Benitez Convinced Liverpool Can Lift Title

Liverpool have cashed in on midfielder Xabi Alonso and their lack of financial muscle means they have been unable to compete for stellar signings like Valencia striker David Villa.

However, manager Rafa Benitez remains convinced he can end a three-season trophy drought at Anfield and deliver the prize the fans crave the most.

Next May will represent the 20th anniversary since the Merseyside club last won the league title, far too long for a team of Liverpool's traditions.

They lost only two league games last season yet were still forced to settle for runners-up spot.

"We are strong enough to beat anyone but we need to be consistent," said Benitez as he prepared for his sixth season in charge at Anfield.

"We got 86 points last season, a record for the club in the Premier League, but we still need to improve. We have a lot of confidence."

Consistency will be the key for Liverpool. Despite losing two fewer games than champions Manchester United, it was too many home draws that did for them last season and Benitez knows they cannot afford a repeat.

Their transfer budget is dwarfed by United, Manchester City and Chelsea but Benitez appears to have made two shrewd investments, full back Glen Johnson from Portsmouth and midfielder Alberto Aquilani from AS Roma.

Aquilani, once he has recovered from a damaged ankle, does though face a tough challenge to fill the void left by the £30m sale of Alonso to Real Madrid.

Liverpool's title hopes may also rest on Benitez concentrating on his side instead of allowing himself to become distracted by United.

The Anfield club's 2008-09 season seemed to suffer after Benitez launched an outspoken attack on Alex Ferguson in January, saying United's manager was above punishment by soccer's governing bodies.

That sparked a bitter war of words between the pair and it was Ferguson who enjoyed the last laugh by clinching the title for the third successive season.

The fitness of England midfielder Steven Gerrard and Spain striker Fernando Torres is also key to Liverpool's ambitions.

Injuries meant the pair started only 14 Premier League matches together last season.

If Gerrard and Torres stay fit, Liverpool's long wait for the title could soon be over.

Martin Skrtel Returns To Action For Liverpool FC

LIVERPOOL have received a major boost ahead of Sunday’s trip to Tottenham after defender Martin Skrtel made a successful return to action.

The 24-year-old Slovakian has been sidelined since he suffered a hamstring injury in the friendly against Thailand three weeks ago.

However, Skrtel has now resumed full training and he played in a behind closed doors friendly against Oldham at the Academy in Kirkby yesterday.

He came through unscathed as goals from Lucas and Daniel Ayala secured the Reds a 2-0 victory.

Among the interested spectators was new £20million signing Alberto Aquilani, who watched the game alongside Rafa Benitez.

Skrtel is now expected to line up alongside Jamie Carragher at White Hart Lane with Daniel Agger likely to need more time to recover from a back problem.

The former Zenit St Petersburg defender is determined to end the club’s long wait for the Premier League crown.

“Last season we beat Man United home and away, beat Chelsea home and away and drew with Arsenal home and away,” Skrtel said.

“Our problem was dropping points against the other teams like Stoke home and away, West Ham and Hull at Anfield.

“This season we have to try and improve these small details. If we can do that while still beating the top teams, we’ll be even better this time.”

Meanwhile, Benitez was keeping his fingers crossed that his players returned to Melwood today in good shape after international duty.

Fernando Torres and Albert Riera were both on target as Spain rallied from 2-0 down at the interval to win their friendly in Macedonia 3-2.

Torres’ header started the fightback and Riera got the winner as the Spanish netted three times in four minutes.

Torres and keeper Pepe Reina both started the game. Torres played 64 minutes and Reina made way for Diego Lopez two minutes later, while Riera was a second half substitute.

Glen Johnson played the full 90 minutes in England’s 2-2 draw with Holland.

Dirk Kuyt scored for the Dutch early on and Ryan Babel came on after the break.

Javier Mascherano skippered Argentina to a 3-2 win over Russia in Moscow and Yossi Benayoun played 55 minutes of Israel’s 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland.

Jamie Carragher Set To Be Fit For Spurs Clash

Liverpool’s centre-back crisis has eased ahead of Sunday's Premier League opener at Tottenham.

Jamie Carragher is making good progress after twisting his ankle in last Saturday's 2-1 friendly defeat to Atletico Madrid.

Carragher is expected to play at White Hart Lane and the Reds are confident he will have an experienced defender alongside him.

Martin Skrtel has been out since suffering a hamstring injury in the friendly against Thailand on July 2, while Agger has been hampered by a back problem during pre-season.

However, Rafa Benitez is hopeful either Skrtel or Agger will prove their fitness in time to face Spurs.

Carragher's injury left Martin Kelly, Daniel Ayala and Mikel San Jose as the Reds' only fit centre-halves and increased the need to bring in cover.

Benitez was keen on a move for Hull City's Michael Turner but has been weighing up other options after the Tigers asked £11m.

Aquilani Must Wait For Liverpool Debut

Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani has spoken of his pride at wearing the same colours as Steven Gerrard.

Aquilani was presented to the media today after arriving from Roma for a fee reported to be about £15million.

He was keen to point out he is a long-term admirer of Gerrard's qualities.

Aquilani said: "Even before coming to Liverpool, I thought Steven Gerrard was the strongest midfielder in the world.

"I will be very proud to play alongside him and hope I can learn from his game.

"I am looking forward to playing in the same team with players of that kind.

"Liverpool have had good players for a number of years and I have always liked their system of play."

Aquilani and Gerrard have something in common apart from being midfielders - they are both injured.

Gerrard remains doubtful for the match against Tottenham on Sunday with a groin injury, which forced him to miss England's 2-2 draw against Holland.

Manager Rafael Benitez is closely monitoring his talisman's progress and said: "I am not sure about Steven. I was really pleased he was pulled out of the squad as a precaution.

"You could see there were six substitutions in the game, so Fabio Capello was doing great for the players.

"As our game is on the Sunday, then maybe Steven will have a chance. If it was on Saturday it would be more difficult."

Aquilani arrived at Anfield with an ankle injury, which Benitez knew about. It means he will not make his debut for several weeks.

However the Italian believes Liverpool have already got to the root of the problem and come up with a long-term solution.

He said: "At Roma my worries were linked with injury. But when I came to Liverpool, the doctor highlighted exactly the problem I have.

"We now have a very good picture and I hope it will be solved so that I will not be absent again.

"It is a shame I cannot play straight away but it is important to get better, then play well. I am focusing on that."

Despite his setback, Aquilani is not concerned about the physical aspect of England's top flight.

He said: "I cannot wait to be involved as it is a different type of league to the one in Italy and a difficult level to play in. I am very excited about what lies ahead.

"This is a very important occasion for me as I am joining a big club with a rich history.

"While this is one of the best leagues in the world, Liverpool have to be one of the main candidates for winning the title."

Aquilani has replaced Xabi Alonso at Anfield and added: "He was very important player at this club.

"But I am not his natural substitute as I do not have the same characteristics as him.

"I have different style in that I like to move around and not stay in the same place."

Benitez Backs Aquilani To Shine

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez insists new signing Alberto Aquilani will prove to be a shrewd acquisition.

The Italy international has joined the Reds in a £15million switch from Roma, but is currently sidelined with an ankle problem.

The 25-year-old has been hampered by injuries for the past two seasons, with his first-team outings severely limited as a result.

His lack of action has led to fears that his body is unable to withstand the rigours of top level football.

Benitez, though, is adamant that is not the case, claiming Aquilani has just been unfortunate to pick up a few niggling knocks.

"If Aquilani was in a normal market he would cost £25-30m but because of the operation he had on his ankle he was a bit cheaper," the Spanish coach explained in the Daily Mirror.

"We have to wait for a month for him to be fit but he is a player we are signing for five years, not for five matches.

"He had a bad tackle and an operation and that's normal he missed matches. It would have been the same with (Fernando) Torres or (Steven) Gerrard. That is why I don't think his signing is a gamble.

"I was talking with a lot of people in Italy and people are saying it is a fantastic signing."

Aquilani has been brought in to help plug the gap created by Xabi Alonso's departure to Real Madrid.

Benitez admits he was reluctant to part with the Spanish schemer, but believes he has found an able replacement.

"We couldn't change the situation of Alonso," he added.

"He decided to go, we had to progress. You have to mange in the best way you can.

"Alberto is now under the control of our medical staff because he had been going to different people. He has the quality to settle down in England."

Aquilani - I Am Not Like Alonso

Liverpool new boy Alberto Aquilani insists he does not want to be compared to Xabi Alonso at Anfield.

Aquilani has been brought in from Roma to help fill the void left by Alonso's departure to Real Madrid.

The Italian international, who will miss the start of the season as he recovers from ankle surgery, says he is not a direct replacement for Alonso as he has a different style of play than the Spaniard.

"He was a very important player at this club," said Aquilani as he was unveiled at Anfield.

