Match Report: Preston North End 0 - 2 LiverpooL

Steven Gerrard rose to the occasion with a cool performance for Liverpool in their FA Cup third-round tie against Preston.

The Reds captain was charged with assault and affray earlier this week but was composure personified at Deepdale, producing an inspired display which ended with him creating the injury-time clincher for substitute Fernando Torres.

At the end Gerrard swapped shirts with Preston skipper Paul McKenna and pointedly marched towards the bank of Liverpool fans behind the goal, held his arms aloft and blew kisses to his followers.

Albert Riera had given Liverpool a first-half lead with his fourth goal of the season, but the Anfield men wasted a hatful of chances which gave Preston the belief that they could salvage something from the match.

That they did not had much to do with a class display from Gerrard.

Liverpool made four changes from the side which won so well at Newcastle last weekend.

With Steven Gerrard already confirmed in the side after his traumatic week, boss Rafael Benitez also recalled Robbie Keane, Albert Riera and Xabi Alonso to the starting line-up, with Diego Cavalieri taking over in goal.

Yossi Benayoun, Lucas, Dirk Kuyt and Jose Reina were all rested, while Preston brought in former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor, Jon Parkin and Chris Sedgwick from the side which drew at Barnsley last weekend.

Gerrard predictably found himself being booed by the home support whenever in possession, but Liverpool's 5,000 plus fans were treating him like a hero.

Preston's spirited start to the tie soon distracted their fans from what soon became mild barracking.

The home side's midfield of McKenna and Richard Chaplow were quick to harass Liverpool and force errors, and a 20-yard free-kick from Ross Wallace forced Cavalieri into a plunging save to his right.

Liverpool responded with as twisting run from Riera and a lay-off that Keane could not direct goalwards as he arrived in the six-yard box, the first of a succession of squandered opportunities for the Irishman.

Chaplow and Mellor both went close before Liverpool were ahead after 24 minutes.

Riera picked up a fortunate deflection on the right of the box, and although there was a clear opportunity to drill the ball into the danger area, the Spaniard opted to cut inside and crack the ball into the top corner with his left foot.

Gerrard, who was finding acres of space to operate in just behind Keane, had two long-range efforts which flew close.

Liverpool were slowly taking command, and Chaplow was booked for a late tackle on Alonso, who equally was constantly drifting into dangerous areas.

And Liverpool had a string of chances near the break to settle the issue. Keane should have made it two when he squirmed clear in the area, but Andy Lonergan saved bravely at his feet.

Then Keane produced an even worse effort, arriving in the box to meet a Gerrard cross, only to send his shot hopelessly wide.

Gerrard was in fine form by now and another glittering chance was created by the Liverpool skipper, but it was squandered by first Keane, who opted not to shoot. Instead he pushed the ball to Babel, who was equally wasteful.

Liverpool sent on Lucas for a limping Alonso at the break, and within minutes Daniel Agger had headed narrowly wide from a corner.

The sight of Torres warming up on the touchline had the Liverpool support bursting into song, a sight that would also have concentrated Keane's mind.

But without the cushion of a second goal, there was plenty of anxiety creeping into Liverpool's play and Preston were clearly encouraged.

Preston lost Callum Davidson with what looked to be an ankle injury after 56 minutes, Eddie Nolan coming on. Gerrard's free-kick gave Javier Mascherano the chance for a 25-yarder that flew just over.

Babel's touch gave Gerrard the opportunity for a dipping drive that Lonergan superbly turned over the crossbar at full stretch. Mellor, to a rousing ovation from both sets of fans, went off after 62 minutes to be replaced by Stephen Elliott.

Preston had an effort disallowed after 64 minutes when Sean St Ledger netted, only for Jon Parkin to be penalised for holding down Jamie Carragher.

Preston should have been out of the game by now, such had been Liverpool's string of missed chances but they were heartened by Liverpool's failures, so much so that Benitez appeared on the touchline.

And Torres soon appeared, after 73 minutes, to replace Keane.

Liverpool conceded a string of free-kicks, and there were a couple of loud shouts for penalties as the pressure from the home side heightened.

Gerrard saw a fierce shot on the turn blocked by St Ledger, before Preston sent on Barry Nicholson for Chaplow after 81 minutes.

Liverpool then pushed Gerrard back into central midfield, took off Mascherano and sent on Fabio Aurelio on the left, with Babel moved forward.

But in injury time Gerrard broke away to set up Torres for a simple tap-in to clinch the game.

Liverpool and Tottenham Target Lafita

Angel Lafita could be on the move soon, with two Premier League clubs joining a long list of clubs interested in him.

Deportivo winger Angel Lafita is a wanted man, with Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool being the latest sides to chase his signature.

According to The People, the two clubs are at the front of the queue to sign the winger, who has scored five goals so far in his second season at Deportivo.

Lafita has made no secret in recent times of his desire to move to a bigger club.

The player's contract is not due for expiry until the summer of 2012 but it is believed that Depor are willing to sell for a fee of around €3 million.

Liverpool: 58% Want Pennant Gone!

In the result of our poll, a comprehensive 58% of voters didn't think Jermaine Pennant would be leaving for Real Madrid, but did want to see him leave.

While I think the lad hasn't had all the credit he deserves during his time at Anfield (he was many people's man of the match in the 2007 CL final), I do agree.

With our current situation in terms of finance and squad, sentimentality must take a back-seat while we challenge on three fronts (or possibly two if things don't go well this evening).

As for the full result of the poll, 14% thought it was all pie in the sky. 12% of you sat on the fence and thought it was a possibility, nothing more. And 16% of you took pity on the lad and thought he should be in the team more.

Palsson Set For Anfield Arrival

Liverpool appear set to complete their first piece of New Year business by landing Icelandic starlet Victor Palsson.

The teenage sensation is currently on the books of Danish outfit Aarhus, where he has been attracting interest for some time.

He is yet to be handed a senior debut in the Superliga but is widely regarded as an exciting prospect for the future.

At just 18-years-old he is already viewed as being one of the brightest talents to emerge from Iceland in recent years.

Standing on the verge of a glamorous switch to Anfield, Palsson will be hoping to make the same impact on Europe's biggest stage as his countryman Eidur Gudjohnsson - a man who has represented Chelsea and Barcelona during his distinguished career.

"I expect it will all be settled and ready to be completed next week," said Palsson, in regards to his imminent arrival in England.

Reds Waiting On Alonso News

Liverpool are waiting to discover the extent of Xabi Alonso's injury after the Spaniard limped out of the Reds' 2-0 FA Cup success at Preston.

Alonso failed to reappear for the second half after colliding with a Preston defender in the closing seconds of the opening period, and assistant boss Sammy Lee revealed the club won't know the extent of any damage for at least 24 hours.

"Unfortunately Xabi has had seven stitches in his instep," he said after the game.

"We do not know the full extent of the injury, apart from the fact he will be very sore tonight.

"Hopefully there will be no damage but we won't know for the next 24 or 48 hours."

Meanwhile, Lee paid tribute to Steven Gerrard who put his recent troubles behind him to turn in a wonderful midfield display - capped by an injury time assist for substitute Fernando Torres.

"Steven is a top professional," he said. "He has the full support of this football club. You have seen what he is today, a footballer. He produced a terrific performance, he is a modern professional and we're all behind him. He's a great servant to this club, a terrific ambassador and we'll continue to support him throughout."

Torres' late goal finally killed off the challenge of Preston, who had fallen behind to a first half Albert Riera strike as Liverpool ensured they wouldn't be the victims of any Cup shock.

"Preston made it hard for us. We knew it was going to be a battle but we withstood the battle and withstood the challenge," added Lee.

Tony Barrett: Emlyn’s Eye For An Anfield Starlet

The official Liverpool Supporters Club held their annual awards dinner at Anfield during Christmas week and as usual it was a fantastic event.

Not surprisingly, Fernando Torres picked up the player of the year award with Steven Gerrard and Pepe Reina named in second and third places.

Promising right back Stephen Darby won the Ian Frodsham young player of the year award in recognition of both the progress he has made on the pitch during the last 12 months and the excellent way he conducts himself off it.

A pair of Anfield legends spoke of their pride at adding to their trophy collections with Jimmy Case being named this year's Tom Saunders award winner and Alan Hansen collecting the Billy Liddell award.

Along with Torres, the most popular winner of the night was Gerrard who was presented with the Emlyn Hughes award by his widow Barbara and daughter Emma.

Barbara made a moving speech in which she recalled watching a Liverpool game on TV with Emlyn featuring a teenage Gerrard and he told her: "This kid can be whatever he wants to be."

Taking in a later game together Emlyn again sang Gerrard's praises to his wife, insisting to her that "only him and Kenny (Dalglish) could have played in any of the great Liverpool teams".

After hearing such praise a humble Gerrard told guests that "to be mentioned in the same breath as Emlyn is really flattering.

"If I can win half of what he won in his career then I will be more than happy."

John Aldridge: Benayoun And Lucas Deserve Bags Of Praise

Liverpool were absolutely magnificent in their two victories over Christmas.

I haven’t seen a Liverpool side pass the ball as well as that since the team I played in back in the late 80s.

We were great against Bolton and the performance at Newcastle was the best I’ve seen for years.

Forget how poor Newcastle were, we were excellent and the thing that really impressed me was how creative we were.

