Rafa: We Must Keep Eye On The Ball

Rafael Benitez has stressed Liverpool's players must lift themselves above the club's current off-the-pitch turmoil to secure success on it.

The current intrigue over the future ownership of the club could easily distract the team for Wednesday night's Premier League home match against West Ham.

If Liverpool win they will reclaim fourth place in the table, and be in pole position to ensure qualification for the Champions League next term.

"This is now a really important for us," their manager said.

"That fourth spot is always important; if we win this game we are there, and from then on everything will depend on us and what we do."

Liverpool would be fourth only on goal difference from Everton if they are successful against the Hammers, but Benitez would know that if they match their Merseyside rivals' results for the rest of the campaign they will almost certainly hold on.

He added: "I have confidence. It's not easy at this stage when you play in the Champions League as well, but we have some experience.

"We know we have to concentrate and be focused on every game, and see if we can progress in both competitions."

Benitez is still smarting from the 1-0 defeat at West Ham last month, following an injury-time penalty.

He said: "I can promise you I was very disappointed. We controlled the last 20 minutes; we attacked and attacked but then conceded after one of our own corners when they broke quickly to the other end. It was very frustrating for me.

"The lesson is that sometimes, if you cannot win the game in 90 minutes, you must not lose the game in the last minute."

Benitez, who will be without Steve Finnan for the match because of a groin problem, is unsure how West Ham will react to their 4-0 home drubbing by Chelsea at the weekend.

He said: "Maybe they will be low on confidence, but maybe they will say to themselves 'We need to show character and quality'.

"I prefer to say they will be positive but really I don't know."

Benitez is aware of the potential dangers from a side who have won more away league games than they have at home this term.

He said: "They have some good players. Carlton Cole is a decent target man, as is Dean Ashton when he plays.

"They also have good wingers. Freddie Ljungberg can get into the box and be dangerous, while they have some key players who can also be dangerous.

"They are also good on the counter-attack, because they have pace and energy.

"It has been a difficult season for their manager Alan Curbishley, because he has had a lot of injuries to contend with, but I think he is doing a good job now."

Liverpool Fans Unsure Over Bid

Liverpool fans have given a cautious welcome to Dubai International Capital's takeover bid, urging their American owners to accept the offer.

Not for the first time in recent weeks, supporters are expected to express their dissent towards the regime of George Gillett and Tom Hicks during tonight's Barclays Premier League match with West Ham.

Neil Atkinson, spokesperson for the Liverpool Supporters Union 'Spirit of Shankly', told the Daily Telegraph: "Should DIC make their way into the club, they should be welcomed with caution - they may or may not have the best interests of the club at heart."

Atkinson listed a number of perceived injustices by the current Liverpool owners - including delays in the construction of a new stadium and holding talks with Jurgen Klinsmann - before adding: "(DIC chief executive Sameer) al-Ansari talks about Tom Hicks' valuation of the club being 'in dreamland'. Mr Hicks is further in dreamland if he thinks he will ever be accepted at LFC.

"If he tries to grin and bear it then it emphasises what we already know - he's only in it for one reason: the money and the money alone.

"I'm sure Liverpool supporters will make their feelings known at the West Ham game - let Mr Hicks and Mr Gillett go now with their profit.

"Let us start again with new owners, keep our eyes open and work with them within our heritage and tradition."

Reds Owners Living In 'Dreamland'

Liverpool's American owners have been accused of living in "dreamland" by the government-run Dubai investment fund interested in buying the Anfield club.

Dubai Investment Capital confirmed on Tuesday it had been in talks with US duo Tom Hicks and George Gillett about purchasing a stake in the Reds.

DIC chief executive Sameer al-Ansari said: "It's no secret that we have been in discussions with the current owners.

"It's not easy because (they) are in dreamland about valuations."

Ansari later clarified that one of the club's owners "had come out of dreamland", without giving further details.

Hicks said last month he was not planning to sell a stake in Liverpool, denying media speculation he was in talks with DIC over a sale.

He also revealed that Gillett could not sell his stake in the Premier League club without his approval.

However, both Hicks and Gillett have become increasingly unpopular among Reds fans, drawing criticism for their treatment of manager Rafael Benitez and their financial management of the club.

That has given fresh hope to DIC, who were considering buying Liverpool before the Americans joined forces to complete their own takeover in February 2007.

Hicks said in January he had talked to DIC "once" about a 10-15% stake, but DIC said the valuation was too high.

DIC, which manages about £6.5bn of assets, is owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai.

Rafa Wowed By The Power Of Babel

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez could afford a wry smile after Ryan Babel made the most of the wide open spaces at the Reebok Stadium.

The Dutch winger scored his eighth goal of the season in Sunday's 3-1 Barclays Premier League victory against Bolton.

Babel was on target with a clinical finish after a bizarre own-goal from Jussi Jaaskelainen in the 11th minute.

Steven Gerrard's effort was going wide but the Bolton goalkeeper inexplicably helped it into his own net with his face.

There was no way back for Wanderers after that and Fabio Aurelio added a spectacular third before Tamir Cohen scored a consolation for the struggling home side.

Babel could now have a more prominent role to play in the coming weeks of the season.

Benitez said: "It was a good game for him against Bolton as they were looking out for Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

"It meant that Ryan had more freedom and he is the kind of player who can run behind defenders."

Liverpool now entertain West Ham on Wednesday in good heart after this comfortable victory.

Benitez said: "Every win is important when you are fighting for fourth place. You need to put the other teams around you under pressure and we have done that.

"As we have a game in hand, it depends on what we do. You do not need to see the table every day.

"If we can win against West Ham then we go go into the game after that with confidence."

Benitez reiterated he is content at Anfield and claimed his focus was on winning matches and not his future plans.

"I am really happy here at Liverpool," he said. "At this moment, though, I am only thinking about our games."

Benitez had some sympathy for Jaaskelainen, but added: "It was disappointing for him but good for us.

"Sometimes these things happen and we went on to play well after a difficult opening few minutes.

"We knew if we did not pass the ball then we could get drawn into a physical game.

"We needed to play at a high tempo and keep our concentration and we did that."

Bolton may be in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup but they remain in danger of relegation.

Due to face Sporting Lisbon on Thursday, they could be without captain Kevin Nolan as he suffered a back injury yesterday and came off at half-time.

Manager Gary Megson excused Jaaskelainen for his gaffe by saying: "Jussi is a fantastic goalkeeper. He made two great saves after that but he has held his hands up.

"The first goal can be vital and it took the wind out of our sails. We got picked off rather too easily after that."

Ryan Babel Eyes Europe Ahead Of West Ham

As Liverpool prepare to face West Ham at Anfield tomorrow, Ryan Babel pledged to make a greater contribution to their tussle with Everton and Aston Villa for the fourth Champions League place after finally coming through 90 minutes in the Premier League in Sunday's 3-1 victory at Bolton.

The 21-year-old former Ajax attacker, who also scored at the Reebok Stadium, had previously completed an entire match only in cup football. "Playing the full minutes in the league was a big hurdle for me to overcome," said Babel, who made Rafael Benitez's starting XI for the fifth game running, his best sequence since signing for £11.5 million last summer.

"But I'm realistic - I knew at the start of the season that I couldn't play a whole game. The manager also knew that, which is why I've been brought into the side slowly. Now I hope to stay in the line-up and build on the Bolton match."

Babel, whose previous league goal was also against Bolton three months earlier, has now scored eight times for Liverpool. While stressing that he was "coping better", he admitted that coming through that important physical and psychological 90-minute barrier had tested him to the limits. "Even now, after 75 minutes against Bolton, I was feeling a bit tired, as though I couldn't defend properly. Maybe I was lucky because they couldn't push forward much, but bigger teams would still be attacking.

"I don't think it's a mental problem. When you compare the level in the Dutch League to the Premier League, there's a massive difference. Everyone that comes from Holland needs time to settle."

Babel had struggled to live up to former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish's prediction that he would "terrify" opponents with his pace and strength. But happily for Benitez, his adjustment to the intensity of the English game is well-timed for the Premier League run-in. "Hopefully my goal can give me the confidence to go on from this," he said.

It helps that I've been playing more matches lately. The more you play the more you grow into the squad and the system. It's helping my game, especially for myself as a player who has needed to play a lot of minutes to settle into the team."

Lucas Neill has called on his West Ham team-mates to find the form that kept them in the Premier League last season - to threaten the other challengers for a place in the Uefa Cup.

West Ham's hopes of Europe were hit last Saturday by a 4-0 home defeat by Chelsea but they have the chance to correct that set-back with a difficult trip to Liverpool.

The West Ham captain believes his side can put the shock of the size of the Chelsea loss behind them. "We're going to hurt like crazy for a couple of days and the best thing we can do is to get back on to the pitch and try and rectify the situation," said Neill.

"Our away form is very good and we've got to put everything into the Anfield game to get a result. We've got to keep believing we can get into Europe."

Hicks Is Set To Be Kop Dog

Tom Hicks has raised the capital to buy out his Liverpool co-owner George Gillett and take a 100 per cent stake in Anfield.

The Texan billionaire has quietly been negotiating with his American partner over the past week, and is edging closer to a deal that will make him the sole owner of the Premier League club.

The Mirror can reveal that while Arab investment company DIC has been trying to persuade Gillett to sell his 50 per cent stake to them in recent weeks, Hicks has been raising money in the background to block such a move.

