Liverpool FC Academy Production Line Is Letting Side Down

ENJOYING their best-ever start to a Premier League season and closing on yet another qualification to the knockout stages of the Champions League, things would appear to be going well for Liverpool.

But scratch beneath the surface at Anfield and it’s clear something has to change.

Wednesday’s woeful Carling Cup capitulation at Tottenham Hotspur should have sent the alarm bells ringing throughout the club.

While Arsenal’s youngsters continue to thrill in the competition, Rafael Benitez is evidently finding it a struggle to find any of a similar standard either at home or abroad.

Lacking the financial resources that allowed Arsene Wenger to snap up the cream of the world’s budding talent in recent years, Benitez’s attempts to unearth a rare gem of his own from across the globe means there are nearly 30 youngsters at the club under the age of 23.

Few of those hopefuls realistically have any chance of ever forging a career at Anfield.

However, the alternative production line at the Academy, another profitable source for Wenger, is proving just as fruitless.

After all, why did Benitez see fit to select only one recent homegrown graduate, reserve team skipper Stephen Darby, in the squad for Wednesday’s trip to White Hart Lane in a competition that is a long way last in the manager’s list of priorities?

Of course, this situation hasn’t just happened overnight. Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier was regularly at loggerheads with the Academy over the lack of quality emerging from the Kirkby set-up.

Benitez has used the Carling Cup to give youth its chance at Anfield, most notably on his previous visit to Tottenham in the competition in December 2004 when eight homegrown players made an appearance.

But it’s telling that none are still at the club with only Stephen Warnock plying his trade in the top flight.

Punters who hit the internet message boards and radio phone-ins to lambast Wednesday’s performance as one of the worst they have ever seen from Liverpool certainly have short memories.

Don’t forget, it was less than two years ago that the Anfield outfit were humbled 6-3 at home by Arsenal in the quarter-finals.

Carling Cup exits have proven a watershed during previous seasons under Benitez, particularly for the young hopefuls selected.

After losing at Crystal Palace in 2005, David Raven and Zak Whitbread never played for Liverpool again while Darren Potter made only one further appearance.

And the Arsenal humbling in January 2007 saw a last outing for Lee Peltier, with Danny Guthrie only playing one more time and Gabriel Paletta three times.

It was also a final appearance for Warnock, who joined Blackburn Rovers shortly afterwards.

Ominous signs, then, for the likes of David Ngog, Nabil El Zhar and Damien Plessis, who all played at White Hart Lane.

But the trio weren’t helped by the performances and attitude of some of their senior professionals on Wednesday.

Philipp Degen in particular demonstrated little appetite for the fight and the sight of him hobbling off with yet another injury may be the last time he is seen in a Liver-pool shirt. Darby is surely a better long-term bet.

Liverpool’s Academy may be located six miles from Melwood but it could just as easily be in another country and not just because of the accents that echo around the corridors these days.

Co-operation between the two complexes does not exist, simply cynicism of what each other is trying to achieve when they should be chasing the same goal.

There is no doubt that some people at the Academy will have relished the sight of Ngog, Plessis and El Zhar toiling – which in itself is an even bigger disgrace – without offering up a solution to the problem themselves.

Manchester City can churn out talent and Everton can churn out English talent that, even if they do not prove good enough, would raise some money. Nothing is coming from Kirkby.

Liverpool’s board cannot keep on ignoring the situation by refusing to take sides for fear of upsetting people.

Both sides need shaking up for the common good of the club and it amounts to a dereliction of duty that the status quo is being allowed to fester.

The Academy has other difficulties, as highlighted last month by Sunderland manager Roy Keane.

Premier League rules dictate that boys must live within 90 minutes’ travel time of any team they sign for, putting the likes of coastal outfits Sunderland and Liverpool at a disadvantage compared to London clubs.

“That’s something we are looking at,” said Keane. “If you look at our academy, we are restricted in terms of our location.

“You can only bring in kids from a certain area. It’s a certain radius and a lot of our radius is in the water. We have to look at whether there’s any good fish out there.”

If Liverpool are going to improve their catch of youngsters, then the bait, the rod and maybe even the anglers need to be reassessed.

Kevin Nolan: Winning Premier League Would Mean More To Liverpool FC Than European Cup

BOLTON captain Kevin Nolan was in Istanbul to watch Liverpool claim their fifth European Cup in 2005 but he insists a first domestic title since 1990 would rank far higher.

The Reds enhanced their remarkable European pedigree further three years ago with their stunning comeback victory against AC Milan.

Nolan, a boyhood Liverpool fan who still lives in the city, has fond memories of the match regarded as one of the greatest European finals.

However, almost 19 years have passed since the club were last crowned domestic champions and that is a source of immense frustration to Nolan and thousands of other Liverpool followers.

But a hugely impressive start to the campaign has ensured Rafael Benitez’s side head to the Reebok Stadium tomorrow lunchtime joint top of the Premier League with Chelsea.

If Sir Alex Ferguson’s men retain the title again this season, they will draw level with Liverpool’s record haul of 18 English championships.

For Nolan, 26, that is simply not acceptable.

“There’s been a lot of talk about United matching Liverpool’s record of 18 and that’s not something that I want to see,” he said.

“As a Liverpool lad and as a fan I don’t think it should happen to be honest.

“It would certainly hurt the history of Liverpool and everything they have achieved.

“It would hurt the players as well but if United get that 18th title then they will deserve it. They have been absolutely fantastic over the last 15 years.

“It would be great to see the championship coming back to Liverpool because it would mean so much to the fans.

“Istanbul was brilliant but winning the league would top that and I don’t think Liverpool are far off.”

Jermaine Pennant’s Anfield Future Is In Doubt

JERMAINE PENNANT’S Liverpool future is under fresh doubt after the winger was left out of the Carling Cup defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

But the Anfield outfit run the risk of the winger walking away for nothing at the end of the season if they fail to offload him during the January transfer window.

After starting Liverpool’s previous two home Premier League games, Pennant failed to make the squad for the weekend Anfield win against West Bromwich Albion and was again absent from the 18-man party on Wednesday.

It is believed the absence at White Hart Lane of Pennant, who appeared in the win over Crewe Alexandra in the previous round, was due to disciplinary reasons.

Pennant was told by Rafael Benitez earlier this season that he would not be frozen out despite Liverpool actively seeking to sell the player during the summer.

The winger turned down the chance of a £5million move to Stoke City and came close to joining Blackburn Rovers on transfer deadline day.

Recent events are likely to accelerate Pennant’s departure, with Wigan Athletic tracking the player along with Bolton Wanderers, who were yesterday linked with a possible £3.5m bid in the New Year.

However, the situation is complicated by the contract Pennant agreed when signing from Birmingham City for £6.7m in July 2006.

That deal will expire in the summer unless Pennant plays a specified number of games this season. Should he reach that target – thought to be around 15 – it will automatically invoke a one-year contract extension.

But if Pennant, who has played only four times so far this campaign, falls short of the required total of appearances – the likelihood of which has increased with Liverpool’s Carling Cup exit – then he would walk away for nothing in June.

Meanwhile, Daniel Agger admits Benitez’s side will win nothing this season if they don’t improve on their woeful showing at Tottenham.

Liverpool conceded three goals in seven minutes before half-time before eventually slumping to a 4-2 defeat.

And Agger, the only survivor at White Hart Lane from the team that started the 3-0 win against West Brom five days earlier, reckons the Anfield outfit must banish the game from their memory banks ahead of tomorrow’s tricky trip to Bolton Wanderers.

“If you see the goals it was the same problem every time and they speak for themselves,” said the Denmark international. “We conceded four bad goals and you cannot expect to do that and still get anything out of a game.

“We improved in the second half but we knew it could only go one way as we couldn’t play as badly as we did in the first half.

“Right now it’s difficult to take any positives at all. That just wasn’t good enough. We have to do better than this otherwise we won’t achieve anything this season.

“The mood wasn’t the best in the squad after the game but we have to put this behind us quickly. Bolton are a strong, physical team and it’s another difficult game for us. We can’t perform like this on Saturday because if we do then we will lose.”

Agger refused to entertain the notion that the Carling Cup was a mere distraction for Liverpool, given their progress in the Premier League and Champions League this season.

“For some players this is a very important competition,” he said. “We have a big squad and the more games we can have the better it is for us. Not going any further than the fourth round this season is very annoying.”

Match Report: Tottenham Hotspur 4 - 2 LiverpooL

Harry Redknapp's magic touch continued with victory over Liverpool at White Hart Lane to secure Tottenham a place in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup.

As if to illustrate the manager's impact since taking charge 18 days ago, it was two players on the fringes during Redknapp's revolution who turned the tie with three goals in six minutes just before the break against Rafael Benitez's reserves.

Roman Pavlyuchenko, who netted the late winner when Liverpool were beaten by Spurs in the Premier League, opened the scoring with a crisp finish before Fraizer Campbell added his first two for the club since his loan from Manchester United.

Damien Plessis and Sami Hyypia pulled goals back either side Pavlyuchenko's second, stirring memories of their second-half Istanbul comeback in the 2005 Champions League final - but Spurs held on to stay in the competition they won in February under Juande Ramos.

It is now five wins and a draw since the new manager was appointed.