We carved out so many opportunities and Newcastle just couldn’t handle us.

I’ve given Yossi Benayoun and Lucas a bit of stick this season but they deserve praise for the way they performed.

Benayoun looked very comfortable on the right and for the first time I saw why Rafa Benitez decided to pay £6million to bring Lucas to Anfield.

Lucas got a lot of space against Newcastle and that helped him but it was by far the Brazilian’s best game in a Liverpool shirt and he looked a real player.

I just hope he uses that as a springboard and consistently produces performances like that.

I saw a poll this week voted Jamie Carragher the best defender in the Premier League, Steven Gerrard the best midfielder and Fernando Torres the best striker.

That speaks volumes for how strong the spine of this Liverpool team is.

It was a great end to 2008 and there’s good reason to be optimistic about 2009.

Team selection will be very interesting and Rafa has some difficult decisions to make.

Obviously the Premier League and the Champions League are more important, but if we were to go out of Europe and lose our way in the league, we need to have the FA Cup on the back-burner.

Last season we were trophy-less and we don’t want that to happen again.

You would like to think the squad is strong enough to enable Rafa to make four or five changes but still ensure we get through.

It’s vital he gets the right balance between giving players a rest but avoiding an upset as we don’t want a repeat of what happened against Burnley or Barnsley.

Those players who get the nod have to be prepared for a scrap.

Lee Hails Tterrific' Gerrard As Torres Returns In Style

In front of the club president, Sir Tom Finney, proud Preston lived up to their tradition and reputation last night, though they did not quite have the quality or luck to prevent Liverpool reaching the fourth round of the FA Cup. The Premier League leaders, victims of a giant-killing twice in the past four seasons, were dominant for an hour but fell away to cause their supporters an anxious last period until the outstanding Steven Gerrard broke away to set up substitute Fernando Torres for a second goal to add to Albert Riera's.

In between Preston should have had a penalty when Jamie Carragher held down the local hero Jon Parkin. The ball finished in Liverpool's net but Parkin had fouled Carragher in return, so Sean St Ledger's header was disallowed.

Seventh in the Championship under the former Evertonian Alan Irvine and with 10 wins in their 13 home games, North End had gone into the tie on the back of a good run, but were unable to build on a smooth start. In attack, they relied on the strength of beefy Parkin and Neil Mellor rather than the pace necessary to trouble Sami Hyypia . There was little scope for either of them and Mellor was withdrawn just after the hour. For the remaining period, however, Liverpool lost the authority that Gerrard, Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso had provided as a formidable midfield triangle, abetted by Riera on the left. Alonso had to be replaced at half-time, requiring seven stitches to his instep, and the home side were able to press forward albeit without finding the final touch.

"We didn't make it hard for ourselves, Preston did," said Sammy Lee, who was again doing the media round instead of Rafa Benitez. The manager, who sat in the second row of the dug-out, must have been equally impressed by Gerrard, whose night in the cells appeared to have had no adverse effect; just the opposite in fact. Lee said: "He's a top professional. Things have been written about him this week, but he's gone out there and produced a terrific performance."

Four years ago Benitez underestimated both the importance of the FA Cup and the quality of Football League opposition, sending out a reserve team to lose at Burnley. In last season's home defeat by Barnsley he took fewer chances but still did not send Gerrard on until the final 15 minutes, so it was no surprise that his captain started here in his attacking midfield role, from where he immediately imposed himself on the game.

The one negative for Liverpool, apart from Alonso's injury, was the performance of Robbie Keane. Dropped last week after scoring three times in two games, he was restored in place of Dirk Kuyt but wasted three chances in the first half alone, the worst of them from four yards following Gerrard's perfect cross. Fortunately,Riera's aim was true midway through the half when Preston were unable to deal with a left-wing corner. Gerrard thought briefly about a spectacular volley, then settled for nudging the ball on for Riera, who came inside on to his favoured left foot and shot high into the net.

By half-time the home crowd were grateful not to be further behind, though after Mascherano, Gerrard and Riera had all gone close, there was an uncomfortable moment to emphasise the fragile nature of the lead.

Parkin, rightly convinced that he had been held by Carragher, unwisely grabbed the defender's leg just as St Ledger headed in. St Ledger later failed to make sufficient contact at close range, and his team were hopelessly outnumbered as Gerrard unselfishly squared for Keane's replacement Torres to tap in. "We've come out with our pride intact," Irvine said. Pride matters to Preston.

Jamie Carragher: We Made Life Difficult For Ourselves

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher admitted the Reds made life difficult for themselves before sealing a 2-0 FA Cup third-round triumph at Preston.

Albert Riera gave the visitors the lead in the first half with a superb strike but the Coca-Cola Championship side came back into it in the second half and it was not until the last minute that Liverpool sealed victory through Fernando Torres.

Carragher told ITV1: “It was a tough game. We always seem to have problems against lower league opposition but thankfully we’ve come through. There were a couple of scares near the end and great credit to Preston.”

Carragher was at the centre of the most controversial moment of the game when Sean St Ledger’s header, which would have made it 1-1, was disallowed for a foul by Jon Parkin on Carragher. Preston were furious the defender had not been penalised for an initial foul on Parkin in the area.

“I wasn’t aware of the flag (to disallow the header) until the lad headed it in,” said Carragher.

“But he was trying to stop me getting up and I realised I was playing everyone onside.”

John Aldridge: Emiliano Insua Could Save Liverpool A Fortune

Emiliano Insua could save Liverpool a lot of money.

The young lad has done excellently since he came into the side and looks like he could be the solution to the left-back problem.

The only question mark over him is, can he defend against the top players in the really big games? Only time will tell but he hasn’t put a foot wrong so far.

I doubt Rafa Benitez will be looking to do much business in the transfer window but what the squad lacks is someone capable of coming off the bench to change a game.

Last season, teams would dread Peter Crouch coming on, especially in Europe.

However, this season there have been times, especially at Anfield, where we’ve struggled to make inroads but haven’t had anyone to bring on who offers a different kind of threat.

Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane are both great players but I really feel to push on during the second half of the season we need another option up front.

FA Cup Preview: Preston North End vs. Liverpool

Liverpool kick off their FA Cup with a short trip through Lancashire to face Preston North End. Rafael Benitez’s men have endured some notable stumbles against lower-league opposition in recent years, but their Premier League form has made a big impact at Deepdale.

The Reds finished off 2008 in style, handing Newcastle United 5-1 drubbing at St James’ Park to cement top spot heading into the New Year. Pundits England-wide declared that they were officially the team to beat in 2009, and that message was received loud and clear by the PNE squad.

“I reckon we could be in for a busy time judging by what we saw there,” said Sean St Ledger, Preston’s star defender. “We were watching it on the bus to Barnsley and when they got their third or fourth goal against Newcastle there was a stampede to get the remote control and switch it off.”

However, there is hope for the Lilywhites yet, and it is perhaps appropriate that they were on their way to Oakwell whilst watching Liverpool’s demolition of the Toon. Few could forget how the Anfield giants fell to the Tykes in last season’s FA Cup, with Brian Howard besting Xabi Alonso and Jamie Carragher to crack home a last-ditch winner in front of the Kop.

That wasn’t the first time the Merseysiders had missed a gimme in the world’s oldest football tournament. In 2005, during Benitez’s first term at the helm, they were ushered out by Burnley after losing 0-1 at Turf Moor in the third round.

So they are beatable, are the ‘Pool, even if they seem anything but after their comprehensive display on Tyneside. Indeed, they have lost just twice this term – both to Tottenham Hotspur – in all competitions. The drama concerning Steven Gerrard’s night in lock-up has threatened to burst their bubble, though, and they come up against a side in pretty decent nick themselves.

Preston have lost just twice in their last nine games and sit seventh in the Championship standings, just goal difference shy of the play-off places. They could only manage a draw against Barnsley last weekend, but the 1-1 result may have given Alan Irvine’s men a curious sense of confidence: that of being on level terms with a team who downed Liverpool (and Chelsea, for that matter).


FORM GUIDE

Preston North End

Dec 09 Preston North End 1 - 0 Doncaster Rovers
Dec 13 Preston North End 1 - 0 Birmingham
Dec 20 Queens Park Rangers 3 - 2 Preston North End
Dec 26 Preston North End 2 - 0 Derby County
Dec 28 Barnsley 1 - 1 Preston North End

Liverpool

Dec 09 PSV Eindhoven 1 - 3 Liverpool
Dec 13 Liverpool 2 - 2 Hull City
Dec 21 Arsenal 1 - 1 Liverpool
Dec 26 Liverpool 3 - 0 Bolton Wanderers
Dec 28 Newcastle United 1 - 5 Liverpool


TEAM NEWS

Preston North End

Defensive duo Liam Chilvers and Neal Trotman remain unavailable through injury, as does goalkeeper Wayne Henderson. On-loan Ross Wallace is expected to feature, however, after receiving clearance from his owners, Sunderland.

Meanwhile, Neil Mellor is a chance to line up against his former club. The striker, best known for his contribution to the Reds’ successful 2005 Champions League campaign, will tussle with Jon Parkin, Chris Brown and Stephen Elliott for a starting spot.

