Dossena Settled At Anfield

Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena admits he is feeling more settled at Anfield after a difficult start to life in England.

Dossena struggled to make an impact at Liverpool following his arrival from Udinese last summer.

But the full-back believes he now understands more of what is required of him from Reds boss Rafa Benitez.

"In the first six months it was not easy for me because Italian football is very different from here," Dossena told Sky Sports News.

"Now I know what the boss Benitez wants from me."

Dossena insists Liverpool will fight until the end with Manchester United for the Premier League title.

The Reds sit in second spot two points behind leaders United, but Dossena says the squad will give their all to try and win the championship crown.

"United are a strong team, a good team, but we are Liverpool Football Club we want to win and we will try to win until the finish of the season.

"If at the finish of the season you win OK, but we want to stay there."

Liverpool Chief Exec Rick Parry Reveals 'Homegrown' Quota Being Considered By Premier League Clubs

Premier League clubs are considering a quota for a minimum number of ’homegrown’ players in their squads in a bid to stave off attempts to impose spending controls.

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has revealed the 20 clubs discussed the move at a meeting last week and there was consensus over the general principle.

The move comes as the European Clubs’ Association, of which Parry is a board member, yesterday shelved a proposal for clubs in UEFA competitions to be limited to spending a maximum of 50% of their turnover on wages.

Clubs in the Champions League and UEFA Cup are already obliged to have eight homegrown players – of any nationality, but who have spent three years under the age of 21 at the club – in their 25- man squads.

Parry, speaking from Geneva in Switzerland said: “It was discussed at the Premier League last week after being put up by the Premier League board.

“We have not accepted a figure, just the principle that some minimum limit of homegrown players makes sense.

“For those of us competing in the Champions League we could introduce it now and it wouldn’t be an issue. Indeed the Premier League did produce an analysis which showed that actually a lot of the clubs would not have too much difficult complying.

“It will certainly be given more consideration, it’s a way off being decided but it was certainly a constructive discussion.”

The Football League have already agreed that from next season at least four out of the 16 players in matchday squads have to come through the ranks of clubs in England and Wales.

Other proposals being considered by the Premier League include giving financial incentives to clubs to use academy products, but the ’homegrown’ rule looks the most likely.

It will also allow clubs to argue they will bring more players through the ranks rather than spending big on established stars.

Parry said the Premier League’s discussions have come in response to pressure from the Government, UEFA president Michel Platini and FA chairman Lord Triesman for top- flight clubs to create a more level playing field and reduce debt.

He added: “We are aware that there is concern at Government and FA level and what we have to do is engage in that debate and be part of the solution.

“They want to see something, as does Michel Platini, so it’s about not being completely negative and isolationist about those ideas that do have merit and perhaps being in step with Europe rather than being completely out of step.”

The clubs will return to the issue at their summer meeting in June when a range of options on encouraging youth players will be put to chairmen.

A Premier League spokesman said: “There has been an ongoing discussion about raising the standards of youth development and progressing academy players but no definitive policy decision has been taken.”

Parry said that the 93 member clubs of the ECA who turned up for today’s general assembly viewed a 50% turnover-wages limit as a “blunt instrument”.

He said: “The debate on should we just have a simple 50% limit on turnover threw up all sorts of issues such as does that mean the big clubs stay big and the small ones never have a chance to catch up?

“Does it mean that clubs in countries with different tax regimes suffer?

“A lot of clubs felt it is a bit of a blunt instrument and maybe the debate over young players is a better approach.

“What we in England don’t want to see is a dumbing down and be penalised for the success we have achieved.”

Rafa Wary Of Villa Threat

Rafa Benitez is refusing to believe the Premier League title battle is a two-horse race between Manchester United and Liverpool.

United are leading the way two points ahead of Benitez's Reds, but Aston Villa sit just five points behind the leaders with managerless Chelsea a further two points adrift.

Villa have been the surprise package so far this season and Benitez admits Martin O'Neill's men could be involved in the chase for the Premier League crown.

"Aston Villa are in a good position," said Benitez. "I think it's too soon to say it's a two-horse race. We have to keep going and then maybe at the end it could be down to two teams.

"I'm not surprised Villa are doing well because they have good players. They are working really hard and are in a good position, and that makes motivation for each game easier.

"The important thing is we are still in a fantastic position. The character of the players at Portsmouth was very good and the way we came back showed we have the right mentality. We have done that so many times this season.

"We have more confidence now because we are winning. If we keep winning it will be easier to keep our focus and keep going to the end."

Benitez also expressed his shock at Luiz Felipe Scolari's sudden departure from Chelsea on Monday.

The Spaniard was sad to hear the Brazilian lose his position at Stamford Bridge after just seven months at the helm.

"I was really surprised and disappointed," added Benitez. "He is a nice man, a fantastic manager and a good professional."

Ian Rush: Rafa Benitez Had Perfect Response To Silence Liverpool's Critics

The vultures were circling the second Liverpool’s team-sheet was announced on Saturday night.

But Rafa had the perfect response with a massively important three points.

Like almost everybody else in the country, I was surprised when I saw so many influential names left on the substitutes’ bench.

I would be lying if I said otherwise.

But unlike perhaps plenty of pundits, I also had some sympathy with Rafa’s team selection, because I’ve been in exactly the same position as Fernando Torres.

I wasn’t sure about leaving Dirk Kuyt on the bench, because he looks like he could play about five matches every week and still not suffer.

But resting Torres was totally understandable.

He’s still feeling his way back from injury, he was clearly shattered on Wednesday night and the trip to Portsmouth came less than 72 hours later.

By introducing him when he did, Rafa ensured that Torres would be operating on a level playing field with the Portsmouth defenders.

Kenny Dalglish did exactly the same thing with me in the 1989 FA Cup final.

I’d been injured and had only made half a dozen substitute appearances before the cup final.

I thought I could start at Wembley.

I told Kenny I was fit.

I was desperate to kick-off against Everton, but he decided my energy levels weren’t up to what was required and left me on the bench.

In the end Kenny did the right thing.

If I’d started the match I probably wouldn’t have been able to do anything.

But when I came on my energy levels were at the same levels as the Everton defenders and I was able to make an impact.

It was the same with Torres at Portsmouth.

If he’d played from the start, when the Portsmouth defenders were fresh, he’d have been tired when the game started to open up in the last third and probably unable to take advantage of the opportunity which came his way.

As it was, he was sharp enough to find the opening and finish it in style just when it mattered the most.

It was good management, because the end result says so.

Just like Kenny got it right back in 1989.

Mark Lawrenson: Liverpool Still Needed Replacement For Misfiring Robbie Keane

I wrote here several times that I thought that Liverpool selling Robbie Keane in January would be the best thing.

But I meant for the player and the club.

And while Keane will no doubt be relieved to be back where he is loved and where the pressure is off, I don’t really see the benefit for Liverpool.

Because if you’re going to get rid of someone, you have to replace him.

This might sound wise after the event but I looked at Jo scoring two goals for Everton in their win over Bolton on Saturday and thought ‘well, why couldn’t Liverpool have taken a chance on him?’

Or at least a similar type of loan signing.

Okay, so he’s not played for ages and had looked a bit out of place at Manchester City – but that’s only the same situation Robbie Fowler was in three years ago.

But that didn’t matter because he was only brought in to boost the forward line for the final few months of the season.

I just think any striker would have done in these circumstances, where numbers are so low that David Ngog is starting on his own up front and even Andriy Voronin fancies it again.

Nothing against Ngog, but he’s untried and unknown. And that’s not ideal when you’re going for the league.

Keane didn’t have to be replaced by another £20million superstar, just a competent striker who can help take the burden off Fernando Torres.

Because the situation now is, we’re praying for Torres not to get injured between now and the end of the season.

He showed how vital he is with the winner at Portsmouth on Saturday. Take him out and you’re looking over at Manchester United. You’re looking for players to be able to provide you with what Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez and Berbatov do for them.

And then you realise how much Liverpool really do need Torres to keep on competing with them for this title.

Reds Look At Danish Starlet

Liverpool have handed a trial to highly-rated Danish winger Oliver Feldballe.

Feldballe currently plays for Odense and his performances have alerted Liverpool's coaching staff.

The 18-year-old, who has represented Denmark at Under 18 and Under 19 level, will train with Liverpool's first team so that Rafa Benitez can cast an eye over him.

Odense's head of development, Uffe Pedersen has confirmed the club are happy to let him link up with Liverpool and he believes Feldballe can establish himself as a big player in the future.

"We got an inquiry from Liverpool that they wish to see him in training and we have agreed to let him go there. He will be there for the rest of the week Pedersen told Bold.dk.

"Their philosophy is that they bring on a lot of players. If the players end up breaking through, there is a bigger chance that they will choose Liverpool as they already are familiar with the club.