"But I am not his natural substitute as I do not have the same characteristics as him.

"I have a different style in that I like to move around and not stay in the same place."

Aquilani is not expected to make his debut for Liverpool until October because of his injury, but the midfielder is confident of making a speedy return as the Reds medical staff have got to the root of the injury.

"At Roma my worries were linked with injury. But when I came to Liverpool, the doctor highlighted exactly the problem I have," added Aquilani.

"We now have a very good picture and I hope it will be solved so that I will not be absent again.

"It is a shame I cannot play straight away but it is important to get better, then play well. I am focusing on that."

There have been fears that Aquilani could struggle to cope with the physical demands of the English game, but the 26-year-old is sure he will adapt to the rigors of the Premier League.

"I cannot wait to be involved as it is a different type of league to the one in Italy and a difficult level to play in. I am very excited about what lies ahead," noted Aquilani.

"This is a very important occasion for me as I am joining a big club with a rich history.

"While this is one of the best leagues in the world, Liverpool have to be one of the main candidates for winning the title."

Aquilani is excited about the prospect of playing alongside Reds skipper Steven Gerrard who he describes as the best midfielder in the world.

"Even before coming to Liverpool, I thought Steven Gerrard was the strongest midfielder in the world," said Aquilani.

"I will be very proud to play alongside him and hope I can learn from his game.

"I am looking forward to playing in the same team with players of that kind.

"Liverpool have had good players for a number of years and I have always liked their system of play."

Hertha Want To Loan Liverpool Forward Andriy Voronin For Another Season

According to a report in German newspaper Bild, Bundesliga outfit Hertha are keen to sign Liverpool attacker Andriy Voronin on another one-year loan deal.

The Ukrainian forward played on loan for the Berlin outfit last term, and quickly developed into a key player. Voronin was the club's top scorer, netting 11 goals.

Hertha were keen to land Voronin on a permanent deal following his outstanding performances, but they were unable to meet Liverpool's €4 million asking price, and the Ukrainian therefore returned to England.

The striker is keen to fight for his place with the Reds, but it doesn't look like he will get regular first team action. He may now opt to return to Berlin after all. Hertha's sporting director, Michael Preetz, has reportedly already contacted Liverpool to discuss a possible transfer.

The Berlin side are desperate to land a new attacker in the upcoming days, largely due to the departures of Marko Pantelic and Amine Chermiti. Brazilian forward Raffael is the only experienced striker at Hertha at the moment.

Tommy Smith Concerned As Liverpool Injuries Mount

Tommy Smith is worried that his former club Liverpool, with whom he excelled as a central defender under the management of Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley in the 1960s and '70s, are facing a defensive injury crisis ahead the beginning of the new Premier League season.

Smith also feels that that a general lack of experience amongst the Reds' current defenders could be a cause for concern over the coming campaign.

Before a ball is kicked, we’ve got an injury crisis in the defence, with Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel all battling to recover from knocks," he told The Liverpool Echo.


"With Sami Hyypia gone, and with Glen Johnson and Emiliano Insua still settling in to full-back roles, I feel concerned over the defensive side.

"I was at the Atletico Madrid match and while I know it was only a friendly, the young lads at centre-back did get exposed once Jamie went off.

"I’m sure Jamie will be out there at White Hart Lane, but it would be good to see one other first choice centre-back alongside him, because we need to get off to a good start and keep a clean sheet."

The midfield area could also provide some cause for anxiety, Smith feels, with the departure of Xabi Alonso leaving the Reds short of quality, with Alberto Aquilani still to recover from injury and not set to appear for the Reds for at least another month, possibly longer.

"I was pleased to see Lucas having a good game against the Spaniards at the weekend but for me too many of the men in red looked short of fitness and form so close to the start of the season," he added.

"Add in Alonso’s departure – and the fact that his replacement Alberto Aquilani is not fit yet – and we’ve got a lot to put right very quickly in my book.

"Aquilani is clearly a class player from what we hear but the fact we have paid so much for someone who is two months away from being ready, is another big worry for me.

"I know medical science has come on so much that everyone must be very confident he will recover. But I just hope there is a clause in that £20m deal which allows us to get our money back – or most of it – if he does continue to have problems.

"The sooner we see him the better, because Alonso was a very important player for us and we can’t afford to miss his influence for long."

Liverpool Midfielder Riera Dedicates Goal To Late Daniel Jarque

Liverpool midfielder Albert Riera has dedicated his international strike for Spain this week to the memory of the late Espanyol player Daniel Jarque.

Jarque, a former team-mate of Riera's at the Catalan outfit, passed away unexpectedly after suffering a heart attack after a training session. He was just 26 years old.

Spain has been in mourning this week as the nation pays it's last respects to the centre-back.

The Liverpool winger scored in Spain's 3-2 victory over Macedonia on Wednesday night and told the Reds' official website, "My goal is for Dani, for his family, and for everyone associated with Espanyol.

"It was a goal that meant a lot, over and above the result. For me it was very important due to the desire that I had to score in this game. I can assure that this goal came from the soul.

"I wasn't only thinking [about scoring], but that's that I was hoping for. I've thought a lot about Dani and about scoring a goal for him."

The entire national squad paid their respect to Jarque before the friendly by donning shirts bearing Jarque's name and squad number prior to a minute's applause in his honour.

The defender's tragic death came just one month after he had been named captain for the upcoming season.

Benitez: We Couldn't Change The Situation Of Alonso

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has revealed he had little choice but to sell Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, because the 27-year-old Spaniard wanted to leave the club.

The former Valencia coach did however assure Liverpool fans that new signing Alberto Aquilani will prove a huge hit at Anfield.

Benitez told the Daily Mirror: “We couldn't change the situation of Alonso,”

“He decided to go, we had to progress.”

“You have to manage in the best way you can.”

Although he could do little about Alonso’s departure other than get best possible deal for Liverpool, Benitez is delighted to have signed Roma midfielder Aquilani.

He said: “If Aquilani was in a normal market he could cost £25-30m but because of the operation he has on his ankle he was a bit cheaper,”

“We have to wait for a month for him to be fit, but he is a player we are signing for five years not for five matches.”

“He had a bad tackle and an operation and that's normal he missed matches.”

“It would be the same with Torres or Gerrard. That is why I don't think his signing is a gamble.”

“I was talking with a lot of people in Italy and people are saying it is a fantastic signing.”

We Can Beat Anyone ... But We Need Luck On Our Side - Jamie Carragher

For all the training to do, money to spend and skill to have, it’s amazing that so much of what happens in football can be chalked up to luck.

It is on the pitch where players and fans pray most for such intervention, but even off it, Jamie Carragher for one, certainly laments the lack of luck Liverpool have had recently in finding young players who would go on to become household names, as they did during the club's golden era.

Gone are the days of Liverpool’s legendary chief scout, from 1967 to 1985, Geoff Twentyman.

A former Liverpool player, Twentyman was recruited by Bill Shankly and went on to unearth a host of world-famous stars that helped the Reds’ claim 18 league championships.

Twentyman worked tirelessly, travelling up and down the country in his trademark Cortina to write reports on young up-and-coming professionals such as Alan Hansen, Terry McDermott, Steve Nicol, Ian Rush, Phil Neal and Kevin Keegan, to name but a few.

Having passed away over five years ago at the age of 74, Twentyman left an incredible legend at Anfield. Here in his own restaurant celebrating the launch of the book Secret Diary of a Liverpool Scout – stories behind the signings that shaped the course of history,
Jamie Carragher believes the world will never see the likes of Twentyman again. “Where would Liverpool have been with out players like Hansen and Rush?” he says, in his first ever Goal.com exclusive.

“The game is a lot more global now, so I think scouts have to look all over the world. So modern scouting has to be different now because the game has got a lot more global and you see clubs sending scouts all over the world. But it’s so different now - look at the prices clubs want for young players.

“The amount of great players that Geoff Twentyman unearthed was just something else. He made sure all the players he bought over were down to earth and had there feet on the ground. He could tell straight away if they were right for Liverpool.

“People say I can’t shut up about football, but Geoff Twentyman was just unbelievable. Like Rafa Benitez, who just talks about just football, Geoff just lived for the game and obviously loved the game and the club he also played for.

“The role of a scout is just as important as that of a manager. Although Geoff Twentyman is not a big a name as Bob Paisley and Shanks, I hope he gets some recognition outside of Liverpool for what he did, because he put peoples' minds at ease and you don’t want uncertainty at a football club. You want clear heads knowing that people are doing their jobs, although as players we always try our best to get on with it."

With the Reds' talent pool drying up, Carra can still point to an English club continuing a similar legacy to that of old Liverpool's - but it's not one many at Anfield want to spend too much time thinking about. “I've always respected Manchester United for bringing young kids in, and they should have respect for what Geoff did," insists the defender. "Some clubs are too big-headed but we are just working-class clubs.”