Liverpool

The big news is that Stevie G is expected to play, just days after being charged with assault and affray for brawling at a Southport nightclub. Equally exciting is the possibility of Fernando Torres’ return to action after a month out with a hamstring problem – the Spaniard should be named on the bench.

Some of Anfield’s young guns will get a run-out, with the likes of Damien Plessis, Lucas Leiva, David N’Gog and Nabil El Zhar all in contention to start. Robbie Keane, left out altogether against Newcastle, may also feature from the get-go.

Alvaro Arbeloa (hamstring) and Fabio Aurelio (calf) return to the squad after injury, while Martin Skrtel could make his first start in defence since suffering knee-ligament damage in October.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ross Wallace (Preston North End)

The young Scot impressed initially at Sunderland following his move from Celtic in 2006, but he drifted out of Roy Keane’s plans after suffering a serious knee injury 12 months ago. While most often used as a full-back at the Stadium of Light, the 23-year-old has played further up the pitch since arriving at Deepdale and has been very lively down the left flank.

Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

A no-brainer. Captain Fantastic was not only in electric form on his last outing, but the spotlight is well and truly fixed on him after his late-night fight at the Lounge Inn. The England man will be desperate to get the press and the public focusing on his football once more, so Preston’s midfield could be in for a bit of a battering.

Fernando Torres And Martin Skrtel Ready To Start For Reds

Fernando Torres and Martin Skrtel have handed Liverpool a major double boost by declaring themselves fit to start tonight's FA Cup clash with Preston.

The star duo have missed large chunks of the season so far through injury but are now ready to return, and Reds boss Rafa Benitez will see how they fare in today’s final training session before deciding whether or not to pitch them in from the start at Deepdale.

Skrtel was given a brief 11 minute run-out in the closing stages of Liverpool’s 5-1 rout of Newcastle last Sunday and has taken a full part in training this week after recovering from a knee ligament injury sustained at Manchester City at the start of October.

In the three months the Slovakian has been missing, Sami Hyypia and Daniel Agger have taken it in turns to operate alongside Jamie Carragher.

But with Carragher currently playing at right back due to the absence of Alvaro Arbeloa because of a hamstring injury, the Liverpool manager will be delighted to have his central defensive options boosted by Skrtel’s return.

The 24-year-old has been a massive hit at Anfield since moving to Liverpool from Zenit St Petersburg in a £6.5m transfer a year ago.

Torres has not featured since Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Marseille in the Champions League at the end of November.

Persistent hamstring problems have meant the Spanish striker has only been able to play in half of the Reds fixtures so far this season, and having had to do without the services of last season’s top scorer on so many occasions Benitez will be keen to see Torres back in action.

The Reds boss must now decide whether to give his fit again stars immediate recalls to Liverpool’s starting eleven or to ease them back into action more gradually.

Having adopted a safety first approach with Torres in a bid to ensure he comes back injury free, Benitez will not be willing to risk Liverpool’s record signing unless he is 100% convinced that his latest hamstring injury has totally cleared up.

Liverpool's Emiliano Insua Dreaming Of Wembley

Memories of Argentinians in the FA Cup are inevitably dominated by images of Ricky Villa slaloming his way around a string of Manchester City players to score one of the competition’s most famous goals.

To this day, Villa’s name still resonates thanks to his Wembley wonder strike in 1981 and now one of his fellow countrymen is hoping to carve out his own niche in FA Cup history.

Having recently earned himself a place in Liverpool’s starting eleven, Emiliano Insua can now allow himself to dream of running out in the shadow of the twin towers where Villa made his name in the white shirt of Tottenham Hotspur.

Today, Insua will travel to Preston with the rest of the Reds squad as Liverpool enter the FA Cup at the third round stage and though he dreams of Wembley, for the time being he would be more than happy just to be involved against North End at Deepdale.

“I have never played in the FA Cup before but it is a competition I know a lot about because it is famous all over the world,” he said.

“I have played in the Carling Cup and I know that the cup competitions in England always produce special games and big occasions so it would be nice for me if I could play in the FA Cup also.

“Everyone at Liverpool has told me how important the FA Cup is and we must try to win it.

“It is very difficult to try and win three different tournaments but this is what you must try to do when you are at a club like Liverpool.

“It would be a dream for me to play at Wembley. It is a stadium that I have never been to but it is one which every player would love to play at.”

Before anyone at Anfield can even think about playing at Wembley though, Liverpool must first find a way past a Preston side which currently finds itself on the fringes of the play off places in the Championship.

Insua may only have been in this country for two years following his move to Anfield from Boca Juniors but in this time he has seen enough of the English game to know that teams from the tier just below the Premier League can cause problems for even the biggest of guns.

But with the tie taking place just four days before he turns 20, the left back is hoping to receive an early birthday present in the form of qualification for the next round.

“All teams in the Championship are very strong and very difficult to play against,” he said.

“We are playing away at Preston’s ground so we know it will be a tough game for us because they will be looking to try and knock us out.

“But we have to concentrate on our own game and try to play like we have been doing in the last couple of games and hopefully that will be enough.”

Those last couple of games have been hugely promising for Liverpool with a pair of impressive back to back wins against Bolton and Newcastle providing the perfect end to 2008.

The standard Rafa Benitez’s side set for itself in the 5-1 hammering of Newcastle at St James’ Park is one which Insua believes Liverpool must try to reach in every single game they play, even though he knows it is a big ask to do so.

He said: “I really enjoyed the game against Newcastle because the team played really well. We scored five goals and created a lot of chances so we could have won by even more than we did.

“We kept the ball really well and even after conceding a goal just before half time we kept pushing forward and looking for more goals so it was really good for me to be part of a performance as good as this one.

“It is not always possible to play to this level but this is what we must try to do.”

Since coming into the side at Blackburn a month ago, Insua has impressed everyone with his performances at full back.

So much so that he is now seen as a genuine contender to become Liverpool’s long term solution in the left back position which has been such a problem for so long.

In games against Arsenal, Bolton and Newcastle, the Buenos Aires-born youngster has won plaudits for his displays and now Insua is determined to get better still as he bids to nail down a regular starting place.

He said: “I am trying to do the same things in every single game – to work hard, do the simple things and defend well.

“The manager has given me a lot of confidence and I will keep training hard in every session and always give my best, because when you get your chance you have to take it.”

Not only has Insua received support from Benitez, he has also been given the total backing of his more senior team mates in Liverpool’s back four and he believes the advice and guidance he has been afforded by his colleagues has been a massive help.

“The senior players have helped me a lot,” he admitted. “They give me a lot of confidence by telling me I am doing well and supporting me on and off the pitch.

“I feel good about this because it means a lot for a young player to have such support from players like Sami Hyypia, Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger.

“I am learning from them all the time. I watch them and try to copy the good things that they do because they are such good players and I know that if I can learn from them then I will become a better player.”

Leverkusen Issue Hands-Off Warning Over Renato Augusto

Bayer Leverkusen general manager Michael Reschke insists his club have no intent of cashing in on Renato Augusto.

The 20-year-old Brazilian midfielder arrived for just €5 million last summer and has been outstanding for his side and he has helped keep Leverkusen in the chase for the Bundesliga title.

Liverpool, Juventus and Inter are just three of the big names linked with the ex Flamengo standout, but Reschke has now insistied that it will be difficult for anyone to prise the Brazilian international away from The BayArena.

"The fact that a player like Renato Augusto awakens desire in other clubs was always clear," Reschke explained to Express.

"A transfer is not open to debate for us. I had a long chat with the player before Christmas.

"Renato feels happy about us at Bayer and wants to make the step up to the Brazilian national team.

"The boy is facing a great career ahead of him. Should he leave eventually, he can choose where he wants to go."

Rafa Benitez: I’m Up For The FA Cup

Anyone who believes the FA Cup means very little to Rafael Benitez should glance towards the directors’ box at Deepdale this evening.

The Liverpool manager will once again assume his temporary vantage point for his team’s third round clash against Coca-Cola Championship side Preston North End.

Benitez takes to the stands as he continues to recover from the two operations to remedy a kidney stones complaint.

While the Spaniard accepts staying at home would increase the rate of his return to full health, there is no chance of him watching on television and directing operations via a mobile phone as against Arsenal last month.

However, Benitez has revealed he is still being troubled by the after-effects of his surgery.

“I am improving,” says the Anfield manager. “I will need time. The first week was very, very painful. After the Arsenal game I was a little bit worse because you have more anxiety and stress. After the second operation I feel much better.

“I will not be in dug-out because I cannot move properly and shout. If you don’t have too much energy then maybe you cannot transmit everything so it is better to stay in the stands and leave it to Sammy Lee and Mauricio Pellegrino.

“In terms of my health if I stay at home it would be easier, I would be fit sooner rather than later. But I think it is important for me to be there.”

Having stayed away from the 1-1 draw at the Emirates, Benitez was in attendance for the 3-0 home win over Bolton Wanderers on Boxing Day and the resounding 5-1 triumph at Newcastle United two days later.

On both occasions the Anfield manager communicated with the bench from the directors’ box, but has no intention of making it a permanent feature of his matchday.

“I prefer to be on the bench because you can shout and transmit things quickly,” says Benitez. “Because you have experience of football you can see things clearly, and when you go to the stands you see football in a different way.

“Maybe you can see some things there but you cannot transmit it properly. Both positions can be good but I prefer to stay on the bench.