Now he has backing from some powerful business associates in the United States, and is ready to test the resolve of Gillett by matching any offer DIC makes for the shares.

The investment arm of the Dubai government is expected to make a formal offer this week for half a stake in Anfield, but Hicks and Gillett have a deal allowing the other to block the sale of any shares in Liverpool to a third party.

Privately, Gillett has made known reservations about his partnership with Hicks.

But there are signs he may defer to Hicks - who is the more powerful of the two in American business circles - and sell his stake. That would leave Hicks in sole charge of the club.

Gerrard: Trophies My Driving Force

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard insists he remains focused on winning trophies for the Reds - but is adamant their league form must improve.

Gerrard last week admitted his side's failure to challenge for the Premier League title meant the season was destined to end in disappointment, regardless of whether they managed to win the Champions League.

Yet Gerrard claims the Champions League element of his comments was overplayed, as he would dearly love to get his hands on Europe's elite trophy again.

Liverpool face Inter Milan in the San Siro, with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, for a place in the quarter-finals next week.

Gerrard, the inspiration behind the Reds' 2005 success in the competition, told the club's website: "The message I was trying to get across was that we are disappointed with where we are in the league, but that we're going to try to get into the top four and improve our league situation next season.

"Hopefully while we're going along we can get to another Champions League final. That would be a really good season.

"But the headlines got twisted into 'If we win the Champions League it won't be important' - which is nonsense. That is not what I meant at all.

"There won't be anyone happier in Liverpool than me if we do win the Champions League again.

"Istanbul was the best night of my football career and if we go on to achieve that again it will be right up there with that.

"But, because we're Liverpool Football Club, even if we do win it, we'll still worry about and try to improve our league form. We are winners and we want to try to win every competition we are in."

Liverpool remain behind Everton in the race for fourth in the Premier League, and the lucrative Champions League spot that goes with it, after the weekend's fixtures.

The Reds briefly moved above their arch-rivals by winning 3-1 at Bolton on Sunday only for Everton to regain the place by beating Portsmouth by the same score later in the day.

Liverpool are back in action when West Ham visit Anfield on Wednesday.

Gerrard added: "The important thing short-term is to get in that fourth position, then we can regroup in the summer and have another go at winning the league.

"The players here know we've underachieved in the league this year.

"We're confident that if we play to our capabilities between now and the end of the season we'll take that fourth spot.

"Confidence is high at the moment but if we don't now go and beat West Ham, the Bolton result becomes irrelevant."

Bolton 1 - 3 LiverpooL

Rafael Benitez saw his Liverpool side end years of misery at the Reebok Stadium to emphasise their Champions League credentials.

It was a sweet success for the Spanish coach, but he got a helping hand from Jussi Jaaskelainen.

The Bolton goalkeeper sent Liverpool on their way with a bizarre own goal in the 11th minute and they never looked back.

Ryan Babel and Fabio Aurelio extended their lead before Tamir Cohen pulled a goal back.

Bolton meanwhile are locked in a relegation battle and the worry for manager Gary Megson is that goals have been hard to come by following the departure of Nicolas Anelka to Chelsea.

Yet they could have been two goals to the good inside the first 10 minutes.

El-Hadji Diouf's free-kick beat goalkeeper Jose Reina in the fifth minute only to come back off the post.

Four minutes later Ivan Campo swung in a corner from the left and Joey O'Brien peeled away from his marker.

O'Brien managed to get in a shot at the back post but Steven Gerrard made the clearance.

Liverpool made the breakthrough in bizarre fashion after 11 minutes when Gerrard's effort appeared to be going wide. However Jaaskelainen made a hash of it and inexplicably turned the ball into his own net.

Jaaskelainen redeemed himself in the 18th minute by turning over a rasping drive from Babel after he had latched on to a good ball from Gerrard.

Bolton almost drew level in the 27th minute when Kevin Nolan picked out Kevin Davies with a marvellous cross.

Davies got enough power on his header from close range but Reina made a superb save low down to his left.

Davies turned provider two minutes later. He clipped the ball through to Nolan, who had sprung the offside trap, only for Reina to make the block.

Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia was then booked for tripping Diouf in the 35th minute and they almost paid for that indiscretion.

Matt Taylor delivered a good free-kick but Gary Cahill, under pressure from Martin Skrtel, headed wide.

Liverpool hit back and a minute later Babel weaved his way into the penalty area after a surging run only for Cahill to make a timely clearance.

Babel was a threat every time he had the ball and stung Jaaskelainen's hands with a powerful effort a minute before the break.

Liverpool were in the ascendancy and it was little surprise they extended their lead in the 59th minute.

Carragher whipped in a cross from the right and found Dirk Kuyt only for his smart volley to come back back off the post.

Cahill got the ball away but only as far as Babel, who swept his effort beyond Jaaskelainen.

It was now an uphill task for Bolton given that they had scored only two goals in their last four games in all competitions.

Liverpool were not content to sit on their laurels either with Babel, Kuyt and Fernando Torres giving them strong attacking options as the match reached a crucial stage.

They made it 3-0 in the 75th minute with a superb strike from Fabio Aurelio when there seemed little on.

He took the ball on his chest before smashing a shot beyond Jaaskelainen from the edge of the area.

Bolton to their credit, however, refused to lie down and pulled a goal back four minutes later.

Cohen, son of former Liverpool favourite Avi, ghosted in to head home a corner from Taylor.

Bolton may be in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup but the prospect of second tier football next season is all too real.

Rafa Confident Of Fourth Spot

Rafael Benitez is confident of securing fourth place in the Premier League after Liverpool brushed Bolton Wanderers aside 3-1 at the Reebok Stadium.

The Reds moved to within three points of Merseyside rivals Everton with a game in hand after strikes from Ryan Babel, Fabio Aurelio and a Jussi Jaaskelainen own goal secured a straight-forward victory on Sunday.

Afterwards Benitez pointed to the Reds' momentum as reason to be positive in the race to claim the final Champions League spot.

He said: "Every win is important when you are fighting for fourth place.

"You need to put the other teams around you under pressure and we have done that.

"As we have a game in hand, it depends on what we do. You do not need to see the table every day.

"If we can win against West ham (on Wednesday), then we go into the game after that with confidence."

Meanwhile, Benitez reiterated his desire to remain at Anfield despite a turbulent season both on and off the pitch.

"I am really happy here at Liverpool," he added. "At this moment though I am only thinking about our games."

Rafa Urges Reds To Go Fourth

Rafael Benitez knows Liverpool are right in the frame to clinch a Champions League place for next season.

Benitez's side followed up last weekend's Barclays Premier League win against Middlesbrough by beating Bolton 3-1 at the Reebok Stadium.

It was a sweet success for the Spanish coach, given the club's miserable record on the ground.

A bizarre own goal from Jussi Jaaskelainen after 11 minutes sent Liverpool on their way to an emphatic victory.

The Bolton goalkeeper turned a shot from Steven Gerrard into his own net with his face and his side never really recovered.

Ryan Babel and Fabio Aurelio extended their lead before Tamir Cohen, son of former Liverpool favourite Avi, pulled a goal back.

Liverpool now entertain West Ham on Wednesday in good heart after this comfortable victory.

Benitez said: "Every win is important when you are fighting for fourth place.

"You need to put the other teams around you under pressure and we have done that.

"As we have a game in hand, it depends on what we do. You do not need to see the table every day.

"If we can win against West Ham, then we go go into the game after that with confidence."

Skipper Steven Gerrard told Setanta Sports 1: "As captain of the team, we are disappointed with where we are in the league.

"We need to keep together and keep fighting to the end.

"It was massive result. We have been inconsistent so it's important to get the points."

Benitez reiterated he is content at Anfield and claimed his focus was on winning matches and not his future plans.

"I am really happy here at Liverpool," he said. "At this moment, though, I am only thinking about our games."

Benitez had some sympathy for Jaaskelainen, but added: "It was disappointing for him but good for us.

"Sometimes these things happen and we went on to play well after a difficult opening few minutes.

"We knew if we did not pass the ball then we could get drawn into a physical game.

"We needed to play at a high tempo and keep our concentration and we did that."

Bolton may be in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup but they remain in danger of relegation.

Due to face Sporting Lisbon on Thursday, they could be without captain Kevin Nolan after he suffered a back injury and came off at half-time.

Nolan's absence would be a blow for Bolton but manager Gary Megson is more concerned about getting him fit for domestic duty.

He excused Jaaskelainen for his gaffe by saying: "Jussi is a fantastic goalkeeper. He made two great saves after that.

"He has held his hands up but these balls moved quite a bit in the air and it came back and hit him in the face.

"The first goal can be vital and it took the wind out of our sails. We got picked off rather too easily."

Moyes: Reds Still Favourites

Everton boss David Moyes insists Liverpool remain favourites to claim the final Champions League spot despite seeing his side reclaim fourth spot in the Premier League.

The Toffees boosted their top-four hopes with a 3-1 win over Portsmouth at Goodison Park on Sunday.

However, the Reds' own 3-1 success over Bolton Wanderers kept them three points behind their Merseyside rivals with a game in hand.

"Liverpool are still the favourites, they have to be. We have been consistent but for them fourth would be expected," admitted Moyes.

"We are doing everything we can to make a fight of it, but the bookies are probably right to make them favourites.