Redknapp clearly wants to keep his whole squad happy and motivated - that was shown by the entire team shaking hands with suspended full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto when they returned from the warm-up.

Fabio Capello was in the stands to cast an eye on Darren Bent - the player most transformed since Redknapp's arrival - but Pavlyuchenko and Campbell were given their opportunities instead.

Capello could still look at Tom Huddlestone, whose range of passing was the bright spots in a dull opening to the match.

There was only a tame penalty shout of note before the match exploded into life seven minutes before the break after Gareth Bale slipped the ball down the left flank for Campbell.

The low cross was met first time by Pavlyuchenko and the powerful finish went through Diego Cavalieri's legs.

Jamie O'Hara should have added a second a minute later, with Campbell again providing but Cavalieri saved, then Ryan Babel and Pavlyuchenko were booked as the intensity rose.

Campbell grabbed his first in the 42nd minute after O'Hara chipped through, Cavalieri and Andrea Dossena got in the way of each other, leaving an open goal for the striker.

His next goal was a header from Aaron Lennon's cross, a neat finish to give Spurs a three-goal lead.

Liverpool have history when it comes to coming back from 3-0 down, and they were given hope when Plessis headed home Babel's corner from the left three minutes after the restart.

Pavlyuchenko replied immediately, restoring the three-goal cushion when he tapped in Didier Zokora's cross.

Fernando Torres was struggling on his return from his hamstring tear. He barely had sight of goal on his comeback and his evening was brought to an end 11 minutes into the second half when he was taken off for Emiliano Insua.

Apart from Torres and Daniel Agger, though, it was a second-string side that Benitez put out and there was no Steven Gerrard to inspire another famous comeback.

But their hopes did not fade entirely with Torres' departure, as Hyypia headed in from another corner, with Benitez then sending on Xabi Alonso.

As Spurs protected their lead, there were worrying scenes for Redknapp as goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes required lengthy treatment after Philipp Degen caught him.

Gomes was carried off on a stretcher in a neck brace, with oxygen required for the Brazilian, who was replaced by Cesar Sanchez.

Pavlyuchenko had a first hat-trick in English football in his sights but fired straight at Cavalieri when he raced through.

Liverpool fans thought they should have had a penalty when Bale tackled Degen.

Kevin-Prince Boateng, another player frozen out by Ramos, was also brought on for an appearance.

Benitez Defends Reds Selection

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has defended his decision to field reserves in the Carling Cup defeat by Tottenham on Wednesday night.

While Arsenal's youngsters looked ready for the top flight when they booked their place in the Carling Cup quarter-final earlier in the week, Benitez's second-string struggled at White Hart Lane and were defeated 4-2.

"They are internationals and have quality, but we didn't play well," said Benitez.

"I think they can still do well. When you have two or three not playing well, though, it's difficult for the others to keep up their levels.

"The young players need to play more games like this - win some games, lose some games, gain some experience."

Liverpool remain second in the Premier League but there will now be doubts if Benitez's squad players are ready to step in when suspensions and injuries

"If the team goes to Bolton and wins, we'll still be top of the table and everyone will be talking about our priorities," added the Spaniard.

"We're disappointed because I want to win every game. We had a lot of quality in that team and wanted to win. But you have to think about priorities.

"The Champions League and the Premier League are the priorities. After that, the FA Cup."

Spurs sealed their place in the last eight after two goals apiece for Roman Pavlyuchenko and Fraizer Campbell - strikers who have so far been overshadowed by Darren Bent since Harry Redknapp's arrival as manager.

"A lot of the heads were down, he's come in and stroked their egos a bit," said Campbell on Sky Sports 1.

Liverpool scored through Damien Plessis and Sami Hyypia, with Spurs seeing out the final 20 minutes despite having goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes carried off on a stretcher after a blow to the head.

The injury looked serious at the time but the Brazilian did not need to go to hospital and was able to talk to his team-mates after the win.

It means Redknapp, who was celebrating the birth of his grandchild Beau earlier this week, is still unbeaten as Spurs boss.

"The run will come to an end at some point, that's for sure," he said.

"The morale's great. They're all enjoying it. It's easy when you're winning.

"That's why we want to keep this run going. We're going well. We've got a big chance, here. But we have to keep going - we need league points."

Rafael Benitez Bemoans Errors In Liverpool FC Defence

Unhappy Rafael Benitez bemoaned the “very poor” defending that ensured a Carling Cup hammering for Liverpool.

The Anfield outfit conceded three goals in seven minutes before half-time before ultimately crashing to a 4-2 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur in their fourth round tie.

A Roman Pavlyuchenko strike and two from Fraizer Campbell sent the Londoners on their way to inflicting a second loss on Benitez’s side in 11 days, following their earlier 2-1 Premier League triumph at White Hart Lane.

Pavlyuchenko scored another after the interval to leave goals from Damien Plessis – the first of his Anfield career – and Sami Hyypia as mere consolation for the visitors.

And a hugely disappointed Benitez admitted a woeful first-half display had cost his much-changed team.

“It was very unlike us,” said the Liverpool manager. “We were very poor in the last minutes of the first half.

“If you make one mistake and concede then you can change things around in the second half, but to concede three goals in a couple of minutes meant it was difficult for us to change anything.

“In the Premier League game here we played really well, but tonight we played really badly in the first half.

“In the second half, the commitment and effort from the players was much better and we scored two goals and had other opportunities, but we were always chasing the game and leaving ourselves open to a good counter-attacking side.

“We needed to play well, and instead we played badly and made some bad mistakes in defence.”

Benitez made 10 changes from the team that beat West Bromwich Albion 3-0 at the weekend, with Daniel Agger the only survivor.

Along with Plessis, youngsters David Ngog and Nabil El Zhar were handed starts while Philipp Degen and Diego Cavalieri made only their second appearances since their summer arrivals.

Reserve team captain Stephen Darby made his debut as a late substitute for Degen.

But Benitez defended his selection policy for the Carling Cup, and said: “You have to use the whole squad in this competition as you cannot have players playing in every game, especially when you are playing twice a week.

“Some need to rest and you need to use the squad. Many of the players we brought in tonight are internationals and have quality. But it’s clear they didn’t play well as a team.

“I’m not picking on any individuals. The youngsters would have been better had some of the more senior players done well. But they will get more experience from nights like this.”

Benitez added: “If the team goes to Bolton and wins then we will still be at the top of the table and people will talk about us doing well and the Premier League being our priority.

“But I am disappointed because I want to win every gamer. We came here with a lot of players with quality for winning.”

Fernando Torres, who made his first start since his hamstring injury last month, was substituted after 56 minutes with Benitez admitting he was nursing the striker back to full fitness.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp said: “If you’re in it, you want to win it.

“I’ve sensed a strong desire that they want to win every game.”

Of Campbell who netted twice, his first goals since arriving from Manchester United on loan, Redknapp said: “You can see why Sir Alex Ferguson turned down £7million for him from Hull.”

The result maintains Redknapp’s unbeaten record and he joked: “I should get out now, I’ve taken them as far as I can.

“It’s been a terrific start but you know you’ll have ups and downs.

“Saturday is a massive game against Fulham, there are 14 teams scrapping away and can be in trouble.”

Heurelho Gomes was carried off on a stretcher after taking a blow to the head but the injury was not serious – and there were still smiles in the dressing room afterwards.

“They are all enjoying it, when you are winning its easy,” Redknapp said. “That is why we want to keep this run going.”

Cash Crisis Could Force American Co-Owners To Accept £500m Bid From Sheikh Mohammed

Tom Hicks and George Gillett may have to swallow their pride and accept a take-it-or-leave-it £500million buy-out offer from Sheikh Mohammed in the wake of grim forecasts about their prospects of steering Liverpool through a worsening financial crisis.

With the deadline looming for repayment of a £350million loan to Royal Bank of Scotland, Liverpool's co-owners face a dilemma over their next move, following claims from financial expert Keith Harris that the Anfield club are 'the ones who worry me most.'
Sportsmail understands a £500million bid from Sheikh Mohammed is still on the table, after being lodged last February, but that it may be withdrawn, if the Americans are forced into a corner by their bank.

Hicks and Gillett are considering asking RBS for a six-month extension on their debt but are acutely aware of the implications, should their plea fail.

A healthy profit of up to £75million each still awaits them, if they accept defeat in an often acrimonious power battle with the Dubai leader and pocket his long-standing offer, but the terms could change drastically, if they take it to the wire and are denied more time to raise the necessary funds.

A refusal from RBS would be followed by an instruction to sell-up, and the Sheikh would need no crash course in the rudiments of business to sense a killing. Hicks and Gillett would no longer have any bargaining power, and a revised figure of around £350million, just enough to clear the arrears, would be the likely outcome.

With the credit crunch biting ever deeper, and Hicks and Gillett struggling to service debts and plans for a new stadium, they are unlikely to risk waiting for the bank's January 25 deadline and may even force the issue in the next few weeks.

Gillett indicated a willingness to deal with Sheikh Mohammed earlier this year, given the package would clear the £350million the American pair owed and still leave a surplus to be shared between them, but Hicks remained defiant.

The oil-rich billionaire is keen to pursue a rivalry with Manchester City's Abu Dhabi owners and is confident it is only a matter of time before he finally assumes control at Anfield. Time appears to be running out for the Americans, who are playing a game of brinkmanship that could leave them out of pocket if RBS bow to pressure from the current economic climate and call in their debt over the next couple of months.