“The game against Bolton and Newcastle I was in the stands I was going into the dressing room at half-time and talking to them.

“You can show that you are there, you are analysing you are giving support to them. It shows we are taking it seriously.”

Despite guiding Liverpool to their seventh FA Cup triumph in 2006, the Spaniard has often been accused of undermining the competition.

Infamous defeats at Burnley and last season to Barnsley at Anfield came with Benitez having fielded under-strength sides, while non-league Havant and Waterlooville also gave Liverpool a major shock 12 months ago before succumbing 5-2.

Liverpool will once again make changes this evening but, with Steven Gerrard starting and Fernando Torres likely to appear as substitute, the visitors will have a strong starting line-up.

“We will try to progress,” says Benitez. “The FA Cup is a fantastic competition for us and we will try and win it.

“My mind hasn’t changed, but the squad has. If you improve your squad and have more quality then it is easier to progress and win games.

“Every single year the squad is better, so you can change players and maintain the level of the team.”

Jamie Carragher is also aware of Liverpool’s indifferent FA Cup showing in recent times. The Anfield outfit have only reached the quarter-finals five times in the last 19 years, although on four of those occasions they went on to reach the final and won the trophy three times.

“Over the years our record hasn’t been that good,” says Carragher. “We either seem to go all the way and win it, or get knocked out early.

“We’re never in the quarter-finals or semi-finals on a regular basis, which is what we should be doing.

“We do that in the Champions League nearly every year and have to start doing it in the FA Cup too.”

This season marks the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, and Carragher sees this new campaign as an opportunity to pay tribute to the 96 Liverpool fans who died.

“It will be 20 years since Hillsborough, and that is something we are all obviously aware of,” says the centre-back.

“Because of that there will be extra significance attached to the competition for us. Going on to win it would be the perfect tribute to those who died.”

As well as Torres, Benitez can again today call on Martin Skrtel, who made an 11-minute appearance as substitute at Newcastle after almost three months out with a serious knee injury.

Fabio Aurelio is also nearing a comeback and the Liverpool manager says: “I think that all the players will be important but when you have Fabio Aurelio, Martin Skrtel and Fernando Torres coming back, players who have not played too much in the first half of the season, it is like signing two or three new players.

“I think signing Aurelio, Skrtel and Torres has been very cheap because we haven’t spent money. We are not desperate to go to the market.

“If we need something we will try but we are in a good position so we can use the players we have back now and the players we had before. I think we have enough numbers.”

Important For Liverpool To Keep Up The Winning Habit

Liverpool enter 2009 in our most promising league position in the Premier League era.

As such, the arrival of the FA Cup feels something of a distraction from the real business of winning the league.

However, such thoughts should be banished come kick off. It’s important to maintain the winning habit, we have not played at the new Wembley yet and Deepdale is not just any ground. It’s at Deepdale that Bill Shankly spent much of his playing career and North End have named a stand in his honour.

His favourite player, Sir Tom Finney, should be attending the game too. As such, it would be heresy for Liverpool to not embrace the competition and the tie.

In Neil Mellor Preston also possess one of our more colourful ex-players who will be fondly remembered for his performance and goal against Olympiakos on the way to the glory of Istanbul. I’d expect Benitez to rest a few players but would hope he maintains a strong spine perhaps augmented by a couple of the younger players such as Darby and Spearing.

Of course it would also be great to see Fernando Torres playing a part. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of our season is that it has been achieved largely without the world’s best centre-forward. A week ago I would not have expected to see our number eight playing but perhaps a starting place will help provide a useful focus away from other events. It would be good to see both Lucas and Insua continue their impressive run of form. Insua strikes me as the best left-back we have at the club and he deserves a run in the team.

It should a cracking match. Hard fought, fast, frenetic and very entertaining. Bill Shankly would be salivating in anticipation.

Carragher Wants Liverpool To Raise Their Game And Stop FA Cup Failures

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes the club has to sharpen up their act in the FA Cup.

Carragher, 30, has two FA Cup winners' medals to his name from 2001 and 2006, but he accepts a club of Liverpool's stature should be contesting the final stages of the world's greatest club cup competition on a more regular basis.

Frequently under boss Rafael Benitez, Liverpool have fielded weakened sides in the tournament, and suffered as a consequence.

But generally over the past 18 years, there have been embarrassing defeats.

Since winning the cup in 1992 against Sunderland, Liverpool have been eliminated six times by teams from the division below.

These defeats were inflicted by Bolton (1993), Bristol City (1994), Blackburn (2000), Crystal Palace (2003), Burnley (2005) and last season Barnsley.

And in that time they have only had three final appearances, losing to Manchester United in '96, and winning the cup against Arsenal in 2001 and West Ham in 2006.

Carragher said: 'Over the years our record hasn't been that good.

'We either seem to go all the way and win it, or get knocked out early.

'We're never in the quarter-finals or semi-finals on a regular basis, which is what we should be doing.

'We do that in the Champions League nearly every year and have to start doing it in the FA Cup too.'

This season marks the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, and Carragher sees this new campaign as an opportunity to pay tribute to the 96 Liverpool fans who died in Sheffield on April 15, 1989 at the semi-final with Nottingham Forest.

He says: 'It will be 20 years since Hillsborough, and that is something we are all obviously aware of.

'Because of that there will be extra significance attached to the competition for us. Going on to win it would be the perfect tribute to those who died.'

Preston had lost their last 10 FA Cup meetings with top-flight opposition before defeating Derby County 4-1 at Pride Park last season.

Since the inception of the Premier League they have been beaten by Arsenal, Everton, Chelsea, West Brom, Middlesbrough and Manchester City. Seven of those 10 defeats have come in front of their home fans.

Liverpool Desperate Not To Be Distracted By Arrest Of Gerrard

Any other name and the arrest of a footballer after a bar brawl would not have registered on the Richter scale of Christmas surprises. But Steven Gerrard is not any other name and this is not any other Premier League season for Liverpool. His detention by Merseyside Police yesterday and subsequent charge for assault and affray is a distraction Rafael Benítez needs as much as another kidney stone.

"Remain humble, keep our feet on the ground and keep working hard" were Gerrard's words as he left St James' Park on Sunday afternoon after scoring twice in Liverpool's 5–1 destruction of Newcastle United. They sounded hollow when news of his arrest emerged and a calendar year of giant strides on the pitch and major tremors off it for Liverpool received a depressingly suitable finale.

What will have pained Benítez most of all is that the distraction from Liverpool's outstanding performance on Tyneside and their growing credibility as a title-winning team should come from a player he trusted implicitly.

It may be a slight consolation to the Spaniard that Gerrard's arrest did not impinge on his professional workload. Liverpool's first-team squad were given a belated two-day Christmas holiday after the Newcastle game. Although the wisdom of a high-profile England international ­staying out on the town until 2.30am is always open to question, Gerrard is not due back in training until tomorrow morning and is one of the key players Benítez is considering resting in the FA Cup third-round tie at Preston North End on Saturday evening.

The day spent in a police station intruded more on the 28-year-old's family life than on his other devotion: delivering to Liverpool their first league title since 1990. Perversely, and without playing down the assault charge in the Lounge Inn, Southport, the incident may concentrate Gerrard's energies on that challenge to a greater degree than they already are. The midfielder will be mortified at generating unwanted headlines hours after the club's finest performance of the season brought their championship credentials wider ­recognition and he will be wary of being involved in a repeat between now and May. He wouldn't be the first player to turn a siege mentality to his professional advantage.

Gerrard's nocturnal habits have not been an issue since he was hauled over the coals by Gérard Houllier early in his Anfield career. "If his mates want to go to a nightclub, let them. By the time he has finished he can buy one of his own," the former Liverpool manager famously remarked of the man he appointed the club's youngest-ever captain. That sage advice struck a chord with Gerrard, by and large, and an instantly recognisable face has consciously avoided inviting trouble in the goldfish bowl of Merseyside.

All of which adds to the shock of Gerrard's arrest. As Liverpool captain the midfielder has been at the forefront of the club's attempts to place a lid on controversy and concentrate entirely on the Premier League this season. Even Tom Hicks and George Gillett have heeded that lesson after the mess they made of their first full season as Liverpool's co-owners.

Despite the impact of the global credit crunch on their personal fortunes and plans to construct a 60,000-seat stadium on Stanley Park, delayed indefinitely to the chagrin of supporters, sponsors, local residents and councillors, the Americans have made quiet progress with extending their refinancing package with the Royal Bank of Scotland by six months from 25 January next year. Even the delicate subject of extending Benítez's contract, with the manager seeking a longer-term deal than they envisaged and greater control over transfers, has progressed relatively smoothly. Plans to complete a new 4½-year deal with Benítez before Christmas were delayed by a kidney stone operation he underwent on 15 December.

Further disruption lies in wait for Liverpool in the form of Daniel Agger as the Danish defender delays extending a contract that has only 18 months to run.

"I hope to stay," Agger said yesterday, but the Dane is wanted by several European clubs and is holding out for a significant pay increase from Liverpool. "I don't know what the hold-up is. I let the club do the talking and I will try and do mine on the pitch. I am trying to improve. Of course I want to stay if it is possible." As I say, the club is dealing with my contract talks and we will take it from there."