Carragher likes Liverpool's chances of contending for their first ever Premier League title just as they did last season, and again, he sees little to separate the top four clubs - with no mention of Manchester City.

“The top four are very evenly balanced and it’s rare that you’ll see one team easily beating the others," he says. "We know each other so well, we know who the danger men are, we try to stop them.

“You have the likes of Chelsea who have a new manager but the personnel hasn’t changed too much. The spine of their team’s as good as anyone else’s, and the likes of Man United and Arsenal are always going to test you to the limit.

“Big games are settled by small details but we are capable of beating anyone and we don’t fear anyone. We can go anywhere and win."

But then, there's that crucial element - from the 2005 Champions League final, to the 2007 edition, then to just five months ago in the quarter-finals. “You also need luck on your side and at times," insists Carra. "Like in Istanbul, luck was on our side, but at times we have not been so lucky: we didn’t have any luck in Athens and last year against Chelsea.”

The former England international confirms he will be fit for the start of the season to ease the pressure on Rafa's injury-hit back-line, but knowing that, at 31, he can't go on forever, he will be hopeful of a new Geoff Twentyman emerging, so that he may find a new Carragher, a new Gerrard, and if they're lucky, maybe a few more for good measure.

England Boss Fabio Capello Admits He’d Love To Clone Liverpool FC’s Steven Gerrard

THE KOP has a famous song about a Liverpool team containing 11 ‘Jamie Carraghers’ but Fabio Capello admits he’d like to clone the defender’s Anfield team-mate Steven Gerrard.

In the absence of a cloning machine, Fabio Capello will hand Ashley Young a chance to impress for England in their friendly with Holland tomorrow.

If Capello’s dreams were to become reality, he would simply have replaced Steven Gerrard with an exact replica when the Liverpool skipper pulled out with a minor groin injury.

Real life is not so simple, which is why Young will get another chance to face top quality opposition in the Amsterdam Arena after failing to impress against Germany last November.

The Aston Villa man has been picked since becoming the only negative point from an otherwise memorable evening in Berlin. But since Andorra provided the opposition in a six-goal rout in June, that doesn’t really count.

“I cannot clone Stevie,” observed the Italian.

“Every player has a different style and Ashley Young is really important because he is one of the English players who can dribble and take people on one-on-one.

“He has only played twice for me. The first time it was so-so. The second he played very well.

“Now he needs the confidence to perform against one of the best national sides in the world.”

As Capello seems to have mastered the art of generating the most from his players, confidence is the one thing Young should not be lacking as England face the only European side to have already qualified for next summer’s World Cup.

Not that such an impressive performance allows them to be rated alongside Euro 2008 winners Spain, the team Capello still regards as number one in the world despite their untimely Confederations Cup exit at the hands of the USA.

Still, Oranje represent a significant test for an England side whose only defeats under their impressive manager have come away from Wembley, against France and Spain.

“Holland do not have the same quality as Spain but they have had some really good results, so it is a really important test,” said Capello.

“It gives us an opportunity to understand what we will have to do if we play against a team with the same style in South Africa.”

The exit of Theo Walcott from training having played no meaningful part suggests he will not play in a match that takes place before the Premier League starts.

Rafa Frets Over Torres

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has admitted he has spoken to the Spain national team to ensure Fernando Torres does not run the risk of picking up an injury.

Torres is currently away with Spain for Wednesday's friendly with Macedonia with Benitez hoping he returns with no injury problems for the start of the Premier League season this weekend.

The Reds hit-man saw his campaign last term blighted by a series of injuries picked up on international duty and Benitez is keen to avoid a repeat of that situation.

Torres has endured a busy summer having featured for Spain at the Confederations Cup and Benitez is hoping to have the striker firing on all cylinders this season.

"We would like to take things carefully and ease him back in, but of course it is now out of control because he is with Spain," Benitez told The Mirror.

"It is hard to say where he is at, but he came back very late because he was with Spain in such an important tournament. I can say he has not had enough training and then he scores two goals.

"But equally I can I say he has had enough time and he misses three chances, and then you will have he has not had enough training and he is not fit.

"He has gone with the national team and we are talking with the staff to make sure they do the right things with him. That is all we can hope."

Pepe Reina Fears Liverpool Could Pay The Price After Selling £30m Xabi Alonso To Real Madrid

Pepe Reina fears that Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez will rue the departure of compatriot Xabi Alonso because the midfielder is virtually irreplaceable.

The Spain star sealed his protracted move to £30million Real Madrid last week and Benitez moved quickly to bring in £20m Italy international Albert Aquilani from Roma.

But the Reds No 1 is concerned that his side may struggle to compensate Alonso's absence in midfield this season, particularly with captain Steven Gerrard facing a race against time to be fit for Saturday's Barclays Premier League opener against Spurs, while new boy Aquilani has already been ruled out for the trip to White Hart Lane.

'It is very difficult to find a ­player like Xabi,' the goalkeeper said.

'Of the central midfielders in the world it is very difficult to find one as complete as Alonso. He is like a fabulous orchestra conductor on the pitch.

'He can do everything. He can play short passes, long passes, he heads it well and he is tactically very astute.'

Despite losing the services of his compatriot, Reina is still adamant that Liverpool are in with a serious shout to win an elusive Premier League title this term.

The Reds were blighted by inconsistent home form during their quest to prise the championship from the grasp of champions Manchester United, finishing runners-up.

But with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson losing key men Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez in the close season, Reina believes there is great expectation at Anfield.

'This year almost all the big sides have lost an ­important player,' he added.

'I believe Everton, Aston Villa or Manchester City could really make it exciting this season.'

Bad News For England Offers Timely Anfield Boost

Steven Gerrard’s recent withdrawal from the England squad will not prevent the talismanic midfielder from starting Liverpool’s game against Tottenham this weekend according to the Liverpool Daily Post.

Gerrard pulled out of tonight’s friendly with Holland due to a slight groin strain, despite training with the England squad on Monday. Capello recently suggested he would like to have played Gerrard, but in his absence Aston Villa star Ashley Young will be given an opportunity to shine.

The early indications suggest Gerrard will start the Premier League game at the weekend, giving Rafa Benitez a timely boost ahead of a crucial season for the Reds.

Gerrard’s teammates Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger are all major doubts for the game at White Hart Lane, while concerns remain over Fernando Torres’ fitness.

Kuyt & Benayoun Are Key Men For Liverpool This Season - David Fairclough

Former Liverpool striker David Fairclough is optimistic about his old club's chances of ending their 20-year wait for a league title, and feels that the experience of coming so close last season will stand them in good stead over the course of the coming campaign.

"There'd be no point in starting if we didn't think we could win the league," he told Sky Sports News.

"With the support Liverpool have anything's possible. Liverpool have shown down the years when they've been written off that they're the side that can come back better than anybody else."

Players such as Dirk Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun must also step forward and relieve some of the pressure to create and score goals from the shoulders of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, without whom the Reds struggled to score last season.

"One or two players have grown into their positions and also they've come on a ton because of their good form last season. Particularly Dirk Kuyt, Yossi Benayoun. They've got big parts to play I think," he concluded.

Lucas Leiva Targeting Spot In Brazil Squad For World Cup

Lucas Leiva has been the glimmer of light in an otherwise dark pre-season for Liverpool, but his showings on the pitch were not enough to earn him a place in the Brazil squad that will play Estonia this week.

However, the 22-year-old remains hopeful that he will soon make the cut into the national team and travel to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

"It's one year from the World Cup and I have the target of being in the squad," Lucas told the club's official website.

"I also have the target of playing more games at Liverpool.

"It could be a really good year for me."

The youngster touched upon his fitness and the Reds' hope of securing some silverware this season.

"It's the first full pre-season I've been able to do in England so this has given me more confidence and fitness," he said happily.

"When you play at a club like Liverpool you have to think about trophies because we're one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"I am looking forward to doing it this season.

"My first title in Europe would be great. When you are young you want to make history and I am here to try and help Liverpool Football Club create more history."

The Brazilian will be given some time to impress manager Rafael Benitez, since the club's latest acquisition, Alberto Aquilani, is out for two months following surgery.

Anfield Aces Up For The Cook

Liverpool footie stars are going to prove they can take the heat - by having a Masterchef-style cook off to see who the best chef is.

The competition is between Anfield buddies Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Fernando Torres, who has got the edge as his nickname is Nando.

The players have even recruited telly's Hell's Kitchen supremo and Michelin star chef Marco Pierre White.

October's final will be held in Jamie's city centre sports restaurant, with Marco adding expert comments and post-meal analysis.

And despite there being only a few days left until the team kick-off their Premier League season against Spurs on Sunday, there's only one thing on their minds.

