause by singling him out for criticism after Liverpool's defeat to Aston Villa - no-one else was lucky enough to get a name check. Despite his unnecessary admonishment, an improved showing at Bolton (after Sean Davis was dismissed, of course) and two midweek goals for England show the Reds' skipper is back to his team-carrying best. Like Torres, he'll be followed as closely as an MI5 target, but will still be crucial for his set piece delivery and potency from range. Floating in between midfield and attack, Gerrard will look to exploit every inch of the field he can find.

Graham Alexander will more than likely be handed the task of shackling Gerrard, just as Davis did so successfully for two thirds of the game in Bolton. At Anfield, Alexander will occupy the hole and track Gerrard's attempts to link with Torres. Coyle will drum into his players the need for snap in their early tackles to show they aren't overawed by the occasion. A tireless afternoon awaits the 37-year-old.

Glen Johnson v Stephen Jordan

With the visitors defending in numbers to try and stifle Liverpool's creative juices, both full-backs will be instructed to push forward to offer width in the assault to unlock Burnley's back door. As such, Johnson and Emiliano Insua will doubtless spend more time in the opposition half than their own. Question marks still remain over the Johnson the defender, as Croatia's solitary goal at Wembley proved, but going forward there are few better in the Premier League. In four games for his new club Johnson has scored twice and had a hand in two more. Overlapping runners from deep will stretch Burnley's back line and Johnson will be afforded plenty of opportunity to indulge his attacking instincts.

Stephen Jordan will not only have Johnson to contend with, but Dirk Kuyt as well. The Dutchman will effectively be employed as a third striker on Saturday and the protection Jordan is offered by Chris McCann will be critical. Gerrard will drift left and right to try and open up gaps in the visiting back line and Jordan will have to operate as one with his fellow defenders to allow no chink of light through. Stopping delivery into the box from wide areas will be top of his to do list.

Liverpool Boss Rafa Benitez Set To Swoop For Free Chelsea Defender Alex

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is ready make a shock move for Chelsea defender Alex as he bids to boost his defensive options at Anfield.

The Brazil international is out of contract at Stamford Bridge next summer and, as a free agent, is attracting a number of high-profile clubs.

Sportsmail understands that the 27-year-old wants a longer deal than the two-year extension offered by Chelsea.

Leaving on a free could be lucrative, with suitors ready to increase his £30,000-a-week deal.

His place in the Chelsea team is also by no means assured, with Carlo Ancelotti getting success with a partnership of John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho at the heart of his defence, while Branislav Ivanovic has also been given opportunities.

Bayern Munich, AC Milan, Juventus, Lyon and Real Madrid are among other clubs linked with the former PSV Eindhoven player, who is currently out with a groin injury.

Rafa Benitez Wants England Lions To Roar For Liverpool FC

International breaks are a source of great frustration at Melwood.

Just when you are building up a head of steam your top stars depart and jet off around the world.

Even if they come back fit, fatigue is a major concern and there is little time to prepare for your next assignment.

For the past 10 days Rafa Benitez has been left with less than a dozen senior players to work with.

Practice matches against the under-18s and the reserves have helped to kill time before he finally welcomed back most of his squad yesterday. Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva will complete the line-up today.

It’s hardly ideal but Benitez admits Liverpool could actually benefit from the events of midweek.

Reds skipper Steven Gerrard and full-back Glen Johnson were instrumental in England’s 5-1 thrashing of Croatia.

Gerrard’s two-goal burst in a left wing role provided further evidence he’s getting back to his best, while Johnson answered his critics with an excellent display down the right.

Both returned to Melwood buoyant having secured World Cup qualification and Benitez is hoping they will carry on against Burnley where they left off at Wembley.

“They will be on a high and doing well for England is really good for their confidence,” he said. “Now they don’t need to be worried about qualifying and when internationals do come along now they can just go and enjoy it.