With the exception of releasing Jermaine Pennant, now a loan-transfer target for Wigan Athletic after Juande Ramos thwarted his possible move to Real Madrid, Liverpool do not expect to be prominent in the January transfer window. The priority, as Gerrard knows only too well, is to lead the way in May.

Gerrard The Icon Of Liverpool's Drama

Steven Gerrard's life seems to be unusually beset with tragedy and trauma, particularly for a millionaire ostensibly ensconced in privilege. Amidst the routine of his working life there is an inescapable theme of potential unfulfilled and his personal world appears to suffer from an uncommonly high incurrence of conflict and misdemeanour. It is all the more melancholy to behold as, in keeping with his manager Rafa Benítez's description of him, Gerrard radiates "niceness".

One would struggle to begrudge him his talent, his success, his drive or his reassuringly low hairline because, as is often said and perennially apparent "Stevie G" is the fan's representative in heaven. After Liverpool's victory against Milan in Istanbul the breathlessly victorious captain was asked if he would still be joining Chelsea as rumoured.

"How can I, after this?" he beamed back, all puffed out and exhilarated like a toddler when indulged by an irresponsible uncle – you know, when they get a little clammy head and their fringe sticks to their forehead then their mum comes and calms them down and you (me, it's just been Christmas, I've been winding kids up) have to recede into adult manners and ask if they need any Calpol or the phone number of Supernanny. (Actually I'd like Supernanny's number for my own dubious reasons – they can't keep me on the naughty step forever.)

Consider, too, Alex Ferguson's comment regarding his reported interest in signing Gerrard – "the boy just won't come here," he said. Steven Gerrard could not countenance playing for Manchester United at any price because he is more than a Liverpool player and the Liverpool captain – he is a Liverpool fan and therefore hates United and 12 years in the game and friends in the United team who he plays with for England can do nothing to ease his congenital dislike of the Red Devils.

He is a decent and accomplished man yet somehow the quality that makes him so beloved of the Kop anchors him to proletarian strife. Do you remember some barmy Ayatollah once announcing after a needless massacre that the 2,000 dead would've died, regardless of the conflagration, at that exact moment, even had the event not occurred? That destiny would've nabbed them at the sink or while weeding the garden or jitterbugging by a jukebox in a Tehranian kasbah; it was their time to die and the act of terrorism, or anti‑terror, or freedom fighting or peace keeping or whatever it was at that time had merely provided an apposite context for their inevitable death.

This philosophical quirk appears pertinent to Gerrard's plight. He is a bloke from the Bluebell Estate in Huyton and there aren't enough Bentleys or Champions League medals on earth to bewilder the watching fates or convince them that ability can quench destinies craving for alignment. His battered face splayed pornographically across front pages is reluctant and contrite; the bruises on his face the material emblems of the bruises on his spirit. Twenty hours he spent in the cells after the fracas in the tediously named Lounge Inn in Southport – hardly a tax upon the imagination, the Lounge Inn; it may just as well've been called "Aspirational provincial pints" or the "Our velvet sofas disguise the inevitable, oncoming violence Inn" or "My Pubby Wub".

That 20 hours will've tick-tocked by with the unwilling sloth of the 19 years since Liverpool last won the title, each turgid second a requiem of clanging dissonance, assaulting his faculties like the impotent hectoring of Graeme Souness. Gerrard is the perfect talisman for the city of Liverpool with its juxtaposing wit and propensity for drama, the Liver bird, a phoenix by another name has had no better opportunity to soar than the one presented by this season's inconsistency at the top, but the proximity of triumph can singe even the most durable of wings.

I hope this will not be the moment when Liverpool's season begins to falter, not with United due to commence their traditional new year surge and if Liverpool are to succeed they would benefit from a fit Torres but need, NEED – like "All you need is love" – a focused Steven Gerrard. Gerrard is a living sign, he is all that is great about Liverpool and, truly, he shall never walk alone, but that which walks with him may not always be benevolent for he is accompanied at every step by the phantom of his birth.

Alonso Hoping To End Liverpool's Title Wait

Xabi Alonso admits that ending a 19-year wait for the league title remains the Liverpool's priority.

The Merseysiders, who kick-off their assault on the FA Cup at Preston on Saturday, are currently three points clear at the top of the Premier League. And Alonso, an FA Cup winner three years ago, says he and his team-mates cannot take anything for granted if they are to fulfil their "dreams".

He said: "All the staff at the club have dreams about winning the league title. It is a very tough competition but we can't take anything for granted even after the success we have had this season.

"Being a champion in England would be something unique. We are doing well and the win over Newcastle was a great blow to the authority of our rivals."

Preston Manager Alan Irvine Scheming End For Liverpool

Liverpool fans filing into Deepdale on Saturday will be faced by a figure central to their club's illustrious history.

There, picked out on the seats of the Kop Stand where they will be stationed, is a portrait of none other than Bill Shankly. The architect of Anfield's glory days was the bustling, aggressive midfield dynamo who propelled North End to FA Cup victory in 1938, helping to secure the last significant piece of silverware placed in the Lancastrians' trophy cabinet.

But any of the visitors who imagine that a shared talisman might mean their team are extended an accommodating welcome on the pitch has clearly not made the acquaintance of the latest Scot who has followed the likes of Shankly, Alex James, Tommy Docherty and David Moyes to hold sway at Preston.

Alan Irvine, who has been North End's manager for the past 13 months, reckons not only that Liverpool can be beaten in the third-round tie, but also that he knows how to do it.

"We played Barnsley last week and as you know they knocked Liverpool out last year," he said at the club's training ground on Friday.

"So I asked Simon [Davey, Barnsley's manager] what the secret was and his answer was: 'Play really well, hope they have an off day and pray your goalkeeper has a blinder.' So that's it. That's our tactical plan for this game. Sounds easy doesn't it?"

He was speaking in the portable building that serves as the briefing room at the club's training ground and judging by the broad grin with which he delivered his inside guide to victory over the Premier League leaders, you suspect Irvine spent the past week there mapping out a more solid strategy.

Moyes' former assistant at Goodison, Irvine is hewn from the same Glaswegian granite as his Everton mentor. An intense, focused individual, with a stare that could freeze blood at 40 paces, he is a man for whom the greatest of pleasures is rolling up his sleeves and getting down to work on the training pitch.

All week he has been preparing his players with military precision for the biggest encounter of their season. Indeed, on the magnetic board on the wall behind him as he spoke, a collection of red and blue checkers were engaged in a theoretical match which suggested his main idea was to station all 11 of his players in their own half.

"Actually the blues are Liverpool, it's them doing the defending here," he said, moving the checkers as he spoke. "That's how they defend a corner. We've spent the week doing sessions based on how we'll play against them.

"It's all been very tactical. No doubt there'll be a bit of the emotional element comes into it in the team talk prior to the game. I'll remind the players then what an opportunity this is. I'll tell them that we know in every round of the Cup there are shocks.

"Liverpool have so much that we don't have, but for 90 minutes we have a chance of playing against them, of matching ourselves against the very best."

When Irvine arrived at Deepdale in November 2007 the club were bottom of the Championship. Now they sit seventh.

Around the club there is a growing sense that, never mind the brief diversion of the Cup, he might deliver what not even Moyes could manage when he was there: top-flight football for the first time since 1961.

"It's a massive examination for most Premier League clubs, playing Liverpool," he said. "People ask if I'd prefer it if [Fernando] Torres and [Steven] Gerrard played against us or if Rafa [Benitez] sent out his reserves, but to be honest they are so strong their second string are a class above many in the Premier League. So I don't think it will tell us too much one way or another as far as a promotion challenge is concerned.

"We know we've got a lot to do just to maintain our presence in the Championship. This time last year we were bottom of the league. Now even to be talking about play-offs is fantastic progress.

"And last year, when we won a couple of games in the Cup, after each win we got a win in the league. I'd settle for that again. Actually I think the chairman would prefer it if we drew the game. Get a bit more money from a replay at Anfield."

Where presumably, given his Evertonian connections, he would be sure of a cordial welcome.

"Actually, I'll be surprised if I get any stick. I was in the background at Goodison, it was very much David's show, if anyone realises the connection they'll know a little bit more about Everton than might be healthy for a true Liverpool fan."

Mind, if his master scheme goes to plan, even the most blinkered Shankly-ite will come to know who Irvine is.

Steven Gerrard In Line For FA Cup Outing For Liverpool

Steven Gerrard is to be handed the opportunity to put a difficult week to one side and return to matters on the pitch as Rafael Benitez includes him in Liverpool’s side to face Preston North End in the third round of the FA Cup.

Benitez had planned to rest his captain for the tricky tie, though after Gerrard was arrested and charged with assault and affray resulting from an incident in a Southport nightclub, the Spaniard has changed his thinking, according to a report in the Sun.

Gerrard faces a court case later this month and a possible jail sentence if found guilty.

The player himself has been eager to return to the day-to-day business of playing for his home town club and Benitez has come round to the idea that time spent on the field will help Gerrard more than shielding him from public scrutiny.

Manager and player held a long meeting earlier in the week in which Benitez repeated his public backing for Gerrard and promised to do everything in his power to help him through the difficulties.

Liverpool may also see the welcome return of striker Fernando Torres for the trip to Deepdale.