"They are looking at the two clubs and where they have been in the past and they are making their decision on who are the favourites in the light of that.

"We have to keep our play at this level and keep going right to the end.

"This has been a big week. We have now beaten Manchester City and Portsmouth - and they are two teams who have been pushing us all the way.

"They all want a European place. Portsmouth are a good side and hard to beat, but I feel we have realised that we can play against the best teams and cause them problems."

Peter Crouch & Sami Hyypia To Be Offered New Liverpool Deals

Liverpool are ready to offer new contracts to both Peter Crouch and Sami Hyypia.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez is looking to tie the pair down to new deals in a bid to ward off growing interest in them from clubs at home and abroad.

Despite approaching his 35th birthday, Hyypia has been one of Liverpool's star performers this season and Benitez is keen to reward the long-serving Finn by offering him an extension which would see him clock up a decade of service at Anfield.

Newcastle, Bolton and Fulham are all interested in signing Hyypia but Benitez has acted quickly to give him the chance to remain at the club he joined for a bargain £2.5m in 1999.

Hyypia recently spoke of his desire to stay at Anfield despite being aware of interest from other clubs and it would be a major surprise if he was to decline an offer from Liverpool.

Crouch's situation is more complicated as he in the last 18 months of his current deal and, having been in and out of the starting line-up this season, it is unclear whether he will be prepared to commit his long term future to the club.

Under the terms of a recent landmark legal case which has had massive implications for players contracts, Crouch will this summer be in a position to take advantage of Article 17 of FIFA's regulations on the status and transfer of players.

This rule allows players under the age of 28 who have served three years of a four or five year contract to effectively hand in their notice and move to another club.

Players over 28 can take advantage of the ruling after just two years of their contract.

Crouch, 27, will finish the third year of his four-year deal at the end of this season and, as such, would therefore be able to move elsewhere if he is prepared to quit Liverpool and pay them compensation.

Benitez is ready to test just how happy Crouch is at Liverpool and a formal contract offer is expected to be made imminently.

Crouch On His Humble Beginnings

Although he has played in World Cups and Champions League finals, Peter Crouch insists his feet shall always remain on the ground.

Remembering his humble upbringing, the lanky Liverpool FC striker spoke on the club website about his roots from Dulwich Hamlet to little known Swedish part-time side IFK Hasselholm, all the way to the mighty Reds.

The 27-year-old said: "Don't get me wrong, I feel I belong where I am, I feel at home playing for England and playing the biggest games in the Champions League.

"When I am training with all these top players for Liverpool and England, I don't feel out of place. I feel part of it and worthy of being there. But at the same time I know it's been a long road for me to get to where I am and I'll never, ever forget that.

"Players like Steve Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen, they were always going to make it from the youngest age. Their careers were almost mapped out for them as soon as they started playing.

"Their talent was obvious and it must come as second nature for them to play in the biggest games. But for me it has never been quite so easy.

"I loved it out there against Inter, I really did, every single second. I love those nights, that emotion of European football. But I remember too that when I was younger I was playing a different kind of European football."

The ‘different kind of football’ Crouch refers to is a widely unknown fact about the 6ft 7in striker’s past. Playing for Swedish part-time side IFK Hasselholm, whom he joined on loan from first club Tottenham Hotspur, Crouch’s outlook on life and football broadened as he mixed playing time with squalid living quarters nicknamed ‘The Ghetto’.

He explained: "Being Sweden, it wasn't too bad. I don't suppose it was the same notion of a ghetto that we had in south-west London. But when I went to Hasselholm the players asked me where I was staying and when I told them they were shocked.

"It was pretty rough and it was a pretty tough standard of football too, very physical for a young lad who was still trying to catch up with myself and my growing rate. But I loved it, I had a fantastic time out there.

"I was at Dulwich Hamlet too around that time in the Isthmian League and it was a million miles away from the lifestyle Premier League footballers have these days. In Sweden, a bunch of us used to live in digs in the 'ghetto', go out together, learn together, laugh together and I reckon it taught me a lot."

After Spurs, the 6ft 7in striker enjoyed spells at QPR, Portsmouth, Aston Villa and Southampton before a dream move to Merseyside at the age of 24. He reflected: "I think where I came from helped me. I'm not knocking those players who were always going to be big stars but I think I can keep my feet on the ground and appreciate what I have because of those days in Sweden and Dulwich.

"There's no doubt it helped me so much to develop my career, both physically and emotionally. I am a better person and a better player for it. It toughened me up mentally, but also gave me a good perspective.

"It makes me appreciate what I have. I had a long, hard road to get where I am. But I want to keep going, I want to win the Champions League this year, I want to break England scoring records. I want to continue that journey and I know I will."

Hicks' Sell-off Move Delays Dubai Takeover

Dubai International Capital's proposed takeover of Liverpool is being delayed by the attempts of one of the club's American owners to sell off a percentage of his sport businesses.

Tom Hicks is seeking an off-market placement of existing shares in Hicks Sports Group, which includes investments in Liverpool, the Texas Rangers baseball team and the Dallas Stars ice hockey franchise. Investment bankers JP Morgan have been advising on the 144A listing, which was first attempted in January but failed because of challenging financial market conditions. JP Morgan representatives are understood to have visited Liverpool in the last fortnight to work on the placement.

Hicks' current 50 per cent share of Liverpool is thought to be fundamental to the exercise. DIC's interest has helped the football club's value to rise during a period in which American companies with sporting assets have declined sharply in worth. While DIC would prefer to buy Liverpool in full, the Arabian investment group is currently concentrating its efforts on purchasing George Gillett's half share and establishing an agreement with Hicks that would allow it full control of Liverpool's day-to-day operations. Hicks has engaged in talks with DIC over a proposed management structure after the purchase.

Though it has been suggested that Hicks is attempting to raise funds to buy out Gillett and take total control of Liverpool, such a move would cost around £300million (£151m) in equity and loan guarantees. Hicks is not thought to have the resources to cover such a transaction, while his moves to place shares in Hicks Sport Group would effectively reduce his stake in Liverpool, making him a seller rather than a buyer.

Rafa Benitez: I'll Stay On At Liverpool

Rafael Benitez insists that, far from emptying his locker at Anfield this summer, he will extend his stay at Liverpool beyond the term of his current contract that expires in two years' time.

The manager's claim that he will be at the club for the long haul marks a significant shift after another turbulent week on Merseyside. There was renewed pressure on Benitez after Steven Gerrard voiced his frustration at another disappointing league campaign and another twist in the increasingly bitter boardroom power struggle.

Less than two weeks ago Benitez was forced to defend his record at the club against the backdrop of growing belief that only success in the Champions League this season would save the Spaniard's job.

Now, however, the former Valencia coach has spoken more bullishly about his long-term prospects. It reflects a shift in his relationship with co-owner Tom Hicks, who last week insisted he had no intention of selling up and vowed to block any attempt by his estranged business partner George Gillett to offload his 50 per cent share of the club to Dubai International Capital.

Benitez and Hicks became entangled in a public spat towards the end of last year over transfer funds. This related to the owners' delay in sanctioning the £18 million signing of Javier Mascherano, the Argentina midfielder who finally converted his loan stay into a permanent move when he agreed a four-year contract on Friday, and the revelation that the US owners had sounded out Jurgen Klinsmann as a possible replacement for Benitez.

Relations between the pair appear to have improved in recent weeks to the extent that the manager felt able to assert his belief that he was going nowhere.

"I have confidence I will be here for a long time, not just the two years, but for a long time," Benitez said.

The admission by Benitez that, with Mascherano on board, he was now attempting to secure new contracts for Sami Hyypia, the veteran centre-back, and England forward Peter Crouch, reinforces the view that manager and boardroom appear to have at last established a more effective working relationship.

"We are progressing," Benitez insisted. "This year we can only try to improve in the league to be in the top four."

Premier League Preview: Bolton Wanderers vs. Liverpool

After losing their previous league fixture 4-1, the last team one would think that Premiership strugglers Bolton Wanderers would have wanted to face would be a member of the ‘Big Four.’

However, even though Gary Megson’s Bolton team were beaten by a convincing margin last time out against Blackburn Rovers, it is fair to say that the overall performance of his team was not one of a side asking to be thumped by a Premiership rival.

Indeed, had it not been for some terrible refereeing and wasteful finishing, then an important victory could have been claimed by The Trotters in their fight for Premiership survival.

With Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool side now making their way to the Reebok Stadium, the Bolton fans will be hoping that their side will be able to build on the positive elements of the Blackburn game and inflict yet another body blow to Liverpool’s stuttering Premiership campaign.

For this to happen, Megson will need to bring out the type of performance from his players that has seen them come out on top in their recent UEFA Cup tie against Liga big boys Atlético Madrid, and beat Premiership champions Manchester United in his first fixture in charge of the club.

The Bolton manager will, however, be perfectly aware that the damage inflicted on his Bolton side last week by Benni McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz has every chance of being replicated by Liverpool’s exquisite number 9, Fernando Torres.

Quite simply, Bolton must keep the Spanish international striker quiet to stand any chance of further derailing Liverpool’s Champions League qualification hopes, as they cannot rely on their own strikers to convert enough opportunities at the other end of the pitch.

If this does occur, then there is a chance that an unlikely few points could be gained in Bolton’s fight to beat the dreaded Premiership drop.