Anfield fans' group ShareLiverpoolFC continue to demand a role in the club's future ownership but are still awaiting an invitation to talks from Hicks and Gillett.
Meanwhile, Harris appeared to backtrack over his claims that there seemed little chance of finding a buyer for Everton.

'There are certainly grounds for optimism,' he said. 'It is a terrific club, and having Bill Kenwright as chairman is one of its strongest selling points. I did not say there was no hope of selling Everton. There are plenty of people having a serious look.'

Liverpool Owners Tom Hicks And George Gillett Hit Out At Cash Crisis Rumours

Liverpool's American owners have firmly rejected suggestions that they are facing serious problems with debt amid the pressure of the global credit crunch.

Although both Tom Hicks and George Gillett have not directly commented, they are understood to be infuriated by the intervention of Keith Harris, one of English football's main power brokers, who has publicly expressed his concern over developments on Merseyside.

"Keith has an agenda here and is making mischief – the truth is our debt is lower than people think and manageable given the club's profitability," said a source close to Liverpool's owners.

"All the top clubs have debt, and Liverpool's is in fact lower than Arsenal and Manchester United."

The Americans are also adamant that the actual serviceable level of debt to the Royal Bank of Scotland and Wachovia is around £200 million rather than the £350 million loan figure that is regularly reported.

Harris was in Zurich with other leading figures in football at the International Football Arena on Tuesday.

"The one that worries me is Liverpool," he said. "The banks are two of those that have suffered, so whether they want to lend it again or not, they may not be able to. What normally happens in business is, if the banks won't finance, you have to raise equity."

Sources close to the Americans, however, launched a defence of their business plan. They put the actual drawn debt at £265 million, with the remaining balance of the loan made up of an available overdraft facility of £50 million and an undrawn figure of £30 million that will go towards the new stadium.

Hicks and Gillett also had £60 million of cash collateralisation pledged towards the banks, leaving a net debt figure of £205 million. That would be only just over five times the serviceable profitability of £35-40 million, a figure that is argued to provide sustainability and be similar to other competitors, such as Manchester United and Arsenal. Hicks and Gillett plan to use Liverpool's profits to pay the interest on the loans.

The Americans financed their initial purchase of the club with a £298 million loan that was replaced in January by a £350.5 million facility with the same banks. They also remain confident that a six-month extension to their loan is available and can be triggered at any time.

That would take them to July next year and would avert any danger of needing to raise equity by selling players in the January transfer window. Pressure, though, has been mounting in Liverpool on politicians to lobby the banks into refusing to extend the loan beyond January.

Share Liverpool FC, the supporters' group, are also attempting to organise the fan base into collectively raising the funds to bid either independently or with another investor for the club.

A bid for the club of £500 million has been on the table since earlier this year, but it is believed that the potential Dubai investors might be reluctant to maintain that offer as the deadline on the loan nears.

Banks "Could Pull Plug On Gillett And Hicks At Liverpool"

Keith Harris, the man who has brokered five Premier League takeover deals, believes the credit crunch could affect clubs seeking new owners as benefactors become more cautious.

Harris, who has masterminded deals at Chelsea, Aston Villa, Hull, West Ham and Manchester City and is seeking buyers for Newcastle and Everton, claims the economic downturn has made it tougher to find investors willing to risk moving into the top echelons of the game.

“It has never been more difficult to find buyers,” said Harris.

“It’s no longer a question of price negotiation - it’s should we? People are wondering if now is the time to spend.”

Harris is particularly concerned Liverpool may find themselves in financial difficulty if joint owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett fail to pay back a reported £350million worth of debt.

He also claims Merseyside rivals Everton are no longer a realistic proposition to be bought out.

“Liverpool’s debt is due in January, with maybe a six-month extension,” said Harris.

“The two banks which are the principal lenders - the Royal Bank of Scotland and Wachovia - are two of those that have suffered. Whether they want to lend it again or not, they may not be able to.”

Equally alarming, said Harris, was the situation at Everton where there has been no movement in terms of a buyer for the Goodison Park club who, like Liverpool, want to build a new stadium.

“There is no progress at all,” said Harris, chairman of Seymour Pierce investment bank and a former Football League chairman.

Harris, speaking after a private address to football financiers in Zurich, re-iterated there were still two offers on the table for Newcastle but refused to name them.

“The work is progressing. They are wealthy investment funds, not from the Middle East but they do tick the test,” he added.

“The people behind them are first rate. They are capable of doing the deal and of investing in and managing the future.

“I don’t know how to predict when we might do the deal.”

Harris believes the Premier League’s fit and proper persons rule should be reviewed after the debacle of former Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra, who was in charge at Eastlands for a mere 14 months before selling the club to Abu Dhabi Investment Group for almost double what he paid.

“When he was first introduced to me I competed with another major investment bank to become his advisor.

“It wasn’t me who said Man City, it was him who wanted the club,” said Harris.

“We did an investigation into him by one of the big detective agencies. We found there was a military regime that was out to get him at all costs.

“We found that none of the allegations were proven and there was sufficient doubt in everyone’s mind as to what the motivation was of the military government - in short we thought it was out to get him.

“I actually I thought I was siding with the underdog but it went wrong which is sad. I think that probably what will happen now is that there will be an amendment in the way the Premier League view these (kind of) circumstances.”

Harris believes there has been too much negative publicity when it comes to the amount of debt accrued in English football and questioned FA chairman Lord Triesman’s widely-reported comments that the deficit figure was £3billion.

“The numbers he has used are slightly inaccurate,” said Harris. “The published figure is £2.5billion of which £900million is soft debt with no interest costs.

“The problem is only serious if the debt is with clubs which do not generate the cash to service it.”

Liverpool FC Target Admits To Wanting To Play In Liverpool

Portugal winger Simao Sabrosa has revealed his long-term goal is still to play in England.

Simao looked close to joining Liverpool from Benfica in 2005, but that switch fell through and he ended up moving to Atletico Madrid two years later in a transfer reportedly worth around 20 million euros (£13.4million).

The 29-year-old insists he is “very happy” at Atletico, but admits his ambition is to move to the Premier League in the future.

“I signed a four-year contract. I have two more left (after this) and, if I complete them, I will do it happily, but I still have the dream of playing in England,” he said on Portuguese television channel Sic Noticias.

“I’m attracted to the style of play there and their stadiums.”

Liverpool Jilted By Another Suitor

The ownership saga at Liverpool has taken another twist amid claims that a Middle East investment group came close to buying the Merseyside club two weeks ago, only to drop its interest in mysterious circumstances.

Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr., the club’s American owners, continue to deny that they are looking to sell Liverpool and that they have held negotiations with any potential buyer, but sources claimed last night that an Arab group — unrelated to Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai — had made a firm offer for the club, having inspected the company accounts, but walked away without explanation with a deal looking imminent.

The Times has learnt that there has been interest shown in Liverpool recently by a consortium from Kuwait, although it is not clear whether this was the same group that came close to buying the Merseyside club. The previous £500 million offer from Sheikh Mohammed, now operating independently of, rather than through, the Dubai International Capital group, remains on the table.

The American tycoons are expected to issue another public denial today, amid concerns that the price could be driven down if they are seen as active sellers, but it is an open secret in the world of football finance that they are willing to sell for the right price. Even if they have not been directly involved in negotiations, others have negotiated on their behalf. Last month The Times revealed that they engaged Merrill Lynch, the investment bank, to help to find a buyer. Another swift denial was issued that day, but Gillett squirmed and declined to comment when put on the spot in an interview with a Canadian radio station last week.

Gillett conceded in the same interview that he was “embarrassed” by certain episodes since buying the club with Hicks in February 2007, such as the failure to deliver their promise of a new stadium in Stanley Park, the construction of which has been postponed indefinitely because of their inability to raise the funds.

The Americans are under additional pressure to restructure their £350 million loan with the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Wachovia banks, which expires on January 25. If no buyer can be found in time, they hope to be given permission to take up the option of a six-month extension, but RBS, at present under public ownership because of the credit crunch, is by no means guaranteed to renew thereafter. Amid that growing pressure, Hicks and Gillett are firmly expected to sell the club sooner rather than later.

Fears Over Fire Sale Of Liverpool's Top Players

One of English football’s most influential powerbrokers has expressed grave concerns for the future of Liverpool under the ownership of George Gillett Jr. and Tom Hicks. Keith Harris, the chairman of Seymour Pierce, the investment bank, and the man responsible for brokering some of the biggest takeovers of Barclays Premier League clubs, including the sale of Chelsea to Roman Abramovich in 2003, believes that the Americans could be forced to sell leading players if they are unable to pay off the club’s £350 million debt.

Although Hicks and Gillett have an option to extend the January 25 deadline for repaying the loan by six months, it is far from guaranteed that an extension will be granted, with their main lenders, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Wachovia, being two of the banks worst hit by the global economic crisis.

Hicks and Gillett are confident that an extension will be granted, but, with the Government set to own up to 60 per cent of RBS after the £20 billion bailout, MPs have lobbied Gordon Brown to prevent the bank from giving the Americans extra time to repay the loan when many believe that they are not in a position, financially, to do that, let alone fund a new 60,000-seat stadium.

