Young Reds Silenced The Rams

Rodolfo Borrell's U18s continued their impressive start to the season as they came from behind to beat Derby County 3-2 in a five-goal thriller at the Academy on Saturday.

After making an impressive first start for the reserves at Newcastle on Tuesday and scoring on his debut for England U19s last week, Michael Ngoo led the line alongside Hungarian Krisztian Adorjan.

Former Swindon Town stopper Jamie Stephens started in goal while exciting youngsters Raheem Sterling and Toni Silva also featured.

The young Rams started brightly and were in front after 12 minutes through an unstoppable 25-yard strike from Alex Witham that gave Stephens no chance.

Four minutes later the Reds had a great chance to equalize. Adorjan's superb defence splitting pass sent Silva clear, but after rounding goalkeeper Mats Morch, from a tight angle his effort only found the side netting.

Sterling was causing the Derby County defence all sorts of problems down the left wing and one run saw him beat four players before being hacked down just outside the box.

The former QPR starlet had a wonderful chance after 26 minutes. Again Adorjan was the instigator with a perfectly placed through ball to send him clear. Unfortunately the U18s' No.7 took a heavy touch and Morch produced an excellent point blank save at his feet.

A strong run from left-back Brad Smith took him to the edge of the box, and his fierce low cross was just missed by the lurking Ngoo.

However, the pressure finally told and Borrell's side got a deserved equalizer 10 minutes from the break.

It owed much to superb play from Ngoo who chased down a loose ball down the right, won it and crossed for Silva to slot home into an empty net.

The visitors also had their moments and were dangerous on the counter-attack, but the game then changed just before half-time.

In first-half stoppage time skipper Conor Coady let fly with a stinging 25-yard blast but Morch was equal to it as he palmed the ball over the bar.

From the resulting corner Matthew Regan climbed high to make it 2-1. The Derby players tried to protest the ball didn't cross the line but the referee had a perfect view of it and the goal was given.

Indeed the protests were led too far and Derby were reduced to 10 men when Aaron Cole was sent off for disputing the goal.

It then almost became 3-1 in stoppage time when Sterling weaved his way past a couple of defenders before his curled effort was well saved by Morch.

Borrell's side started the second half intent on adding more goals to their tally and it became 3-1 on 51 minutes when Adorjan netted with a superb left footed strike beyond the reach of Morch.

Silva should have made it 4-1 after a lovely pass from Ngoo but his effort was tipped behind for a corner.

To their credit the 10 men of Derby battled on and got back into the game with a gift after 68 minutes. Stephens sliced his clearance straight to the Rams No.9 Callum Ball, who couldn't believe his luck as he rounded the 'keeper and slotted into the empty net.

Despite conceding a bad goal the away side never came close to an equaliser in the final stages of the game and Ngoo was unlucky not to make it 4-2 after a great run, but was denied at point blank range by Morch.

Fernando Torres Hoping To Make The Right Headlines At Birmingham City

It was the snapshot that perhaps signalled the beginning of the end for Rafael Benitez.

The number on the electronic scoreboard read ‘9’, and it meant Fernando Torres was being hauled off despite Liverpool, still in the hunt for Champions League qualification, having been pegged back to 1-1 by Birmingham City with 25 minutes still remaining.

There was an audible gasp among the travelling supporters, a confused hush in the commentary box, a momentary pause among the Liverpool players.

Then the camera swiftly panned to Steven Gerrard, whose brief shake of the head summed up the feelings of many.

The Anfield outfit would not go on to win the game and Torres would play only once more in a season that ended in disappointment, disillusionment and a departure for Benitez.

Now Liverpool return to St Andrews on Sunday for the first time since that damaging April draw with the fitness of their Spanish striker still high on the agenda.

However, rather than the seemingly haphazard approach towards the end of the Benitez era that almost certainly cost Torres his best form at the subsequent World Cup in South Africa, there appears to be a more methodical, cautious approach among the Liverpool sports science team.

Torres has started two games for Liverpool this season since recovering from an adductor problem, ending a four-month goal drought with the winner against West Bromwich Albion a fortnight ago.

He then scored twice for Spain in their Euro 2012 qualifying victory in Liechtenstein but was an unused substitute in his country’s glamour friendly in Argentina on Tuesday evening.

And Hodgson admits Liverpool have no intention of over-exerting Torres in the coming months.