“I have been talking about Steven's best position for years, but he is a very good player who can play in any position in midfield or further forward.

“He is doing well for England on the left and if he plays in the middle or as a second striker he will be good too. In playing him on the left, I think Steven knows he has freedom and can go inside.

“Glen has been really good for us since the first day he was here. We knew we had signed a player with a very good offensive mentality and a decent defender who is improving.

“I was surprised to see some criticism the other day. He can improve and he knows this. Glen is a young player who is still learning every day.

“I think he has done really well for England and I know Capello has been supporting him. When I’ve seen him play for England or for us he has been a real threat to teams. His understanding of the game is good.”

Benitez admits his side haven’t been at their best during the opening month of the campaign.

But he is confident they will build on their dramatic 3-2 win at Bolton a fortnight ago.

“The team has not played at the level we can, but hopefully the win against Bolton will be a lift for us,” he said. “It’s always difficult to beat them and that win was good for the confidence of the team.

“We showed the character you need in those kind of games and hopefully for the rest of the season we can do the same.

“Our pre-season wasn’t the best with a lot of players returning at different times.

“We tried to manage the situation and then we had another international break, so we didn’t have too much time.

“Sometimes you can see players need to improve physically or in terms of match fitness. It’s just a question of time.”

Benitez is banking on a flying start to help ensure the Reds defeat a newly-promoted Burnley side who have already beaten Manchester United and Everton.

He said: “In these games you have to do really well from the beginning. If you make mistakes everybody will be more worried about the situation and the players will play with more pressure.

“Normally when you are playing with more pressure you make more mistakes so it’s important we do things right from the start.”

Mascherano Blow Rocks Reds

Javier Mascherano is a major doubt for Liverpool's Premier League clash with Burnley at Anfield today.

The 25-year-old midfielder picked up a knock in Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Paraguay on Wednesday night.

Mascherano is having treatment but after playing two full 90 minutes for his country over the past week he is unlikely to be risked against the Clarets.

However, Lucas Leiva is expected to play after making the 6,000 mile trip home from South America.

Lucas was due back at Melwood today and having not featured in either of Brazil's World Cup qualifiers he is set to face Owen Coyle's side.

If Mascherano misses out, skipper Steven Gerrard is expected to drop into a central midfield role alongside Lucas.

Aquilani Continues Progress

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is optimistic that summer signing Alberto Aquilani could return to training in 'two or three weeks'.

It was revealed when the ex-Roma star joined the Reds at the start of August that he was possibly eight weeks away from fitness following an ankle operation.

But Benitez hinted at the beginning of September that Aquilani was ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation after resuming work in the gym and swimming pool.

The Liverpool boss is now hopeful that the Italy international, a £20million replacement for Xabi Alonso, will soon join his new team-mates in training.

Benitez said: "Aquilani has improved, he has progressed in the way that we expected and now maybe in two or three weeks we will see him training.

"Then we will see how he progresses, but the last scan he had was very good."

Benitez Set For Babel Talks

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is to hold talks with Ryan Babel, but maintains that he will not allow the winger to leave on loan.

Babel is disappointed at a lack of first-team opportunities this season and has claimed summer guarantees from his club boss have not been kept.

A loan return to Ajax was hinted as a possibility, and it remains an option for the future, as the Holland ace wants to reinforce his place for the 2010 World Cup.

But Benitez, who has previously challenged Babel to battle for a role, will not allow a player he signed for £11.5million in 2007 leave on a temporary basis.

He said: "I will talk to Ryan. But I do not want him going on loan, he needs to work and fight for his place here."

April & May Is When You Fight - Liverpool Boss Rafael Benitez

Liverpool have endured a sluggish start to the season, spurring widespread speculation that the Reds are already out of the title running.

A dramatic late 3-2 win against Bolton Wanderers, thanks to another timely Steven Gerrard thunderbolt, is just the momentum-changer that manager Rafael Benitez believes his club needed.