“The one that worries me is Liverpool,” said Harris, the former chairman of the Football League, who has been asked to find buyers for Everton and Newcastle United. “Royal Bank of Scotland and Wachovia are two of those that have suffered. Whether they want to lend it [the money] again or not, they may not be able to.” A £500 million offer to buy the club, from Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai, remains on the table, although Harris believes the club’s hand could be forced if a buyer cannot be found.

The Times revealed in April how Liverpool may have to sell Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel unless they repay by next summer the £31.5 million borrowed to sign the Spain and Holland forwards.

Harris, who was in Zurich yesterday to address football financiers at the International Football Arena conference, said: “If the banks won’t finance, you have to raise equity. If they can’t find it, it’s a brave banker that would repossess Liverpool Football Club.”

Harris added that he was struggling to find a credible buyer for Everton in the face of a sharp economic downturn. Everton are also hopeful of building a new stadium, but Harris hinted that it would make far better sense financially for the Merseyside clubs to groundshare, a move that has been steadfastly opposed by the clubs and their supporters.

“There is no progress at all [on Everton],” Harris said. “The demographics of Liverpool as an area are not hugely compelling. It is not a very wealthy city and Everton share the city with another club which has been in the vanguard for the last decade. They both have a stadium to build, so the economics need a lot of looking at, whereas Newcastle is a one-club city with a fabulous stadium.”

Torres is expected to be included in Liverpool’s squad for their Carling Cup fourth-round tie at White Hart Lane this evening. However, Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham Hotspur manager, expects to play several fringe players, including Fraizer Campbell, the forward, who came on as a substitute during the 4-0 victory against Dynamo Zagreb in the Uefa Cup group match last week.

Paul Stalteri, Adel Taarabt, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Hossam Ghaly may also play, but Benoît Assou-Ekotto, the left back, is suspended, and Ledley King is expected to be rested. “I’m going to make one or two changes to give the lads who haven’t played an opportunity,” Redknapp said. Giovani dos Santos does not need surgery on an ankle problem, but the forward will be out for up to four weeks.

Benitez Confirms Keane Won't Face Former Club Spurs

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez has confirmed both Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane will definitely be rested for tonight's Carling Cup fourth-round tie at Tottenham.

And he has intimated Jamie Carragher, Dirk Kuyt and Xabi Alonso could also be left out.

Benitez's decision means Keane will not be able to face his former club, having left Spurs for Liverpool during the summer in a £20million move.

Benitez made it clear he would rest several senior players – some of whom have played six games in 18 days.

Benitez said: "Gerrard will not be in the squad and neither will Keane. It is always difficult to play so many games in a row and you have to change some players depending on the competition. The majority of them can play games in a row but some need to be taken care of.

"Gerrard is one of them at this moment. Dirk Kuyt is another who has played almost every game. Xabi Alonso, Jamie Carragher and Robbie Keane are the same. You also have to consider that some of these players have played internationals this season too. I believe Keane has played 23 games already."

One big name not needing a rest is Fernando Torres, who requires match practice after missing six games with a hamstring tear. The Spaniard will travel to White Hart Lane and may even start against Harry Redknapp's men.

Benitez said: "He will be in the squad and hopefully he can play. He could start. It is an important competition for us. We have players who are not always involved but have enough quality. They need games for match fitness because they could be needed later in the season."

Redknapp Wants Better For Return Of Liverpool

Harry Redknapp admits Tottenham Hotspur will lose their grip on the Carling Cup if there is a repeat of their performance against Liverpool during his first week in charge at White Hart Lane. Spurs could have been dead and buried against Rafael Benitez's men when they met in the Premier League, only for Jamie Carragher's own goal and a last-ditch winner from Roman Pavlyuchenko to give them a 2-1 win.

Redknapp's magic touch has been credited with Spurs going unbeaten since their change of manager – and defending the Carling Cup is the next task, with Liverpool their opponents in the fourth round. "We played Liverpool and beat them but let's face it, they murdered us," Redknapp said.

Redknapp has Benoit Assou-Ekotto suspended and Ledley King in need of rest, and he has the option of involving fringe players such as Paul Stalteri, Ricardo Rocha, Adel Taarabt, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Hossam Ghaly who all struggled under former head coach Juande Ramos.

A full-strength team was picked for the Uefa Cup game against Dinamo Zagreb last week and balanced against the defence of a trophy, Redknapp is keen to keep his whole squad involved in first-team duties. "All the players are in the dressing room after the games, delighted that we have won," Redknapp said. "I have not isolated any of them. They are part of it. And that is how I want to keep it."

Ricardo Rocha has felt the difference, and the Portuguese defender said: "Redknapp is a great coach, very communicative and everyone is motivated to show what they can do."

Another factor in Redknapp's possible starting XI is the tight bottom half of the Premier League, with three points separating West Bromwich at the foot and 10th-placed Fulham, who Spurs face at the weekend.

"The only thing that is important at this moment in time is retaining our Premier League status because we are still very much in trouble along with lots of other clubs and no one is getting carried away here," said assistant coach Kevin Bond.

Against Liverpool last time out, Redknapp's magic touch was almost undermined by errors from goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes. Redknapp has spoken to Gomes about the selection process for claiming crosses, and the Spurs manager has backed the Brazilian to make a marked improvement over the coming games. "He did all right against Manchester City [at the weekend]," said Redknapp. "He has just got to settle in and understand what is required in England. When you talk to people about him, they talk highly of his qualities. Tony Adams did when he returned from Holland. Gomes took PSV to the semi-finals of the Champions League almost single-handedly. He was that good.

"It is a game of confidence and he has had one or two iffy days. Hopefully now his confidence will start to grow and we will see what he can do."

Redknapp is not expected to make radical changes in the January transfer window. Andrei Arshavin, a Spurs target in the summer, has been linked with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, while Vagner Love has committed himself to CSKA Moscow. The striker said: "My contract with CSKA has three years to run. I am going to defend their interests at least until then."

The Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez will make a late decision on whether striker Fernando Torres starts at White Hart Lane tonight. Torres is in need of match fitness after missing six games with a hamstring injury and is expected to feature in the fourth round tie while Benitez rests several of his other stars, including Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane.

He could also leave out Carragher, Dirk Kuyt and Xabi Alonso. Second-choice goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri, Sami Hyypia, Yossi Benayoun and Jermaine Pennant are expected to play.

Benitez believes he has players desperate to prove themselves given the size of his squad and that that will make the difference against Spurs.

He said: "We have enough players in the squad waiting for their chance to impress, it will be important for them to grab this opportunity. And when the team is playing well it is easier to change players and retain the system.

"I believe we can still continue to play well and to keep winning regardless of the players we use.

"We want to win every game but this is another competition and we have several players who are tired after some difficult weeks so we rest some and change a few."

Liverpool FC Second String Ready To Impress - Rafa Benitez

Rafael Benitez believes Liverpool can march into the Carling Cup quarter-finals with a revenge win at Spurs because he has players desperate to prove themselves.

Benitez will make wholesale changes for the fourth-round tie at White Hart Lane, scene of the Reds’ only defeat this season when Spurs fought back to claim a late 2-1 victory.

The bulk of that side will not be on show tomorrow, although Benitez is considering using Fernando Torres from the start.

Torres played for the final 19 minutes of Saturday’s 3-0 win over West Brom after a six-game absence with a hamstring injury.

The likes of Steven Gerrard, Jose Reina, Dirk Kuyt, Javier Mascherano, Daniel Agger and Albert Riera are not expected to figure but Benitez insists Liverpool can force their way into the last eight.

He said: “We have enough players in the squad waiting for their chance to impress, it will be important for them to grab this opportunity.

“And when the team is playing well it is easier to change players and retain the system.

“I believe we can still continue to play well and to keep winning regardless of the players we use.”

Benitez will probably bring in goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri, defenders Sami Hyypia and Andreas Dossena, midfielders Yossi Benayoun, Jermaine Pennant, Lucas, Nabil El Zhar and Ryan Babel.

Robbie Keane may get a chance to play again at his former club, possibly alongside Torres, while youngsters Jay Spearing, David Ngog, Emiliano Insua and Damien Plessis could be involved.

Benitez added: “We want to win every game but this is another competition and we have several players who are tired after some difficult weeks so we rest some and change a few.

“But we have a good squad so we will try to win with different players.

“We may well use Torres from the start. It is a decision I will take on the day after seeing how he has done during training.”

The league defeat at Spurs earlier this month still rankles with Benitez, and he will be looking for his much-changed side to gain revenge.

He said: “We were very much on top and looking a good team, but in football you can play really well and lose while on other occasions you can play badly and still win.

“That was the case last time. We played well and lost. It was more a case that we lost the game rather than them winning it.

“But Spurs have done well. When you are at the bottom and start winning, the confidence comes back. They have good players and finished fifth twice a few years back.”

Israel midfielder Benayoun already has his eyes on a Wembley appearance and a winners’ medal.

He said: “We have a cup game we know we can win and want to win. We want to win all the competitions, do not doubt that.

“We want to win at Spurs, especially having lost there in the league.

“And for the other players in the squad it is a chance to show what we can do.

“We want to win the game and go on to win the Carling Cup, whoever is in the side. It is important for us.

“There’s a little bit of revenge maybe. The league game at Spurs was one of our best performances of the season and we lost at the end.