What a strange few weeks this has been for everyone associated with Liverpool Football Club. From the lows caused by a shock defeat to Championship team Barnsley in the F.A. Cup, to then beating reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan in their next fixture, consistency has not been a byword for Liverpool’s performance so far this year.

Another high point was seen last weekend in the Reds' 3-2 victory over Middlesbrough, when the Kop’s new idol Fernando Torres managed to score his first Premiership hat trick for the club.

However, this fixture can be seen to be a microcosm of Liverpool’s season so far, as from the highs of Torres’ headline grabbing performance, the actual nature of the Reds display left more than enough to be desired.

It is not often that Gareth Southgate’s men will be able to walk away from Anfield feeling aggrieved at the result, but this was the kind of display that such feelings can come from.

Rafa Benitez will though be more than aware of the threat that Bolton can cause to the Premiership elite at their Reebok home, and with Fernando Torres in his team, he will feel he has the weaponry to overcome this obstacle.

With no mid-week Champions League fixture to distract Benitez from selecting his strongest starting XI, it is imperative that Liverpool get back on the trail of usurping local rivals Everton in the race for 4th place, and the final Champions League qualifying position.

As such, a Bolton team devoid of the attacking talents of Nicolas Anelka should be easily brushed aside by a Liverpool team possessing far too much talent to be tripped up by their lowly North Western neighbours. However, as with all things to do with the Reds so far this season, nothing can be considered entirely predictable.

FORM GUIDE


Bolton Wanderers:

February 24th vs. Blackburn Rovers (A) lost 4-1 (PREM)

February 21st vs. Atlético Madrid (A) drew 0-0 (UEFA CUP)

February 14th vs. Atlético Madrid (H) won 1-0 (UEFA CUP)

February 9th vs. Portsmouth (H) lost 1-0 (PREM)

February 2nd vs. Reading (A) won 2-0 (PREM)


Liverpool:

February 23rd vs. Middlesbrough (H) won 3-2 (PREM)

February 19th vs. Inter Milan (H) won 2-0 (CHAMPS LG)

February 16th vs. Barnsley (H) lost 2-1 (FA CUP)

February 10th vs. Chelsea (A) drew 0-0 (PREM)

February 2nd vs. Sunderland (H) won 3-0 (PREM)



TEAM NEWS


Bolton Wanderers:

Gary Megson should be able to call on the vast majority of his Bolton squad for this fixture, with the only players unavailable for selection being the injured Heidar Helguson and midfielder Danny Guthrie, who is ineligible to play due to the fact he is on loan to the club from Sunday’s rivals, Liverpool.

Squad: Jaaskelainen, Hunt, A O'Brien, Cahill, Meite, J O'Brien, Steinsson, Gardner, Stelios, Nolan, Campo, Cohen, Taylor, Diouf, Davies, Samuel, McCann, Al Habsi, Alonso, Teymourian.


Liverpool:

Much to the delight of the Liverpool fans, Danish centre back Danny Agger may be involved in this game after a successful run out for the Liverpool reserves in mid-week. January signing Martin Skrtel should also be available for selection again after overcoming a short term injury. Indeed, the only guaranteed absentee for Rafa Benitez’s side is Andrei Voronin, who is making a steady recovery from an ankle ligament injury sustained in January.

Squad: Reina, Finnan, Arbeloa, Agger, Carragher, Hyypia, Aurelio, Riise, Babel, Kewell, Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Benayoun, Torres, Kuyt, Crouch, Lucas, Itandje.



PLAYERS TO WATCH

Bolton Wanderers: In a team that has been short of goals since the sale of Nicolas Anelka, January signing Gary Cahill will have to play a major role in stopping the Liverpool attack if Bolton are to take anything from this game. Gary Megson will be looking to the assured displays Cahill has exhibited since his £5 million pound move from Aston Villa, and will be hoping that the reckless challenge that led to the second of Blackburn’s penalty’s at the weekend was just a momentary aberration. As such, Cahill should be under no illusions that a repeat of this kind of defending will be punished severely by Spanish hot shot Fernando Torres.

Liverpool: After his hat trick against Middlesbrough, it is hard to look to anyone else other than Fernando Torres when naming Liverpool’s key player. The ex-Atlético man has been nothing short of a revelation since his big money summer transfer, and has often been the source of Rafa Benitez’s salvation in a disappointing campaign so far. Interestingly, the suspect Bolton defence could provide plenty of opportunities for Torres to close in on Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s record for the most goals scored in a player’ first season in the Premiership, with El Nino currently sitting nine goals short of the Dutchman’s 24 goal mark.

McManaman: New Owners Can Cure Liverpool

When Steven Gerrard attacked Liverpool for their under-achievement in the Premier League it was seen as a slight against his manager, Rafael Benitez, but if he had said anything different, he would have lost the respect of the club's fans.

The fact remains that Liverpool invested more than £40 million in their squad during the summer and are in a worse position than they were this time last year. Talk to Jamie Carragher, another local lad, and you would hear the same criticisms that came from Gerrard - this season's form is nowhere near good enough.

The problems start at the top. While Gerrard attracts unconditional affection from the Anfield fans, Liverpool's American owners have frittered away what respect they had. The day Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jnr. bought into the club, I was delighted. They seemed shrewd businessmen, highly professional in their sports interests and committed to sustaining the club's traditions. One of those traditions is that Liverpool had always conducted its in-house affairs in a very open fashion, but that has been eroded of late - by the speculation over the manager's future and the rumours of a sale to investors from Dubai.

So, I can understand it when pockets of Liverpool fans stay behind, as they did after the defeat to Barnsley in the FA Cup, to chant messages like "Yanks out". It seems to me that the only way the club can move forward is through a change of ownership. Hicks and Gillett have already made a major mistake in raising the name of an alternative manager, in Jurgen Klinsmann, destabilising Benitez when what the club needed were firm and frank guarantees.

The situation is not unprecedented. You only have to look at Manchester United, who finished 21 points ahead of Liverpool last season; there, the Glazers are still not accepted.

But the fact that, despite a handover in ownership and a huge injection of money, Liverpool are now worse off reveals a breakdown of trust.

Gerrard is only speaking the obvious when he expresses his disappointment that the squad, managed by a man who has already won the Spanish title, cannot appear to challenge for the Premier League. Benitez would, no doubt, agree that a league campaign in which Liverpool are struggling to stay in touch with fourth place falls a long way short.

There is a real danger that the club could fail to qualify for the Champions League next season, scuppering another opportunity for revival. Achievements at European level represent one of the major reasons players of the quality of Fernando Torres were brought in.

The concept of a crisis at Liverpool can be exaggerated, though. Benitez should be given more time. You only have to see the outcry against Avram Grant after losing the Carling Cup - just one game, when a fortnight earlier he was preparing to set a record of successive wins at Chelsea - to know that pressure can pass.

Next week's game against Inter Milan has assumed huge importance for Liverpool, but it is best to keep perspective. The win in the first leg gave all the supporters an unexpected lift, and Gerrard's comments can only strengthen Liverpool's resolve not to go quietly.

Torres Takes Hits In His Stride

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres insists he has stood up to batterings from English defenders he would never face in Spain.

The Reds forward has reached 21 goals in 31 games for his new club, and boss Rafael Benitez concedes one of the main reasons the club splashed out a record fee on the Spain international was because of his bravery.

Torres underlined that with a hat-trick against Middlesbrough last weekend despite a bruising clash with defenders Emanuel Pogatetz and David Wheater.

Now Torres will be out to add to his tally at Bolton on Sunday against a team known for their no-nonsense defending.

Another Spanish striker at Liverpool, Fernando Morientes, never got to grips with the physical aspects of the Premier League, but Torres certainly has.

He has scored nine goals in his last nine league games, and is closing in on 20 league goals for the club.

Benitez expects the former Atletico Madrid man to become the first Liverpool striker to score 20 league goals in a season since Robbie Fowler in the 1995-96 campaign.

Torres said: "There are so many strong defenders here. But I have settled, I have scored goals and I have coped with the physical side.

"But it is true that I would not be getting hit in the back all the time in Spain like I am here.

"I am happy with the way I have learned to cope with the physical side of the English game."

Benitez added: "Fernando has done so well in his first season. Now if he keeps going, does not have any injuries, he will score plenty more.

"We signed him because we believed he had the quality, pace and strength for the Premier League. Also, because he is young, he can grow and improve at this level even more.

"He has adapted to the physical side of the English game very well. He is strong and can handle big defenders.

"In Spain he would not continually be hit from the back, but that is the way it is here and he has learned to cope.

"We signed him because we knew he would not be afraid of the centre-backs, he would be brave and be able to cope with that style of defending."

The Spanish superstar has so far netted 21 in all competitions - 15 of which have come in the Premier League. And with 12 league games remaining, Benitez is confident his record signing can reach other milestones.

Benitez said: "Hopefully he will score more than 20 in the league that would be really good for us. That would be amazing.

"He is a young player, a foreign player and a striker and we know how difficult it can be for these types of players. But I don't really set targets, I just talk to him about scoring a lot of goals."

Torres is currently in line to become the most prolific 'debut season' striker in Liverpool's post-war history.

His average of a goal every 1.48 games is more than John Aldridge (a goal every 1.55 games), Ian Rush (1.63), Roger Hunt (1.65), Robbie Fowler (1.83), Michael Owen (1.91) and Kenny Dalglish (2) managed in their first full seasons.