"The team as a team has not played at the level we can, but hopefully the win against Bolton will be a lift for us," the boss said in his weekly press conference at Melwood.

"When you are not doing well you always need character - and the players showed character against Bolton.

"We controlled the game and although we conceded two goals, we scored three and came from behind to win. That is very positive and hopefully it will be a different situation for us now."

Asked what he felt the reason was behind Liverpool's mixed start to the campaign, Benitez replied: "Two things. One was expectation - when we finished last season with 86 points, I think everybody was expecting this year to be ours.

"But the message is always the same - we have to think about one game at a time, try to get three points and then see what our position is each week.

"You cannot win titles in September, so you have to go to January and see where you are, and then April and May is when you will fight.

"The other thing was that pre-season was difficult with a lot of players returning at different times.

"We tried to manage the situation and then we had another international break, so we didn't have too much time. Then we started against Tottenham, who are doing well, so it was difficult."

Tipped by many to win the Premier League, the faltering Reds have fallen victim to what Benitez sees as a much more competitive league this season.

"The teams at the top fighting can beat anyone, so I think you will see some top teams lose games," he said.

Gillett: Liverpool In "Outstanding" Financial Shape

Liverpool co-owner George Gillett has claimed that the Premier League club has "never been stronger" from an economic perspective, while underlining that he has a long-term view of his association with the Reds.

Questions were raised regarding Liverpool's financial muscle during the summer transfer window but Gillett, who purchased the club along with Tom Hicks, is adamant that the economic situation at Liverpool is very much robust.

Having purchased the club for £435m in 2007, with money borrowed from both Wachovia and the Royal Bank of Scotland, he and co-owner Hicks were forced to refinance their debts in July. Doing so, says Gillett, has put the club on solid financial ground.

"The club is in outstanding shape," he told The Fan 590 - a Toronto radio station. "Economically, it's never been stronger. We just paid down our debt very substantially. We have less debt per dollar than any club in the league."

To make the payments, Gillett sold his interest in the Montreal Canadiens ice hockey club, valued at £200m ($334m) by Forbes magazine. Worth an estimated £660m ($1.1bn) in November 2007, a full year before the economic downturn, he was forced to sell one of his sports properties to fulfill what he termed "family commitments". The Canadiens, he admitted, were simply more sellable than Liverpool.

As for the tenure of his Liverpool ownership, Gillett stated that an assumption that he was in it for the long haul was "probably the correct conclusion". But, he added, "If someone gets beamed in who's got bags of money, things may change."

Gillett also confirmed that Liverpool will unveil a new shirt sponsor on September 18, stating: "I think people will be pleased and surprised. It will be one of the great, worldwide corporations. And I think it will be a sponsor people will be pleased and surprised to be [associated with] Liverpool."

Addressing the club's demand for tickets - which he estimated at 75,000 - he said both he and Hicks would revisit their plans for a new stadium "as the world economy gets better - if and when it gets better."

"We were going to build an iconic stadium previously," he said. "The world economy has certainly suggested that it would be a good suggestion. But in the normal world, building a stadium in the 65,000 to 75,000 seat range - we would look forward to that."

Too Early To Write Off Title Chances, Says Rafael Benitez

Rafael Benitez has warned that it is too early to write off Liverpool's Barclays Premier League title chances.

The Liverpool manager believes his side can build on last month's 3-2 victory over Bolton Wanderers by embarking on an unbeaten run in the league. Liverpool lost two of their opening three matches, but Steven Gerrard's late winner secured a 3-2 victory at the Reebok Stadium and Benitez is backing his side to build on that victory.

"The team as a team has not played at the level we can but, hopefully, the win against Bolton will be a lift for us," Benitez said. "When you are not doing well you always need character - and the players showed character against Bolton.

"We controlled the game and although we conceded two goals, we scored three and came from behind to win. That is very positive and, hopefully, it will be a different situation for us now."