“I think he will be able to play three games in seven or eight days,” says the Liverpool manager. “But if you can spare your players, you want to do that. He is as capable as anyone of doing it. But how fair is it to ask players to do that on a regular basis? It would be tough.

“The thing about Fernando is that he went to the World Cup with an injury, played throughout without being fully fit and we are anxious now to make sure through this season that he will be fully fit. When he is fully fit, he will be able to play three times a week.

“But I am hoping that won’t happen because if I am having to do that, week after week, I will lose players like I did at Fulham. You just can’t ask them to take on that work load at the level we are talking about.”

Sunday will be the latest chance for Liverpool to address the poor away form that has seen them register just one Premier League victory on their travels this calendar year.

They were soundly beaten at Manchester City last month with the Anfield outfit sitting 13th in the embryonic top-flight standings.

But Hodgson will not make any assessment on how well his side are

“I know how many points we have but I don’t know what that means in terms of the table,” he says. “I think tables are of no interest until at least 10 games have been played.

“Then you start looking to see how big a gap there is between yourself and the top teams or between yourself and the bottom teams. I don’t think you worry about that after three games.

“The program plays a big part in that and we’ve already played Arsenal at home and Manchester City away.

“Injuries play a part as well when teams don’t have their best team available early on but will do soon. After 10 games I will start worrying about the table but until then I’ll worry more about performances and results.”

Liverpool Prepare Bid For Spanish Wonderkid

Liverpool is reportedly preparing a bid for Spanish wonderkid Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta.

The Athletic Bilbao teenager has been linked with the cream of Europe after making his first senior appearance in pre-season, and the Basque club are readying themselves for an offer from Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson.

17-year-old De Galarretsa is thought to have been scouted by the Reds last season whilst playing for the youth team, with the player's vision and technique thought to be his biggest assets.

Bilbao boss Joaquin Caparros has high expectations for the player following his first team chance this summer, and the player is expected to be involved at La Liga level at some stage in the opening months of the season.

Spanish giants Barcelona are also thought to be keen on the player, but Tutto Mercato Web reports that Los Leones are bracing themselves for a potential from either Chelsea or Liverpool.

The Merseyside outfit is thought to be favourites thanks to the level of Spanish players at the Anfield club.

Liverpool have invested heavily in youth players over the past summer, with Jonjo Shelvey, Raheem Sterling and Suso three starlets making their names at the Melwood academy. De Galarreta would add to the crop of youngsters, although the Hodgson will have to fight if he's to land the player for the Reds.

Liverpool Youngster Jonjo Shelvey 'Honoured' By Anfield Debut

Liverpool starlet Jonjo Shelvey has revealed it was a "great honour" to play at Anfield for the first time in Jamie Carragher's testimonial.

Shelvey, 18, featured as the club celebrated the career of its veteran defender last weekend. While Carragher can boast a 20-year affiliation with the Reds, the ex-Charlton Athletic man is only just starting to make his mark since arriving this summer.

Speaking to Liverpool's official website, he revealed his pride at making his bow at the famous stadium.

"It was a great honour to play at Anfield in Jamie Carragher's testimonial. I'll be getting the shirt I wore on the day framed," Shelvey stated.

"You hear about the crowd and I've sat in the directors' box for a few games, but to actually be out there on the pitch, hearing the Kop - it's something that words can't describe. It is an unreal experience."

Liverpool FC To Back Roy Hodgson's Search For A New Striker

Liverpool will give Roy Hodgson every financial assistance if he chooses to pursue another striker when the transfer window re-opens on January 1.

The Reds received more than £20m for Javier Mascherano when they sold him to Barcelona last month and were subsequently able to bring in Paul Konchesky and Raul Meireles before deadline day.

An intensive search to bring in a forward though, came to no avail, PSV Eindhoven’s Ola Toivonen was regarded as being too similar to the players they already have and their attempts to lure Bayern Munich’s Mario Gomez on loan were rebuffed.

Hodgson, whose side return to Premier League duty on Sunday with a difficult assignment at Birmingham City, is happy to spend the next three months with David Ngog and Ryan Babel as Fernando Torres’ understudies.

But if he decides that changes need to be made in the New Year, Liverpool have made it clear they will back his judgement and there are still funds in place for the manager.