The Spaniard has been out of action for over a month with hamstring problems but after narrowly missing out on a place on the bench for Liverpool’s 5-1 humbling of Newcastle he is set to play some part against the Championship play-off hopefuls.

Preston are in decent form in their division and with home support are likely to test the Premier League leaders, with Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina all too aware of the pitfalls ahead.

“It is always difficult to go and face a lower-division side on their own ground,” said Reina, “because they will be fighting with passion and honour.

“They want to beat us and produce a shock. But we must match that and have the same mentality to win.”

Benitez Admits Liverpool May Not Act In Transfer Market

The Liverpool manager has conceded the fact that he may not add to his squad during the winter window.

Liverpool currently top the Premier League table, are three points clear, and have achieved that lofty height without clinical striker Fernando Torres.

Manager Rafa Benitez has today told the BBC that he will be loath to add to his squad, deeming a January acquisition as both expensive, and unnecessary.

"It will be difficult to bring anyone in January because we have a good squad.

"To bring in anyone better than what we’ve got isn’t easy and could be expensive," he said.

There have been rumours in the press about a return to Merseyside for former Liverpool player and England international Emile Heskey; who has gone from pantomime villain to cult hero in the past few years.

Tottenham Hotspur winger Aaron Lennon has also been linked with a Liverpool switch.

The exit door may be in use too, as Jermaine Pennant and Andrea Dossena may both be deemed surplus to requirements.

Pennant Will Battle For His Anfield Future - But Only If The Move To Madrid Falls Flat

Liverpool striker Jermaine Pennant has said he will stay and fight for a place at the Anfield club if a move to Real Madrid falls through.

The mercurial winger, 25, will be a free agent in the summer and and the Spanish giants are keen to bring him to the Bernabeu for £3million in the transfer window.

The ex-Arsenal hitman insists the Bernebeu switch would be the only thing that could lure him away from Liverpool.

He said: 'Real Madrid are a great club, so are Liverpool. I am not sure of the situation now.

'I am flattered that a club as huge as Real have shown interest in me, so we will have to see.

'I haven't spoken to anybody all these weeks because I wanted to focus on my game, on training hard to convince the manager he can count on me.

'I cannot imagine playing for another Premier League team after Liverpool.'

Rafael Benitez Says Liverpool Can Go Distance

Rafael Benítez, the Liverpool manager, is hopeful that this will be the year when the club end their long wait for the league championship.

Liverpool are three points clear of Chelsea at the top of the Barclays Premier League and Benítez is daring to believe that the title could return to Anfield for the first time since 1990 if the team maintain the form they have shown during the first half of the season.

After being held to successive draws at Anfield by Fulham, West Ham United and Hull City, Liverpool returned to form with resounding victories at home to Bolton Wanderers and away to Newcastle United over the Christmas period, while wins against Manchester United and Chelsea this season — the latter ending an 86-match unbeaten home league run by the West London club — have also convinced Benítez that his team have what it takes to be champions.

“We have had a good first half to the season, but that’s all it is,” Benítez said. “If we can do the same over the rest of the campaign then we will have a chance, but there are still lots of games to play and lots of points up for grabs before we can start talking about what the end of the season may bring.

“We have had a few disappointing setbacks this season, particularly at Anfield, but we have also shown we can compete with and beat the best in the country, so there’s every reason to be confident as we look forward to 2009.”

Liverpool were the only Premier League team to remain unbeaten at home throughout 2008 and Daniel Agger says it is feasible that the club could go without dropping another point at Anfield this season.

“If we play like we did against Bolton on Boxing Day then I believe we can win every game [at Anfield],” the Denmark defender said.

Hull Join Chase For Liverpool Winger Pennant

Hull have joined the chase for Liverpool's out-of-favour winger Jermaine Pennant.

In one of the most surprising developments of the January transfer window, Pennant has been heavily linked with a move to Spanish champions Real Madrid.

Yet with that transfer still seeming unlikely, other clubs have been alerted to the former Arsenal player's potential availability.

Wigan, Tottenham and Stoke have all been linked to the 25-year-old, who has failed to impress in two-and-a-half years at Anfield, and now Hull have revealed their interest.

Manager Phil Brown said: 'I would be very interested in Jermaine Pennant if he was available at the right price. We will be making enquiries.'

A move for Pennant this month would come 10 years after Arsenal made headlines by paying Notts County £2million for the then 15-year-old.

He failed to fulfil his potential with the Gunners and later joined Birmingham before his £6.7million switch to Liverpool.

Hull are looking to strengthen during the transfer window to consolidate their position in the top half of the Barclays Premier League.

The Tigers have also been linked with Wigan midfielder Michael Brown but Phil Brown has denied making an approach.

He said: 'We have got a number of irons in the fire, but just because the transfer window opens, doesn't mean to say everyone jumps into business straight away.

'A lot of these windows start with the big boys, and once they start to do their dealings everyone else follows suit. We have got certain targets earmarked.'

One piece of business that looks certain to go through is the signing of defender Kamil Zayatte on a permanent deal from Swiss side Young Boys. The Guinea international, 23, has made a big impression since joining the club on loan in August.

'We are very close,' said Brown.

'We are sitting down with his advisors and people at Young Boys of Berne.

'Hopefully we will have something to announce very soon.'

Pepe Reina Says Liverpool Risk FA Cup Humiliation

Pepe Reina has warned his Liverpool team-mates they risk another FA Cup humiliation if they don't match Preston's passion.

The Reds have struggled against lower league opposition in the Cup and last season they were given scares by Luton and non-league Havant and Waterlooville.

They ignored those warnings and were embarrassed by Barnsley at Anfield when Brian Howard scored a late winner in front of a stunned Kop.

Boss Rafa Benitez has also lost to Burnley in the Cup and Reina claims Liverpool's attitude must be spot on at Deepdale tomorrow evening.

The Spaniard knows Alan Irvine's side will be fired up by their biggest crowd for 30 years of 24,000 and has told his teammates they must be prepared.

"It's always difficult to go and face a lower division side on their own ground," said the Reds keeper. "We know it will be difficult to play against them because they will be fighting with passion and honour.

"They want to beat us and produce a shock, but we must have the same mentality to win.

"I would love to play at the new Wembley. It's a great stadium and I want to play in a final there. I have great memories of winning the Cup in 2006."

Benitez could play into Preston's hands by fielding an understrength side, but Steven Gerrard is expected to start.

Reina is also likely to have the night off to give his Brazilian understudy Diego Cavalieri a rare outing. "I never want a rest," said the Spaniard. "But I understand Diego deserves a chance as well."

Liverpool make the short trip up the A59 as league leaders and Benitez insists no one is using the 'T' word at Anfield.

He was keen to quell any title talk and says the Reds still have much to do. "To be going into a new year at the top of the Premier League table is a just reward for all the hard work the players and staff have put in this season," said the Liverpool manager.

"It's great for the confidence of the players and for the supporters to see us at the top, but we know there is still a long way to go and that's why you won't hear anybody at Liverpool talking about winning the title.

"We've had a good first half to the season but that's all it is. If we can do the same over the rest of the campaign then we'll have a chance. But there are still lots of games to play and lots of points up for grabs before we can start talking about what the end of the season may bring."

Sean St Ledger has been taking tips from best mate Luke Steele on how to dump Liverpool out of the Cup.

Keeper Steele was the key man as Barnsley pulled off that amazing upset at Anfield last season.

And North End centre-back St Ledger has taken advice from his old Peterborough team-mate ahead of tomorrow's clash.

He said: "Luke's my best mate and last week he was telling me about what it was like at Anfield when they beat Liverpool last year.

"He said it was fantastic - when they started singing You'll Never Walk Alone he even found himself singing along to it!

"He was saying how good they are, even if it is basically a second string Liverpool put out. I don't want that to happen - I want them to play their best side."

But St Ledger admits they could be in for a busy afternoon if Liverpool repeat the form they showed in thrashing Newcastle 5-1 last weekend.

He said: "We were watching it on the bus to Barnsley, and when they got their third or fourth goal there was a stampede to get the remote control and switch it off.

"Their first-half performance was the best I've seen from anyone, ever. It was breathtaking."

Spaniard Pepe Reina Dreaming Of Wembley FA Cup Showpiece With Liverpool

Pepe Reina is unlikely to be involved when Liverpool begin on the FA Cup trail at Preston North End tomorrow, but he is keen to be there at the end.

In keeping with Rafael Benitez’s policy of giving his second-choice keeper playing time in the early rounds of the domestic cup competitions, Brazilian Diego Cavalieri is expected to line-up at Deepdale in tomorrow’s third round tie.

But Reina is hoping his team-mates can see off Alan Irvine’s Coca-Cola Championship side and keep his dream of playing at the New Wembley alive.

The Spanish shot-stopper, who is closing in on a century of clean sheets during his time at Anfield, was the hero the last time Benitez’s side lifted the FA Cup three years ago. Reina’s heroics in extra-time and in the penalty shoot-out enabled Liverpool to beat West Ham at the Millennium Stadium in 2006.

The 26-year-old is hoping Liverpool can go all the way again this time and give him the chance to recreate that day on May 30 at the new Wembley.

“I can’t wait to play at the new Wembley,” he said. “It is a great stadium and I want to play a final there as soon as possible. Let’s hope we can do it in this season’s FA Cup. It’s always difficult to go and face a lower division side on their own ground.