An Anfield insider said: "The lads have all been having a bit of banter.

"Stevie, Carra and Nando are good mates and they agreed to do it as a bit of a laugh.

"They've all been practicing hard at home. Stevie keeps joking he's going to whip up a pan of Scouse while Nando and Carra want to do something a little fancy.

"Nando fancies himself as the favourite, he is always cooking at home for his missus and reckons his Spanish dishes will win over Marco and the other diners."

Old Trafford Legend Tips Liverpool For The Title

Manchester United legend Teddy Sheringham believes Liverpool will win the title next season ahead of his former club.

The former Tottenham, West Ham and Portsmouth forward also backed Fernando Torres to finish the season as the league’s top scorer.

Sheringham told ZOO Magazine: “I'm going for Liverpool to win the title.”

“They looked so good at the end of last season and will be the team to beat.”

“United fans won't like me saying it, but it'll be their year.”

He added: “I also think they'll have the Prem's top scorer in Fernando Torres.”

“Benitez will play him in all the Premier League games because the title is so important to the Reds, whereas other clubs may rotate more.”

Sheringham also suggested United’s midfield will have to start contributing goals if they are to stand a chance of winning an unprecedented four Premier League titles.

He added: “Man United have lost the goals of Cristiano Ronaldo and Sir Alex Ferguson loves players who score regularly.”

“It's all very well being a good midfielder but if you don't contribute goals, he's usually not interested.”

“Antonio Valencia and Anderson are tidy but they have to start scoring for the Red Devils are to win a fourth successive title.”

Tough Start Is Good For Liverpool - Steven Gerrard

Liverpool travel to Tottenham Hotspur for their opening Premier League game, and captain Steven Gerrard thinks the awkward fixture will be good for the club.

"You expect it now with [Rafael Benitez] in charge," Gerrard told LFC Weekly Magazine, bemoaning the club's tendency to start fresh campaigns away from Anfield. "I don't think he's ever had a home game to start the season in all his time at the club.

"But I think that if you take a step back and look at it in detail, there are benefits to beginning the season away from home," he continued.

"If you can achieve three points knowing you've then got two games to come in front of your own supporters [it's a great boost]."

Gerrard admitted Liverpool are aiming to make a quick start to the campaign.

"The start to the season's always crucial because you can build momentum quickly," he explained.

"They're all tough games, you don't get easy games in our league, but if we could get three points from each of the first three games, then that would be us off to a flier, and that will be our intention."

Glen Johnson Hoping To Impress At Liverpool

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has proclaimed that he is ready to put his maturity and consistency on full display with the Reds.

Johnson - who has a Premier League winner's medal with Chelsea from the 2004-05 season - believes that he has aged like wine since his tryst with the Blues.

"I’d say I’m more mature [now]," he told The Daily Post.

Referring to the infamous incident concerning the loss of his passport before a Champions League game with the Blues, and his fallout with Jose Mourinho, he said, "There were a couple of incidents that got blown out of proportion and were totally wrong.

"That’s not for me to worry about. I’ve put it behind me and it’s not important.

"I’ve aged. I’m improving all the time and that has been a key factor."

Johnson then touched upon the subject of his career choices, and how he has had to pave his way into the Merseyside club by moving to Portsmouth and performing consistently.

"Before I didn’t play [much with Chelsea], so it’s impossible to put in performances if you don’t play," he said.

"Joining Portsmouth was fantastic for me because I was playing week in, week out, and working hard in training.

"The most important thing for any player is consistency in playing games. That is when you learn from your mistakes.That is the one thing I can put my finger on."

The former Pompey defender hailed his current team, and stated that this could be the season that the Anfield club win the Premier League title.

"It could be a big year," he enthused.

"We have high hopes within the Liverpool camp.

"With the World Cup coming up it’s a big year for everyone."

The full-back finally hoped that he would continue his form at Fratton Park into this season.

“I was happy to play last season and put in decent performances," he said.

"The longer that continues the better."

Johnson joined Liverpool this summer for a fee believed to be in the region of £18 million.

Javier Mascherano Is Committed To Liverpool - Rafael Benitez

Rafael Benitez has moved to quash rumours that Javier Mascherano will follow Xabi Alonso to Spain. The Argentinean has persistently been linked with a move to Barcelona all summer.

"Javier knows he is staying," Benitez told Sky Sports. "He has accepted his future is here and that he is going to be a key player for us once more.

"Mascherano is now fully focused on us and what we might achieve together this season, I can guarantee that 100 per cent."

Benitez admitted that the transfer rumours and the sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid had affected Mascherano's performances.

"We've spoken about his situation before and we spoke again," the Liverpool boss said. "Before, it was difficult and he could see Xabi Alonso was on his way.

"There has been a significant improvement in his game over the past ten days. He has been a lot more focused, and we are seeing the real Mascherano again."

Gerrard Out Of Holland Clash

Steven Gerrard has pulled out of the England squad for Wednesday's friendly with Holland due to a groin injury.

The Liverpool midfielder reported a groin problem in training and he has not travelled with the rest of the squad to Amsterdam.

Gerrard has returned to Liverpool to receive treatment on the injury and he joins Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster in withdrawing from Fabio Capello's original squad.

Liverpool will be hoping the injury is not serious and that Gerrard will be fit for Sunday's Premier League opener at Tottenham.

Hangeland 'In No Rush'

Brede Hangeland is refusing to be distracted by mounting speculation regarding his future.

The Fulham defender continues to be the topic of much debate this summer, with a number of clubs reported to be tracking his progress.

The likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea have all been mentioned, although no formal approach has been made.

Hangeland insists that situation suits him just fine, with the towering centre-half happy to put the issue to the back of his mind until something tangible materialises.

"That is something I will think about if that comes about," he told Sky Sports News from Norway's training camp ahead of their 2010 World Cup qualifier with Scotland on Wednesday.

"Right now I am concentrating on doing a job for Fulham and for Norway in an important game on Wednesday."

Hangeland believes his form during his time at Craven Cottage has greatly improved the more comfortable he has felt in England and he feels he is starting to show what he is capable of.

"I think when you come to a league like that it takes some time to settle and I think last season I did that," he added.

"I was happy with my performances and those of the team."

Hangeland helped Fulham secure seventh spot in the Premier League last season, earning them a Europa League berth, and he is adamant that he has no desire to leave Roy Hodgson's progressive side.

"I have said all the time that I have had a great 18 months there and it is a great club. I'm in no rush to go anywhere," he said.

Liverpool Poised To Pull Out Of Chase For Hull Defender

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is ready to pull out of the chase for Hull City centre half Michael Turner - after being quoted a stunning £10 million fee.

Benitez wants to bring in giant defender Turner, but he is unwilling to pay the top price that the Tigers want for their man-mountain star.

The Kop chief is willing to pay around £6 million or throw a player into the deal, but Hull are holding out for the bigger figure and the move is set to collapse.

Turner has been chased by Tottenham, Everton and Fulham in the past few weeks but Hull may miss out on cashing in on him despite the major interest.

Spurs have gone elsewhere, Everton have not followed up their initial inquiry, leaving Fulham as the main runners - but Turner is lukewarm about making that sideways move.

Liverpool FC Striker Torres’ Sorrow After Friend’s Death

Fernando Torres has spoken of his sadness following the death of former teammate Dani Jarque on Saturday.

The Espanyol captain, who played alongside Torres when Spain won the European U19 Championships in 2002, died of a heart attack following a training session in Italy.

Torres said: “In these hard times I want to express my sincere condolences and I offer all my support to Dani’s family, friends and Espanyol teammates.”

Meanwhile, details of Alberto Aquilani’s move from Roma have been revealed on the Italian club’s website.

Roma’s breakdown of the switch states that Liverpool have paid 5million euros up front and there will be further cash installments of 3m euros on January 4 2010, 7m euros on June 30 2010 and 5m euros on June 30 2011.

Further add-ons include 300,000 euros each time Liverpool qualify for the Champions League between 2010/11 to 2014/15, 1million euros the first time Liverpool wins either the Premier League or Champions League before June 30 2014 and 5% of any future transfer fee.

Daniel Pacheco Agrees New Liverpool FC Contract

Daniel Pacheco has agreed a new contract with Liverpool FC, following in the footsteps of fellow youngsters Jay Spearing and Stephen Darby.

The 18-year-old striker has signed a new deal that will keep him at Anfield for three more years.

Pacheco, from Malaga, has been involved in Liverpool FC’s pre-season in Switzerland and the Far East although he has yet to make a senior appearance for the club.

But boss Rafa Benitez has high hopes the former Barcelona youth product has a genuine career ahead of him in the Premier League.

Pacheco has been a regular in the youth and reserve sides and has played for Spain at youth level.

Another Anfield youngster, striker Nathan Ecclestone, is also on the brink of a new contract, but Craig Lindfield has had his contract terminated by mutual consent.