"At the same time it is a good experience for our players to get away and try something new.

"He [Feldballe] is one of the biggest talents that we hope to use in the future."

Benitez Defends Liverpool FC Selection And Tactics

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez revealed his decision to make wholesale changes in personnel and tactics for his side’s dramatic late 3-2 win at Portsmouth was taken on the advice of the club’s medical staff.

Already without injured skipper Steven Gerrard and the suspended Lucas, Benitez started the game at Fratton Park with Xabi Alonso, Albert Riera, Dirk Kuyt and Fernando Torres all dropped to the substitutes bench.

Benitez said: “We were speaking to the medical staff who were treating the players, we spoke with the technical staff, with the fitness coach, with Sammy (Lee) and (Mauricio) Pellegrino and after we had a meeting and we decided on this team.

“It’s not easy to leave Torres or Alonso or Kuyt on the bench, it was a difficult decision, but sometimes you have to do this to be contenders until the end of the season.”

Benitez claimed he had faith in the rest of his squad, having given several of his fringe players an opportunity and declared he wanted to make a statement about the strength of his squad.

He said: “It was important to show this. We had players like Ngog, Babel, Benayoun working really hard and playing well and after we had the big names.

“So it was really good for the team because now we have more confidence and everybody will say maybe they can be there until the end of the season.”

However, with some of the players who came into the side failing to make an impact, Benitez had to rely on his more established stars coming off the bench to rescue the points although the Spaniard claimed he considered such possibilities before the game.
He said: “When you prepare you have an idea. The idea was to start with these players and see what will happen and we started really well so I thought we could win with them.

“We were playing very well. At the end we had some players who were really tired, you could see Arbeloa was really tired so we were thinking about substitutions.

“Ngog was also tired and he felt something so we thought okay we changed him.

“After we conceded the goal we needed more quality in the pass so Xabi Alonso was the second option. The last one was Torres because we were trying to win the game.”

Arguably Benitez’s most intriguing selection was the decision to hand a first Premier League start to striker David Ngog, but the Liverpool manager remains an admirer of the French teenager.

He said: “You can see he is a very good player. Clearly he has quality, he has talent.

“He needs to be strong to play in the Premier League, but his movement is really good and if the players around him can play well, he will play well too.”

Benitez also reshaped his defence by adopting a three centre-back system behind two wing-backs, but he rebuffed any suggestions that the system was a failure or that his continual use of zonal marking was costing the side unnecessary goals.

He said: “The use of a back three depends on the games.

“We needed to do it because we didn’t have too many fresh legs and we were trying to put players in good positions.

“If you look at corners and free-kicks normally we are doing the same as other teams. So everyone is conceding, it doesn’t really matter if it is man to man or zonal.

“It’s easy to talk but you can check, how many goals do you see that are scored in the Championship and the Premier League that are conceded man to man.”

Voronin Won't Get Liverpool Recall Despite Striker Crisis

Andrey Voronin has offered to return to Liverpool to ease their striker crisis.

And the Ukrainian misfit, on loan at Hertha Berlin, has cheekily claimed Liverpool have been in contact with him over the prospect.

Voronin was shipped out to the German club after just one season at Anfield and is in talks to make the move permanent.

But yesterday he claimed he could replace Robbie Keane, who returned to Spurs in the transfer window.

"I still have a contract at Liverpool and now Keane has been sold I could go back," said Voronin. "I was playing regularly at Anfield until they signed Keane, and with him gone, they don't have many strikers.

"I know my agent has talked with Liverpool and I could help them."

Yet far from talking to Voronin about a return, officials at Anfield explained they are trying to discuss his departure for good as they are still paying a big chunk of his wages.

Meanwhile, defender Martin Kelly has been given a contract extension to June 2011.

McAuley Eyes Albion Scalp

AS Liverpool under-18s continue to progress in the FA Youth Cup, they will now turn their attentions on getting back to winning ways in the FA Premier Academy League.

David Amoo’s goal gave Liverpool a 1-0 fifth round victory over Chelsea at Anfield last Thursday, but now they return to Academy League action this Saturday at West Brom.

Hugh McAuley’s side lost 3-2 to Everton on their last league outing and haven’t won for almost two months, due to the Christmas break and Youth Cup commitments, ironically against Albion at the Kirkby Academy in early December.

But they have progressed in the cup during that time and faced arguably their three toughest fixtures against Manchester United, North West league leaders Manchester City and neighbours Everton.

McAuley said: “The two games we have played in the league this year have been against two tough teams, but we have played really well in both. We drew with Manchester City and lost to Everton, although I thought we were the best team and it was a game we should have won.

“Performances have been good, if not results. But we go into the next game a team full of confidence after the win over Chelsea. We are playing some good stuff. We have shown good spirit and really good enthusiasm. We have no problem on that side of it and I am sure if we keep that up, results will come in the league.

“It is important we keep our consistency, enthusiasm and the right motivation.”

He added: “The game at the end of the week or the Youth Cup match are the situations where we judge our players particularly when we play the bigger clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Everton and also Arsenal in the Youth Cup last year. They tell where our players are and how far we are compared to those teams.”

Liverpool Warned Over Benitez

Liverpool have been warned it would be a massive mistake to allow Rafael Benitez to walk away from the club - by the man who let him leave Valencia.

Jesus Garcia Pitarch was Valencia's Sporting Director when Benitez quit the club for Anfield in 2004 after a disagreement over transfer policy.

And that same issue is reportedly now causing conflict between the Spaniard and Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry - with the manager's new contract still unsigned.

But Pitarch says Benitez must be backed by the Liverpool hierarchy after building a team that is finally challenging for the Premier League title.

"I think it would be a huge error if Liverpool allowed Benitez to leave," said Pitarch, who saw Benitez win two La Liga titles and the UEFA Cup at Valencia.

"Rafa is a great manager, which he demonstrated with Valencia. I haven't been surprised he has had success at Liverpool.

"He is always ready for any challenge and I believe that Liverpool can win the title this season."

And Pitarch has revealed Benitez's methodical approach and analysis of opponents are the pillars of his success.

"He is a very methodical tactician," explained Pitarch, who is now Atletico Madrid's Sporting Director.

"He studies every aspect of a rival club in such detail and thinks of what they will do in any situation. That was his principal innovation at Valencia and now all clubs do the same."

Fernando Torres Defiant Over Liverpool's Title Hopes

'El Nino' reckons the Reds are still well and truly on course for their first English crown since 1990.

Liverpool are still hanging around in the title race, as their consecutive wins - against Chelsea and Portsmouth - see them sit just two points behind the Premier League leaders, Manchester United.

It was Fernando Torres' heroics which saw off Pompey and the Blues (and doomed Tony Adams and Luiz Felipe Scolari to the sack), as he struck late in both games to seal nervy wins for victories for the Reds.

Pundits have dubbed the Merseysiders' form since the turn of the year 'unconvincing'; but Torres, while admitting his have had some sticky moments, thinks that it as unfair label.

"We began very well and at the moment we're going through a period which isn't the best," he said on the club's official website.

"But we're not bad, maybe it's just that we're stifled by lesser teams who are happy with a draw. We are better against the big teams and we have to show that against Real Madrid.

"We're getting back players that have been absent with injury like me."

Torres believes it is all a matter of perspective. Liverpool might not be in tip-top touch, but they are in a far better position than they were this time last year.

"It all depends on how you look at things," the Spaniard continued. "You can be pessimistic and think we have been knocked out of the cup and that it was tough for us to win.

"Or you can think positively, which is what I do, and see that we are fighting for the league, which we're in the last 16 of the Champions League, that on the whole we are better than previous years.

"That's what I think."

Torres has endured an injury-riddled campaign, yet he boasts 11 goals so far this season.

Vicente Del Bosque Denies Rift With Liverpool Manager Rafa Benitez

The La Furia Roja coach has dismissed suggestions that the Reds boss is unhappy with the number of Spanish players returning to their homeland for this Wednesday’s friendly.

Liverpool manager, Rafa Benitez was reportedly left fuming again ahead of another week of international friendlies after four of his key players, including a fit but “tired” Fernando Torres, were called up to the Spanish national team to face England this Wednesday.

In the lead-up to the game, Spain coach, Vicente del Bosque has clarified that there are no issues between himself and Benitez in regards to the number of players leaving Anfield for Andalucia this week.

“It’s logical for each person to look after their own interest, but the national team must be put above everything else,” the 58-year-old said during an interview with Radio Marca program, ‘La Futboleria’.

“However, there has never been an instance where the players were forced to take part. We have sufficient players. He [Benitez] has not made any special requests not to take any of his players, and as such, the responsibility falls on me to make the decisions,” he added.

Del Bosque then went on clear the air once and for all, saying that the Reds gaffer was not at all upset with his players being called up.