As Hodgson points out, though, finding a player of the sufficient quality who is available – and can make a difference – is a task that is easier said than done.

“I wasn’t too disappointed (that he never signed a striker) as, quite frankly, I don’t think there was a great choice of centre-forwards out there – we didn’t see much movement,” Hodgson explained.

“There are a lot of clubs chasing a particular type of player and, at the minute, that player doesn’t exist in many copies.

“The money that we would have needed to sign that type came to the club very late. Only after we had received the Mascherano money could we have done a transfer at a high enough level.

“I would have been a little concerned that we were jumping into something without researching it and, quite frankly, I didn’t see the players out there that made me want to spend.

“I prefer to put my weight behind David Ngog, Ryan Babel, who has never really been given a chance as a striker. We have good players who can operate behind a lone striker.

“Until Christmas, we will have ample quality and possibilities to see us through that period. In the mean time, we will have chance to do thorough scouting. So maybe then if money was available in January, we would be able to take a look at the situation once again.”

The Reds have not beaten Birmingham in the Premier League since running out comfortable 3-0 winners in May 2004 but have recorded victories in both the FA Cup and Carling Cup in the intervening years.

Yet if they are to rectify the league statistic, Hodgson has warned his side will need to be at the top of their game.

“I think Birmingham will be strong this year,” said Hodgson. “They showed what a good team they are last season and their home form was extremely good.

“We know that Sunday’s match will be a very stern test. They will want to win, we will want to win and that’s how it should be. That’s what makes it such a fascinating league.”

Hodgson Rubbishes Van der Vaart Claims

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has rejected claims by Rafael van der Vaart that he tried to sign the Dutch midfielder, insisting such stories are 'very irritating'.

Van der Vaart joined the Reds' Champions League-chasing rivals Tottenham on transfer deadline day in a deal worth £8 million. The former Real Madrid man later claimed on Sky Sports News: "Liverpool was interested, Bayern were never interested, but you have to have a good feeling and this manager gave me a good feeling and I am really happy to be going to Spurs."

Hodgson told a very different story on Friday though, revealing he was offered Van der Vaart by the player's agent. And, having already captured Joe Cole, the Liverpool boss saw no need to add another 'in the hole' type of attacker.

"No, that's not true," Hodgson said of Van der Vaart's claim on the official Liverpool website. "Those stories can get very irritating.

"An agent rings you up to ask if you want to sign Van der Vaart, you say 'no' and then the next minute you're one of the clubs that want to sign him.

"I apologize to Van der Vaart if his agent gave him another story. I think he's a very good player, but he's not the profile of the player we were looking for.

"When it came up I said, 'no, we have players in his position.'"

Roy Hodgson Denies The Club’s Takeover Saga Is Affecting His Squad

Roy Hodgson insists speculation regarding Liverpool's ownership is having no impact on the team’s performance.

Current Anfield proprietors Tom Hicks and George Gillett have until October 6 to repay the £237 million debt to the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Despite a number of interested parties during the summer, including Chinese businessman Kenny Huang, the American owners are still no closer to selling the club before the deadline.

Hodgson has admitted he is being kept informed over the ongoing saga and concedes the responsibility of finding new investment is a difficult task.

"I am kept abreast but I don't keep abreast [of the current situation]," Hodgson told reporters.

"The people dealing with it, who have a tough job on their hands, are kind enough to keep me informed if anything is happening."

The takeover speculation overshadowed much of Liverpool's pre-season but Hodgson believes the off-field problems are not affecting his squad.

“I have a job to do here and frankly it doesn't affect us that deeply in our day-to-day work; the players come and train, we work hard, we get paid,” he added.

"It is a major issue for the club I know but it is something we at Melwood [Liverpool's training ground] can't actually do anything about and I can only, like the rest of the club, wait and hope a solution is found which everyone finds satisfactory.

"I can't say it is a distraction and I don't think I've seen any distraction with any of the work on the field or the games we have played.

"It is an area where we at ground level can do nothing other than keep playing, keep doing our best and hoping the solution is found which everyone at the club finds acceptable."

Roy Rejects England Job Talk

Roy Hodgson today insisted he has no desire to take over the England job once Fabio Capello steps down in 2012.

The Italian's announcement earlier this week that he will leave the FA after the next European Championships has prompted speculation over who will be his successor.

Hodgson's name has been mentioned in some sections of the media - but the man himself has no desire to be considered.