The Wirral-born 21-year-old has been on the brink of a senior breakthrough over the past few years after being part of Liverpool FC’s Youth Cup-winning side.

He spent last season on loan with Accrington Stanley and has now been allowed to leave the club.

Rafa Benitez: Give Me Money To Strengthen Squad

Rafael Benitez will deliver a plea to Liverpool’s owners to release more transfer funds – as he allayed fears of an injury crisis in defence.

The Anfield manager has seen his efforts at squad strengthening hampered by the financial restraints currently placed upon him by American duo Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

While spending £37million to sign Glen Johnson and Alberto Aquilani, Benitez has effectively recouped that outlay with the sales of Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and reserve players such as Sebastian Leto, Jack Hobbs and Paul Anderson.

Benitez is determined to bring more players before the transfer window closes at the end of the month, with a centre-back the priority.

Liverpool have offered £6m for Hull City’s Michael Turner, but Tigers manager Phil Brown wants twice that amount.

Sylvain Distin of Portsmouth would be a cheaper alternative, while Benitez is also running the rule over Stoke City's 21-year-old defender Ryan Shawcross. And of the subject of how much money there is available, Benitez said: “It is something I have to talk with the club about. We have some ideas and we have to discuss these ideas. We will see what will happen. We are talking about these things.

“We are working always. We try to be ready just in case (we can sign someone), but you never know. It depends on the prices.

“We know that with the Premier League and three other competitions it is really tough to manage and compete in. We are analysing the young players we have and we will see if we can improve and if we need something we will talk with the owners. We have to work with the players we have at this moment and keep working with the scouting department. The main thing for me is we have one week to work and prepare the players.”

It was expected that Benitez would be handed a transfer kitty of at least £20m this summer after Liverpool’s owners agreed a new refinancing package with the banks.

The Anfield manager was reluctant to go into details, but it was evident he believes his squad needs further investment to improve their chances of a first championship since 1990.

“We had some money but I will not talk about figures,” said Benitez. “On the record or off the record when you talk about figures I think it is clear. I will not say anything. I don’t have the answer.

“We are working hard with the players we have and the money we have. Always it is difficult to compete in the Premier League with clubs who have more money.”

A new centre-back has become even more pressing after Carragher handed Liverpool another injury scare at the weekend.

The defender suffered a twisted left ankle early on during the 2-1 friendly defeat at home to Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

With Martin Skrtel struggling with a hamstring injury and Daniel Agger’s back an ongoing concern, Liverpool were without any senior centre-backs for the majority of the game, with Danny Ayala partnered by another young Spaniard, Mikel San Jose, once Carragher hobbled off on 16 minutes.

Atletico won thanks to first-half goals from Kun Aguero and Diego Forlan with Lucas netting a late consolation for Liverpool.

Carragher underwent a scan yesterday with neither the player nor Benitez expecting the damage to be serious.

And Benitez is confident at least two of Skrtel, Agger and Carragher will be available come Sunday’s Premier League opener at Tottenham Hotspur.

“I am 80% sure,” said the manager. “The game against Atletico was very difficult for the young players. We conceded the first goal with 10 men and then they were playing against two strikers who are one of the best partnerships in Spain.

“If you have one or two senior players around them at Spurs, I think it could be different.”

Fernando Torres suffered a slight ankle injury at the weekend, but was substituted only as a precaution.

Both Glen Johnson and Steven Gerrard are in England’s squad for Wednesday’s friendly in Holland, while Martin Kelly has been called up for England’s under-20 game with Montenegro tomorrow night.

Kuyt - Reds Have Title Belief

Dirk Kuyt insists Liverpool have the belief they can end their 20-year wait for the league title.

The Anfield outfit have not been crowned champions since 1990 and again finished second best to Manchester United last term despite leading the way for long periods.

Rafa Benitez's men were victorious home and away against the eventual Premier League winners, while also taking six points from their two meetings with third-placed Chelsea.

But seven draws on home turf contributed heavily to the Reds finishing four points off the pace in second place as Sir Alex Ferguson's side equalled their record haul of 18 league titles.

Dutch international Kuyt feels their results against the other top teams will give them added confidence ahead of the new campaign, which begins with a trip to Tottenham, live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1, on Sunday.

He told LFC magazine: "This team can be proud of itself and the way we played last season. We can hold our heads high.

"Last season we beat the biggest teams, Manchester United and Chelsea, twice each in the league.

"We can say that there were too many draws in the home games, but you have to learn from it because we are a young team.

"We have a sense now, a really strong belief, that we can go on and achieve what we want because the quality is there and the progress is there."

Kuyt joined the likes of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Daniel Agger and Yossi Benayoun in penning an extension to his Anfield contract over the summer.

And he insists the commitment of so many key players, coupled with the competition for places in Benitez's squad, will aid their title bid.

He added: "The team is getting more experience, and importantly, the players are now in it for the long term.

"Important players have agreed new contracts and they all believe they are part of something big. The belief is there.

"Liverpool is a famous club, one of the biggest in the world, and to be part of it with such a great history is something you want to be around as long as possible.

"Every year I am here I am proud. Every year you have to fight for your place and every year there are better and better players coming here to take your place, so I am proud to still be here and to have a new contract.

"Throughout my career I have always had another dream and have achieved it. I will not stop dreaming until we get what we want with Liverpool, and that is the title."

Johnson Comes Of Age

England full-back Glen Johnson is ready to show his maturity in a massive year for club and country.

The 24-year-old, who signed for Liverpool from Portsmouth in the summer, suffered a disastrous debut against Denmark in 2003 and then struggled for regular football at Chelsea.

His reputation was not helped by headlines off the pitch - for an alleged theft of a toilet seat from a shop - but he turned his career around at Fratton Park.

England boss Fabio Capello has started him regularly and the defender is set to play a role in the Barclays Premier League title race during the coming campaign.

Johnson feels he is a different player to when he was last at a top-four club.

"I'd say I'm more mature," he said. "There were a couple of incidents that got blown out of proportion and were totally wrong.

"That's not for me to worry about. I've put it behind me and it's not important.

"I've aged. I'm improving all the time and that has been a key factor. Before I didn't play, so it's impossible to put in performances if you don't play."

Johnson is using the World Cup next year as motivation - and it is down to his move to Pompey that he has the chance to play in South Africa.

"Joining Portsmouth was fantastic for me because I was playing week-in week-out, and working hard in training," he said.

"The most important thing for any player is consistency in playing games. That is when you learn from your mistakes.

"That is the one thing I can put my finger on.

"Liverpool are one of the big four so they will be in the spotlight a lot of more. It could be a big year. We have high hopes within the Liverpool camp. With the World Cup coming up it's a big year for everyone."

Capello's men are on the brink of qualifying for the tournament, but warm up for the season with a friendly against Holland in Amsterdam this week, with Johnson wanting to build on their progress in the last year.

"It was nice in the last few games with the results and we want to continue that," he said.

"I was happy to play last season and put in decent performances. The longer that continues the better."

Reds Track Honda

Liverpool are reportedly keeping a close eye on Japan international Keisuke Honda.

According to Dutch reports, VVV Venlo chairman Hai Berden revealed several top European clubs have expressed their interest in signing the free-scoring midfielder.

Honda, who was Eerste Divisie's Most Valuable Player last year, has started life in the Eredivisie in style with three goals in his first two games.

In the season opener against PSV Eindhoven, his impressive display won him plaudits from opposing manager Fred Rutten.

"A number of top clubs are interested in Honda. Some of them are participating in the Champions League this year," Berden told Algemeen Dagblad.

Liverpool scouts have been watching Honda this term and the 23-year-old admitted he would not hesitate to move to England if the opportunity arose.

"Playing in a league as prestige as the Premiership would be a dream," he said earlier in the year.

"I would seriously consider any offers that come my way."

Jamie Carragher Injury Strikes Fear In Heart Of Kopites

The sight of Jamie Carragher limping off the Anfield turf after just 10 minutes of the Reds’ final pre-season friendly on Saturday struck fear into the hearts of Kopites dreaming of ending the club’s 20-year wait for the championship.

With Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger both also racing against time to prove their availability ahead of the big kick-off this weekend, losing the heart of the Reds defence could have disastrous consequences.

Carragher and Rafa Benitez were both quick to allay fears about the seriousness of his injury, but the true damage to his twisted left ankle is unlikely to be diagnosed until he returns to training.

“Jamie’s injury is not serious, just a twisted ankle,” offered Benitez after the final whistle. “But with our injury problems which include Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel, we felt we needed to take him off as a precaution, just in case.

“We will keep an eye on him for two or three days to see how he reacts, but I feel he will be OK. Hopefully, Agger or Skrtel will be fit too.