“We know we are a better team than that and we have a team who can win at Spurs.”

Benayoun admits he is impressed by the job new Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has done, adding: “I have been a little surprised by what Harry Redknapp has done, he changed them almost in a few days.

“He deserves the credit and is a good manager and a good person. I wish him all the best, but only after Wednesday.”

Rush: Fringe Benefits

Liverpool legend Ian Rush feels the performances of Rafael Benitez's fringe players will decide their future in the Carling Cup as they prepare to face holders Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Wednesday.

Rush and former Spurs captain Alan Mullery spoke to Sky Sports News about the fourth round game, and although Liverpool may include Fernando Torres after six matches out with a hamstring injury, Steven Gerrard and Jose Reina are set for a well-earned rest.

That will put pressure on the likes of Diego Cavalleri, Sami Hyypia, Lucas and Ryan Babel, who could do their chances of a run in the first-team plenty of good with a positive display.

Rush explained: "I think Harry (Redknapp) will play his strongest side - he will be looking at it as a chance to that Tottenham can get into Europe. They are the defending champions so I think Tottenham will take it very seriously.

"Apart from the top four, and obviously they have a stronger squad to play certain players in these games, the likes of Tottenham and everyone else will play a strong side.

"I think what Rafa will do is give these fringe players a chance to show what they can do. I think to win the league it's not 11 players that win it, it's 19-20, and what Rafa will be doing now is to say to these players here's your chance to prove you are good enough to play against Premier League opposition.

"I think he'll be looking to them to do that and if they can they give the manager a problem when it comes to league games, it's a great chance for them.

Rush also paid tribute to Robbie Keane after his weekend double against West Brom, although the former Spurs hero is one of Benitez's regulars who will not be in the squad on Wednesday.

He added: "He's a fantastic player. I think his work-rate is unbelievable. He hadn't scored before the weekend, but with Liverpool winning, they were looking at his work-rate.

"It's only when you are losing that people look at the strikers, but I think he's worth every penny Liverpool paid for him and I think he will get better and better."

Mullery feels Harry Redknapp has been little short of a miracle worker so far for Spurs, but wonders if he will get the same sort of luck he enjoyed when the two clubs met 10 days ago, a game in which Liverpool hit the woodwork three times, missed a host of chances, and went on to lose 2-1.

Mullery explained: "If you go back to the Liverpool game in the league, I bumped into Jamie Redknapp and he said to me 'What do you think Alan?' I said 'Do you want the truth? I think we should have been four down at half-time.'

"He said 'I don't agree with you' and I thought there was going to be an argument, but he then said: 'No, it should have been five!'

"We had all the luck that was going, it was absolutely amazing, and also for Pavlyuchenko to come on at half-time and score the winning goal in the 93rd minute was just amazing.

"Liverpool on the day were outstanding, I thought they looked a very very good side and if they'd have scored the goals - and the biggest word in football is if - which they didn't, then Spurs go and get the winning goal.

"I hope Harry doesn't change his side and picks the players he has been using recently, but Liverpool will definitely change their team, there's no doubt about that."

Lucas: Play Me And I'll Be Red Hot

Liverpool's Lucas Leiva wants to show what he can do against Tottenham Hotspur in the midweek Carling Cup showdown.

He looked promising when he first arrived on Merseyside, but young Lucas Leiva hasn't quite made the first team impact he'd hoped for and is now very much a fringe player. In fact, sections of the Liverpool fanbase are seriously underwhelmed by his progress.

However, the Brazilian is hoping he'll get the nod from boss Rafa Benitez for the Carling Cup clash with holders Tottenham in midweek.

The 21-year-old former Grêmio midfielder has further urged Rafa to let him off the leash so he can fulfil his potential as a goalscoring threat.

"In Brazil I scored goals," he noted, "I got eight in my best season.

"Now? I can't get into the box as much. I didn't last season because I was adapting to the game here, where the pace is so different.

"This season, though, I can get into the box more and hopefully get some goals. The Carling Cup is an opportunity for us to show what we can do.

"It's not as important as the Premier League, but when you play for a club like Liverpool you want to win all the trophies. I want to opportunity to play at Wembley, where some of the Brazil internationals have played."

It'll likely be tough for Lucas to prove himself as a goalscoring midfielder in a team full of prolific midfield marksmen.

Riera: Let's Learn English, Lads

Albert Riera is keen for his Spanish colleagues at Anfield to join him in speaking English in order to help team unity.

Albert Riera's performances have been a nice surprise for Liverpool fans since his summer switch from Espanyol.

The winger failed to make a significant impression two years ago whilst on loan with Manchester City, but has thrived at Anfield thus far.

Undoubtedly, the large Spanish contingent in the present Reds squad has helped the 26-year-old to settle more quickly than he might have elsewhere.

However, Riera isn't wearing Roja tinted glasses and has urged Rafa's Spanish army to brush up on their English skills.

He told Setanta: "We came here, not the opposite. We have to learn here and improve with the football.

"We are not in Spain, we are here. We need to learn here and to speak in English, because we speak in Spanish a lot of time.

He insists, however, that there's no dressing room divide, adding: "It’s true we know each other and, on the pitch, it’s very important.

"However, I think all people can see on the pitch we are as a team. Not only Spanish, I think it's all players and that’s very important."

Rafa: Torres In Contention For Spurs Start

After nursing his way back to match fitness following a hamstring injury, Spanish striker Fernando Torres may feature for Liverpool in Wednesday evening's Carling Cup clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

Fernando Torres' problematic hamstring has kept the Spaniard sidelined since mid October, but he may feature in Liverpool's fourth round Carling Cup tie on Wednesday evening against resurgent lily white side Tottenham Hotspur.

Manager Rafa Benitez confirmed today that his No 9 may even start the fixture.

"He will be in the squad and hopefully he can play. He could start," the Liverpool boss told the club's official website.

The Carling Cup traditionally provides Premier League sides a chance to rest their star players, rotate, and gives members of the top four an opportunity to groom their younger players.

"Gerrard will not be in the squad and neither will Keane," Benitez continued. "It's always difficult to play so many games in a row and you have to change some players depending on the competition. The majority of them can play games in a row but some need to be taken care of.

"Gerrard is one of them at this moment. Dirk Kuyt is another who has played almost every game. Xabi Alonso, Jamie Carragher and Robbie Keane are the same.

"You also have to consider that some of these players have played internationals this season too. I think Keane has played 23 games already," he said.

"We will use players who haven't played every game. I have confidence in them because they are all internationals."

Banks Could Force Sale Of 'Financially Vulnerable' Liverpool

Liverpool, whose American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett stand two months away from the expiry date of loans which could force them to sell up, are the most financially vulnerable club in the land, the Premier League's most experienced football financier declared yesterday.

Keith Harris, of Seymour Harris, who brought Roman Abramovich to Chelsea and is currently seeking buyers for Everton and Newcastle United, said he had doubts about whether Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Wachovia, buffeted by the worldwide financial crisis, were either willing or able to refinance the loans which are currently propping up Liverpool.

Speaking at the International Football Arena conference in Zurich, Harris said of Britain's debt-laden clubs: "The one that worries me is Liverpool. The principal lenders [RBS and Wachovia] are two of those that have suffered. Whether they want to lend it again or not, they may not be able to." Without fresh investment, said Harris, the club's joint owners could be forced to sell players. If neither refinancing, nor new financial stakeholders can be found, the banks must consider whether to repossess the club. "It's a brave banker that would repossess Liverpool Football Club," he said.

By the indicator which bankers judge the financial health of the club – the ratio of operating profit against interest payments due on their debt – Harris is right. Newcastle, one of the clubs routinely cited as financially troubled, have had their debt removed by Mike Ashley, and West Ham, despite Sheffield United's impending legal suit over the Carlos Tevez affair and the damage caused to its owners by the problems of the Icelandic financial system, make almost enough profit to cover their interest twice.

Bankers begin to get uncomfortable when profit is less than twice the interest payments and Liverpool's profit barely covers the huge interest payments with which Hicks and Gillett have saddled the club. "If their's was a normal business they would be financially in the intensive care ward," one financier said yesterday.

Harris' comments comes amid new hints that Hicks and Gillett are looking to sell Liverpool – despite their fantastic start to the season – before the 25 January deadline by which RBS will decide whether to allow them a six-month extension on the refinancing arrangement they struck last January. Gillett steadfastly refused to discuss the sale issue in London two weeks ago during an interview in which he suggested that he was planning new sporting investment in India.

It is believed that a prospective Middle East investor – unrelated to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai – walked away from discussions to buy the club three weeks ago, during which they tabled an offer believed to be no better than the £500m Dubai International Capital (DIC) have bid in the past. Sources suggest that the prospective buyer was told that the club's projected profit for this financial year was £45m. Most informed estimates would put the likely figure at nearer to £30m at best. It is understood that the DIC offer still stands, months after the Americans walked away from it.

In the current climate, with Hicks and Gillett too cash-strapped to progress the Stanley Park stadium which is integral to their development plans for Liverpool, it is difficult to see how the pair can afford to offer Rafael Benitez the improved five-year contract which he is seeking. Hicks has told the Liverpool manager that talks can get under way, though one interpretation of his willingness to go public on that fact is that the Americans are looking to establish a sense of stability which would help any sale.