“I spoke to him last Friday and he told me that what was published in the press is untrue. And I believe what he said,” he remarked.

Focusing on the game itself, Del Bosque is certain that Wednesday’s clash at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in Seville will be a classic encounter.

“It will be an attractive game between two very big teams.

“They [England] have certainly improved a lot since the arrival of Fabio Capello. It won’t be easy to get a good result because both sides have a lot of great players and it will be very evenly matched,” he predicted.

Finally, ex-Real Madrid coach assured that his decision to call up young Barcelona midfielder, Sergio Busquets, will not be a once-off selection.

“We are preparing for the future with young players of this calibre.

“There are clubs who promote their youth players a bit too quickly and that is usually a bad decision, but in Barcelona’s case, it was the right thing to do,” he concluded.

Dirk Kuyt Hails Impact Of Fernando Torres In Liverpool Victory

The hard-working Dutchman has praised the contribution of his striking colleague following the weekend’s victory over Portsmouth.

After both players came off the bench to net crucial late goals and claim a dramatic win for Liverpool over Portsmouth on Saturday, consigning Pompey manager Tony Adams to the burgeoning ranks of the British unemployed in the process, Dirk Kuyt has been moved to shower yet more praise on to the shoulders of team-mate Fernando Torres.

Kuyt had levelled the match at 2-2 in the dying minutes before the Spaniard won the game with an injury-time header. The Dutchman was quick to acknowledge the vital role Torres plays in the Liverpool side.

"He is really important for us," Kuyt told The Liverpool Echo.

"It’s great that he’s back from injury, he was very important against Chelsea, he was great today [Saturday] and I’m sure he will be [great] for the rest of the season as well."

The nature of Saturday's victory also pleased Kuyt, who believes that the Reds demonstrated the character and heart that is present in the team.

"It was our best game,” the Dutch international added. “It doesn’t matter how you win matches as long as you do. What we did was show character today. It was a crazy match.

"We lost in the FA Cup against Everton, which was a real disappointment, and we knew it was a big game today. To come back twice from behind is very good."

Fernando Torres: Liverpool Is Steven Gerrard And Ten Others

Talismanic Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard had recently been ruled out of action for up to three weeks after scans revealed he had torn his hamstring.

Silky striker Fernando Torres though has indicated that this is an absence that the Reds can ill afford as they aim to maintain the pressure on league leaders Manchester United.

'El Nino' believes that Gerrard is irreplaceable, and even stated that Liverpool is "Gerrard and ten others."

Torres is currently linking up with his Spanish squad as the current European Champions host England in an international friendly.

He told The Daily Telegraph, "There is simply no substitute for Gerrard. Every great team has a talisman, the player who has been at the club for ever – he is ours.

"People come and go but he is always here. He is everything to us. Liverpool is Gerrard and 10 others. They talk about him being out for three weeks but hopefully it will be less.

"I am encouraged by the fact that he asked for the change as soon as he felt the pull. I hope that he will be out for less time than originally thought."

Regarding the Anfield reception that Torres is subject to, the modest Spaniard revealed that he remains overwhelmed by the adulation, adding, "It is wonderful when they sing my name. I am not Gerrard or Carragher, I am not one of theirs.

"But when you get so much support so soon, it is very special. And it drives you on to achieve things for those fans with goals and titles.

"The other day I was walking the dogs in the street and I walked past two men. Once I was ten metres ahead they started singing my name. It’s a great feeling."

Agger Wants Fewer Draws

Daniel Agger believes Liverpool have drawn too many games and has challenged his team-mates to stop dropping so many points.

The Reds have only lost once all season but they have slipped behind Manchester United at the top of the Premier League table following a disappointing run of seven draws in 12 games.

They have secured late victories in their last two matches against Chelsea and Portsmouth and Agger was especially buoyed by the performance at Fratton Park.

Pompey led 2-1 with just five minutes remaining but Dirk Kuyt equalised and Fernando Torres then fired home a last-gasp winner.

"You are not going to win a title if you are drawing every second game, we know that," Agger told the Liverpool Echo.

"So games like this one which we have won after going behind are a big bonus for us.

"Every game is only worth three points, you don't get any extra points for coming back but it always gives you a boost if you can come from behind.

"We worked hard for the win. The way the game turned out was not the way we had planned for it to be but the most important thing was to take the three points so we are just relieved that we did that."

Agger accepts that Liverpool will need to improve defensively if they are to wrestle top spot back from United

"The way they scored both goals was really disappointing for us and it was hard work to get back into the game," said the Dane.

"All we could do was keep our focus and continue believing in ourselves and thankfully the goals came.

"We had some really good moments in the game, passing the ball on the ground where it should be played.

"Even though it was a difficult pitch we passed it really well at times but sometimes we just needed to attack with a bit more determination.

"That's maybe the reason why we didn't create as many chances as we should have done before the goals finally came."

Rafael Benitez Accused Of Relying Too Heavily On Steven Gerrard And Fernando Torres

Liverpool narrowly beat Portsmouth on Saturday, with a Torres goal in the final minutes of the game proving to be the winner, leading some criticism towards the Liverpool boss.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been accused by The Times' Matt Dickinson of becoming too reliant on his main stars Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

The Reds came from behind to beat Portsmouth yesterday with a late Torres goal, and Dickinson believes that without the influential pair, Liverpool would not be sustaining as much of a challenge for the Premier League title.

Speaking on Sky Sports' Sunday Supplement programme, Dickinson said, "Liverpool are hanging in there, but I think yesterday's win just re-emphasised that he's so reliant on two players - Torres and Gerrard.

"Gerrard is out for a couple of weeks and Torres has had his injury problems. He goes off on international duty with Spain this week and Rafa will have everything crossed for a few days, because if Torres is out for another few weeks you feel then it will really all be over.

"I just don't see them sustaining the sort of pace Manchester United will set without Fernando Torres. He's one of the top finishers in the world."

The journalist also believes that any chance Liverpool have of winning their first Premier League crown is if Manchester United become too distracted by their pursuit of other trophies.

"Their best hope is that United have too much on their plate - that United carry on in Europe, the FA Cup, and, of course, they have the League Cup final."

Despite the recent bizarre transfer activity at Anfield, with Robbie Keane leaving the club to return to Tottenham Hotspur only eight months after joining the club, Dickinson believes the current Liverpool side are still capable of mounting a decent title challenge.

"He's made some mistakes in the transfer market, but don't all managers?
"He's put together a team who are, genuinely, challenging for the title. I don't think they'll win it because United have been there a million times before and have got the stronger resources.

"It's not easy taking on Man U when, for example, you go in for [Nemanja] Vidic, you pay the money to trigger his get out clause, Man U turn up a day later and say we'll trump you by another couple of million. That's the world he has to work in."

Hunger For Title Evident

Well, that was an emotional rollercoaster Alton Towers would be proud of. An unbelievable game that showed the spirit of this Liverpool team.

To come back again and again proves that these players really are hungry for the title. The celebrations of the winner epitomised that.

Interesting how people are still having a go at us in the media when Manchester United would be hailed for their resilience if it was they who came back. We have also scored more league goals than United this season which makes a mockery of the perception that Ferguson’s team are an attacking dream.

I am really pleased for Rafa Benitez; some of the rubbish being spouted by the media has been way over the top. Here we have a fantastic manager who really is a victim of raising expectations.

This man could have easily left on many occasions to take the Madrid job but why didn’t he? Simple – the man truly loves this football club, time for everyone to give him the respect he deserves.

The squad did look a bit threadbare, which led to a bold team selection. And for a long time it looked like it would lead to a damaging result.

However the old guard thankfully rescued us in the form of Dirk Kuyt and Fernando Torres. Kuyt has his detractors including myself, but it was a great finish, maybe the way forward is to use him as an impact substitute when the opposition are tiring.

It’s impossible to not admire Torres, already a true great. A consummate professional and a great ambassador for the club, we have had a long list of these but I have the feeling we’ll still talk about this guy decades down the line.

The international break has scarcely been more welcome. Torres himself has admitted he’s played too much football, which vindicates Rafa’s decision to use him sparingly in this fixture. When the league action resumes we need to keep the momentum, because the league is still very much winnable. To be in this position is proof of the progress – fact.

Jamie Carragher Warns Best Is Yet To Come From Fernando Torres

Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher has warned the rest of the Premier League that the best is still to come from striker Fernando Torres.

With skipper Steven Gerrard injured, centre-back Carragher took the armband for Liverpool’s 3-2 win at Portsmouth which took them back to the Premier League summit until Manchester United’s 1-0 victory at West Ham yesterday.

Portsmouth led 1-0 and 2-1 before goals in the last five minutes from Dirk Kuyt and Torres snatched the points for the visitors.

Manager Rafael Benitez made six changes to his starting line-up from the midweek defeat to Everton.