He told reporters: "My job is at Liverpool Football Club and I'm very happy with my job.

"I would like to make it very clear that I intend to make no comments whatsoever on the England national team other than to congratulate them on their last two matches.

"I'm really looking forward to my job here, so I don't understand the questions and have no comment to make."

Famine Could Turn To A Feast At Liverpool’s Academy

Jamie Carragher’s autobiography is widely recognized as one of the most honest football books published in recent years and a passage on youth team football is particularly candid.

Liverpool’s longest-serving player, understandably, has forthright views on the Academy system, given that he was one of the last high profile graduates to break from the trainee ranks into the Reds’ first team.

His ascension came during a golden period when, to name a few, Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler, David Thompson, Dominic Matteo, Stephen Wright, Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard and Stephen Warnock all became valued members of the senior set up.

Aside from Carragher, four of the above were genuinely world-class (in Gerrard’s case you can say emphatically that he still is) but, for much of the past decade, the conveyor belt had ground to a worrying halt and has shown no sign of cranking back into life.

“We’ve had 10 years without a single top young player coming through,” Carragher wrote. “I have to believe class will tell in the end, that if you are good enough you’ll make it. We must encourage our boys to believe it’s possible...to come through the ranks and develop as I did.”

Whisper it quietly but there are signs that the famine may soon be followed by something of a feast; while it would be folly to start building up the promising crop of novices currently housed at Kirkby, the reasons for genuine optimism are understandable.

In this age of over-inflated transfer fees, protracted deals, shortages in the talent pool and reluctance of clubs to sell, the onus, more than ever, is for clubs to start producing youngsters who are good enough to play at the highest level.

It is easier said than done, of course. A lot of managers in the Premier League simply don’t have the patience to put young men in their team who might need a dozen games to get adjusted to the pace and another dozen to make their mark.

The demands for results are instant and as a consequence those who, given some time, might be good enough have suffered, finding their way into the first team blocked by expensive imports who have not, in truth, been any better.

You get the feeling, however, that things are changing with Liverpool. The Academy, now being run smoothly and successfully by Frank McParland, is flourishing and in the past 16 months the changes to the look and feel of the base have been total.

Facilities have improved dramatically – there are two new Astroturf pitches, one indoor, the other outdoor – the place feels fresh thanks to some decoration and the atmosphere is filled with optimism and confidence.

No wonder. Martin Kelly, Jay Spearing and Stephen Darby have proved that by hanging in opportunity will knock and, of that trio, Kelly has attracted most attention, thanks in part to a Man-of-the-Match display against Lyon in the Champions League last October.

In the age groups below them, though, there are several young men who – provided they apply themselves properly and look up to the example of Gerrard and Carragher – might yet take over their mantle in the future.

Raheem Sterling is the name on most lips and everything he is doing at the moment is creating the kind of buzz around clubs that only happens every so often; without putting too much pressure on him, it would be best just to say he is doing all that is asked of him and more.

Yet he is not a one-off. Jack Robinson and John Flanagan are two full-backs who are acquitting themselves with great credit, the Spanish striker Fernando Suso has been described as “a real player” while the Portuguese whizzkid Toni Silva has also earned rave reviews.

While it is an encouraging state of affairs, enthusiasm has to be tempered because the hardest part now awaits them; getting from Kirkby to Melwood is one thing – getting from Kirkby to the first team is another all together.

But it can be done. There is a will on the Kop, in Roy Hodgson’s office, among the first team pool and around the Academy for someone to break through and follow the lead of Gerrard and Carragher, McManaman and Fowler.

Mistakes of the past are being rectified and, with the right investment, the wait for the next bright young thing could soon be over.

RAF Veterans Launch Fundraising Appeal In Liverpool

Royal Air Force veterans will launch a seven-day fundraising appeal to support the welfare of comrades from conflicts past and present.

Armed with collection tins, supporters aim to raise hundreds of pounds for their ongoing Wings Appeal.

Lord Mayor Cllr Hazel Williams joined organizer Philip Southern and other veterans to mark the annual appeal at Liverpool town hall.

Mr. Southern said: “We are raising funds for past and present service personnel, to support their welfare.

“There are servicemen who were injured in Afghanistan and Iraq and are in need of help.

“The losses in recent months show how much we must support welfare work.