RBS are currently being lobbied by the Spirit of Shankly supporters group not to allow the six-month extension. It is unclear whether their move into public ownership as a result of the credit crunch will affect their willingness to allow an extension. No government would welcome the attention which a refusal to extend would bring.

Harris was equally gloomy about Everton, who, he said, were proving difficult to sell. "There is no progress at all," Harris said "The demographics of Liverpool as an area are not hugely compelling. It is not a very wealthy city and Everton share the city with another club which arguably has been in the vanguard for the last decade.

"They both have a stadium to build, so the economics need a lot of looking at whereas Newcastle is a one-club city with a fabulous stadium."

Never, said Harris, had it been more difficult to find the right buyers. "It's not a question of price negotiation – it's should we? People are wondering if now is the time to spend." Speaking after a private address to football financiers in Zurich, he re-iterated that there were still two genuine offers in the pipeline for Newcastle but refused to name them.

Torres Focused On Winning The League - Not On A Move South

Fernando Torres has said he has no intention of leaving Liverpool for Chelsea or any other European club as the Spain international prepares to return to Rafael Benítez's starting line-up at Tottenham Hotspur tonight.

The £26.5m record signing is scheduled to make his first start since October 5 in the Carling Cup fourth-round tie, and announced his recovery from a hamstring tear yesterday by reaffirming his commitment to Anfield. Torres was a supposed target for Luiz Felipe Scolari when the Brazilian first arrived at Stamford Bridge, although no contact was ever made with Liverpool over the player who has become one of the most coveted in the game.

However, the 24-year-old, who signed a six-year contract when he joined Liverpool from Atlético Madrid last year, said: "I have no plans to go anywhere, not back to Spain, not to Italy, not to another English club. I read a lot of things [about Chelsea in the summer] but I was at the European Championships and I did not want any distractions. I don't know if they spoke with the club or with my agent. But in any case even if there was something in it nothing was ever going to make me abandon Liverpool."

Torres hailed the Liverpool manager, Benítez, as "the best coach I have ever had without doubt" and admitted the priority at Anfield this season has to be winning the league title. He added: "When I arrived at Liverpool, everyone talked about the league. We have won it 19 times and Manchester United 18. If they win it this season then they draw level and the fans don't want that. I think 90% of Liverpool fans would prefer the league."

Benítez yesterday confirmed his compatriot could start at White Hart Lane but travelled to London without Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane. Dirk Kuyt, Jamie Carragher and Xabi Alonso are also expected to be rested. "We have a lot of good players in our first-team squad and a lot of young players too, and they all need games, so I have to decide on which ones," the Liverpool manager said.

Lucas Dreaming Of Wembley

Lucas Leiva admits the prospect of playing at the new Wembley stadium will drive him on when Liverpool face Tottenham in the fourth round of the Carling Cup on Wednesday.

The Reds beat Spurs en route to their last League Cup final in 2005 back when the fixture was staged at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

A repeat performance on Wednesday would put Lucas and co in the quarter-finals, just two ties away from a first trip to Wembley since 1996.

"I have never played at Wembley and hopefully I will get the opportunity, but we are only at the start of the Carling Cup," the Brazilian told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"I know it's a very famous stadium. Some of the Brazil internationals are played there but I have never had the opportunity to play in one of them, so hopefully I can play in the final!"

The Carling Cup third round victory over Crewe provided an opportunity for several fringe players to show Rafa Benitez what they could do.

Lucas grasped the nettle with a fine headed goal to add to Daniel Agger's long-range effort.

The 21-year-old is hoping for more of the same on Wednesday night.

"In Brazil I scored goals. I got eight in my best season," said Lucas. "I couldn't get into the box as much last season because I was adapting to the game here. It's totally different here with the pace of the game. But this season I can get into the box more and hopefully get some goals.

"The Carling Cup is an opportunity for us to show what we can do.

"It's an opportunity not just for me but for all the players and the club. The Carling Cup is not as important as the Premier League, but when you play for a club like Liverpool you want to win all the trophies."

Alonso: Euro Success Inspired Me

Xabi Alonso claims victory in Euro 2008 made him and his fellow Spaniards even hungrier for club success.

The 26-year-old was one of four Liverpool players in the squad as Spain won their first trophy since 1964.

Now back on Merseyside, Alonso insists that he, Fernando Torres, Alvaro Arbeloa and Pepe Reina have no intention of resting on their laurels.

The midfielder told the official LFC Magazine: "I have taken a lot of confidence from our success with Spain in the summer. I might not have started the games because the coach had a pre-defined team in his mind and it worked really well.

"But I was an important substitute and I felt I was able to play my own part in that success. I helped close games out and made some contributions.

"Winning becomes a habit. I never understand the idea that winning trophies can somehow make players less hungry.

"I want more. I listen to Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher talking and they have won more things than I have won. They say it makes them hungrier for more and I am the same.

"I came home and put away my medal in the drawer alongside the FA Cup and Champions League ones, then started thinking immediately about winning trophies and medals with Liverpool."

Alonso notched up three substitute appearances during Euro 2008 and captained Spain in their final group game against Greece.

His form since returning to Anfield has had the Kop purring.

He added: "Personally, I am happy with my present form. But I can improve and that's my focus.

"I am a midfielder. I prefer to be thought of not as a defensive midfielder but as a central midfielder. That means I should be trying to get into more scoring positions and influencing the game higher up the pitch when the chance presents itself.

"You can always improve in football. You can never believe that you can't because pretty soon you will find yourself out of the team."

Mark Lawrenson: Robbie Keane Will Prove He’s Not Just A Support Star

IN the summer I must admit I had my doubts about Robbie Keane. When he signed from Spurs for £20million I described him as a streaky scorer – one who will get you 10 in 10 but then might go 10 games without getting a sniff of a goal.

I still think that’s a fair description of Keane, because that’s just the way some players – Wayne Rooney included – are and it’s very difficult for them to break that pattern.

However, I honestly feels that doesn’t matter in this current Liverpool team. As long as Keane gets his fair share over the course of the campaign, his overall contribution will make it look like money well spent.

Of course, as a striker, it’s all about goals and I don’t buy any of this nonsense forwards sometimes come out with about not caring if they score or not, as long as the team wins.

Because no matter how many chances you create for others, how high your work-rate is or how slick your link-up play with your with team-mates might be, scoring goals is your job. And you can’t be happy if you’re not doing it.

While Keane can’t be expected to net as many as Fernando Torres, he is at last starting to show that he can give the Spaniard some competition for his place.

And you can only do that by scoring goals. And even if Keane does continue his habit of getting a load all at once before another lean spell, that kind of form usually bags him 20 goals anyway.

And would be an ideal total for a man who will largely used as a supporting act to the main event, especially as Torres is now back in the fold.

I’m not sure if I would have been saying that with as much conviction had he not bagged those two against the Baggies at the weekend, however.

The fact that Keane hadn’t managed a league goal for Liverpool before Saturday and had struggled to complete a full 90 minutes hardly affected his team’s results.

But it doesn’t alter the fact that, despite what he says, he has been a little bit distracted by the burden of trying to get off the mark. He has been under pressure and sometimes it has shown.

One goal, however, and he becomes a different player. Look at his second – he had a similar chance against Atletico Madrid last week but looked a bit ponderous and hesitant. On Saturday he just swept past Scott Carson and fired it into the net without messing about.

That’s what happens when you have confidence – you do it without thinking.

And that’s the key thing. I know Robbie and he is a great lad to have in the dressing room with great leadership qualities.

And now he has his first league goals under his belt, I’m sure his true character will start to emerge.

Steven Gerrard Given The Freedom Of Knowsley Borough

STEVEN Gerrard was last night given the highest honour his home town could bestow – the Freedom of Knowsley Borough.

Liverpool FC’s superstar captain and England regular, dressed in a grey suit, spoke with pride of his upbringing on Huyton’s Bluebell estate during the ceremony at Knowsley Council’s Huyton Suite.

The 28-year-old is only the fourth person to be granted the title of Honorary Freeman.

Speaking briefly at the ceremony, he said: “This is a very special honour for me and even more so as it is awarded so rarely, so I’d like to thank Knowsley Council.

“I’m very proud of the area that I grew up in and proud of the community I came from. Growing up on the streets of Huyton helped me get to where I am today.

“These are the family and friends who have been with me since I dreamt as a boy of being a professional footballer.”

Gerrard follows in the footsteps of former Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson, who was the first to accept the honour in 1977.

Last night’s honour was the first in 20 years and it came in recognition of “his outstanding contribution to national and international football and his position as a role model to young people”.

Gerrard’s stellar career kicked off at Whiston Juniors, before being spotted by a Liverpool scout at age eight. This season he has notched up his 100th goal for the club and he is set to mark 10 years since his first team debut.

Leader of the Council Cllr Ron Round, said: “Steven is one of the greatest individual success stories to come out of Knowsley in recent years. Knowsley has a long and celebrated history of nurturing footballing talent and long may this continue.”

The high-profile crop of players from Huyton includes Everton legend Peter Reid, Craig Hignett and Tony Hibbert.

Neighbouring Kirkby has produced Phil Thompson, Alan Stubbs, Kevin Nolan and Terry McDermott, but Gerrard is the only player to have been granted such an honour.