Benitez predicts that a player he already regards as one of Europe's finest could get even better.

He said: "He wants to learn, he wants to improve. That is the key. He is a young player and wants to learn everything.

"He knows he can improve, and that is one of the reasons he decided to come here. He wanted to win trophies but he also knew he could improve here, that is important for the future and for him.

"He is one of the best in Europe but he will get better because his mentality is good. He can improve two or three things and they will make him much better. He knows what they are but it's better not to say because then the opponents will know."

Benitez Primed For Pivotal Week

Rafael Benitez insists Liverpool must take full advantage of three key games in a week ahead of the distraction of a Champions League showdown with Inter Milan.

The Anfield boss, flush from completing the permanent signing of Javier Mascherano on Friday on a four-year contract, also believes he has ended doubts about Steven Gerrard's commitment to the club.

Those doubts surfaced after the frustrated club skipper's angry condemnation in midweek of Liverpool's flop in the Barclays Premier League title race.

With Gerrard "100% committed to the club", in Benitez's words, and the Mascherano deal finally tied up, the Spanish coach turns his attention to Sunday's trip to struggling Bolton.

After the Bolton match, Liverpool play their long-awaited game in hand at home to West Ham on Wednesday, followed by next weekend's visit of Newcastle.

That is nine points on offer that could dramatically change the club's chase for fourth spot before they head off to Italy the following week.

Benitez said: "We have three games in a week now before we play Inter Milan, and with such a chase on for fourth spot we know that every game now is crucial.

"Aston Villa and Everton both want to play Champions League football, but so do we. It is crucial for us too so we will keep going and try to win every game.

"Now we have to be ready for our next game and try to win at Bolton.

"Then we have our game in hand, when West Ham are here on Wednesday, before we play Newcastle at Anfield next weekend. All these games are now very important to our objectives, we must keep going.

"We cannot afford to drop points, every game is important and we must reduce the gap on teams above us. We keep talking about our game in hand, so now it is here we must win it. That will put us in a better position."

Benitez has confidence in his squad, despite only winning two of their last eight league matches.

He said: "The players have experience of winning several games in a row. We have the squad to do it so now we need to start doing it.

"We also have experience now of playing at Bolton, where we have always had trouble. But we have confidence after our last two wins, and we can go there believing we can win.

"Bolton are strong and physical, they do the same things they were doing under previous managers.

"But we need to keep the ball, move it quickly and make use of our possession. They will try to stop us doing that, but that is nothing new.

"But we know we must keep going. Every game is crucial for us, and we must win from now until the last game."

Babel Can Become A Dutch Master In Time

Following in the footsteps of Dennis Bergkamp, Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben would have been uppermost in the mind of Ryan Babel on his arrival at Liverpool last summer.

But the Holland international would not have wanted to stick so faithfully to the career path of his three compatriots.

Bergkamp, van Persie and Robben all had to overcome initial teething problems when acclimatising to the Premier League before their undoubted talents could shine through.

It’s a situation of which Babel is continually reminded by Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez as the winger negotiates his own tricky first season in English football.

Expectations were high when Babel, who was the star for European Under-21 Championship winners Holland last summer, became the then third most expensive player in the club’s history when he signed for £11.5million from Ajax in July.

The 21-year-old, however, has found it a struggle to come to terms with the physical demands in England and has yet to complete the full 90 minutes of a league game.

Indeed, Babel’s main impact this season has been as a substitute, with five of his seven goals coming from the bench.

One of those came in the 4-0 home win against Bolton Wanderers in December, with the forward hopeful of a fifth successive start – his best sequence of the season – when Liverpool visit the Reebok Stadium for the return game tomorrow afternoon.

Benitez admits it is far too soon to judge Babel on the evidence of his debut campaign.

“When I talk with Ryan, I always mention the likes of van Persie, Bergkamp and Robben, players that came from Holland, about how much time they needed to be successful here, maybe one or two years,” says the Anfield manager.

He was playing at Ajax in a specific role and now he is in a top side in England and everything is different for him. I’m really pleased with is commitment. He is practising everything, learning and trying to improve. I think he will be a very good player for us.

“It’s too soon to judge him. It’s the same with Lucas Leiva. He’s another young player and will need time. We have a reserve team with young players of quality, because we want to give them time.”

Benitez adds: “Sometimes, with some players they are so good they can’t be kept in the reserves and must go straight to the first team. We know that they will need time, but I’m really pleased with Ryan.

“I think Ryan will be really good. He has all the qualities, he has pace and ability. He’ll need to play some games in a row and show good things, which will give him more confidence.

“When you have a young player with quality, if you don’t get them into the club as soon as possible you know they’ll sign for another top side.

“You must bring them here and then give them time. We signed Daniel Agger as a young player and after his first six months people were saying they weren’t sure about him, then a year later he was one of the best players in our team.”

Babel was employed as a striker during his country’s successful under-21 run last summer, and was on the left side of a three-pronged Ajax attack before arriving at Anfield.

The Dutchman has been used primarily as an orthodox left winger by Benitez, but the Liverpool manager reckons Babel will ultimately forge his reputation further up the field.

“When Ryan was with the Dutch under-21s, he was playing as a striker,” he says. “But with Ajax he was playing a 4-3-3 on the left side. He is learning other positions, and here he is learning about 4-4-2 as that is different.

“We are always working with him and watching videos, and for him as a player it is a good experience for him.

“We know he likes to play as a second striker and is an option, but if he can learn this position it will be good for him and the future.

“Maybe in the future Ryan can be a striker for us, but now we need to use his pace and ability in wide areas.”

Liverpool have won only once at the Reebok – a 3-2 triumph in September 2002 – and never during Benitez’s tenure.

Liverpool’s game in hand will be played on Wednesday at home to West Ham United, with Newcastle United visiting three days later before the Champions League trip to Italy to face Inter Milan next Tuesday.

And Benitez admits: “We have four games in 10 days, four really important games, so we have to keep progressing.

“We have to start showing we can win games in a row and, looking at the fixtures we have and our quality, I think we can do that. We have experience in doing so and we will have to. Everton and Aston Villa are both fighting really hard for fourth.”

A Fernando Torres hat-trick earned Liverpool a 3-2 win against Middlesbrough last week, only their second Premier League triumph since Boxing Day.

And strike partner Dirk Kuyt admits: “It was very important to get the win against Middlesbrough because we still want to do something in the league and we definitely want to play in the Champions League next season.

“I was happy with the two wins we had against Inter Milan and Middlesbrough and now we have to look to get another one on Sunday against Bolton.

“We are in the middle of a run of four league games before we play Inter again and we have to try and do everything we can to make the most of those games and get ourselves into fourth position.”

Holland Cools Reds Contact Reports

Crewe first-team coach Steve Holland insists they have received "no official contact" from Liverpool over highly-rated prospect Max Clayton.

The 14-year-old midfielder, who has been with Crewe's youth programme for eight years, is reported to be interesting the Reds.

The Railwaymen would be entitled to compensation for the youngster, but Holland admits that would be "totally inadequate" compared to what they could fetch for him further down the line.

"There has been no official contact," Holland told the Sentinel. "There has been a trend in academies of aggressive recruitment by the bigger clubs.

"If you lose these players there is a compensation system in place, but it is totally inadequate compared to the figures we have received when the players have gone at the right time."

Reds Confirm Four-Year Mascherano Deal

Liverpool FC and Javier Mascherano have confirmed that the Argentine midfielder has penned a four year deal with the Anfield giants, with his transfer fee said to be in the region of £18.6m.

Mascherano and his club put to bed no small amount of speculation by securing the contract late on Friday afternoon.

The 23-year-old told LiverpoolFC.tv, "This is the best moment in my career.

"I am very, very happy and now I can concentrate just on playing football.

"I said all along that I wanted to stay at Liverpool and now that I have signed I can say this is the best and the biggest moment in my career so far."

The Argentine World Cup ace continued, "From the first day I arrived at Liverpool the feeling was good and I knew this was where I wanted to play my football.

"It's good news for me and my family that everything is sorted and I know where my future is going to be. I just want to do my best for the fans and the people of the club.

"I am at a top side and I know I can win titles here. That's the big thing for me. I want to be at a club where we can win trophies and have success."

Manager Rafael Benitez chimed in, "We must be really pleased with the situation now. He has been a key player for us since he has been here and now we know he can be a key player in our future.

"From the start we knew Javier was a player with quality and a fantastic mentality. We knew the player when he was in the reserves at River Plate but was playing for the senior national team and we had been monitoring his career since then.

"He is young but he has great experience having played for his country. We knew he would be a good signing for us.

"It's clear that he is one of the best midfielders in the world but he can get better with us. We now have a lot of good options in the centre of midfield and that's good news for the club."

Mascherano arrived at Anfield in at the very end of the January 2007 transfer window, signing up from West Ham United and player agency Media Sports Investments (MSI).

It has taken no small amount of legal wrangling for the player to complete his official switch to Liverpool - which is said to be worth £18.6m - but the deal now seems signed and sealed by all concerned parties.

Prior to arriving in London, Mascherano played for Corinthians in Brazil and River Plate back in Argentina.

Gillett May Thwart Fans Bid

The Liverpool fans' group established to turn the club into a Barcelona-style establishment run by supporters has received firm pledges totalling £47.5m with expressions of interest which could double that.