“We know it is difficult to play against them because they will be fighting with passion and honour.

“They want to beat us and produce a shock but we must match that and have the same mentality to win.

“Our target at the start of the season was to try and win any competition we are in and the FA Cup is one of them. I have good memories from it and it would be nice to win it again.”

While Reina would love to play at Preston tomorrow he understands Benitez’s rotation policy, adding: “I never want a rest. Obviously I want to be involved in every minute of every game, but I understand Diego Cavalieri deserves a chance as well. He has played in the League Cup and it is a good opportunity for him to show what he can do.

“He’s a great signing. He’s a young, good goalkeeper and works hard.

“He is a good team-mate and good back-up and in time he will fight for the number one spot.”

Liverpool FC Boss Rafa Benitez Hails Pepe Reina As Best Keeper In League

Rafael Benitez has hailed Pepe Reina as the best goalkeeper in the Premier League as his fellow Spaniard closes in on another Liverpool landmark.

Reina is only seven shy of recording a century of clean sheets having already taken less time to reach 50 shut-outs than any keeper in the Anfield outfit’s history.

The 26-year-old has won the Premier League Golden Gloves award for the most clean sheets in all three previous seasons since his £6million arrival from Villarreal in 2005.

Reina and Chelsea’s Petr Cech have both kept 11 clean sheets this season, the highest figure in the top flight.

And Liverpool manager Benitez believes Reina has now surpassed Cech as the number one number one in English football.

“In the first year we signed him we had 82 points, with a lot of clean sheets, and that made a difference and gave the defenders massive confidence,” said Benitez. “He’s getting better each season.

“He has a very, very good mentality and is very positive.

“Diego Cavalieri is a good keeper, but Reina has a lot of confidence because he’s been here a long time.

His style of football is very good for any league, but especially the Premier League because you need to be physical.

“The ball’s in the air a lot. He’s good in his six-yard box but also outside it.

“I’d say he is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League and also in Spain.

“He’s very, very important for us, not just because he’s a good goalkeeper but also because of his mentality.”

Reina is likely to be handed a well-earned rest tomorrow when Liverpool begin their FA Cup campaign with a visit to Preston North End.

Cavalieri, who has appeared twice in the Carling Cup this season, is lined up to deputise against the Coca-Cola Championship outfit in the third round tie.

Why Steven Gerrard Is So Important To Liverpool's Title Bid

It says it all about how vital Steven Gerrard is to Liverpool that over the last six league games he has scored more goals than Manchester United's entire star-studded side.

Liverpool's captain fantastic has netted five times, which is one more than Rooney, Berbatov, Tevez and Co put together.

Little wonder then that Liverpool should rush to pledge him their total support within hours of him being charged with assault and affray on Monday.

Gerrard will be thankful for the club's backing and for all his success on the pitch, he has always carried the weight of the Anfield world on his shoulders.

Liverpool's fear is that his scintillating form and their title hopes could be hit by his looming court case.

Rafa Benitez will try to avert this nightmare scenario for Liverpool by making it business as usual for Gerrard when he and his team-mates return to training at Melwood today.

Liverpool's title rivals may see Gerrard's difficulty as their opportunity, but in reality they have worries of their own to contend with.

United, despite boasting £100million worth of attacking talent, can hardly buy a goal.

Arsenal have lost midfield general Cesc Fabregas to longterm injury and Chelsea's stuttering form goes on, transfer money is suddenly an issue and Didier Drogba continues to rock the boat.

Sir Alex Ferguson rarely offers hope to his adversaries, but after seeing his Manchester United side squeeze past Middlesbrough 1-0 on Monday, even he admitted he was worried by their lack of goals.

United's goal tally over their last six league games reads like some binary code - 1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0. Those four goals may have earned United four 1-0 wins and 12 precious points, but Ferguson knows they cannot keep relying on such fine margins.

"We are concerned that we're making so many chances and not taking them," he said.

"I hope we don't live to suffer because of it.

"If there's one part of the game that's giving us any concern, it's the finishing.

"It's a big worry for us and we had to work hard for it again against Middlesbrough.

"The players' performance level is very good and the concentration and energy of the team are very good as well, so we've got to hope we can start scoring regularly." The United manager will be particularly concerned by the form of his three frontline strikers - Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov.

The enigmatic Bulgarian's winner against Boro was only his third league goal for United in 15 appearances.

And Tevez has managed two in 13 games and Rooney just one in his last nine Premier League matches.

But all is not well elsewhere, either.

Chelsea, who have dropped 11 out of their last 21 points, should be boosted by the return to fitness of main goalscorer Drogba.

Instead, the sulky Ivory Coast striker has continued to bemoan his misfortune at playing for one of the richest clubs in the world.

And boss Luiz Felipe Scolari wants to change the team's fortunes with a major transfer market plunge.

But he is coming under increasing scrutiny and has been told he must sell players before he buys. At Arsenal, Arsene Wenger's reluctance to spend big in the summer has come back to haunt him, with the loss of Fabregas and Theo Walcott exposing a lack of depth in the Gunners squad.

In addition, William Gallas's outburst, which saw him stripped of the club captaincy, has created dressing-room tensions and there is now uncertainty about the ownership of the club following recent boardroom upheavals.

The only certainty in the second half of what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Premier League seasons ever is the uncertainty hovering over England's most powerful clubs.

Tommy Smith: Reds Good Enough To Go All The Way

It could hardly have been a happier Christmas for Liverpool and the fans.

Two first class performances against Bolton and Newcastle and at last, goals galore to celebrate as we go into New Year at the top of the league.

Now the business end of the season is here and things really start to shape up.

The pressure and expectation will mount from here on in but I’m confident we’ve got the manager and the team to handle it all.

Thankfully, those goalless draws at Anfield which have had everyone a bit worried have come in the first half of the season.

We’ve got away with those results because of other really good results against the likes of United, Chelsea and Everton – and also because the other top sides have been slipping up too.

But now at last Liverpool have turned on the style and it’s been a joy to see,

I thought it was a terrific performance against Bolton and then 48 hours later they gave Newcastle one hell of a hammering.

We all know it could easily have been six by half time, never mind five by full time.

But now when we’re missing chances or having shots saved, the lads are just shrugging off the disappointment and not letting the near misses upset their rhythm. It’s as if they know there’ll be more chances soon and the goals will come eventually. It’s great to see that confidence and style in the side now.

In the last two games Liverpool really have played like champions in waiting – they’ve passed the ball so well and been a real team. But there’s such a long way to go that you have to keep this level up week in, week out now.

I’ve heard the question asked as to what Liverpudlians now see as the priority – a Premier League title or a sixth European Cup.

Everyone knows how much the fans crave a 19th league title but at Anfield there can be no question about the answer. It has to be both.

As Sammy Lee so rightly keeps saying, it’s all about keeping feet on the ground and concentrating only on the next game, never mind the next trophy.

If you’re playing consistently well the successes usually take care of themselves in the end.

However, if you lose focus and start looking even one game ahead of the next, you’re asking for trouble.

But it’s clear we are at last starting to turn the screw.

And we’ve shown over Christmas that this Reds team is definitely good enough to go all the way.

Rafa rotated his side again after the Bolton win and while he inevitably raised some eyebrows, he’s come away proving to his doubters that he knows exactly what he’s doing.

You can moan and groan all you like and instinctively I am not a fan of rotation.

But Rafa has proved it can work much more than it fails – and you’ve got to give the boss enormous credit for that.

It seems to me the players are also getting used to it and accepting it as being in the best interests of the club and the hunt for trophies.

Eight goals and six points over the past few days shows the manager for all his recent illness, is right at the top of his game too.

Next up is Preston and I’m sure we’ll see even more changes for what will be an intriguing tie.

Of course whichever side is put out they will be expected to handle matters, but for me the FA Cup has lost some of its lustre.

When we were beaten a few seasons ago by Burnley there was real anger. When we lost to Barnsley last season it was dismay.

With the Reds hopefully in the hunt for the top honours at home and in Europe, sadly the FA Cup doesn’t seem quite as important as it once was.

Daniel Agger: Anfield Must Be A Fortress

Daniel Agger believes Liverpool should go into the New Year looking to turn Anfield into an impregnable fortress after ending 2008 on a high.

The Reds finished the year in fine style with back-to-back victories against Bolton and Newcastle that took them three points clear at the top of the Premier League.

But it was the convincing 3-0 victory over Bolton at Anfield which fired Agger’s belief that Liverpool could even win every one of their remaining home league games.

Before that win, Rafa Benitez’s side had recorded three consecutive draws in front of their own fans and the Danish defender thinks such setbacks could become a thing of the past if Liverpool can keep on repeating the kind of form they showed against Bolton.

Liverpool were actually the only team in the entire league to go 2008 unbeaten at home but the 24-year-old believes even that impressive record can be improved upon.

Agger said: “It doesn’t matter if we win one, two or three nil as long as we win.

“We had a few draws at home when we found it difficult to break teams down but when you get an early goal, like we did against Bolton, it opens things up a bit more and we are able to play more freely.

“Now it is important that we just keep on going. We know that we can score goals at home and win games at home.

“If we play like we did against Bolton on Boxing Day then I believe we can win every game.