And having played 101 minutes at Goodison Park on Wednesday night, Torres, who has recently returned from a hamstring injury was one of the players left out as the Spaniard handed French youngster David Ngog his first Premier League start up front.

Despite still not possessing full match fitness, Torres came off the bench to score a last-minute winner for Liverpool for the second time in consecutive weekends and take his goal tally to three in six days.

Carragher has warned Liverpool’s rivals that with Torres doing such damage when he’s not 100% fit, he could become a force to be reckoned with when he’s back firing on all cylinders.

He said: “Fernando is massive to our title challenge. It’s credit to the players and the staff that we are where we are considering he’s been missing for a long time this season.

“To get him back, the way he’s been firing against Chelsea with a couple of great goals and then he’s done the damage against Portsmouth has gained us an extra four points in two Premier League games.

“If he can keep doing that for the rest of the season then we’ll run whoever it is close for the title.”

Torres is one of five Liverpool players in the Spain squad to face England in Seville on Wednesday and although his club manager has been nursing him back to fitness gradually, Vicente Del Bosque is expected to use him.

Carragher said: “At the moment Fernando is just coming back to fitness and he played into extra-time on Wednesday and now he’ll be going away with Spain so given the injuries he’s had this season the manager is being very careful with him.

“He’s doing okay with the goals he’s scoring but he’s not quite 100%. Given that, if he keeps coming on and scoring then we’ve got something to look forward to in the coming months when he is fully fit.”

Some glaring individual errors from Portsmouth’s former Liverpool duo Peter Crouch and David James handed their ex-team victory at Fratton Park.

And Carragher admitted that with a two-week break ahead of them because of their FA Cup exit, it was important to bounce back with a win following their derby defeat.

He said: “There are small details in football, little things which can change games. Against Everton we were a little bit unlucky that it went against us but against Portsmouth it went for us but that’s football.

“It’s a massive result for us because the next game is two weeks away. If we’d have gone into that break off a bad result it would have been hanging over us for a couple of weeks. We had an opportunity here a couple of days after the Everton game which was vital for us.

“It wasn’t too bad because we got the three points because we didn’t want to wait a long time to get a result and the Manchester City game is a couple of weeks away.”

For the first time this season, Liverpool switched to a back three formation with Carragher marshalling Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger either side of him but the skipper claimed there was no problem adapting to the alternative system.

He said: “We were fine with the three at the back – we’ve played that a lot of times under Benitez.

“We haven’t played it this season but we’ve done it plenty of times before under Rafa and we always seem to get good results with it.”

David N'Gog: I Want To Be Liverpool's Next Fernando Torres

David N'Gog arrived at Liverpool last summer from Paris Saint-Germain after impressing Rafael Benitez's scouts with his occasional outings in Ligue 1.

Very much a project player, the 19-year-old has taken up the role of Fernando Torres' understudy, beating a host of talented reserves - including Krisztian Nemeth and Daniel Pacheco - to the first-team bench.

The French striker has been paying close attention to his Spanish squad-mate, and he is delighted at how much he is learning simply by observing one of the world's most dangerous forwards.

"I have spent a lot of time watching Fernando Torres in training and in the games he has played," N'Gog told LFC Magazine.

"He is a great striker - he moves well, he finds space where other players would struggle, and more than anything else, he works hard for the team. I am learning a lot from him.

"Some strikers play for themselves first, they only react when the ball comes to them. I don't want to be one of those players, so I have been watching what Fernando does very closely.

"Not just Torres, but Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard too - you can learn a lot from players like them. Any young player would be delighted to have these players to look up to, and I am very fortunate to learn from them every day. I am picking up things from them all the time."

With Robbie Keane back at Tottenham Hotspur and Gerrard sidelined due to a hamstring injury, N'Gog could be given a several chances to strut his stuff over the coming weeks.

He added, "I am excited to be here at Liverpool, and hopefully I can impress the manager in training every day and play some more games in the second half of the season."

Fabio Aurelio Hails Liverpool's Winning Mentality

The Reds' Brazilian left-back was pleased with how he and his team-mates fought their way to victory at Fratton Park.

Liverpool looked certain to slip further behind Manchester United in the title race on Saturday, as they found themselves 2-1 down to Portsmouth with five minutes remaining.

However, the Reds rallied late, with Dirk Kuyt beating David James at his near post before fellow super-sub Fernando Torres finished the game off with a powerful, injury-time header.

The result put the Merseysiders back on top of the Premier League table, if only for a short while, and Fabio Aurelio was delighted with the battling qualities shown on the South Coast.

"It was really important to win and we kept going right until the end," the 29-year-old defender told the club's official website.

"The manager made a lot of changes to the team because we had a lot of players who were tired after the FA Cup game against Everton, so everybody tried to do their best.

"We had difficulties during the game but we twice came back and we have to be really pleased with the win. I thought we controlled the first half but in the second half it was like the beginning of the season when we were behind and then kept coming back.

"To win a game like this will help us for the rest of the season to keep fighting right until the end. It was really important three points, because we have two weeks now before our next game.

"We have a winning mentality and it gives us a lot of confidence. We will keep fighting hard and keep the pressure on Manchester United."

Aurelio, who scored Liverpool's opener at Fratton Park with a free kick inside the box, was given an unfamiliar role in what was a most curious team selection from Rafael Benitez.

The former Sao Paulo star was deployed as a central midfielder, a position he had never before filled as a Red, but he has received glowing reviews for his composed performance.

"It's not my natural position but I did play some games there for Rafa at Valencia," Aurelio said. "I haven't played in the centre of midfield for quite a while and the manager told me on Saturday morning I would be playing there.

"It's always difficult when you haven't played in a position like that for some time but I tried to do the best I could, and I am happy because I could help the team get a great result."

Fernando Torres Wants 'Irreplaceable' Steven Gerrard Back Soon For Liverpool

The Spanish striker wants his England international team-mate fit and firing again as soon as possible.

As Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez faces criticism that he is over-reliant on the superlative talents of his attacking duo Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, it would seem that the Spanish half of that formiable partnership may be a little guilty of the same thing, with some comments in the Spanish media today suggesting that Gerrard's absence with a hamstring injury is troubling Torres deeply.

Liverpool managed to secure a last gasp 3-2 victory over Portmsouth at Fratton Park yesterday, with the help of a goal from Torres, but at times such an outcome looked unlikely, with the Reds fielding an unfamiliar looking line-up due to injury and the well-publicised fatigue of the squad.

Despite that success, Torres is eager for his talismanic skipper to return to first-team action as soon as possible.

"He is irreplaceable," the striker said of Gerrard to AS. "Every great team has a model player, one whose home is there, one who stays there for life.

"People come and people go and he always stays. Here that's Gerrard. Liverpool is him and 10 others. He is everything for us.

"They're saying he'll be out for three weeks, let's hope it's less. I hope and would love his lay-off to be shorter."

Gerrard's injury will also prevent him from facing his team-mate in England's much-anticipated friendly with Spain in Seville next week.

Ryan Babel: I Can Become New Liverpool Hero Now Robbie Keane Has Gone

Ryan Babel believes the departure of Robbie Keane can finally make him a striking star with Liverpool.

Holland international Babel said: "I've had a really good talk with manager Rafa Benitez. I told him I am really happy at Liverpool.

"This is the place where I want to become a top-class player. Robbie has gone to Tottenham and that increases my chances so much more.

"I'm ready for more playing time. Meeting the manager, and having a talk about the future, was really important."

Babel joined Liverpool from Ajax in an £11million deal in the summer of 2007 but has been a fringe player since.

There have been increasing calls around Anfield for the Dutchman to take some of the pressure off Fernando Torres's shoulders.

Babel - who missed a sitter at Portsmouth last night - added: "I understand Liverpool is a massive club. When you play here, you know you are going to face so many matches every season.

"We play in all competitions and not a single player can play all of those matches.

"The manager invests so much time and energy in talking to us. He takes time with me. We talk about the system we play, about how he wants me and others to operate in his system. He has told me what my role can be in the future and what he expects of me now, if necessary as a winger.

"But I have not made a secret of my big desire to become a striker for Liverpool.

"That is where my ambition is and Benitez now knows that. I have told him that I have a real hunger for that position."

Some Liverpool fans are beginning to question Babel's progress, but the Dutchman insisted: "I have made big progress as a player at Liverpool.

"I train with the best players in the world and I feel as if I have one of the best coaches in the world.

"The Premier League is heaven for a player. You see and you meet the best of the best. Every opponent has quality and is physically strong. When I used to play at Ajax I could play and win matches without having to give 100 per cent. Under Benitez, and in the Premier League, that is impossible."

Babel still thinks Liverpool will win the title. He said: "Our rivals are going to drop points. They can't keep winning. It is important we show character when they make a mistake."