At the ceremony, Gerrard and 120 guests were treated to the Knowsley Singers and Street Feet street dance group.

Gerrard made his Oath of Allegiance to Knowsley before signing the Roll of Honour.

At the end of the ceremony the Mayor of Knowsley, Cllr Michael Foulkes, presented the 28-year-old star with an Honorary Freeman Medallion and scroll.

Cllr Round said: “He is an excel-lent ambassador for Knowsley and a great role model. His story is one of talent, commitment and passion which has seen him grow into a world-class player.

“It sends a message out to young people everywhere that with hard work and persistence, they too can realise their dreams.”

He aimed his comments at the young footballers at the ceremony who acted as guard of honour.

Opinion: Rafa Benitez Doesn't Deserve A New Liverpool Contract Yet

Liverpool are joint top of the Premier League but I fear that the opening of new contract talks with manager Rafa Benitez is a big mistake.

Spaniard Benitez, 48, has guided my old team to the summit in a bid to end an 18- year title drought but the Liverpool board should wait until the end of the season to negotiate a new deal.

The club won nothing last season, which was totally unacceptable. And Benitez has yet to prove he can satisfy the club's huge craving for a Premier League crown.

Liverpool have finished fifth, third, third and fourth under Benitez, who has 18 months left on his existing contract.

And with 26 games left this term, the Anfield club could easily end up 11 points off the pace again, just like last season.

Premier League success is the benchmark at Liverpool but it's only now that Benitez seems to be appreciating that fact after being preoccupied with the Champions League for so long.

Anfield fans are usually very loyal to their managers but if the board gives Benitez a new four year deal now, only for Liverpool's challenge to peter out, then what?

As someone who wants to see Liverpool triumph in the Premier League in the near future, all I care about is winning, not who is at the helm.

I'd put Benitez on probation until the end of the campaign - then tell him: "Deal or no deal."

Gap Won't Cause Rafa To Gloat

Rafael Benitez has warned Liverpool fans about gloating too soon over the Anfield side's eight-point lead over champions Manchester United.

For many Anfield fans, such an advantage over their greatest rivals with the season almost a third over, is cause for celebration.

But boss Benitez said: "I don't think I will be celebrating until the gap is 20 points."

The end product of a weekend of frantic action at the top of the Premier League is that Manchester United sit eight points behind leaders Chelsea and second-placed Liverpool - who have a whopping 14-goal difference deficit to make up on the west Londoners.

Both clubs are on 29 points, with United's defeat away to Arsenal leaving them in fourth spot.

Benitez said: "We were aware before we played West Brom on Saturday that Manchester United had lost, but it was not something that we allowed to affect how we played.

"If you spend the whole time with a calculator considering what others are doing, it will drive you crazy.

"You must concentrate on what you are doing. United may be trailing us, but we are not looking at what they are doing, only ourselves."

Liverpool were top after the 3-0 win over West Brom for just 24 hours before Chelsea regained the leadership after a 2-0 win at Blackburn.

Benitez, who welcomed back striker Fernando Torres after a hamstring injury, said: "Manchester United still have a game in hand and the ability to make up points in just two other games is not that difficult for them.

"When the gap is 20 points, then I will relax. But with just this small difference all I can say is we must keep going all the time and not think about what other teams are doing."

He added: "We have confidence and are playing well, so we know we can be up there at the top. We know it is a long race and must keep going.

"It is still too soon to be thinking in those terms about other teams. There are too many games, in league and cups, and many things can happen.

"But things are very positive. We were top before and we wanted to be top again. The win over West Brom put us back up at the top and we must continue to put pressure on our rivals.

"We are playing well, scoring goals, but it could be better even though we are pleased."

Benitez is expected to rest several senior men for Wednesday's Carling Cup trip to face revitalised Spurs at White Hart Lane.

It seems certain that skipper Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt, Javier Mascherano and keeper Jose Reina will be rested.

Diego Cavalieri, Jermaine Pennant, Lucas, Nabil El Zhar, Andrea Dossena, Ryan Babel, David Ngog and Sami Hyypia are expected to figure in north London.

Benitez will make a late decision on whether Torres continues his comeback with a place in the starting line-up against Harry Redknapp's men.

Benitez said: "He needs games, but we will assess the situation only after a couple more training sessions."

But it is clear that Benitez is keen to re-form the partnership between Torres and Robbie Keane, who scored his first league goals for the club in the win over West Brom.

Whether Keane will be involved from the start against his former club is also debatable, with Babel and Ngog likely to figure up front.

But Benitez said: "It was good to see Keane scoring, and then to have Torres back on the pitch.

"The understanding will be good again, and if they both continue to work hard they will be very dangerous for any opponent."

Rafael Benitez Warns Manchester United Are Still A Threat

Rafael Benitez has warned Liverpool supporters not to get carried away by the club's impressive start to the season or their eight point gap over Manchester United.

The Liverpool manager struck a note of caution after their 3-0 victory over West Bromich Albion took them well clear of the champions who lost 2-1 to Arsenal. However, Benitez says United, who have a game in hand, are far from out of the title race.

"When the gap is 20 points, then I will relax," he said. "But with just this small difference all I can say is we must keep going all the time and not think about what other teams are doing.

"We were aware before we played West Brom on Saturday that Manchester United had lost, but it was not something that we allowed to effect how we played.

"If you spend the whole time with a calculator considering what others are doing, it will drive you crazy. You must concentrate on what you are doing. United may be trailing us, but we are not looking at what they are doing, only ourselves."

Benitez, who welcomed back striker Fernando Torres after a hamstring injury, added. "Manchester United still have a game in hand and the ability to make up points in just two other games is not that difficult for them.

"But with just this small difference all I can say is we must keep going all the time and not think about what other teams are doing."

He added: "We have confidence and are playing well, so we know we can be up there at the top. We know it is a long race and must keep going.

"It is still too soon to be thinking in those terms about other teams. There are too many games, in league and cups, and many things can happen. But things are very positive. We were top before and we wanted to be top again. The win over West Brom put us back up at the top and we must continue to put pressure on our rivals.

"We are playing well, scoring goals, but it could be better even though we are pleased."

Benitez is expected to rest several big name players for Wednesday's Carling Cup trip to face revitalised Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. It seems certain that skipper Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt, Javier Mascherano and keeper Jose Reina will be rested.

Diego Cavalieri, Jermaine Pennant, Lucas, Nabil El Zhar, Andrea Dossena, Ryan Babel, David Ngog and Sami Hyypia are expected to figure in north London.

Benitez will make a late decision on whether Torres continues his comeback with a place in the starting line-up against Harry Redknapp's men.

"He needs games, but we will assess the situation only after a couple more training sessions," Benitez said.

Rafa: A Goal-Scoring Run Beckons For Keane

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez believes that now Robbie Keane has opened his Premier League account, he can go on a goal-scoring run.

Liverpool's 3-0 weekend win over West Bromwich Albion was significant not only because it took the Reds to the top of the table, albeit only for 24 hours, but also because summer signing Robbie Keane opened his Premier League account for his new club.

Keane bagged a first-half brace, and boss Rafa Benitez now feels the floodgates will open for his Republic of Ireland international, enabling him to start justifying his £20 million price tag.

"Robbie was working hard and has been playing well but it is massively important for a striker to score, so it’s both good news for him and for us," Benitez told the Liverpool Daily Post.

"I think you’ll see him get a lot more now. If the team keeps playing well and creating chances there is no reason why he won’t get a lot more. It was just a question of time.

"You could see the difference in Keane as soon as he scored the first goal. It made a massive difference to him," he said.

"I remember talking about Peter Crouch when he first arrived and we were waiting for his first goal. Once he got off the mark, a lot more came and it will be the same with Robbie.

"I spoke to Robbie before the game, he was under pressure to score but I told him that he had to stay calm because he has been playing well for the team.

"He told me that he was fine, that he had no problems, but you know a striker is always thinking about scoring goals and so it was very important for him to get his first in the league for us," he added.

"Hopefully we will see him scoring a lot more every week now. I wanted to reassure him because it has been difficult for him."

A Carling Cup clash against his former club Tottenham Hotspur is next for Keane and Liverpool, before Premier League business resumes on Saturday as the Reds introduce the weekend fixtures with a Saturday lunchtime kick-off against Greater Manchester side Bolton Wanderers.

Aston Villa’s Barry & Liverpool’s Alonso Long-Term Future In Doubt?

Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry and Liverpool’s Xabi Alonso are back in news with regards to their long-term futures.

England international Barry was keen to move to Anfield in the summer, but the Reds did not meet the asking price reported to be around £18m and the midfielder stayed back at Martin O’Neill’s side.

Latest reports claim that the 27-year-old may buy out his contract on the lines of Webster ruling, to fulfil his dream of playing Champions League football with the Reds and Arsenal having showed interest in the summer.

“I really do not know enough about the Webster situation,” said Villa boss O’Neill. “I don’t know where we stand politically in all that. All I do know is that if he doesn’t sign his contract, he has one year definitely left to run by the time we get to next June or July time.”

On Reds midfielder Alonso, who looked set to leave the Merseysiders in close season but boss Rafa Benitez did not get the offer of £16m that he was looking for; reports in Italy claim that Juventus are still interested in the Spain international.