“Agger has a back problem, and that should be OK in a couple of days. Skrtel is nearly over his hamstring injury, he’s nearly there.

“He is training again and I believe that at the end of this week both of them will be fit to play.”

Privately everyone at the club will be praying those words ring true as the alternatives were handed a tough lesson here.

Danny Ayala looked assured and confident alongside Carragher early on but once the vice captain was replaced by Mikel San Jose the pace and power of the visiting forward line exposed the two young Reds.

Uruguay’s Diego Forlan and Argentina hitman Sergio Aguero would be a handful for any defence in the world – never mind a partnership with a combined age of 38 – and helped themselves to a goal apiece inside the opening 45 minutes.

Lucas Leiva restored a little parity with his late, albeit much deserved, clinical finish but Carragher’s early bath took the shine off an entertaining friendly in front of a packed Anfield, that featured plenty of positives.

Both sides enjoyed a glut of chances and this one could easily have finished 6-6.

Especially if portly Premier League referee Phil Dowd had given even one of the four legitimate penalties on offer, three of which were deserving of the home side.

In Glen Johnson and Emiliano Insua, Rafa Benitez has two of the most talented full-backs in the Premier League at his disposal. Both were up and down the flanks all afternoon while their deliveries into the box were often an embarrassment of riches.

Fernando Torres came close on more than a handful of occasions, hitting the inside of the post and dropping no less than four headers into the relieved hands of visiting keeper Sergio Asenjo.

And marksman Lucas continued his summer of progress with another eye-catching display, which was just as well as Javier Mascherano was stuck in third gear.

The young Brazilian clearly views Xabi Alonso’s departure as his opportunity to secure a regular starting place and he was full of energy and desire once again, breaking late into the box and working simple but effective one-twos all over the park.

With the colourful 44,000 crowd still debating the consequences of Carragher limping from the touchline, Atletico took the lead.

One-time Anfield target Simao broke down the left flank and whipped in a testing ball behind Ayala and stand-in centre-half Mascherano which Aguero snapped up, deflecting a diving header inside Pepe Reina’s left hand post.

And Forlan doubled the tally when Lucas was caught napping on the edge of his own box, allowing the former Manchester United striker to pick his spot in the top left hand corner after ghosting onto a return back-heel from Simao.

Lucas made up for his error with his own super finish in front of the Kop in the second half with 10 minutes left on the clock.

But that was only after Andriy Voronin’s arrival led to Steven Gerrard dropping into a more traditional centre midfield role alongside Jay Spearing.

The Reds skipper seemed to revel in the extra space afforded further back and for the final 10 minutes orchestrated a bombardment of forays forward which resulted in chance after chance.

Lucas, who beat the offside trap by slipping in under the nose of Atletico centre-half Tomas Ujfalusi, found himself all alone with the ball at his feet, bearing down on the Kop goal.

But he showed an impressive level of maturity to calmly stroke the ball home under Asenjo’s and inside his right hand post.

Lucas’ form at least allays initial concerns that new Italian playmaker Alberto Aquilani will not be available for at least six weeks.

But it is the injury-ravaged Reds backline which will ensure Benitez suffers from a bout of insomnia over the next six days.

The question now is whether he can get two of his starting three centre-halves fit enough to start at White Hart Lane or whether it is the cheque book or the fragile Academy kids who shoulder responsibility in the Reds’ first game of the season.

Benitez Challenge To Up-And-Coming Liverpool FC Stars

Rafa Benitez has urged his young generation at Liverpool FC to start realising their potential this season.

The Anfield manager has given an opportunity to many of his reserve and fringe players throughout the summer warm-up campaign.

Teenage centre-back Danny Ayala started Saturday’s 2-1 home friendly defeat against Atletico Madrid and was joined by young substitutes Mikel San Jose, Martin Kelly and Jay Spearing.

Now Benitez wants such fledglings, along with more established youngsters David Ngog, Ryan Babel and Lucas, to step up their career progress.

“I think we have some young players who need to improve,” said the Liverpool manager yesterday.

“Players like San Jose and Ayala, but also Ngog, El Zhar, Babel and Lucas. These are young players with quality.

“If the young players want more experience they have to be here, play and train with the senior players.

“The priority over the summer was to extend the contracts of the senior players to make sure we kept the spine of the team.

“Andriy Voronin has come back and he has game intelligence and he was very good last year with Hertha Berlin.

“Maybe we will miss Sami Hyypia in terms of his aerial threat but we are working with the younger players on this.

“To sign better players than we have now is not easy. If you analyse it, you have to spend big, big money to sign these players.

“We have to manage with the players we have and I am pleased with them and hopefully with the experience of last season they will be better.”

Alberto Aquilani completed his £20m transfer from Roma over the weekend, but is expected to be sidelined for the next two months as he continues his rehabilitation from an ankle operation in May.

Despite Aquilani’s lack of fitness and concerns over his recent injury record, Benitez does not accept he has taken a gamble in signing the 25-year-old Italy international.

“We couldn't change the situation of Alonso,” he said. “He decided to go, we had to progress. You have to manage in the best way you can.

“If Aquilani was in a normal market he could cost £25-30m but because of the operation he was a bit cheaper. We have to wait but he is a player we are signing for five years not for five matches.

“He had a bad tackle and an operation and that's normal he missed matches. It would be the same with Torres or Gerrard. I was talking with a lot of people in Italy and people are saying it is a fantastic signing.

“He is now under the control of our medical staff because he had been going to different people. I think it will be easier and he has the quality to settle down.”

Adam Hammill Swaps Liverpool For Barnsley In 'Significant Six-Figure Deal' For Oakwell

Barnsley have completed the permanent signing of winger Adam Hammill after agreeing 'a significant six-figure deal' with Liverpool.

Hammill became a firm favourite at Oakwell after spending the final three months on loan last season and Tykes manager Simon Davey was keen to bring the 21-year-old back to South Yorkshire.

Davey said: 'Adam is a fantastic prospect and one we're delighted to bring to Oakwell on a permanent basis.

'There was a lot of competition for his signature but Adam loved his time working with us last season and believes this is the right place for him to develop as a player. He is young, talented and enthusiastic and a great addition to our squad.

'He was loved by our supporters during his spell with the club last season and I'm sure they will be delighted to see him back in a Barnsley shirt on a permanent basis. It's a great coup to bring him to Oakwell.'

Liverpool-born Hammill has progressed through the ranks at Anfield and has spent loan spells at Dunfermline, Southampton and Blackpool before arriving at Oakwell last February where he made 14 appearances.

Lack Of Summer Signings Dents Liverpool's Title Dream

It was only a friendly, and in the great scheme of things this match means less than zero.

Yet the look in Rafael Benitez's eye afterwards, as he cautiously fielded questions about his summer transfer spending, suggested that more significant issues were raised at Anfield on Saturday than mere defeat to middling Spanish opposition.

The Liverpool boss watched in horror as Jamie Carragher, his only fit senior defender, inevitably limped out of the game after just 14 minutes, with a twisted ankle that required a scan yesterday afternoon.

The prognosis is not serious, but still the Reds will have to wait until at least Wednesday for the swelling to go down to get a clear idea of whether their stalwart will be fit for the opening day of the season.

But with Benitez's two other centre-halves Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger both in a race against time to shake off injuries - and with both clearly far from match fit after missing big chunks of pre-season - it raises the immediate question of resources at Anfield.

It is clear the Merseyside club require a fourth centre-half after the departure of Sami Hyypia in the summer, and yet it is equally clear that there is no money to buy one.

That is a painful situation for Benitez, because he has made a profit in the transfer market this summer, and rightly would expect to reinvest that money generated.

Indeed, when renegotiating his new contract last April, one of the key elements before the Spaniard put pen to paper on a five-year deal was the availability of funds to make the significant signings this summer he felt were required to finally bring the title to Anfield after a wait of 20 years.

At the time, the club's American owners let it be known there was £40million to spend, plus anything Benitez raised in sales. Instead, he has not even been able to spend everything he raised, and the £40m has gone to the banks to reduce debt and secure a refinancing deal.

It is a difficult situation for the manager because he knows he is so close to a title-winning side, perhaps on two or three quality players away.

But his dealings this week will be revealing. It is clear the Anfield boss will try to sign a centre-half, and he revealed at the weekend that he has already been in talks with Phil Brown over Hull's Michael Turner.

Yet he also indicated almost as clearly that he simply doesn't have the funds to meet the £11m asking price, and will instead have to shop in the bargain basement, represented by the £3m rated Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin.

Benitez tried to make light of the situation after the defeat by Atletico Madrid, but it is clear that the financial crisis at Anfield is a huge problem for him...and the club's prospects.

"We were supposed to have some money but I will not talk about figures. On the record or off the record when you talk about figures I think it is clear. I will not say anything. I don't have the answer," Benitez explained.