The initial take-up of the Share Liverpool FC group provides a 10th of £500m needed to see its vision of the club realised and a credible base for the organisation, which has engaged Cobbetts solicitors and has Phil Thompson and John Aldridge among voluble supporters.

But the organisation, which has established a steering group with finance, law and marketing expertise, may quickly find itself over taken by events. There may be no major developments for several weeks in Dubai International Capital's (DIC) pursuit of the club but further evidence that George Gillett has made his decision has been provided by one of Tom Hicks' more improbable friends – the former Brighton manager and Liverpool player Jimmy Melia.

Melia, who has got to know Hicks while coaching youth sides in Texas for the past 18 years, accompanied the Amercian's son on his ill-fated trip to Anfield on Saturday and said yesterday: "Gillett looks like he's going to sell his share but I know Tom Hicks is going to hang in there and make it work."

The pre-emption rights which Gillett and Hicks would have signed up to when buying Liverpool mean that Gillett must discuss any sale with Hicks, and could be forced to sell to him. But if Hicks does not buy, as seems almost certain, Gillett is free to sell to DIC. The club's manager Rafael Benitez, meanwhile, said he will decide on the future of defender Sami Hyypia – outstanding in the continued absence through injury of Daniel Agger – later in the season.

"I am really pleased with him," Benitez said. "The question now is to see how he progresses, but he knows my thoughts. He doesn't have to prove anything."

Liverpool’s Kuyt Praises Torres, Eyes Win At Bolton

Dirk Kuyt has hailed team-mate Fernando Torres as the Liverpool striker aims for a victory at Bolton Wanderers on Sunday.

Under Rafa Benitez, the Reds have failed to beat the Trotters at the Reebok Stadium, where they lost 2-0 last season.

Spain striker Torres has been in a remarkable form for most part of the season, after having joined in the summer from Atletico Madrid, and helped the Reds with a hat-trick in league win over Middlesbrough last weekend at Anfield to take his season’s goal tally to 21.

With that win coming after the Champions League last-16 first-leg success over Inter Milan, Benitez’s side are looking to continue their winning run and get themselves back in the top-four in the league table.

“It was very important to get the win against Middlesbrough because we still want to do something in the league and we definitely want to play in the Champions League next season,” Kuyt said in the Liverpool Echo.

“We did our job and got the three points and now we have to get as many points as we can from the league games we have coming up.

“We didn’t make a good start in that game but having beaten Inter Milan a few days before we had the confidence to go and turn it around.

“Fernando got us back into it and from then on we went on to control things, even though we had a bit of a scare late on.

“I was happy with the two wins we had against Inter Milan and Middlesbrough and now we have to look to get another one on Sunday against Bolton.”

The Dutch international hailed the 23-year-old Torres, saying: “He is unbelievable, a really good player.

“I have never seen someone who is that quick with the ball. I don’t think anyone is as quick as Fernando is with the ball at his feet.

“He showed it again against Middlesbrough and if you have a player like that in your team you have to be really happy.”

Torres Calls For Consistency

Fernando Torres believes Liverpool must become more consistent and show more self-belief if they are to challenge for the Premier League title.

The Reds were expected to push the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea this season following the big-money capture of the Spain striker last summer.

However, it has been a familiar story for Liverpool fans with numerous disappointing results despite a promising start to their league campaign.

Torres has proved a fine addition with an impressive 15-goal haul in the Premier League to date, although he believes the team lack the confidence in their own ability to be crowned champions.

The striker's comments come after Steven Gerrard admitted the team's league form simply has not been up to scratch and that even winning the UEFA Champions League would not make up

"We need to be consistent, but we also have to convince ourselves that we can do it," Torres told Sport magazine.

"The only way to get out of a situation like this is to have confidence in yourselves - to talk it over and then maybe string three or four wins together.

"We haven't reached the standards expected of us. We've been inconsistent. When you consider the history of the club and the coach and the squad we have, we really need to improve if we are to fulfil expectations."

Torres has also highlighted the need for stability at Anfield and has praised under-fire manager Rafa Benitez.

"He's one of the most respected coaches in England. Since he came here and won the Champions League in 2005 - especially the way in which he won it," he continued.

"The spirit in the team is good - all we need now is to find some stability and put some better results together."

Reds Rejected Lucas Offers

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has revealed a host of clubs have expressed an interest in midfielder Lucas Leiva.

As revealed by skysports.com, Serie A side Palermo were one of several sides who made an enquiry for Lucas during the January transfer window.

Liverpool rejected all overtures for the 21-year-old, with Benitez tipping him for a big future at Anfield.

"We have received offers for Lucas," Benitez told the club's official website.

"Maybe 10 clubs in Spain and Italy want to take him.

"That is how good he is. I have faith in Lucas.

"He has a very good mentality and is a player of top quality.

"He will be a top player, that is certain.

"But he already is a top player, he was captain of Brazil Under 21s and has won two caps with the national team."

Liverpool star Carragher Arrested And Cautioned For Common Assault

Liverpool's star defender Jamie Carragher has been arrested and cautioned by police for common assault.

The Anfield player, 30, attended at a Merseyside police station yesterday to be questioned over an incident on a busy road close to the player's home.

Carragher assaulted another man on Liverpool Road, Crosby, at around 9am on Tuesday as he made his way to training at Melwood.

A witness called police to report two men were arguing by the side of the road and named the Bootle-born player, who is also Liverpool's vice-captain, as one of the men.

Later that day, police received a complaint from the second man and Carragher was informed officers wanted to speak to him.

An appointment was made for him to see the police and when he went to a police station yesterday with his solicitor, Carragher was formally interviewed and accepted his caution. Accepting a caution is an admission of guilt in the eyes of the law.

Common assault can include anything from spitting to shoving.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "We can confirm that a 30-year-old man from the Blundellsands area received a police caution for common assault in relation to an incident on Liverpool Road, Crosby, on Tuesday February 26."

Desperate Kewell Goes The Extra Mile

Harry Kewell is doing extra training with Liverpool reserves in a last, desperate bid to earn another contract at Anfield.

The injury-plagued Australia winger is out of contract at the end of the season and has little chance of another deal at his current £70,000 a week after making only nine starts and failing to last 90 minutes in any of them this season.

He is hoping to negotiate a pay-as-you-play extension and has spoken to manager Rafa Benitez in an effort to win over the Liverpool boss.

Benitez confirmed: "It is true that Harry came to see me and that it was his idea to do extra training with the reserves to build up his fitness. He has a professional mentality and his approach is very positive. He must carry on working hard and making sure he is ready for any opportunity, but I have no problem with him at all."

Kewell, signed from Leeds for £5million by former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier, faces an uphill task to stay at Anfield beyond this season after making only one appearance as substitute in the past month.

But he pushed his claims for a recall by scoring the second goal in Liverpool reserves' 2-0 win over Manchester United.

"He is a typical Aussie who doesn't know the meaning of giving up," said a close friend.

"There have been approaches from other clubs, but his only interest is winning over Benitez and staying at Anfield."

Hicks Moves For Complete Control Of Liverpool

Tom Hicks served notice of his intention to retain control at Liverpool last night when he warned he may block George Gillett's attempts to sell to Dubai International Capital. As a game of brinkmanship develops over the future of Liverpool, Hicks also indicated he could gain total control with a buyout of his co-chairman.

Liverpool's co-owners have both held negotiations about a possible takeover with the investment arm of the Dubai government in recent months. However, under the terms of their joint takeover last February, Hicks and Gillett have first refusal on each other's 50% stake and must give their consent to any sale by the partner.

Although Gillett has been receptive to DIC and the prospect of a quick profit on his troubled 12-month investment, Hicks remains a major obstacle to the Dubai group's ambitions of a complete takeover. The Texan has told DIC he would grant it permission to purchase Gillett's holding on the condition he remained in control of the management structure. He is also keen to retain the lead role in the development of a new stadium on Stanley Park.

DIC has rejected Hicks' conditions and is reluctant to replicate the 50-50 venture that has proved so problematic for Liverpool. It will invest only on the understanding that Hicks is willing to allow it to become the dominant party and is prepared to walk away if the current impasse continues. In response to this stand-off Hicks gave the first public indication of the breakdown in his relationship with Gillett last night when he reaffirmed his determination not to relinquish power at Anfield.

"Not only am I not going to sell, my partner cannot sell without my approval," Hicks said in an interview with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram yesterday. "So I kind of have the ability to determine the outcome of what is going to happen and I am right in the middle of that."

Alarmingly for Liverpool supporters opposed to the Americans' regime, Hicks suggested one way of resolving the problems with Gillett would be to purchase his stake and become the outright owner. "For a lot of reasons I can't discuss I haven't been able to fix it yet. But I am preparing to be in a position to fix it," he added.

It is debatable, however, whether Hicks could afford to buy out his co-chairman given the impact of the credit crunch on his Hicks Holdings company and the current financial problems with his US sports franchises, the Texas Rangers baseball team and the NHL's Dallas Stars.

There were further off-pitch distractions for Liverpool yesterday when it was revealed that their vice-captain, Jamie Carragher, had been arrested and cautioned by police for common assault.

The former England international, 30, was formally interviewed at a Merseyside police station and accepted the caution - an admission of guilt in the eyes of the law - following an altercation near his home in Blundellsands on Tuesday morning. Carragher had been driving to training at Liverpool's Melwood complex when he became embroiled in a row with a man with whom it is believed he has endured a long-running dispute.