Kuyt - Rafa Proved Right

Dirk Kuyt admits Rafa Benitez was proved right to drop several first-team regulars for Liverpool's 3-2 win at Portsmouth.

Reds boss Benitez sprung a surprise with his team selection at Fratton Park after leaving Kuyt, Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres on the bench, while also changing to a three-man central defence.

Benitez's substitutions worked perfectly as Kuyt brought the Reds level at 2-2 before Torres headed home a stoppage-time winner.

Dutch attacker Kuyt concedes he would prefer to be starting games, but he understands Benitez's decision to freshen up his team.

"It's the choice of the boss," said Kuyt. "Of course, as a player you always want to play, but it is the manager's choice - and he was right."

Jamie Carragher acknowledged Benitez had taken a gamble and feels the victory at Pompey proves Liverpool's desire to win the Premier League title.

"There are a few times that we've come back, so that tells you about the spirit of the team," said Carragher.

"It's always a gamble when your big names are on the bench.

"But we had extra-time against Everton in the week, so it wasn't about big names but fresh players.

"They came off the bench to make a difference and that's what they did."

No New Agger Deal Yet - Agent

Daniel Agger's agent has denied reports that the Liverpool defender has signed a new contract with the Premier League club.

Reports on Saturday claimed that the Denmark international had committed his future to the Reds by agreeing a new £70,000-a-week deal.

Agger's current contract expires next year and he has been waiting for the title contenders to discuss an extension.

However, the 24-year-old's representative Per Steffensen insists the centre-half has yet to resolve his future on Merseyside.

"It is simply not correct," Steffensen told TV2 Sporten in reference to the latest rumours. "There has not been any deal signed with Liverpool.

"Apart from that, I have no comments regarding Daniel's situation."

Since joining the Reds from Brondby just over three years ago, Agger has made over 70 appearances for Rafa Benitez's side.

Match Report: Portsmouth 2 - 3 LiverpooL

Fernando Torres came off the bench to score an injury-time winner against Portsmouth and send Liverpool to the top of the Premier League.

Torres only came on with 15 minutes to go and by that time his side were chasing victory after David Nugent's opener had been cancelled out by Fabio Aurelio.

The Spain striker then set up Dirk Kuyt before heading home in stoppage-time.

It proved to be a masterstroke for Rafael Benitez to leave Torres on the bench - but it was the closest of calls.

Torres was tired towards the end of the midweek FA Cup defeat to Everton and has international duty this week when Spain face England - but he was still fit enough to be among the substitutes at Fratton Park.

His cameo has put the psychological pressure on Manchester United as Liverpool overtake Sir Alex Ferguson's men at the summit before their match at West Ham this weekend.

The spotlight was inevitably on Benitez for his brave move.

He offloaded Robbie Keane back to Tottenham, then saw talisman Steven Gerrard injured with a hamstring strain - so resting a matchwinner like Torres for 75 minutes was a huge gamble.

Keane would have been almost certain to have played against Pompey if he was still at the club, but instead French youngster David Ngog endured a miserable first league start.

Torres was not the only change, with Benitez radically altering his team and leaving the likes of Albert Riera, Xabi Alonso and Kuyt on the bench.

He also started with three centre-backs and at first the formation looked shaky when Nugent and Peter Crouch got a couple of shots away.

But Pompey were still struggling for confidence as they looked to end a run of failing to win a league game since November - and even a second string Liverpool were bound to create chances.

Pompey goalkeeper David James, equalling Gary Speed's Premier League record of 535 appearances, was left stranded when Liverpool put their first purposeful move together.

Alvaro Arbeloa's cross from the right found Yossi Benayoun unmarked in the penalty area but his finish went into the side-netting after James had slipped.

James would have had no chance either when Aurelio's free-kick curled just wide of the upright. The Brazilian was off target again in the 17th minute when Ngog's cross found its way behind the Pompey defence.

Javier Mascherano is not known for his goalscoring but he had James at full stretch when he was given room 30 yards from goal, with the Pompey stopper diverting the effort for a corner.

Ngog's evening came to an end before the hour mark, with Kuyt brought on for the visitors - and it nearly brought an instant reward.

Benayoun breezed past Hreidarsson and Sylvain Distin before laying the ball off to Kuyt. The substitute crossed to leave an open goal for Ryan Babel from three yards out - but the winger somehow managed to nutmeg himself as he finished.

Nugent made Liverpool pay with his 62nd-minute opener. Crouch had held the ball up before playing a reverse ball to his strike partner, who slotted his finish calmly past Reina.

It was a sweet strike for the Evertonian, who taunted Liverpool fans in the first half about their FA Cup defeat this week.

Liverpool's way back into the match came after an awful backpass from Crouch.

James had to handle to stop Kuyt from finishing, with Webb alert to the offence. Alonso, on as a substitute, tapped the ball for Aurelio to smash into the bottom corner.

Kuyt had the ball in the net but was harshly given offside after racing onto Aurelio's throughball.

Torres came on for the last quarter of an hour for Babel, but Pompey were ahead again with 12 minutes remaining.

Nadir Belhadj swung over a free-kick after Glen Johnson was fouled, with Hreidarsson losing his marker and heading past a wrongfooted Reina.

Kuyt levelled in the 85th minute after Torres crossed from the right and the Dutchman finished into James' near post.

Then came the final twist, with Torres' powerful header from Benayoun's cross finding a way past James.

Benitez Happy With Strength In Depth

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez insists his squad have the strength to win the Barclays Premier League despite needing a late cameo from Fernando Torres to earn a 3-2 victory at Portsmouth.

Torres, Xabi Alonso and Dirk Kuyt were on the bench at Fratton Park and all three were required as Benitez's men twice can from behind to secure three points and overtake Manchester United at the top.

Benitez said: "The strength of the squad is good, you can see from the players that played. Hopefully we can be there. I think we have enough quality. We knew it would be very difficult to stay top for a long time but we are still there and we want to be contenders to the end."

Benitez explained how his three substitutes needed to rest.

"Torres, Kuyt and Alonso were really tired," he said.

"We had played 10 men and extra time against Everton this week so we were talking with the medical staff about our selection. It is not a gamble when you know they were tired.

"I had confidence. We showed great desire to win and they showed character and mentality."

Alonso had a hand in Fabio Aurelio's goal to cancel out David Nugent's opener for the hosts, then Kuyt equalised again after Hermann Hreidarsson had put Pompey back in front. Torres then struck in stoppage time with a header from Yossi Benayoun's cross.

Pompey have not won a league game since November but manager Tony Adams said: "At the moment everyone tells me they want me to do the job so I'll get on with it."

He added: "It's hard to take when you come out of that game with nothing. We made mistakes but on the positive side there were a lot of good performances."

Liverpool's Stars Were Too Tired To Start At Portsmouth - Rafa Benitez

The pundits, the punters and quite probably the players themselves were utterly befuddled upon reading the Liverpool team-sheet for their clash with Portsmouth.

As if it wasn't strange enough that Rafael Benitez used what looked like a 3-6-1 formation, he also opted leave Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso, Albert Riera and Dirk Kuyt out of the starting XI.

That, combined with Steven Gerrard's absence through injury and the recent sale of Robbie Keane, left Reds fans fuming as their side twice conceded the lead to relegation-threatened Pompey.

It was the introduction of goalscorers Kuyt and Torres that sparked the Merseysiders' late comeback, but Benitez has stood by his decision to rest his key men after the draining FA Cup tie against Everton in midweek.

"Torres, Kuyt and Alonso were really tired," he said on Liverpool's official website. "We had to play extra-time with ten men in a Cup replay, and then come here two days later. They were so tired. I talked with the medical and technical staff and made the decision.

"It is not a gamble when you know they are tired. If you ask the players, all of them will say they are fit, but you have to decide based on all the information."

Despite scraping to a 3-2 win in Hampshire thanks to Torres' extra-time header, Liverpool were the better side for much of the game, particularly in the opening half-hour.

Benitez continued, "From the first minute we were playing really well, passing the ball and controlling the game.

"It was really disappointing to make a mistake to concede the goal, and after that another mistake. But we deserved to win because we worked hard and played well."

Rafa's Back For Gareth Barry

Rafa Benitez will test his new powers over Liverpool’s transfer policy by re-igniting his interest in Gareth Barry.

Martin O’Neill recognises his only hope of keeping the England star is guiding Aston Villa into the Champions League.

But if Villa don’t finish in the top four, Benitez intends correcting the grievance he felt last summer when his board refused to splash out £18million.

O’Neill said: “Gareth was true to his word that he would stay in January. If we keep the momentum going, who knows? But if we don’t qualify for Europe, things will be in the balance.

“Having given this season, I don’t think anyone would begrudge him the opportunity to move.”

The Liverpool hierarchy will be powerless to veto a fresh bid after surrendering to Benitez’s latest contract demands.