"We just have to manage with the players we have, and we will try to be ready just in case we can sign someone, but you never know. It depends on the prices."

Despite his caution, Benitez there was clearly revealing his frustration at the lack of funds available, and he even admitted that he is in talks with the owners over simply getting the money to spend he has raised through selling players this summer.

So far, he has no indication that the money will be made available, hence his talk about making do with the players he already has.

It is a desperate situation for Liverpool, who were in their best position for 20 years as genuine title contenders, and yet face going into the season with a smaller, less well-equipped squad than last season when they finished second.

Liverpool's poor pre-season results have illustrated the problems Benitez faces, and not least here, with Atletico's top class strike duo Kun Aguero and Diego Forlan getting a goal apiece as they exploited the inexperience of teenage centre-half pairing Danny Ayala and Mikel San Jose.

But at least there were some positives. Fernando Torres appeared to pull up in the second half with a hamstring problem, but afterwards Benitez insisted it was not serious, and probably just a minor ankle problem.

He also stated that he was 80 per cent confident that two of Carragher, Agger and Skrtel will be available for the opening day game against Spurs and the peculiar threat Peter Crouch will pose.

Torres looked far from match fit in this game, but he still could have scored three or four, and as he gets into the swing of the season will surely again be a devastating threat for Liverpool.

Lucas too, showed that he can fill the gap left by Xabi Alonso's departure and the two-month injury lay-off for new signing Alberto Aquliani, with a good late goal and an energetic attacking display from midfield.

But perhaps the most important indicator of how Liverpool will fare this season - and perhaps over the next few years - will come in the transfer market this week. If Benitez has no funds to make the signings he needs, then it could be a long, hard season.

Stoke's Ryan Shawcross Is A Target For Liverpool

Rafa Benitez has switched his search for defensive reinforcements to Ryan Shawcross and is considering a £5million bid for the 21-year old Stoke centre-back.

Already linked with Hull central defender Michael Turner and Portsmouth's Sylvain Distin, the Liverpool manager's need for cover at the back became more urgent after Jamie Carragher limped off with an ankle injury against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

He joined Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger as doubts for next weekend's Barclays Premier League launch.

Shawcross is 6ft 5in and was snapped up from Manchester United 18 months ago, quickly proving his worth in Stoke's first Premier League campaign last season.

Carragher, meanwhile, will have a scan today and Benitez's assessment that there was an 80 per cent chance of at least two of his three injured central defenders being fit to face Tottenham at White Hart Line on Sunday.

Spanish youngsters Danny Ayala and Mikel San Jose, who went on for Carragher in the 16th minute, were pitched in against Atletico Madrid, but Liverpool need proven Premier League pedigree if they are to go one better than last season and finally carry off the title after a 20-year wait.

Benitez conceded he is working on a limited budget and defended last week's £20million outlay on injury-prone Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani, out for up to two months after ankle surgery.

'I know how easy it is to lose players to injury, and we do need cover,' he said, after seeing Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan fire Atletico two goals up before the industrious Lucas pulled one back. 'I have some ideas and will discuss them with the club, but it depends on prices. If we need something, we will talk to the owners.

'Aquilani would have cost up to £30million normally, but we got him cheaper because of his operation. I have no worries about his fitness record. He was on the wrong end of a bad tackle, and that can happen to any player.

'The point is we have signed him for five years, not five games, and everyone I spoke to in Italy said he would be a fantastic player for us.'

Club-By-Club Preview: Liverpool

2008-09 Record

Premier League 2, FA Cup rnd4, Carling Cup rnd4, Champions League QF

Manager:

Rafael Benitez His eccentric behaviour — silly spats with Sir Alex Ferguson he could never win; his inexhaustible internal politicking and some rum selections — distracted from what was Liverpool’s best season of the century. Still, what he’s building may yet be special.

Artists or artisans?

There is no more thrilling Premier League combination than OJ Gerrard and Fernando Torres. Doubts remain over Liverpool’s defensive prowess but since Dirk Kuyt turned provider they look more balanced and more potent than ever.

Crowd puller:

Fernando Torres Had Torres not suffered two hamstring injuries last season, Liverpool might have overhauled Manchester United. In the end he had to settle for 14 goals from 20 starts to confirm he is one of the most fearsome strikers in Premier League history.

Feuding with:

Sir Alex Ferguson Silly old grudges die hard. For reasons still unclear, Benitez chose to play mind games with the man with a degree in mind games (University of Ochaye, 1986). ‘Do I think he is nervous?’ asked Benitez in January. ‘Clearly.’ Yes, clearly.

Squad analysis:

Goalkeepers 1 Diego Cavalieri, 25 Pepe Reina

Defenders 2 Glen Johnson, 5 Daniel Agger, 12 Fabio Aurelio, 22 Emiliano Insua, 23 Jamie Carragher, 27 Philipp Degen, 32 Stephen Darby, 34 Martin Kelly, 36 Steven Irwin, 37 Martin Skrtel, 38 Andrea Dossena

Midfielders 8 Steven Gerrard, 11 Albert Riera, 15 Yossi Benayoun, 19 Ryan Babel, 20 Javier Mascherano, 21 Lucas Leiva, 26 Jay Spearing, 28 Damien Plessis, 31 Nabil El Zhar, Alberto Aquilani

Forwards 9 Fernando Torres, 10 Andriy Voronin, 18 Dirk Kuyt, 24 David Ngog, 29 Krisztian Nemeth

Players in: Alberto Aquilani (AS Roma) £20m, Glen Johnson (Portsmouth) £17m, Chris Mavinga (PSG) undisclosed, Stephen Sama (Borussia Dortmund) free

Players out: Xabi Alonso (R Madrid) £30m, Alvaro Arbeloa (R Madrid) £3.5m, Sebastian Leto (Panathinaikos) £3m, Jack Hobbs (Leicester) undisclosed, Sami Hyypia (B Leverkusen) free, Jermaine Pennant (R Zaragoza) free

Steven Gerrard And Fernando Torres Key To Liverpool Title Challenge, Admits Rafa Benitez

If the title race is decided by individual brilliance, Rafa Benitez has no doubt that Liverpool’s two-decade wait for the championship will end next May.

It has taken the Spaniard five seasons to construct a squad capable of slugging it out with Manchester United and Chelsea at the top of the Premier League for the whole nine months.

Yet it is the understanding between Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres that really gives Benitez the belief that 2010 will be the Year of the Kop.

The Reds manager is a keen student of the Anfield history against which every Liverpool team is measured.

And he feels Gerrard and Torres will walk in the footsteps of the great Liverpool forwards of the past.

Benitez said: “If you look at the Liverpool teams who consistently won the title they always had very strong players with a winning mentality.

“But what they also had were players who could make the difference when it mattered.

“I remember the Liverpool of Toshack and Keegan. Then there was Dalglish and Rush. The last time the title was at Anfield it was Barnes and Beardsley.

“Gerrard and Torres can be like those players.

“For me, our strength will always be our team. But while it is true that teams win titles, sometimes matches are won by individual players – and great players can win big matches.”

Cristiano Ronaldo is the current World Footballer of the Year, but Benitez feels both Gerrard and Torres are in a group of players who could be recognised as the No.1 player on the planet.

Gerrard, still recognised as a world-class midfielder at international level, has reinvented himself as a second striker behind Torres for Liverpool – providing ammunition for the Spanish marksman as well as proving himself to be a finisher of some quality.

Benitez added: “Ronaldo is a good player, clearly, but I would not say he is the best in the world.

“Kaka is up there, so are Messi and Rooney, and I believe Liverpool have two who could be the best in the world in Gerrard and Torres.

“If you analyse the goals they have scored when they have played together over the past two years I think you would say it’s amazing.

“Gerrard, playing as a midfielder, was scoring around 11 goals a season and then he moved wide on the right and scored maybe 21. Last season, playing as a second striker, he scored 24.

“Clearly he is much more dangerous playing just behind Torres – and I think Torres is also a better player when he has Gerrard behind him

“Thirty-three goals came from Torres in his first season and last year, despite injuries, he still managed 17.

“That gives me a lot of confidence and the understanding between them will be even better this time.”

The gloves came off when Benitez clashed with Sir Alex Ferguson as Liverpool challenged United all the way to the wire last season.

But the Liverpool boss has still identified United as the team to beat – despite the loss of Ronaldo.

He said: “Clearly United have lost something because Ronaldo and Tevez have both left the club, but they still have a lot of quality.

“Maybe Berbatov will be fantastic this season and they still have Rooney, who will become even more important to them now.

“Ferguson also has some money to spend and maybe if things are not going so well then he will make a big signing.

“Our team progressed well last season and it was good that we were part of the title race until the very end.

“It has been a long time since Liverpool were champions – too long for a club like this.

“What I am looking for is an even bigger improvement so we can take that final step.”