A witness called police to report two men arguing by the roadside and named the Liverpool defender as one of those involved. Later that day the apparent victim also filed a complaint against Carragher, who was given an appointment to be interviewed by officers and accepted the caution for common assault, the lowest form of assault, in the company of his solicitor.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "We can confirm that a 30-year-old man from the Blundellsands area received a police caution for common assault in relation to an incident on Liverpool Road, Crosby, on Tuesday, February 26." The club declined to comment.

Confirmation of Carragher's arrest came as Rafael Benítez was compelled to stress that Steven Gerrard is not alone in harbouring deep frustrations at this season's domestic under-achievement.

"Everyone at Liverpool shares Steven's sentiments, there is no question about that," the Liverpool manager said. "We wanted to be further up the table and the fact that we are not is a disappointment to everyone."

Rafa Hints At Less Rotation

Recent comments made by Rafael Benitez suggest that he is considering giving his much maligned rotation policy a rest.

Uncharacteristically, the Liverpool boss made only one change to the side for Saturday's 3-2 victory over Middlesbrough from the one that beat Inter, and he hinted that this would be a sign of things to come.

"I think so. It will depend on the players in the end, but we can keep some players playing more games now," said Benitez, speaking shortly after Everton's 2-0 victory away to Manchester City seriously upped the pressure on his side in the race for the final Champions League place,

"Everton have a lot of confidence right now and it was a good win for them (on Monday), but it's a long race," the Spaniard added.

"Portsmouth, Villa, Everton, City and us will all be there. I'm not sure if it will go to the final game but I think a lot will depend on these three games we have in a row."

Benitez Won't Rush Hyypia Decision

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez will decide on the future of defender Sami Hyypia later in the season.

The 34 year-old has been outstanding in the continued absence of Danish centre-back Daniel Agger through injury, and intimated that he would like a new contract when his current deal runs out in the summer.

Benitez had planned to use Hyypia as cover for Agger and Jamie Carragher this term but has been forced to use the Finland international 33 times as Liverpool's defensive strength has been stretched.

Agger made his comeback from a five-month absence with metatarsal injury in the reserves against Manchester United's second string last night and is almost ready for a return to first-team action.

Hyypia, linked with both Fulham and Newcastle in recent months, expressed a desire to stay at the club and complete 10 years at Anfield in 2009.

Benitez, who has also bought Slovakian 23-year-old Martin Skrtel for £6.5million from Zenit St Petersburg, insists Hyypia "has nothing to prove" - and a decision on his long-term future will be delayed until near the end of the season.

The Spaniard said: "I was talking with him, but he knows we have to wait a little bit.

"I am really pleased with him. The question now is to see how he progresses, but he knows my thoughts.

"He doesn't have to prove anything. We know him, and he knows why we have to analyse the situation. "Every year he has been a key player for us. He's a centre-back with experience who's good in the air and who can play the ball.

"He is playing more games than we maybe expected this season - but every game his performance is good."

Hyypia has spent almost a decade at Anfield after being signed from Willem II by Gerard Houllier in May 1999, and is regarded by Liverpool fans as one of the club's greatest servants.

Hyypia added: "My priority would be to stay at Liverpool, but it's not only up to me. I haven't got any offers yet from here or any other clubs, so I am just trying to focus on the matches.

"I am enjoying playing, and I have played more games than maybe I thought I would this season because of all the injuries. The only thing I can do is try to play well. It would be very nice to get to 10 years at the club, but I am just concentrating on playing well.

"Whether I stay wouldn't depend on how many games I play. I am not like that. I'm not interested in somebody promising me something.

"If we have four centre-backs then everyone fights for their place, and performances should determine who plays. If I keep playing well then it will be difficult for the manager to change things."

Lucas: I'm Learning From Gerrard And Xavi

Liverpool's Lucas Leiva has won over manager Rafael Benitez in recent weeks, having displaced fan favourite Xabi Alonso from the starting line-up...The midfielder has revealed he is learning a lot from the man's place he has taken, as well as his captain.

Speaking to the club's official website, Lucas explained what motivates him to perform.

"Whenever I play, in each game, I know I have to play well in order to stay in the team. Gerrard, Xabi and Mascherano are very good players," he said.

"I am learning a lot from them because they have played a lot of time in Europe, especially Gerrard and Xabi. They have won the European Cup.

"I am still young but I know I have potential to fight for a place in the team. Liverpool brought me here and Liverpool have confidence in me. I respect all the players but I need to fight for my position.

"Rafa always asks for a little bit more. He always says, 'you can improve' or 'you can play better'. And it's true. But he has confidence in me."

The 21-year-old also revealed how has been settling in in his new surroundings, insisting it is not as different as many may think. He has also extended thanks to countryman and team-mate Fabio Aurelio for helping him settle into the country and learn the language.

"My life is the Brazil life: very relaxed," declared the former Gremio starlet. "I like to stay home, not go out. The weather in the winter is more or less the same, though the nights are longer here. But I like Liverpool and all the people try to help me.

"Fabio [Aurelio] has been the most important player for me because he speaks the language, but everyone helps a lot.

"If I had a problem I would have called Fabio, but now I speak English quite well and can try to sort things myself.

Mascherano Nears Permanent Switch

Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano has revealed he is close to finally making his move to Liverpool a permament one.

The Reds have been locked in talks with the former West Ham player for the last few months as they look to secure his future.

Mascherano is currently on loan at Anfield until the end of the season after joining the Reds in the 2007 January transfer window.

The Argentina international has been a revelation at Anfield since his arrival after an ill-fated spell with the Hammers.

Mascherano is hopeful he will put pen-to-paper on a contract in the next few days to end speculation over his future.

"We are really close," Mascherano told the club's official website. "Maybe this week or next week we will be able to say everything's finished. We can't say it just yet but hopefully in a few days everything will be okay.

"There are no problems with the fee or with the contract, it's just getting the papers finished.

"I have always said I want to stay here and so it hasn't been a difficult time for me. I have wanted it to be finished because I have my family behind me and I want to know what my future is going to be. I am calm and relaxed because I know that everything is almost over.

"I am very happy that in the next week I will be able to say I have signed for Liverpool. It will be the best moment of my career to be able to say I will be playing my football with Liverpool."

Mascherano also outlined the importance of the club finishing fourth and qualifying for next season's UEFA Champions League.

The Reds currently sit in fifth spot three points behind local rivals Everton in the battle to finish fourth and Mascherano insists they must keep up their pursuit of finishing fourth by beating Bolton this weekend.

"We have to finish in the top four because we want to be playing in the Champions League next season," added Mascherano.

"We have to win the games we have coming up before we go to Milan and so it's not difficult to stay focused at all.

"We had a good win against Middlesbrough on Saturday and now we have to go and try to win at Bolton. We beat them easily at Anfield earlier in the season but we know it's going to be harder this weekend because they're a difficult side to play on their own pitch."

Gerrard: No Prizes For Fourth

Steven Gerrard says this season is a failure for Liverpool - fans wouldn't have wanted second place in the league, never mind fourth.

Steven Gerrard has admitted his frustration with Liverpool's season.

The Reds may be in the Champions League still, but another season of hype and failure in the Premier League has really got the Anfield skipper down.

"You don’t get any prizes for finishing in second place - never mind fourth - in football," Gerrard said. "I don’t think the fans would accept it as an accomplishment and, for me, it’s not nearly good enough.

In the position we find ourselves in, fourth is the least that is acceptable between now and May - but we have bigger ambitions than that.

"I still believe we have the squad to be a hell of a lot more competitive than we are right now," he continued. "I’m a Liverpool fan and I believe the league is the most important trophy going.

"I’m pretty gutted every time I look at the table and see the gap between us and the top three. We believed we had the players to challenge for the title. We wanted that trophy more than any other one available to us. We’ve simply got to improve.”

Daniel Agger Returns To Bolster Liverpool’s Defence

Daniel Agger is ready to bolster Liverpool’s defence after ending more than five months of injury torment with a run-out for the reserves.

The Denmark international, whose season has been ruined by a metatarsal injury, played 45 minutes for the second string in their 2-0 win against Manchester United at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium last night.

It was the 23-year-old’s first competitive action of any sort since the goalless draw at Portsmouth on September 15.

Under the watchful gaze of Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, Agger – wearing a pair of specially-modified boots – came through unscathed and could now be in the frame for Sunday’s visit to Bolton Wanderers.

Agger was replaced at half-time by fellow centre-back Martin Skrtel, who was stepping his own recovery after suffering a calf problem in training a fortnight ago.

Harry Kewell and Xabi Alonso were also given 90 minutes against United, for whom a surprisingly portly Gary Neville returned from a lengthy injury absence with a 60-minute appearance.

In front of 10,546 fans, Alonso scored the opening goal from the spot in the 12th minute after Krisztian Nemeth was fouled by Gerard Pique.

Richard Eckersley was dismissed late on for United before Kewell sealed the 2-0 win with a breakaway goal in the final minute.

Meanwhile, Sami Hyypia is hopeful of earning a new contract to take him to 10 years at Anfield.

A number of clubs, including Fulham and Newcastle United, are thought to be monitoring Hyypia’s situation with his current contract due to expire in the summer.

But the 34-year-old admits clinching a new contract at Liverpool is his priority.