Asked what he felt the reason was behind Liverpool's mixed start to the campaign, Benitez added: "Two things. One was expectation. When we finished last season with 86 points, I think everybody was expecting this year to be ours.

"But the message is always the same - we have to think about one game at a time, try to get three points and then see what our position is each week. You cannot win titles in September, so you have to go to January and see where you are, and then April and May is when you will fight.

"The other thing was that pre-season was difficult with a lot of players returning at different times. We tried to manage the situation and then we had another international break, so we didn't have too much time. Then we started against Tottenham, who are doing well, so it was difficult."

Burnley are next up for Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday and Owen Coyle's side have already raised eyebrows by beating Manchester United and Everton this season.

"Burnley are a good team and have a very good group of players who know each other very well," Benitez said. "When you see a new team in the Premier League playing the way they are, it shows the manager is doing a good job and it will be a tough game, like always in the league.

"They have beaten Manchester United and Everton and that shows they are doing well, so you never know - anything can happen in football. We have a lot of confidence and are sure we can win, but I think that maybe they will feel they can get some points too."

Returning Fabio Aurelio Expects To Have To Fight For His Liverpool FC Place With Emiliano Insua

Fabio Aurelio admits he faces a fight to dislodge Emiliano Insua from the Liverpool left-back slot.

Aurelio has recovered from the knee injury that required an operation during the summer and ruined his pre-season preparations.

The Brazilian is now back to full fitness and is hopeful of being included in the squad for Saturday’s visit of promoted Burnley.

But Aurelio accepts his return will not be automatic given the current form of youngster Insua.

“He is playing really well and he was good last season as well so he has a lot of confidence,” said Aurelio.

“Seeing how well he is doing is not a surprise to me or my team-mates, as working with him every day you can see he is a player with quality and can do a very good job for the team.

“We have three left-backs with Emiliano, myself and Andrea Dossena so we all have to keep working hard and make it a difficult decision for the manager.

“I think this is very good for the team because if everyone is working hard then the team will win more games.”

Aurelio suffered the knee injury during a freak accident while playing football with his children in his back garden while back in Brazil.

He underwent surgery in his homeland and subsequently returned to Melwood to continue his rehabilitation, which will include involvement in a practice match this afternoon.

And Aurelio added: “I’m feeling good and I am working hard to try and get back into the squad for Saturday.

“The international break came at a good time for me because I’ve been able to work hard and not miss too many more games.

“I’m going to play in a practice game on Thursday and I hope to prove my fitness and be involved against Burnley.

“I’ve been training for two or three weeks now and I can’t wait to get back.”

Javier Mascherano And Lucas Leiva's Race To Play For Liverpool FC

Liverpool duo Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva face a race against time to be ready for Saturday's showdown with Burnley at Anfield.

The midfielders have been on international duty in South America and are not expected back on Merseyside until tomorrow after gruelling transatlantic flights.

Mascherano is making the 6,000 mile journey home from Argentina's World Cup qualifier in Paraguay, while Lucas has been with the Brazil squad in Salvador for their home clash with Chile.

Boss Rafa Benitez will assess their fitness when they finally return to Melwood tomorrow afternoon.

Benitez won't want to be without either of his newly established central midfield pairing against the Clarets but he won't take any chances as the Reds face a hectic schedule of six games in the space of 17 games.

The Reds manager will be particularly concerned about Mascherano's condition as the 25-year-old suffered a calf injury shortly after returning from international duty last season.

Although he picked up that problem playing for Liverpool, Benitez believed the fatigue of travelling thousands of miles to play for his country was a contributory factor.

If either are ruled out then Benitez may decide to drop skipper Steven Gerrard back into midfield.

Alternatively, he could turn to French youngster Damien Plessis or Wirral-born Jay Spearing.

Plessis has made seven first team appearances since arriving from Lyon two years ago but his last outing was in the Carling Cup defeat to Spurs in November 2008.