The four-year deal on the table will ensure Benitez still reports to chief executive Rick Parry on transfers but will be granted more involvement in negotiations to buy, sell and value players.

Daniel Agger Signs New Liverpool Contract

Daniel Agger has finally put pen to paper on a new contract with Liverpool, according to a report in British tabloid The Sun.

The 6ft 2in Denmark international centre-back had been linked with a move to Italian outfit Milan and Spanish side Real Madrid, having lost his place in the starting eleven to Martin Skrtel.

However, it seems that the Reds have fended off interest from their European counterparts, as it is claimed that 24-year-old has signed a new €80,000-a-week (£70,000) contract at Anfield.

As yet, the length of the contract has not been mentioned and the Reds have not confirmed the news on their official website.

Lucas Gets Benitez Backing

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has given under-fire midfielder Lucas Leiva his "100 per cent" backing.

The 22-year-old combative midfielder has endured a miserable time of late after first conceding a late penalty at Wigan, before being sent off for two bookable offences in the Reds' FA Cup exit to local rivals Everton.

The bit-part player has attracted wide distaste amongst Liverpool supporters, but Benitez has moved quickly to defend the Brazil international.

"We will miss him. We have some problems and he is a player who could have been really important for us," said Benitez.

"I can't speak for every single fan, but every member of staff knows he is a very good player and his team-mates know he is a good player.

"Against Wigan, for me, Lucas was the best player on the pitch. Then the other day at Everton he was also playing well and the ref made three mistakes. He gave one foul against him which wasn't, showed one yellow card which was wrong - and then the second yellow could be, but the player went over easily.

"I will support Lucas 100 per cent, always. He is a fantastic player, he is a nice boy and a very good professional. He has quality, he is learning and is improving all the time.

"It is not difficult for me to say that I support him 100 per cent."

Benitez Not Keen On Transfer Curb

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez does not believe football clubs should have their spending power curbed by the game's international bosses.

UEFA president Michel Platini visited London on Thursday and said he believes club should only be able to spend a percentage of their income in order to regulate the amount of money being used in transfer deals.

He pointedly criticised Manchester City's recent attempts to sign AC Milan's Kaka for around £100m and believes he has to move to legislate against such ludicrous sums in the future.

However Benitez disagrees with Platini and insists players will still get large sums of money from other means.

He said: "I don't think [it's a good idea]. You can control wages and salary but you have sponsors and the players have endorsements so I don't think it will be easy to do that."

Exclusive: Win The Title Or Go

Rafa Benitez has to win the Premier League title to save his job after co-owner George Gillett criticised the Liverpool manager.

Gillett let it be known on a rare visit to Merseyside last weekend that he blamed Benitez for Liverpool’s indifferent form.

He told Anfield insiders during his flying visit that he had been dismayed at Benitez’s recent attack on Sir Alex Ferguson – insisting that it had destabilised the club and given Manchester United greater incentive to retain their title. Gillett, who refuses to bow to Benitez’s demands for complete control over transfer policy before agreeing to a new four-year contract, also believes that the Liverpool boss likes to be constantly linked with other big jobs.

It’s one of the reasons, according to Gillett, why last season the club had talks with Jurgen Klinsmann. It was done, he says as a contingency measure in the growing fear that Benitez was going to move on.

Benitez ended up knocking back overtures from Real Madrid – the club closest to his heart – who Liverpool meet later this month in the Champions League.

There is talk once more of Benitez’s name being on a Bernabeu shortlist if former Spurs manager Juande Ramos doesn’t have his contract extended beyond the summer.

Gillett’s warring co-owner Tom Hicks is a Benitez supporter although it’s understood that he has also privately questioned some of his manager’s recent actions.

It was telling that he left Merseyside last week after his own visit to the club without finalising Benitez’s new contract.

And with the expectation having been at fever pitch amongst the red half of Merseyside about Liverpool collecting their first league title since 1990 there is now concern amongst some fans that Liverpool are imploding and that the manager who The Kop have idolised is losing the plot.

Against a potentially hostile background with Gillett’s anger growing with every Premier League point dropped it appears that only the first Liverpool title in 19 years could prevent Benitez being dumped five years after his arrival from Valencia.

Exclusive: Gillett's Rocket For Rafa

Liverpool co-owner George Gillett has re-opened his war with Rafa Benitez.

And he’s blasted the Reds’ boss, who has still not signed a new contract, for the Anfield club’s recent slump.

The American multi-millionaire, who tried last season to recruit Jurgen Klinsmann as a replacement for the Spaniard, launched a bitter attack when talking to the Liverpool supporters’ action group, Spirit of Shankly.

Gillett and fellow owner Tom Hicks, who are barely on speaking terms, were on Merseyside last weekend for the 2-0 win over Chelsea – but sat at opposite ends of the directors’ box.

Yet Gillett agreed to talk to the fans’ organisation after they gatecrashed the Crowne Plaza Hotel where he was staying.

And he didn’t hesitate to pin the blame for the recent slump on Benitez’s controversial outburst against Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Reds have seen a seven-point cushion over Premier League champs Manchester United turn into a two-point deficit before last night’s trip to Portsmouth, with Fergie’s wonders winning all five games since Rafa’s rant.

Liverpool, who were held to three draws in a row by Stoke, Everton and Wigan, have also crashed out of the FA Cup at Goodison Park.

It was a disastrous January and start to February in which they won only two matches out of seven – an FA Cup tie at Preston and last Sunday’s win over Chelsea.

Spirit of Shankly’s Paul Rice said: ‘‘I went to walk away and Gillett came after me, saying, ‘A few weeks ago, we were in first position, then a certain individual from the club attacked another individual from another club, and, since then, we have lost form and slid down the league’.

‘‘I was stunned, and asked if he was blaming Benitez as a result, and in saying that, was he not backing the manager?

‘‘Rather than confirm or deny as I expected, he replied, ‘That's your implication’, before I walked away and back outside to the real world.’’

Match Preview: Portsmouth vs. LiverpooL

Liverpool travel to the southernmost destination in the Premier League this weekend as they take on Portsmouth. The visitors will be aiming keep pace in the title race, while the home side are desperate to dig themselves out of an ever-deepening hole.

Tony Adams' side have plummeted to 16th in the standings, just one point above the drop zone in what is shaping up to be one of the fiercest relegation battles in recent memory. With just six points separating 10th from 20th, the margin between a cozy mid-table finish and playing in the Championship next season is very fine indeed.

However, on current form, a return to the second tier looks more likely for Pompey. They have now gone eight league games without collecting a victory, following last weekend's loss to Fulham, their last win coming against fellow flounderers Blackburn Rovers in November.

Thus, it has been a miserable winter for last season's FA Cup champions, as they were also been forced to sell star duo Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid) and Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur) during the January transfer window. Defeat on Saturday could see them slip into the mire, and who knows what that would mean for Adams' future.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have a few problems of their own. They may be just two points behind leaders Manchester United, but problems with the playing squad and upstairs threaten to derail what has been the club's best Premier League campaign to date.

The big news, of course, is Steven Gerrard's hamstring tear, picked up in the midweek FA Cup loss to Everton, which will see him sidelined for the next three weeks. The fact that Rafael Benitez, having just sent Robbie Keane back to Spurs, now has no recognised deep-lying forward in his senior squad only compounds the problem.

It is as yet uncertain who will step in for the in-form England man; what is clear, though, is that whoever gets the gig will have mighty big boots to fill. Gerrard was instrumental in last Sunday's win over Chelsea, and it will take a big performance - whether collective or individual - to overcome his absence.


FORM GUIDE

Portsmouth

Jan 31 Fulham 3-1 Portsmouth (Premier League)
Jan 27 Portsmouth 0-1 Aston Villa (Premier League)
Jan 24 Portsmouth 0-2 Swansea City (FA Cup)
Jan 18 Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Portsmouth (Premier League)
Jan 13 Bristol City 0-2 Portsmouth (FA Cup)

Liverpool

Feb 04 Everton 1-0 Liverpool (FA Cup)
Feb 01 Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea (Premier League)
Jan 28 Wigan Athletic 1-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
Jan 25 Liverpool 1-1 Everton (FA Cup)
Jan 19 Liverpool 1-1 Everton (Premier League)


TEAM NEWS

Portsmouth

The return of captain Sol Campbell should boost the Blues. The veteran stopper missed the loss at Fulham with a thigh problem, but he is back training and should slot straight into the first team. However, his defensive partner, Younes Kaboul, could miss out with an ankle injury picked up at Craven Cottage.

Niko Kranjcar is touch-and-go with a groin strain and will be subjected to a late fitness test. Nadir Belhadj will return from suspension, but Jermaine Pennant - on loan from the Reds - is ineligible. Jamie Ashdown, Papa Bouba Diop, Richard Hughes and Marc Wilson are all out of action.