Benitez Shrugs Off Defensive Worries

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is convinced that his defensive injury problems will clear up before next weekend's opening league game of the season at Spurs.

Jamie Carragher and Fernando Torres picked up ankle problems in the Reds' 2-1 friendly defeat to Atletico Madrid, and will be carefully monitored this week ahead of Sunday's trip to north London. Benitez, who has lost Sami Hyypia and Alvaro Arbeloa this summer, also has injury problems over defenders Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel and Fabio Aurelio with which to contend.

"We will keep an eye on him (Carragher) for two or three days to see how he reacts, but I feel he will be OK. Hopefully, Agger or Skrtel will be fit too," said Benitez.

"Jamie's injury is not serious, just a twisted ankle. But with our injury problems which include Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel, we felt we needed to take him off as a precaution, just in case."

And the Anfield chief insists that he knew full well that new signing Alberto Aquilani would miss the opening weeks of the campaign, and is equally certain he will become an instant hero with the fans.

Aquilani, who was able to convince Liverpool after a stringent medical, that his ankle injury is not a long-term worry, will miss the first four to eight weeks of the campaign.

Benitez said: "When we were talking (to Roma) about Aquilani we knew he was recovering from an operation and would not be able to play for the first weeks of the season.

"But we can wait for him. We have enough midfield and offensive players to cope, and when he does start to play everyone will see what a clever player he is.

"Aquilani has great quality.

"We had to think about players who could make a difference for us. He is a very good player on the ball, and hopefully he can produce the sort of passes that we missed last season.

Certainly at home against packed defences when we could only draw important matches."

Lucas Focused On Reds Future

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva insists he is focused on earning a first-team place at Anfield, despite previously admitting he is considering his future.

The Brazil international confessed on Friday that he could be interested in a return to his homeland after receiving interest from Corinthians.

Former Gremio ace Lucas has started only 25 Premier League games since his £6million move to Merseyside in 2007.

But the 22-year-old scored in Saturday's 2-1 pre-season defeat to Atletico Madrid at Anfield and he now says that, in the wake of Xabi Alosno's move to Real Madrid, he is determined to help Liverpool achieve success.

"Of course I was happy to score against Atletico, although I would rather the team have won the game instead of me getting the goal," he told the club's official website.

"But it was good for me to start and end the pre-season well.

"Sometimes I hear things said about me, but to be honest I don't care too much. I only care about the team and the squad.

"Now I have to focus on the forthcoming season and continue to work hard and improve.

"I will try to prove I have the quality to be in the team and hopefully help Liverpool win the title."

Aquilani Is Just Fab, Says CapelloI

England boss Fabio Capello last night hailed Alberto Aquilani as the perfect replacement at Liverpool for Xabi Alonso.

And Capello should know, having given midfielder Aquilani his debut when he was in charge at Roma.

The England manager said: “I know Aquilani very well as I gave him his first game at Roma.

“He’s a really interesting player and, at 25, this is a good moment for him to move from Italy to England. His style of play is the same as Alonso’s.”

Italian international Aquilani is joining Liverpool for £20million to take over from Alonso, who finally moved to Real Madrid last week in a £30m deal.

Aquilani has passed his medical with Liverpool and agreed a five-year contract at Anfield.

Meanwhile, Alonso – who spent five brilliant years at Liverpool – has revealed he ended his illustrious reign in just two hours.

That’s how long it took the Madrid-bound Spanish star to thrash out an exit strategy with boss Rafa Benitez.

Alonso said: “Yes, my departure was very hasty. It all happened so fast I didn’t have time to say goodbye properly.

“But I will return to bid farewell as soon as I have the chance.”

Rafa Tracks Simon Church

Reading striker Simon Church during the season - with a view to signing him next year.

Former Liverpool boss Roy Evans has spoken to Rafa Benitez about the talented captain of Wales Under-21s.

Evans, who is the Wales assistant boss, rates Church, 20, highly and has told Benitez to keep an eye out for him in the Championship.

Meanwhile, disgraced keeper Charles Itandje is leaving Anfield to join Greek side Panionios on a free transfer.

Liverpool have been looking to move Itandje on since he angered fans by laughing and behaving in an inappropriate way during the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

The Frenchman, 26, had already dropped to third in the pecking order at Anfield following last summer's capture of Diego Cavalieri.

Rafa: My Top Target

Rafa Benitez has revealed Glen Johnson was always a target for Liverpool - because he is English.

England star Johnson was Liverpool's first summer signing, an £18million capture from Portsmouth.

But the Kop boss, who usually recruits from abroad, has revealed it was vital to snap up the former Chelsea star because he is a homegrown player.

Quality Benitez said: "We tried to find an offensive defender who could improve us and help us in our home games.

"We have talked about the number of draws we had last year and a lot of teams come to Anfield and play very deep.

"Johnson has quality, he has power and we were trying to find a player with these kind of attributes who was English as well.

''We need eight British and local players for the Champions League list so it was important for us to get Johnson."

Liverpool's Latest Addition Aquilani Sidelined For Two Months

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will have to wait to see his latest recruit Alberto Aquilani in action, as the Italian international is continuing his recuperation from surgery he had in May.

Aquilani joined from Roma this week for a fee believed to be in the region of £20m. The 25-year-old passed a medical and signed a 5-year deal with the Reds and is believed to be earning around £80,000-a-week, but the midfielder will have to spend a considerable amount of time with the physio before he can don the famous Liverpool shirt.

Recovering from his ankle surgery, Aquilani is said to be out "four to eight weeks," leaving Benitez to rely on the likes of Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva to deputise in midfield.

Aquilani has an infamous reputation for injuries, and at Roma he was cruelly labelled by fans as 'Swarovski' due to his constant physical problems. In the last three seasons Aquilani has made just 13, 21 and 14 league appearances respectively due mainly to injuries.

Match Report: Liverpool 1 - 2 Atletico Madrid

Liverpool's patchy pre-season form continued with another defeat, despite a late flurry and a rare Lucas Leiva strike.

Atletico Madrid were two ahead at the break and deserved their win, as Liverpool's injury worries worsened.

Their preparations for the new season were not helped by the sight of Jamie Carragher limping out of this sell-out friendly.

Anfield's most experienced defender lasted just 12 minutes against the Spanish club as he suffered an ankle injury. A touchline conversation with club doctor Mark Waller was followed by the 31 year-old disappearing down the tunnel for treatment.

Considering boss Rafael Benitez's injury crisis in defence, losing the vice-captain and defensive leader was the last thing he wanted.

Initial diagnosis was a "turned" ankle, and his departure was precautionary. Certainly in the current situation, his recovery for next week will be a priority as he will be needed at Tottenham for the Premier League opener next weekend.

Benitez has seen Sami Hyypia depart, while Martin Skrtel (hamstring) and Daniel Agger (back) are major doubts for the trip to White Hart Lane.

Alvaro Arbeloa has also gone, while Fabio Aurelio will not play until nearer Christmas with a knee injury, leaving Liverpool's defensive numbers diminished.

Liverpool spent the rest of the match with untried Spanish youngsters Danny Ayala and Mikel San Jose, fresh faced from the reserves, confronting the outstanding Argentina star Sergio Aguero, one of the best strikers in Europe.

Aguero soon started to take advantage. He dived to head home a cross from Simao, and then produced the back-heel that set-up former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan for a second before the break.

Lucas was given the unenviable job of replacing Xabi Alonso, £30million worth of midfield artistry now at Real Madrid, while England full-back Glen Johnson made his home debut.

While all this disruption was going on behind them, Fernando Torres, against his old club, and Steven Gerrard started where they finished last term.

The pair were in full flow and Torres could have had a couple before hitting the post from 20-yards as he played against his former club.

Referee Phil Dowd refused Liverpool three penalties, one when Torres looked to be tripped and then when Juanito handled as Gerrard charged through, before Lucas was knocked over.

Atletico were certainly taking this seriously. Paulo Assuncao and Johnny Heitinga were both booked for fouls on Yossi Benayoun and Gerrard. Liverpool, too, picked up a booking when Johnson was cautioned for cutting down Simao.

Ryan Babel replaced Dirk Kuyt and another young defender, Martin Kelly, took over from Johnson, but Liverpool could not fashion much of a comeback.

Fourth in La Liga last term, and facing a Champions League play-off tie with Panathinaikos for a chance to join Liverpool in the group stages, Atletico looked more than a decent outfit.

They introduced former Liverpool forward Florent Sinama-Pongolle with 15 minutes left to a rousing reception from the Kop.

Liverpool responded with Jay Spearing and Andriy Voronin coming on for Javier Mascherano and Benayoun, with David Ngog replacing Torres soon after.

Lucas finally pulled one back for Liverpool after 81 minutes, side-footing home from a Gerrard through ball.