The Serie A giants had been put off by the asking price in the summer, but are said to be hoping that they may get the 26-year-old for a lesser fee.

Gerrard Rested For Spurs Tie

Steven Gerrard will miss Liverpool's Carling Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane tomorrow night after Rafael Benítez confirmed that his captain needs to be spared for the club's pursuit of the title.

The Liverpool midfielder has appeared in every Premier League and Champions League game for his club when fit this season, missing only the goalless draw at Aston Villa due to a groin problem that hindered his pre-season programme, but will head a cast of senior players Benítez is expected to leave out of the fourth-round contest.

"Stevie needs a bit of rest," said the Liverpool manager, who has to decide whether to field Fernando Torres against Spurs following his return from a hamstring injury. "He was injured during the international break and it is important to try and keep players fit all the time."

Benítez has also insisted Liverpool's eight-point advantage over Manchester United with a third of the title race gone is not a cause for premature celebration. The Spaniard said: "I don't think I will be celebrating until the gap is 20 points. If you spend the whole time with a calculator considering what others are doing, it will drive you crazy. You must concentrate on what you are doing. United still have a game in hand and the ability to make up points in just two other games is not that difficult for them."

He added: "We have confidence and are playing well, so we know we can be up there at the top. We know it is a long race and must keep going. It is still too soon to be thinking in those terms about other teams. There are too many games, in league and cups, and many things can happen.

"But things are very positive. We were top before and we wanted to be top again. The win over West Brom put us back up at the top and we must continue to put pressure on our rivals. We are playing well, scoring goals, but it could be better even though we are pleased."

Liverpool Midfielder Mascherano Agrees To Become Maradona's New Captain

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has agreed to captain Argentina under new coach Diego Maradona.

The 24-year-old initially told Maradona he was unsure about taking on the responsibility of leading his country but was persuaded after the Argentina legend visited him last week.

'I've convinced him,' Maradona told Argentinian press after returning from his six-day trip to Europe, during which he visited a number of his top players, including Manchester United's Carlos Tevez and Barcelona's Lionel Messi.

'I explained to him what I thought about him and told him what I thought he could give the team,' the former Napoli and Barcelona star added.

Mascherano's first game as captain will most likely be against Scotland next Wednesday at Hampden Park.

The Liverpool midfielder has always matured earlier than expected on the international stage, making his debut for the national team before he had even played a game at club level.

Rafa Still Sees Improvement

Rafael Benitez has warned Liverpool's Premier League title rivals that his star players will only improve as the season gathers pace.

The Reds are only separated from first-placed Chelsea by goal difference after a 3-0 victory over West Brom on Saturday.

Robbie Keane netted a brace in the Anfield win, his first league goals of the campaign, while star striker Fernando Torres made his return from injury.

And Benitez believes that the best is yet to come from his attacking duo, while the Spaniard also insists captain Steven Gerrard has more to offer.

"Gerrard can improve, Torres will improve with fitness, Daniel Agger and Javier Mascherano can all improve," Benitez said in the Daily Express.

"Keane's goals were important and you will see him score a lot more now."

Robbie Keane: I Never Doubted Myself

The Liverpool striker has revealed he was never worried despite taking 12 games to open his Premier League account for his new club.

The £20 million striker grabbed his first league goals for Liverpool in their 3-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion yesterday.

However, according to football365.com, Keane claims he always knew the goals would come.

“The manager always had confidence in me, and I always knew the goals would come,” said the former Spurs man, “It has taken me longer than I had hoped, but with every game I am getting more confident. The evidence was there for everyone to see.”

Keane was denied a hat-trick after being substituted in the second half but admitted being taken off had not been a problem.

“I was looking for the hat-trick, but it is not about me. I'd got two goals and would always like more, but seeing the board go up with my number was not an issue for me,” said the striker, “People are trying to make a big deal out of it, which is not the case. Things like that do not matter - because this is a team.”

The result propelled Liverpool back to the summit of the Premier League and Keane claims that the win was most important that his goals. He said: “The most important thing was that we keep winning, and that I am part of that winning side.”

Despite scoring two goals yesterday, Keane was quick to pay tribute to his team mates, whom he praised for their excellent service, in particular skipper Steven Gerrard.

“I am getting great service. I have Stevie, Xabi (Alonso) and (Javier) Mascherano behind me - and they can all see a pass for me,” admitted Keane.

He continued, “Stevie's pass was excellent. But over the years he has been fantastic, and it is something I have noticed. Now I am on the end of those passes, which is fantastic for me.”

After netting his first league goals for his new side Keane appears confident the goals will continue to flow. He concluded: “My aim is to keep doing my job, and I know the goals will happen.”

Rafael Benitez Still Ready To Rotate As Robbie Keane Keeps Liverpool The Charge

It is still a strange feeling for those at Anfield to genuinely still be 'in amongst it' even in November but Benitez demonstrated in the victory over West Bromwich Albion that he is unlikely to change his ways despite these heady times.

Firstly Robbie Keane was the player he chose to withdraw when he wanted to bring on Fernando Torres with just under 20 minutes remaining. That Keane, who has now been substituted 13 times and has completed just two games this season, had scored his first two Premier League goals and was enjoying his best display since arriving from Tottenham in a £20.3 million deal in the summer was considered an irrelevance.

The Spaniard bristles at the word "rotation", insisting that when other top managers do what he does, it is simply termed "making changes" but that will not dissuade him from resting Gerrard, who underwent surgery on a groin problem in August, in the coming weeks.

Such stubbornness is likely to serve Benitez well when he opens contract negotiations this week and he said: "I think Gerrard's level will improve with Torres available. It is clear that Stevie is a bit tired at the moment, but with Torres he will have another player that can benefit from the accuracy of his passing.

"I think Gerrard can improve, Torres will improve with fitness, and Fabio Aurelio, Daniel Agger and Javier Mascherano can all improve. We are in a very good position and we have enough quality in the squad to be there for a long time. Stevie needs a bit of rest. He was injured during the international break and it is important to try and keep players fit all the time."

Playing two in attack was seen as the antidote to the issues Liverpool have had at times at Anfield, where they have been held by Stoke and Atletico Madrid and have had to come from behind against Middlesbrough, Manchester United and Wigan this season, but teams rarely come to Anfield in a mood like the positive frame of mind adopted by Tony Mowbray's West Brom.

Actual chances were a rarity but in the opening half an hour they enjoyed long spells of possession in the Liverpool half, with Keane passing up the best early opportunity when he failed to make a decent contact with a shot after Mascherano won the ball on the edge of the area.

But just after the half-hour, Keane put Liverpool in front with a trademark bending run on the 18-yard line. Aurelio found Gerrard, who spotted Keane's clever movement that gave the Irishman a couple of yards of space in front of Jonas Olsson and he lifted over Scott Carson to open the scoring.

Just before half-time, Keane again benefited from a defensive lapse as Olsson played him onside as he chased Aurelio's long ball down the left flank. Keane's first touch took him around Carson and he slipped the ball into an empty net.

West Brom continued to press but their best opportunities were hopeful efforts from Robert Koren before Alvaro Arbeloa's second Liverpool goal, a curling shot in added time, completed the scoring.

With 10 goals and 11 points from West Brom's opening 12 games, Mowbray acknowledges that a failure to make the most of spells of dominance is his team's current downfall, although he concedes that he will not have the kind of money to buy a player that guarantees goals in the new year.

He said: "It's very difficult to find someone with a proven goal-scoring record a club like ours can afford. Come January we will hopefully make additions, but proven goal scorers at this level are not going to be available."

Torres Will Lift Gerrard, Says Rafa

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has hinted that Fernando Torres' return to action will spur Steven Gerrard to new heights of excellence.

With Torres missing three weeks due to a torn hamstring, the pressure was heaped back upon Gerrard to be Liverpool's main man. It is a role he is used, and one he has performed brilliantly throughout his career, but itse physical toll has been evident over the last month.

But 'El Nino' is back in action, having returned as a susbstitute against West Bromwich Albion at the weekend, meaning the skipper has his partner-in-crime by his side - or, more accurately, just ahead of him - once more.

"It is clear to me that Gerrard's level will improve now Torres is available again," Benitez said in the Daily Mail.

"You can see Stevie is a bit tired after putting so much in over the past few weeks but having Torres around will help him.

"Apart from all the things Torres brings to the side on his own he will be another outlet for Stevie, another target who will benefit from the accuracy of his passing."

However, with Robbie Keane hitting form and Xabi Alonso performing so consistently in midfield, there is the possibility that Gerrard could be afforded a recuperative spell on the sidelines.

Benitez added: "Ideally, Stevie could do with a bit of a rest but maybe it will be easier to do that with Fernando back."

Reina - Reds Lack Experience

Jose Reina admits that inexperience in Premier League title chases will work against Liverpool.

The Reds sit level on points with Chelsea at the top of the table after suffering only one defeat this season.

But Reina fears that the Blues, and fellow title rivals Manchester United, will possess greater know-how when the going gets tough.

Liverpool have not won the league since 1990 and Spanish goalkeeper Reina recognises that a title tilt would be a new encounter.

Reina said in the Daily Star Sunday: "We haven't won the league in 18 years and it's going to take the effort of every player to change that.

"United and Chelsea have the experience because they have won the title before - and recently.

"They know what winning the title is all about and that is something which we don't have."