Greek duo Theofanis Gekas and Angelos Basinas, newly arrived from Bayer Leverkusen and AEK Athens respectively, should make the squad.

Possible XI: James, Campbell, Hreidarsson, Distin, Johnson, Belhadj, Mullins, Davis, Utaka, Nugent, Crouch.

Liverpool

As already discussed, Gerrard is out with a torn hamstring, leaving a gaping hole in Liverpool's attack. Ryan Babel, Dirk Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun are the prime candidates to fill the space behind Fernando Torres.

Lucas Leiva is suspended after seeing red at Goodison Park in midweek, meaning Javier Mascherano will be recalled to the first team to play alongside Xabi Alonso in the centre of the pitch.

It is extremely unlikely that Andrea Dossena will retain his place after his abject showing against the Toffees, meaning Fabio Aurelio will almost certainly start at left-back.

Possible XI: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Mascherano, Alonso, Benayoun, Riera, Kuyt, Torres.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Glen Johnson (Portsmouth)

The England defender was repeatedly linked to Anfield last month, but instead he penned a new deal with Pompey. He has established himself as one the best full-backs in the country, and his attacking play down the right flank could cause problems against a defence that is susceptible to good crossing.

Xabi Alonso (Liverpool)

This man will take on extra responsibility in Gerrard's absence, and he has shown in the past that he is up to the task. The Basque midfielder has been one of the Premier League's most impressive performers this term, and his organisational skills will be vital in this testing period for the Reds.

Why Portsmouth Can Get A Draw Against Liverpool

Tony Adams has changed so much from his early playing days to manager that sometimes it’s hard to take him seriously as Portsmouth boss.

Yet Adams takes himself very seriously now. He is also in a very serious situation.

It’s rare that you are given a dream job as a manager and Fratton Park has certainly been no bed of roses for Adams.

But he does have enough quality in his squad to stay up, I think they will stay up.

The biggest fear for Portsmouth is the long-term future of the club.

Adams was a terrific fighter as a player. A hard-living, no-nonsense defender who captained both Arsenal and England wearing his heart on his sleeve.

He is a recovering alcoholic who has reinvented himself as a very rational and very serious character. Sometimes it appears as if he is trying to convince people that he’s a deep thinker as if it’s the right thing to do.

Adams’ managerial career did not work out at Wycombe but, via Holland, he came back as Harry Redknapp’s No.2 before being promoted when his former boss left for Tottenham.

Frankly, they were impossible shoes to fill. Portsmouth had just won the FA Cup, they had reached Europe and Redknapp had brought in internationals and the club had rarely had it so good.

But Redknapp was also clever in choosing his time to leave. He left at the top and, in reality, the only way was down.

The owners have signaled their intent to sell and the star players are already being sold off. As soon as you sell Lassana Diarra and replace him with Hayden Mullins you are making it pretty clear which way the club is heading.

There were others who wanted to bail out as soon as Redknapp left, and Portsmouth certainly miss Jermain Defoe’s goals. But Adams has also been shrewd. He’s managed to keep the majority of the squad together and has made good additions.

Jermaine Pennant was a great piece of business. How he persuaded Liverpool to allow him to go out on loan with his contract up at the end of the season is anyone’s guess, especially when he is a brilliant crosser of the ball.

Together with David James, John Utaka, Peter Crouch, Sol Campbell and Sylvain Distin there is quality there. If you pick apart their performances then you will see that generally they have been good and solid, hard to beat even.

They got thumped at Fulham last week which was the exception and left Adams’ job in danger. He certainly has to pull it round.

But I think he is growing into the job. I was worried at first when, after his first game at Liverpool, he was talking about himself in the third person.

But Adams seems to have found reality and one thing is abundantly clear from their performances - the players are playing for him. I expect them to get a draw against Liverpool and that will be a huge boost for Portsmouth.

Fratton Park is a hard place to go and therefore Adams will get Portsmouth out of danger.

But what worries me far more is the future. I am given to believe the club has 16 players on their books who are out of contract at the end of the season. Glen Johnson, James, Crouch and Campbell could all go in the summer.

Who will replace them? Will there be any money? Sadly for Pompey, even if they get through this season there may be more troubles ahead.

For Liverpool, the big concerns are this season. Sadly, they have gone from being top of the table, riding high to crashing out of the FA Cup and being a rudderless ship again.

Selling Robbie Keane with no obvious replacement made no sense. Crikey, the Keane deal has been in the offing for weeks so to not line someone up is just criminal.

Steven Gerrard is out for three weeks, Fernando Torres is lacking match fitness and sharpness and who is to come in? No one.

Liverpool rely so heavily on Torres and Gerrard that they will have to play in 95 per cent of Liverpool’s remaining games to win anything - and I’m not sure that will happen.

Keane Would Give Medal Away

Robbie Keane says he would give away his Premier League winners' medal if Liverpool go on to claim this year's title.

Keane rejoined Spurs in a £12million deal before the winter transfer window closed following an indifferent six-month spell at Anfield.

The former Leeds marksman qualifies for a winners' medal having played in 16 league matches for the Merseysiders.

The Reds remain in with a good chance of ending their title-drought, but 28-year-old has no thoughts of what silverware he could receive from the club - only how Spurs get on between now and the summer.

"My brother is a Liverpool fan so I'd probably give it to him," he said when asked what he would do with his winners' medal if The Reds claim the Premier League crown.

"The way I look at it is that a medal means something when you are a part of the squad and involved in winning a trophy.

"When you are in and out of the squad and not involved in games, there are times when you don't feel part of it.

"Next month's Carling Cup final means more to me because I'm a Tottenham player now, even though I can't play.

"Liverpool is gone. It's the past. What happens there now is not my problem."

Liverpool FC's Fernando Torres Injury Worry

Rafael Benitez admits he will be keeping his “fingers crossed” over the fitness of Fernando Torres as Liverpool’s season enters a critical five-day period.

The Spain international has yet to rediscover his sharpness after returning from his latest hamstring problem last month.

Despite two goals against Chelsea last Sunday, a listless Torres had been substituted at Wigan Athletic four days earlier and further raised concerns over his physical state with a below-par performance in Wednesday’s FA Cup defeat at Everton.

But the sale of Robbie Keane and the absence of Steven Gerrard (pictured right) mean Benitez is almost compelled to start with Torres in attack at Portsmouth this evening.

Although Liverpool will then not have a game for a fortnight, Benitez’s worries over Torres are heightened by his likely appearance for Spain in their friendly against England next Wednesday.

And Benitez said: “I was talking about Torres before the Chelsea game and saying he’s not sharp enough but he scored two goals although you could see he was not fully fit. He is improving but not fully fit.

“I think he is over his hamstring problems. Maybe three or four weeks ago, he was still a little bit concerned about this, but the work with the physios has been really good.

“He is not sharp enough. It is a risk to play him, and we took him off against Everton because he was just not able to work any more towards the end.

“The first thing is to decide if he will start, and then if he does, to decide how long he will play. There is no point worrying about him playing for Spain next week because we know he will be selected, whatever we say.

“You cannot change things so I’ll just watch the telly and keep my fingers crossed.”

With Gerrard out for up to three weeks, another injury for a patently unfit Torres would be a major blow to Liverpool.

After Torres returned injured from international duty in October, Benitez sought to liaise more closely with the Spanish set-up and in particular fitness coach Javier Minano.

“I was speaking to the fitness coach this morning,” said Benitez. “The Spanish national team are trying to get all the information they can everything about our players.

“We just have to keep them informed so they can take care of them.

“I worked with (Spain coach) Vicente del Bosque for years. The fitness coach for Spain is the one I had in my youth teams at Madrid, so we have a very good communication.

“We are looking to protect Fernando. Not because we don’t have enough strikers, but because we don’t have any other strikers like Fernando. There aren’t too many like him around the world. He’s a very important player for us.”

Liverpool Missed Ricardo Quaresma Opportunity

Former Liverpool winger Steve McManaman has told Setanta Sports that he'd have liked Ricardo Quaresma to move from Inter to Anfield on loan, as opposed to Chelsea's Stamford Bridge.

He said previously that the Reds could cope without crocked Steven Gerrard, but he now appears to be concerned about Robbie Keane's return to Tottenham Hotspur and the lack of creativity in the squad.

Writing in his column, he explained, "It was something of a shock to see Robbie Keane leave Liverpool. The current lack of creative players means that it hurts to watch the Reds right now.

"They may as well have kept Robbie until the end of the season. I don’t think his price would have depreciated between now then.

"Liverpool haven’t brought anybody in. Look at Chelsea with Quaresma on loan until the end of the season. I would have rather Liverpool did that. They’re desperate for a right winger.

"I think it would have been better to bring in a player like that who can change a game. They have right midfielders, but no right winger."