“We have already raised £2,217 for the Wings Appeal this year and we are hopeful that the next week of fundraising will see us into the £3,000 bracket.”

Fundraisers include Royal Air Force Association branch chairman Alan Deakins, secretary Bob Draper and Larry Taylor (DFC).

Two of the ex-servicemen are aged 89 and 90.

Mr. Southern added: “We have already raised £2,217 for the Wings Appeal this year and we are hopeful that the next week of fundraising will see us into the £3,000 bracket.

“Because of our age, we can only do what we can but we hope people dig deep.”

Roy Hodgson Won't Worry About Premier League Table Until After 10 Games

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is unconcerned about the club's current position in the Premier League table as he looks to build momentum at the start of his tenure.

The former Fulham boss insists that the league table is an irrelevance in real terms until at least 10 games have been played, and it is then that he will start to pay it some attention.

"I know how many points we have but I don't know what that means in terms of the table," he told the club's official website.

"I think tables are of no interest until at least 10 games have been played. Then you start looking to see how big a gap there is between yourself and the top teams or between yourself and the bottom teams. I don't think you worry about that after three games.

"The program plays a big part in that and we've already played Arsenal at home and Manchester City away. Injuries play a part as well when teams don't have their best team available early on but will do soon.

"After 10 games I will start worrying about the table but until then I'll worry more about performances and results."

'Stevie Relishing New Role'

England boss Fabio Capello believes Steven Gerrard is relishing his new role as a more traditional midfielder under Roy Hodgson.

The skipper has often featured as a second striker in recent seasons - but Hodgson has already shown a willingness to utilize him in a deeper position.

Capello's decision to field Gerrard alongside Gareth Barry against Switzerland on Tuesday night suggests this could also be his future in international football.

"For a long time Steven Gerrard has played for Liverpool as a second forward but this year he is playing as a midfielder," said the Italian.

"In this position Steven is playing fantastic. He is strong in every moment and always good. He wins back the ball and then when he does, his passes are really important passes."

Meanwhile, new Manchester City signing James Milner admits he is learning a lot whenever he teams up with Gerrard on England duty.

He said: "When you've got good players they are going to shine through. You know Steven Gerrard is another top player that we are lucky to have. He has shown his leadership skills.

"Not everyone has to be a shouter. He will do that, he'll have a word and shout at you when it needs to be done.

"But he leads by example on the pitch, without or with the ball, and we are lucky to have a player like that.

"I'm lucky to be able to look up to a player like that and learn as much as I can off him."

Ryan Babel Ready To Revitalise His Liverpool FC Career As A Striker

Ryan Babel is ready to revitalize his Liverpool career as a striker after being given assurances by Roy Hodgson of more regular appearances in his favoured role.

Babel has reiterated his belief that the arrival of the new manager has given him another – and perhaps final – chance to realize his full potential.

And while acknowledging Fernando Torres will be first-choice, Babel is determined to make the most of the improved openings he has been promised by Hodgson.

“The manager has told me he would like to use me up front more than normal, so hopefully that will give me enough chance to show how much I like that position,” he said.

“I was very pleased to hear this. I have always said my ambition was to play in that position, but at the same time I am very realistic.

“Fernando is very important for the club and he will always be our No9, but you know you can also be very important for the club too if you are used well.

“It will be a long season and we will need every player. Hopefully I can give the confidence and the trust back to the club that they have shown in me.”

“I think the way of playing has been changed a little bit and the new manager has a bit of a different vision to the former manager,” he added. “I think that is maybe what Liverpool needed – a different change. It’s very positive.”

Madrid Leading Liverpool And Spurs In Chase For Turkey Star

Atletico Madrid plan to scupper Liverpool and Tottenham’s attempts to land Arda Turan by making an increased bid for the Galatasaray playmaker in January.

Turan, who has previously claimed it would be a ‘dream’ to wear the red of Liverpool, is highly rated on Merseyside.

talkSPORT also understands Tottenham were interested in the Turkey international but Harry Redknapp’s signing of Rafael Van der Vaart suggests Turan is no longer on his radar.

Atletico made a deadline day move for Turan and planned to pay £11m in three installments but Galatasaray wanted more money to be paid up front.

Madrid failed to come back with a better offer but they plan to return in January with a bid of around £14m, talkSPORT understands.