Spearing came on against PSV Eindhoven and Real Madrid in the Champions League last season but has yet to make his Premier League debut.

Spearing was on target yesterday as the first team squad members not on international duty and the reserves battled out a 1-1 draw in a practise match at Melwood.

Nathan Eccleston fired the reserves ahead from the penalty spot but Spearing equalised.

Left-back Fabio Aurelio came through unscathed and is set to make his comeback from injury against Burnley.

Goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri was also involved after returning to Melwood. The Brazilian spent some time back home in Brazil following the recent death of his father.

Steven Gerrard Can Help England Win World Cup, Says Rafa Benitez

Liverpool FC boss Rafa Benitez reckons England will be among the favourites to win the World Cup next summer, wherever Fabio Capello decides to play Steven Gerrard.

Benitez, who saw his adopted country and his homeland Spain qualify for the South Africa finals on the same night, knows he is walking a difficult diplomatic line when questioned about potential winners of the tournament.

But the Spaniard is sure that Liverpool skipper FC Gerrard will be the key to England’s success in whichever position he plays.

Benitez said: "England have qualified, so have Spain. In Spain I’m being asked the same question as here - who will win the final?

"There are three or four countries who have the quality and the power to win in South Africa. England is one, so is Spain!"

Gerrard is now playing on England’s left side and gaining considerable praise, which was not the case when the Anfield boss used the player in an identical position a couple of seasons back.

The Liverpool FC captain scored twice in the 5-1 defeat of Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday that confirmed England’s participation in next summer’s finals.

Benitez said: "I have been here for years talking about Gerrard’s best position. He is playing on the left for England and that is not a problem.

"It was not a problem when he played on the left for Liverpool, despite what people said.

"But he can play in the centre of midfield or as a second striker, it does not matter where he plays because he is a key man for England anywhere.

"England are doing well, winning games and scoring goals, so everyone involved wants to play and to be part of a winning side.

"Steven is playing well and scoring, so he will also be happy now, I’m sure."

He added: "Capello is doing a fantastic job, he has a well-organised team and he is trying to keep the balance between all the players he has, particularly in the middle.

"So for Gerrard to play on the left, he knows he has some freedom to cut inside.

"Capello is doing a good job, but not just with Steven. He is doing it with the rest of the squad also."

And on the criticism of Liverpool FC full-back Glen Johnson’s defensive abilities, Benitez added: "Glen has been really good from the first day he arrived here at Liverpool, and for England you can see his offensive mentality and the quality of his crosses.

"I was surprised by the criticism of his performances, he is a very good player.

"He can be better, yes. But he is keen to learn. Fabio Capello has been supporting him and 100% we will do the same.

"Some times he is so good at attacking that it makes it very difficult for opposing defenders to stop him. Some times he does not need to worry about defence!

"But he is a decent defender, although he can improve. But he is very good going forward and that gives his game very good balance."

Reds Teenager Targets First Team

New Liverpool teenager Jakub Sokolik admits it is a dream come true to have moved to Anfield and hopes to have earned a first-team place in the next three to four years.

The Czech Republic starlet signed for the Reds in August after leaving Banik Ostrava, who are reportedly to receive £1million if the defender makes an appearance.

Sokolik confesses his move to Rafa Benitez's Premier League club has come as a shock, but the 16-year-old is also determined to make an impact.

He told deniksport: "It is a dream come true and I take it as a massive opportunity.

"So far it is just a chance. I know that I have a long, long way to go to get into Liverpool's first team.

"I have a plan that I would like to get into the first team within the next three to four years. Now it is up to me to do my best and achieve it."

Steven Gerrard: Michael Shields Inspired My England Performance

Steven Gerrard today reflected on one of his most satisfying nights in an England shirt – after revealing he took inspiration for his heroics from Michael Shields.

Liverpool skipper Gerrard scored twice last night as England thrashed Croatia 5-1 at Wembley to book their place at next summer’s World Cup finals in style.