Spurs were the other party interested in Quaresma, but it does seem strange that there wasn't more interest in the talented Portuguese, even just as a gamble.

Mascherano Moves On

Javier Mascherano will return to Liverpool's starting line-up this evening at Portsmouth demanding that the side forget their FA Cup woes and instead build on the impressive victory over Chelsea last weekend.

Liverpool's week has been transformed from one of delight to one of despair, having beaten Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday and then seen their unbeaten 16-match record ended by the extra-time defeat at Everton in the FA Cup fourth round.

Now Liverpool must raise themselves in the wake of Robbie Keane's departure, Steven Gerrard's three-week hamstring injury and Lucas' suspension after being sent off against Everton.

With doubts over whether Fernando Torres will start the match, and Xabi Alonso's ankle problem, boss Rafael Benitez could send out a much-changed side at Portsmouth that may include Fabio Aurelio in a midfield role.

But if Liverpool win at Fratton Park, they will be back on top of the Premier League before current leaders Manchester United play West Ham tomorrow.

Then Liverpool, by virtue of their cup exit, have a two-week break before their next game at home to Manchester City on February 22.

And Mascherano wants Liverpool to take full advantage of an away game against struggling Pompey.

He said: "We have played a lot of games lately but we soon have a two-week break so we need to make sure we concentrate on winning against Portsmouth.

"If we play like we did against Chelsea then we can beat anyone. We have to win at Portsmouth, although we know it will be a difficult game because they can be a good team.

"It is always difficult to play them away from home, because it will be a physical game with a lot of long balls to Peter Crouch.

"But we must counter that and play as well as we did against Chelsea, and then I am sure we will win. We know everyone is disappointed about the game at Everton but we need to remember we are still in a good position in the league and in a few weeks we will play Real Madrid in the Champions League. We've still a lot to play for."

Liverpool's defeat to Everton in midweek brought an end to an unbeaten run which had stretched back to the beginning of November, but Mascherano is confident the Reds will bounce back. The Argentina captain came on as substitute in the cup tie after Lucas had been sent off, and said: "It was very difficult to lose in the way we did at Everton. We played for 40 minutes with a man less and still came within a couple of minutes of going to penalties.

"But we cannot let our heads go down. We have to remember we are in a good position in the league and we want to stay there."

Reds Eye Barca Wonderkid

Liverpool are planning a move to lure Barcelona wonderkid Gerard Deulofeu away from Camp Nou to Anfield.

Deulofeu is regarded as one of the best young prospects in European football and scouts from a host of clubs have been tracking his progress.

Chelsea and Arsenal have both been strongly linked with the 14-year-old, but Liverpool are hoping to steal a march on their rivals by bringing him to Merseyside.

Liverpool scout Paco de Gracia has recommended the youngster to Reds boss Rafa Benitez as they look to pull off a similar coup to that which saw Daniel Pacheco make the move from Barcelona to Anfield.

Reports emanating from Spain claim are now ready to firm up their interest in Deulofeu by making an offer for his services.

Crouch Not Keen On Rafa's Methods

Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch has sympathy with Robbie Keane over his treatment at Liverpool, labelling Rafael Benitez's methods as "frustrating".

Keane was largely a bit-part player in his short stay at Anfield, scoring seven goals in 28 games before securing a move back to Tottenham.

And Crouch, who suffered similar treatment before joining Portsmouth last summer, said he felt for the Republic of Ireland striker.

"There are a few similarities between what has happened with Robbie and my own situation. I feel sorry for him," Crouch told the Sun.

"We all know what a great player Robbie is but he didn't get a fair crack of the whip at Liverpool.

"But that is the way Rafa operates and it can be very frustrating because, when I was there, he never really explained why I was not playing.

"There were times when I thought he didn't fancy me but then he'd start me for two or three games on the spin.

"It got to the stage where I gave up second guessing which games I would be playing and which ones I wouldn't.

"The biggest letdown for me was the Champions League final against AC Milan, when Rafa went with one up front and played Dirk Kuyt, as I was desperate to show what I could do on the big stage.

"The Liverpool fans won't care about what Rafa is like as long as they keep winning and you cannot argue with his record but, at the same time, it can be very frustrating."

Rafa Was A Baffler: Keane Hits Back At Liverpool Boss Benitez

Robbie Keane last night blamed Rafa Benitez for turning his Liverpool dream into a nightmare, insisting he was left 'baffled' by the Spaniard's decision to ignore his talent.

Keane, 28, was sold back to Tottenham on the final day of the transfer window after 190 days at the club he supported as a boy.

Breaking off from preparations for tomorrow's north London derby, Keane revealed he had not even been given an explanation by Benitez as to why he turned his back on him so quickly.

He said: 'I believe that maybe with a different manager, it possibly could have worked out. I never regret anything I have done. It's not a mistake. I went there, it didn't work out for me. For whatever reason, I didn't fit into the way Rafa plays football.

'I was doing everything possible to do well for the team. That was the most important thing. I never had a fall-out with the manager, I was never late for training and I came and trained every day. I worked my socks off, it's as simple as that. You're probably as baffled as I am.'

Having played 19 Barclays Premier League games for Liverpool, Keane would be eligible for a medal should his former team win the title. But Keane conceded a medal would be an empty gesture, adding that he would probably give his away.

Asked whether a medal would mean anything, Keane replied: 'Not really. Not at all. My brother is a Liverpool fan so I'd probably give it to him, although he's a Tottenham fan now.

'If I was there (at Liverpool) and I was out of the squad, it probably wouldn't mean as much to me because, as a player, you want to be a part of it. When you are in and out of the squad and left out of the squad, sometimes you don't feel a part of it.'

Benitez's decision to omit him from the Liverpool squads for the first FA Cup meeting with Everton and the vital Premier League game against Chelsea provided the greatest disappointment for the Ireland striker, while frequently being named on the substitutes bench or being hauled off when handed a start did little to improve his mood.

'I've never been left out of a squad in my career,' said Keane. 'I think I've proven over the years that I'm quite capable of doing a job and scoring goals. No disrespect to anybody at Liverpool and the players that were ahead of me but if you look at my record compared to most of them, I think it's probably a little bit better.

'I believed that I should have been in the squad, and I believe in my ability, that I should be playing more games than I did. The fact is I didn't.'

Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch agreed with Keane's view that Benitez did not feel the need to explain his selection policy to his players.

Crouch said: 'I feel sorry for Robbie Keane. He didn't get a fair crack of the whip under Benitez. Rafa doesn't give a lot away and he's been a very successful manager, but there were times when I used to try and second guess him to work out whether I would be playing.

'I was usually wrong, so in the end I just gave up. The big one for me was the Champions League Final against Milan when he played one up front - Dirk Kuyt - and left me on the bench. I was desperate to get on because you never know if you will ever play in a European final again.'

Keane has now swapped league title hopes and Champions League aspirations for a relegation battle at Spurs.

He has been handed the captain's armband by Harry Redknapp and will lead the team out to face Arsenal at White Hart Lane tomorrow lunchtime.

With his Liverpool career consigned to history, Keane is eagerly anticipating the challenge of ensuring Tottenham's topflight status under Redknapp, a manager with whom he feels he can build a close bond.

'Obviously, Harry has a record of having a great relationship with his players,' beamed Keane. 'I've been speaking to the lads about him and I am really good mates with Jamie Redknapp, so I know Harry through that. He speaks to the players, and when he gets a player in, he certainly gives them an opportunity and that's something I'm relishing.

'You don't become a bad player overnight. I believe in my ability and I believe I could have brought a lot to that Liverpool squad. Maybe it was fate. I move on to the future and I am fully focused on Tottenham. I am back where I think where I belong.'

Liverpool's Sami Hyypia Happy With Champions League Boost

Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia has revealed he could have quit Anfield in the winter transfer window had the club not made it clear he was part of their plans.

Newcastle and Sunderland were both strongly linked with the veteran centre-back, who is out of contract in the summer and is no longer guaranteed first-team football on Merseyside.

However, Reds boss Rafa Benitez has added the Finland international to his squad for the UEFA Champions League knockout stages.

And Hyypia admits the club left him in no doubt regarding their feelings, saying: "There were a lot of rumours, and a few offers as well. Newcastle and Sunderland were both really interested in signing me.

"But Liverpool made it clear that they were not willing to sell me. That was it, although I might have considered another option.

"The club decide these things, Liverpool didn't want to sell me. So I will spend the rest of the season in Liverpool, this is my 10th season and it is a great achievement."

The 35-year-old does, however, confess that he will look at his future at the end of the campaign.

"I will consider my options again in the summer when my current Liverpool contract expires," added Hyypia.

"It is too early to say what will happen then. It is not my style to worry about these things in advance. Now I will concentrate on helping my team to win trophies in a role the manager decides, whether it is on the bench or on the pitch."