The news will be a blow to Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson – who has also been tracking Hamburg’s Dutch starlet Eljero Elia, as talkSPORT revealed earlier this week.

Hodgson is not prepared to bid as much as £14m for Turan, leaving Madrid in the clear to land the 23-year-old when the transfer window re-opens.

Liverpool Target Milevskiy Has £10m Clause Put In Kiev Contract

Liverpool target Artem Milevskiy has signed a three-year contract extension with Dinamo Kiev - but has a release clause of just under £10m written into the deal.

Roy Hodgson was reportedly keen on the Ukranian striker in the summer, only for the 25-year-old to commit his immediate future to Kiev.

But Milevskiy can go if any club pays the €12m release clause written into the deal.

That works out as £9.91m, and Hodgson could well rekindle his interest next summer if the 25-year-old keeps up the impressive form that seen him named Kiev captain.

Milevskiy has 29 caps for his country and was the player that Robert Green brought down when the goalkeeper was sent-off in England's 1-0 defeat to Ukraine in October last year.

Reina Concerned By Mascherano Exit

Goalkeeper Pepe Reina claims the departure of Javier Mascherano is a "big problem" for Liverpool.

Argentina captain Mascherano left for Barcelona last month after telling new Reds boss Roy Hodgson of his desire to move on after three and a half years at Anfield.

Hodgson banked £17million from the sale and signed Christian Poulsen and Raul Meireles in a bid to bolster his midfield options.

However, Spain goalkeeper Reina is concerned at the departure of the combative South American.

"The departure of Mascherano is a big problem for Liverpool because he is one of the best players of his type on the pitch," he said in the Daily Mirror.

"Javier is very competitive, very Argentinian and he always offers his maximum in every game.

"For Barca this is a good new thing, but it's not for us.

"Mascherano will be a positive surprise in La Liga. He is a footballer who works, works and works.

"Also, personally, he is a good character. He is quiet but very friendly."

Tom Hicks & George Gillett’s Liverpool Reign Could Be Over In A Month

Tom Hicks and George Gillett's reign as owners of Liverpool could have as little as a month to run, according to the Guardian, after the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) placed the club's loans with them into their toxic assets division.

This is the strongest signal yet that the loans will not be restructured. The deadline for the refinancing of the loans is October 6.

The report claims that the pair tried to refinance the debt in June, securing it against their personal assets. However, the attempt was overruled by the club's board, led by the chairman, Martin Broughton.

With the debts having been moved by RBS to its Global Restructuring Group a far more hardline attitude is set to come into force from the bank.

The bank may now apparently move to sell the club, more than likely at a knockdown price, within the next few weeks or as soon as possible after the October 6 deadline.

According to the club's accounts to July 2009 Liverpool's owners owe £237.4 million to RBS. The real figure could be much higher than that though, with Hicks and Gillett also reported as owing £145.3m due to commitments to the club and its lender.

That figure is apparently a mixture of cash, mainly injected through equity, and guarantees to the RBS loans.

Although RBS would apparently be reluctant to take direct control of the club or to force it into administration by placing the club's holding companies into liquidation.

They may want to sell the club in a cut-price deal though, with Broughton and the investment bank, Barclays Capital, advising him, maintaining that the club's debts must be paid as a minimum sale price.

The club's co-owners are said to value the club at £800m and have given signs in the past that they would be unwilling to accept any cut-price deal. It seems that their options on that score may be running out, however.

Roy Hodgson Warns More Players Could Go

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has warned more fringe players could leave the club as he streamlines his squad.

Since taking over from Rafael Benitez, Hodgson has seen Albert Riera, Alberto Aquilani, Emiliano Insua and Diego Cavalieri among others leave the club.

And the 62-year-old said players who do not feature in the first team nor offer future promise could exit Anfield.

"We were unbelievably over-staffed when I came and, if the truth be known, we still are over-staffed," he said.

"It was just as big a job making sure some of the players who never feature for the first team move on and that we limit our squad to players who are either in the frame to play first-team football or who have a bright future who are still anxious to play academy and reserve team football.

"We don't want that middle group who are too old for reserve football but are not serving any purpose for the first team because they never feature."

Hodgson has made a number of high-profile signings since taking over in July, adding England internationals Joe Cole and Paul Konchesky, along with goalkeeper Brad Jones and Scottish defender Danny Wilson.