Those headers took Gerrard’s international tally to 16 in 76 appearances and he clearly took great contentment from the standing ovation he was given when substituted late on.

But the in-form midfielder admitted he was just as pleased by the news earlier in the day that Shields’ horrific four-year ordeal had been ended with a royal pardon.

“Its fantastic news both for Michael and his family,” said Gerrard, who returned to Melwood today to start preparations for Saturday’s clash with Burnley.

“I’m really pleased for all of them. It was a good day for me, scoring two goals and qualifying for the World Cup having switched on the television earlier in the day and seeing the news about Michael. It gave me a real boost.

“It’s certainly one of the most satisfying nights I’ve had playing for England. We’ve had some good nights under Sven – particularly in Germany – and I’ve scored goals in the European Championships and the World Cup finals but this was very good.”

Victory preserved England’s 100% record in Group Six and, not surprisingly, instantly fired belief that Fabio Capello could end up masterminding a route to victory in South Africa.

Should they carry on playing with the same kind of style and swagger which carried them past a competent Croatia side, they will have nothing to fear in the finals but Gerrard is not allowing himself to get sidetracked by such thoughts.

“We know expectations are going to go through the roof now but it’s just important for us to keep playing the way we are playing,” he said. “We are just trying to improve all the time under this manager. We know we’ve got the players to go there and do well but it’s important we don’t take our foot off the gas.

“If we keep moving forward in the right direction – as we are now – I’m confident that we can achieve something going into the World Cup next year under Capello.”

It is the first time in more than two decades that England have secured a place in a major tournament with time to spare – Group Six will be concluded next month with games against Ukraine and Belarus – and Gerrard believes that is a real sign of progress.

“It’s nice to get the qualification out of the way early,” he agreed. “To qualify so early and win a game so comfortably makes me feel more confident about the way we are going forward as a team.

“But last night the most satisfying aspect for me was how well we played both with and without the ball. People forget how good a team Croatia are and we have beaten them comfortably in the end.”

Ayala: Dad Keeps My Feet On The Ground At Liverpool

Daniel Ayala has revealed that his father prevents him from becoming carried away with how well he is doing at Liverpool and makes him strive to always want to improve.

The youngster made his first team debut on the opening day of the current campaign against Tottenham Hotspur, two years after joining the club from Sevilla's youth side.

"It doesn't matter how well I think I have played or how well other people have told me I have done, my father always has his own opinion. I could help keep a clean sheet or I could score a goal and still he will find things that I must do better," he told the Liverpool club magazine.

"I thank him for this because it pushes me on. It makes me look to want to be better in everything I do on the pitch and in training. I love that my father has these expectations for me because I appreciate his advice and try to do what he tells me to do."

Moving to England has been a step that Ayala is pleased to have made as he was forced to crank up a level as soon as he arrived on Merseyside.

"I had been in the academy at Sevilla and straight away when I joined Liverpool, the club decided that I would join the reserve team," he continued.

"That was an immediate step up in quality for me from what I was used to in Spain. It was good for me, it was a very big challenge at an important moment in my career.

"I improved a lot playing in the reserve team. But now I have to keep improving. I have come a long way, but I still have even further to go.

Liverpool Boss Rafa Benitez: Video Technology Can Help Prevent Horror Tackles

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez wants the football authorities to introduce video technology to help referees with marginal decisions.

The Spaniard's comments come after the furore surrounding the two-match ban handed to Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva for diving in the Champions League play-off against Celtic.

Benitez thinks that the crackdown on 'simulation' is positive, but he is more concerned that UEFA aren't cracking down on bad tackles, and feels that video technology and bans must be used to prevent over-aggressive tackling as well as diving.

"Diving is something that if you can, you have to stop," Benitez told The Liverpool Echo. "We have to stop this and to use the video is good, but I’m really concerned about this decision.

"Someone diving gets a two-game ban but very bad tackles only get a three-game ban. You have to have the right balance.