“Liverpool Football Club go into every game trying to win it, especially when we are playing at Anfield.

“We know that in the real world it’s not always possible, but we will try as hard as we can to do it.”

Jermaine Pennant Move To Real Madrid On Rocks

Jermaine Pennant’s hopes of securing a dream move to Real Madrid appear to have been dashed after the Spanish giants withdrew their £3m offer to Liverpool.

The Reds received a bid from Real for their out of favour winger two days before Christmas but the proposed deal has now mysteriously collapsed.

Initially, personal terms were said to be a possible stumbling block but sources in Spain have indicated that Real withdrew their offer at the request of manager Juande Ramos who is said to be unconvinced about Pennant’s ability to make an impact at the La Liga club.

Pennant has become an increasingly peripheral figure at Anfield and has not made a single appearance in Rafa Benitez’s side in more than two months.

The 25-year-old is set to become a free agent in the summer and Liverpool would have been delighted to receive a £3m fee for a player who can walk away for nothing in six months time.

But with Real now looking at alternatives it seems highly unlikely the deal will be resurrected, despite Pennant having admitted to being attracted to a move to Spain.

“I cannot imagine playing for another Premier League team after Liverpool,” Pennant told website guillembalague.com.

He added: “I know Real Madrid made an offer for me. Real Madrid is a great club, so is Liverpool.

“I am not sure of the situation now; I am flattered that a club as huge as Real has shown interest in me, so we will have to see.

“I just want to play regular football and one of my dreams is to be able to do it in Spain one day. I love the way teams like Sevilla, Barcelona, Valencia or Real play.

“I think my style of football will suit La Liga.”

Wigan have maintained an interest in Pennant throughout this season and could provide an alternative should Real not return to the negotiating table.

Latics boss Steve Bruce is thought to be keen to recruit the Nottingham-born wide man who he actually sold to Liverpool when manager of Birmingham.

Pennant played some of the best football of his career under Bruce before signing for the Reds in a £6.7m transfer in July 2006.

Bruce is refusing to rule out a move for his former player although Wigan are unlikely to be willing to match the offer Real Madrid tabled before making a dramatic about-turn.

Real In For Rafa: Benitez Was First Choice At The Bernabeu Before Ramos Got The Nod

Rafa Benitez was Real Madrid's first choice to replace Bernd Schuster as manager, according to reports in Spain.

Catalan-based newspaper Sport claims Real made an approach for the Liverpool boss, but were told Benitez could not leave Anfield mid-season.

The Bernebeu club then appointed former Tottenham boss Juande Ramos, who was available to start immediately after being replaced by Harry Redknapp at White Hart Lane.

The report was made in the paper's 'Confidential' section, which also suggested Real Madrid could make another attempt to sign Benitez at the end of the season.

Ramos only has a contract until the end of the season and failure to win La Liga or the Champions League could see Real in the market for yet another manager.

The club are currently fifth in Spain's top flight, 12 points behind rivals Barcelona.

Real will play Benitez's Liverpool in the first knock-out stage of the Champions League on February 25 and face a tricky return leg at Anfield on March 10.

Benitez was Real's favoured target as the Spaniard coached at the Bernebeu in numerous backroom roles for almost a decade in the 80s and 90s.

The Liverpool boss, 48, was born in Madrid, played for Real as a youngster and was appointed youth coach in 1986.

Benitez also has a proven track record as a manager in Spain, winning La Liga twice and the UEFA Cup in three remarkable years with Valencia.

The first Spaniard to manage in the English top flight, Benitez has reiterated his pedigree in European competition by leading Liverpool to glory in the Champions League in 2005 before taking them to the final again two years later.

Liverpool also won the FA Cup in 2006 and currently sit top of the Premier League as they bid to win their first league title for 19 years.

Gerrard Shares Jokes With Liverpool Team-Mates On Return To Training

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard returned to training today with little fanfare.

The 28-year-old - charged with assault and affray after a nightclub brawl - joined team-mates at Liverpool's Melwood training ground.

The England international arrived at the ground in the suburb of West Derby in his black Range Rover Sport at 10.05am.

He was greeted by a few fans that turned out despite the freezing temperatures to see him drive straight through the waiting open gates.

He has so far remained silent about the controversy and his wife Alex Curran, 26, last night said they would not be commenting.

Gerrard was charged with two other men following a fight at the Lounge Inn, in Southport, Merseyside, in the early hours of Monday.

The father-of-two was celebrating his team's win over Newcastle when trouble began.

He was arrested and interviewed by detectives who later charged the international, who was awarded an MBE in the last New Year's honours.

It is claimed the player assaulted part-time DJ Marcus McGee, 34.

Mr. McGee, of Southport, allegedly lost a tooth and needed stitches to a face cut.

In the hours after the fracas, blood and broken glass were visible on the floor of the club.

Gerrard, of Formby, Merseyside, will go before magistrates on January 23 with John Doran, 29, and Ian Gerard Smith, 19, both of Huyton.

They are also facing counts of assault and affray.

Revealed: First Picture Of Man At Centre Of Steven Gerrard Assault Charge

This is the bruised face of the man at the centre of the night-club assault charge facing Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard.

Marcus McGee’s swollen right eye was clearly visible as he left his Merseyside home yesterday, the day after Gerrard and two other men were charged with assaulting him.

Mr. McGee emerged as LFC manager Rafael Benitez came out in strong support of his club captain and talisman, while Gerrard himself returned to training at Melwood.

Benitez said: “Steven is our captain and a key player for us, but more than this, I know him as a nice person.

“He explained to me what had happened and I told him he has my full support and backing, along with everyone else at the football club.”

Mr. McGee’s injuries were partially hidden by the grey beanie hat he wore yesterday to fend off the biting cold as he left his family home – a bungalow in Churchtown.

The 34-year-old, who lives with partner Gina Lord, 33, and their daughters Francesca, 12, and Helena, six, was acting as the DJ at The Lounge Inn, on Bold Street, when the alleged assault took place in the early hours of Monday.

Mr. McGee, who runs a double glazing repair company called Cloudy 2 Clear UK Ltd, lost a tooth and needed stitches to a head wound.

The melee is thought to have blown up after Mr. McGee was asked for access to the computer- controlled record selection system.

He is thought to have refused, triggering the brawl in which he was badly injured.

The following day, shards of glass and smears of blood were found on the floor of The Lounge Inn.

Gerrard, 28, along with two friends, John Doran, 29, and Ian Smith, 19, both from Huyton, is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray.

They were among a group of six held at Southport Police Station, on Albert Road, for close to 24 hours.

Now the trio are on police bail, awaiting their first appearance at North Sefton Magistrates’ Court, on January 23.

Fellow Kop legend Kenny Dalglish revealed in yesterday’s Daily Post that Gerrard had been chatting about doing some work for his wife, Marina’s, charity shortly before the incident.

Montero: I Understand Gerrard

Legendary Juventus hard man Paolo Montero stands up for Steven Gerrard. “I used to get in fights with Fiorentina fans all the time!”

Liverpool hero Gerrard was charged with assault and affray following an alleged incident at a local nightclub that left a 34-year-old man in hospital with facial injuries.

“Sometimes I tell myself that I went over the top, but then I shake my own hand and think at least I never faked anything,” Montero told La Stampa newspaper.

“We are men too, exactly like everyone else. In that precise moment at night, you don’t feel like the number one player in the world. You are simply a man who doesn’t want to be provoked.”

The Uruguayan still holds the record for more red cards than any other player in Serie A history – 13 in nine years at Juventus – and assures he understands where Gerrard is coming from.

“It happened to me, of course. I was in Viareggio with my dear friend ‘Attila.’ Wherever we went, there were Fiorentina fans all around us. Imagine the scene, me a Juventus player surrounded by Viola supporters.

“The first time it was some swearing, the second a push and the third a punch.”

Montero is glad to see there is an heir to his throne at the heart of the Juventus defence, although one less likely to get sent off.

“I see myself in Chiellini. Giorgio is a tough guy, but more of a goalscorer than I was.”

Steven Gerrard 'Furious' Over Nightclub Disaster

Stevie G is deeply worried that the controversy surrounding his late-night fracas could derail the Reds' push for a maiden Premiership crown.

When news broke of Steven Gerrard's arrest for his involvement in a brawl at Southport's Lounge Inn early on Monday morning, it was instantly clear that the implications could be vast for Liverpool.

The 28-year-old had just led his Merseyside giants in a stunning demolition of Newcastle United, one which cemented them as Premier League leaders heading into the back half of the season.

Just hours after returning from Tyneside, though, not only had Gerrard's squeaky-clean image been badly tarnished, but the shine had well and truly been taken off the Reds' exploits at St James' Park.

And the Daily Mail reports that Anfield's superstar skipper is fearful that the media storm surrounding the whole affair could seriously disrupt the club's title charge.

"It has been a day of soul-searching," an anonymous friend of Gerrard was quoted as saying by the tabloid newspaper.

"He's a very proud man and someone who takes pride in being a model professional and someone who sets the right example and he is furious with himself for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"He has been heartened by the support he has received. He probably now feels part of the Liverpool family more than ever. But he's just sitting at home beating himself up."

Gerrard will answer charges of assault and affray at the Sefton Magistrates' Court on January 23.