“My priority would be to stay at Liverpool, but it’s not only up to me,” said Hyypia.

“I haven’t got any offers yet from here or any other clubs, so I’m just trying to focus on the matches.

“I’m enjoying playing. I’ve played more games than I maybe thought I would this season because of all the injuries.

“The only thing I can do is try to play well, and when it’s time to sit down see what happens.

“It would be very nice to get to 10 years at the club but I’m just concentrating on playing well.”

Hyypia has made 33 appearances for Liverpool this season, although he faces competition for his place with Jamie Carragher now free from suspension and Skrtel and Agger both fit.

But the defender added: “Whether I stay wouldn’t depend on how many games I play. I’m not like that. I’m not interested in someone promising me anything. If we have four centre-backs, then everyone fights for their place and performances should determine who plays. If I keep playing well then it’ll be very difficult for the manager to change things.”

Future Remains Unclear Despite Hicks’ Sale Denial

The future of Liverpool FC last night remained dogged by uncertainty despite co-owner Tom Hicks insisting he was not planning to sell his stake in the club.

Hicks moved quickly to dismiss reports he had invited Dubai International Capital (DIC) to inspect the club’s accounts in preparation for a takeover.

A source last night told the Daily Post the reports were “wide of the mark”.

It is understood Hicks has had talks with DIC even after a £350million refinancing package was announced on January 25.

The Daily Post also understands there has been a breakdown in relations between Hicks and co-owner George Gillett.

The pair are thought to have fallen out over Hicks insistence to make the details of the £350m refinancing package public – Gillett refused to put his name to it.

DIC are understood to be considering making an offer for Gillett’s 50% stake, but also want a slice of Hicks’ holding to gain a controlling interest.

The latest speculation follows Hicks’s son being chased out a the Sandon pub after Saturday’s match against Middlesborough.

Yesterday Hicks released a statement. It read: “Reports that I am about to sell my stake in the Liverpool Football Club, or to invite DIC to examine the club’s books in preparation for such a sale – like other such reports planted in the UK press in recent weeks by parties with their own self-interested agenda – are absolutely and categorically false.

“The reality is that I am personally, professionally and financially committed to the club and its supporters and that I will continue to honour that commitment to the best of my ability now and in the future.”

It appears no takeover by DIC is imminent but that the Dubai company, the investment arm of the Maktoum royal family, are keeping their options open.

The main problem preventing a takeover remains the price DIC are willing to pay.

It has been nowhere near the amount of money Hicks has been asking for – he would want to make a substantial sum out of selling the club.

Another hurdle to overcome is that the refinancing package announced on January 25 has loaded £105m of debt on to the club.

Of that, £60m is earmarked to kick-start the new stadium development plus £45m for future player transfers and to meet the club’s working capital needs.

Even if Gillett is willing to sell his 50% to DIC, they would still not have a controlling share so would want to buy some or all of Hicks’ stake to ensure they had a majority holding.

The takeover talk is being driven by the fact that the refinancing deal only lasts for 18 months and so Hicks and Gillett are soon going to have to start renegotiating the debts.

Furthermore, they are shortly going to have to go back to the banks to ask for a further £300m in loans to finance the rest of the new stadium at Stanley Park.

Tom Hicks In Denial But Liverpool Are Braced For Dubai Takeover

Discussions will continue between Tom Hicks and Dubai International Capital (DIC) over the coming weeks, despite the Liverpool co-chairman’s vehement insistence last night that he is not about to sell his stake in the club. The Arab investment group is expected to become a co-owner of the Merseyside club next month by purchasing the 50 per cent stake held by George Gillett Jr. in the first phase of a takeover process that will test the strength of Hicks’s latest denials.

The Times reported yesterday that, although Hicks intends to retain some of his shares and influence at the club for the immediate future, he and Gillett, his co-owner, are willing to grant DIC permission to examine Liverpool’s accounts with a view to launching a takeover bid next month. Hicks denied those reports yesterday, claiming that they had been “planted . . . by parties with their own self- interested agenda” and that he is “personally, professionally and financially committed to the club and its supporters”, but numerous sources insist that his partnership with Gillett is finished and that DIC will start the first phase of its takeover within weeks.

Hicks’s latest statement did not deny that discussions are taking place. DIC’s interest never went away after it was gazumped by Hicks and Gillett a little more than 12 months ago and, although DIC turned down the Americans’ invitation to buy a 15 per cent stake in the club after a meeting in October, discussions have taken place behind the scenes since the start of this year, particularly since January 25, when Hicks announced a £350 million refinancing deal that brought them stability in the immediate future but left their regime looking all but unsustainable in the longer term.

Gillett, who was the catalyst behind the initial takeover, with Hicks arriving on the scene late in the process, conceded some time ago that the joint partnership was not working. Gillett, the owner of the Montreal Canadiens ice hockey team, has subsequently “all but disappeared”, according to sources, declining to put his name to Hicks’s frequent statements and making clear to DIC his willingness to sell his 50 per cent stake.

His son, Foster, who was initially dispatched to Merseyside as a “link man” between the owners and Rafael Benítez, the manager, has spent the past month in Montreal, apparently with no plans to return to Britain.

Hicks, who was originally seen as the silent partner, has proved to be anything but. Even if he and Benítez have tried to build bridges since their infamous falling-out in November — when Hicks declared that it was “time for Rafa to quit talking and concentrate on coaching the players we have” — the Texan has made himself deeply unpopular at Anfield.

Tom Hicks Jr, his son, has at least shown willing to ingratiate himself with the locals, but his attempts to do so backfired on Saturday, when he was confronted by supporters in a pub near Anfield after the 3-2 victory over Middlesbrough.

While Gillett is expected to sell up within weeks, Hicks is determined to retain the majority of his stake for the immediate future, but DIC is looking for guarantees that he will sell out completely at a later date. Hicks spoke to DIC officials on a trip to Dubai last week and talked to their financial advisers on Thursday and Friday. The two parties remain some way apart on various issues, not least on Hicks’s wish to be seen as the senior partner in any coalition, but a variety of sources — by no means all of them with self-interested agendas — indicate that the Anfield investment saga is about to enter a new chapter.

Dubai International Capital To Oown Half Of LFC Within A Month'

Dubai International Capital may own at least half of Liverpool Football Club within the next three weeks.

After months of negotiations George Gillett has reportedly indicated a willingness to sell his 50% stake in the club and a fee is believed to have been agreed.

A specialist team of bankers and solicitors have been put in place by the investment arm of the Dubai government as it awaits permission to study the club's books.

That permission is expected to be granted in the next couple of days and should everything be found to be in order, DIC could complete the deal with Gillett, who is ready to relinquish his stake having had a massive fall-out with Reds co-owner Tom Hicks.

The relationship between the two Americans has reached an all-time low and Gillett believes it is now beyond repair.

Hicks, though, is not prepared to give up his stake in Liverpool and DIC are prepared to enter into shared ownership with the Texan, in the short term at least.

Hicks has expressed a desire to retain control of the club but DIC are not interested in being a silent partner and want to start making decisions regarding the club's future as and when they complete the proposed deal with Gillett.

Hicks had tried to secure the funding to buy Gillett but with the credit crunch biting hard has been unable to do so and is now resigned to the fact he is likely to have a new partner shortly.

DIC are also looking to buy part of Hicks' stake as they look to secure a majority shareholding in the club, which they tried to buy outright last year.

Despite losing out to the Americans in February 2007, their interest has never faded and they have now successfully negotiated themselves a position which could see them take part-ownership by mid-March.

Should that happen, it would, in all likelihood, be greeted with enthusiasm by Liverpool's fans after a series of protests against Hicks and Gillett.

Atletico Want Liverpool Coach Benitez On Board

Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez will be offered an escape route from Anfield this summer by Atletico Madrid.

The Spanish outfit have indentified the under-fire Liverpool coach as their No 1 target to replace Javier Aguirre, who is expected to be sacked at the end of the season in wake of their Uefa Cup exit to Bolton last week.

Benitez's own future hangs in the balance following Liverpool's cup failings which saw them crash out of the FA Cup to a last-gasp winner at home to Barnsley earlier this month.

The Spaniard would go a long way of preserving his position with a successful Champions League campaign and fourth-place league finish, but even that would not safeguard his job with Dubai International Capital holding out hopes of completing a takeover of the club.

Although Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks dismissed speculation that he is ready to sell his stake in the club to the investment arm of the Dubai royal family, his comments yesterday are unlikely to draw a line under the episode.

The turmoil has already affected Liverpool's season on the pitch and while Benitez might be given one-last chance to turn things around in the summer, he could be tempted by a fresh challenge back in his homeland.

Officials from Atletico, including club president Enrique Cerezo and sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch, are thought to have discussed the possibility of luring Benitez to the Vicente Calderon earlier this week with a view of making a move for the former Valencia coach at the end of the season.

"We know it might be difficult but we will fight for the chance," a club source says in the Star.

As Benitez maintains his focus to on-the-field matters at Anfield, he will have been pleased to see Daniel Agger continue his comeback from injury in Liverpool reserves' 2-0 win over Manchester United last night.

The Denmark international lasted 45 minutes before being replaced by Martin Skrtel having been sidelined with a broken metatarsal since September.

A Xabi Alonso penalty and Harry Kewell strike sealed the win which saw Liverpool extend their lead at the top of the Premier Reserve League North to nine points.