"I've always been in favour of using the video more often. But as well as diving we must use the video more to stop the bad tackles."

Shields Ser For Anfield Invitation

Liverpool plan to invite pardoned Michael Shields to be their guest at Anfield in the near future - maybe even for Saturday's home game with Burnley.

Reds fan Shields was given a royal pardon this week after spending four years in prison having been convicted in Bulgaria for the attempted murder of a barman.

Shields was arrested in the Bulgarian resort of Golden Sands in May 2005, having travelled there on holiday after watched Liverpool beat AC Milan in the Champions League final in Istanbul.

Shields always professed his innocence and was eventually returned to the UK to serve out his 15-year sentence in a British jail.

But the campaign to overturn the judgement continued, and gathered support from the Anfield club - in particular local-born stars Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

Now the Shields family and their support group have won their fight to have the 22 year-old released.

And Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has revealed the club's plan to invite Shields to Anfield.

He said: "Everyone in Liverpool is really pleased (with the pardon), it is a situation we have all been trying to change for a long time.

"The players, the club and the people in Merseyside have been pushing. Hopefully things will be really good now and the family will be relaxed and he will enjoy life.

"We have had contact with them before, and we will do so again. We have supported them from the first day.

"We are trying to set up something for him to come to a game, but you cannot push him too much. The main thing is how he feels, but if he does want to come, we would be pleased and we will invite him.

"We are all just delighted he has been released. If he wants to see some games we will invite him.

"His family have shown great dignity as they have handled this situation, sometimes it is difficult to know how to behave but they have done really well.

"Big names here have shown support, players who can make an impact."

Liverpool Manager Rafael Benitez Welcomes Use Of Video Evidence

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has welcomed UEFA’s crackdown on diving but he wants to see video evidence used more often to punish reckless challenges.

Arsenal striker Eduardo was recently banned for two games after being found guilty of deceiving the referee to win a penalty in their Champions League qualifier against Celtic.

Benitez said: “Diving is something that if you can, you have to stop.

“We have to stop this and to use the video is good but I’m really concerned about this decision.

“Someone diving gets a two-game ban but very bad tackles only get a three-game ban. You have to have the right balance.

“I’ve always been in favour of using the video more often. But as well as diving we must use the video more to stop the bad tackles.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool insist no illegal approach has been made for Crewe teenager Max Clayton.

The League Two club’s academy director Dario Gradi is fuming at the Reds’ pursuit of the 15-year-old striker.

Gradi hit out at the “rich robbing the poor” in English football after admitting Clayton wants to leave the club but he stopped short of naming Liverpool.

Crewe have not made an official complaint to the FA and the Reds are confident they have done everything by the book.

The transfer ban imposed on Chelsea for their pursuit of Lens striker Gael Kakuta has put the recruitment of youngsters from home and abroad in the spotlight.

Carra Wary Of City Threat

Liverpool star Jamie Carragher believes Manchester City provide a real threat to the top four this season.

City have made a promising start to the new season after winning their opening three games without conceding a goal.

The cash-rich Blues spent big in the summer with Mark Hughes spending over £100million bringing the likes of Carlos Tevez, Kolo Toure, Gareth Barry, Emmanuel Adebayor, Roque Santa Cruz and Joleon Lescott to Eastlands in a bid to turn City into contenders.
Carragher has been impressed by City and feels they will challenge for honours this season.

"I think Man City are looking very strong, Tottenham as well, Aston Villa and Everton are always up there as well so I think it will make it a little bit more exciting this year," Carragher told Sky Sports News.

"The top four places will certainly be up for grabs, but we want to make sure we are up there.

"But I think with the other teams coming involved hopefully they will take points off the other big sides as well."

Asked if he felt City could maintain their challenge throughout the season, Carragher said: "Oh yeah. They have got some great players, world-class players and I am sure they will be buying more in January so they are going to be a massive threat."