The former Fulham and Inter Milan boss has also signed Denmark's Christian Poulsen and Portugal international Raul Meireles.

But Hodgson has balanced the new additions by presiding over the departures of Philipp Degen, Nabil El Zhar, Krisztian Nemeth and Damien Plessis, while midfielders Javier Mascherano and Yossi Benayoun left the club despite the manager's intentions for both men to stay.

"We should be very happy. A lot of hard work has gone in and you have to mention Christian Purslow (managing director) and Eduardo Macia (chief scout)," said Hodgson.

"Both worked really hard during the transfer window to do the deals I wanted to happen but also to do deals for quite a few players to leave the club.

"It was important to sign a quality midfielder when we lost Javier.

"We had half-prepared for his departure by jumping in to sign Christian Poulsen when he became available, but it was important for us to keep strong in that area.

"We loaned out Alberto Aquilani and so we are pleased to have been able to bring in Meireles.

"He is experienced in the Champions League, in international football, has had proven success at Porto and is an all-round midfielder who is capable of playing in all three of the central midfield positions.

"He has a pedigree which we researched, followed and studied. I followed him at my previous club so it was good when I heard he could be available and that we could do the business quickly."

Hodgson said he was particularly delighted to sign full-back Konchesky, who forced Fulham to sell him once Liverpool made their approach.

"It was difficult because Fulham were anxious to keep him and were against letting him go," he added.

"Our good fortune was he was in the last year of his contract and he made it clear that if they didn't let him go he wouldn't sign a new contract.

"That was useful for us because otherwise it would have been very difficult to get him.

"There aren't many quality left-backs around in the world, never mind in England, so to find an English one who can go straight into the team without any adjustment problems is a big advantage.

"He is a player I know and have worked with and he knows the way we try to play and the things we try to do.

"That's another little advantage, but the main reason for bringing him here is because we think he's a good player and he's the right man for the job."

Hodgson's Torres Relief

Roy Hodgson today spoke of his relief after Fernando Torres flew back to Merseyside having enjoyed a night off for Spain in Argentina.

Despite accepting Spain's decision to include the Liverpool striker in their travelling squad for the glamour friendly in Buenos Aires, Hodgson was hoping Torres would do no more than warm the bench after netting twice for his country on Friday in Liechtenstein.

The Liverpool manager's hopes were realized as Torres remained an unused substitute throughout his country's 4-1 defeat, and he's now looking forward to including his number nine in his plans for this weekend's trip to Birmingham.

"We spoke to the Spanish coach and they said it wasn't possible for him to skip the trip," said Hodgson. "If he'd done that then a lot of other big name players might have wanted to skip it as well.

"Through fairness they felt obliged to take everybody, but luckily they listened to my plea not to overplay him and the fact he played no part in the game hopefully means he will come back in good shape and be able to work with us instead."

Despite not having regained full match fitness since overcoming the injury he sustained in the World Cup final, Torres has already netted the winner in the Reds' last outing against West Brom and bagged a brace for Spain on Friday night.

"It's a good sign," admitted Hodgson. "He's a goalscorer and a quality player. If we're going to have a good season we need people like him. He'll need more time before he fully recovers from the injury, but he is working very hard, he has a very good relationship with our sports science people and I trust them together to make the right decisions."

David Ngog Could Return From Injury In Time To Face Birmingham City This Weekend

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has expressed his confidence that striker David Ngog will return from a hamstring lay-off in time for this weekend's game with Birmingham City, whilst admitting Dirk Kuyt could spend a lengthy spell out of action.

Ngog withdrew from the France under-21 squad after sustaining the injury but it is thought that the striker's swift recovery will allow him to feature at St Andrew's.

Speaking to the club's official website, Hodgson said: "He has been nursing a problem but is much better now.

"We were obliged to withdraw him from the French U21 squad because when they got together 10 days ago he wasn't fit.

"The French people were very good about that and realized there was a problem.

"I am hoping that he will recover in time for this weekend.

"We have nursed him through and hopefully he will train either today or Friday."

Ngog's recovery presented his manager with some promising news. However, Hodgson received a blow this week with the news that Dirk Kuyt had picked up a shoulder injury during his time with the Dutch national team.

It was originally thought that the forward would face a spell of four weeks on the sidelines but the injury could rule Kuyt out for longer, Hodgson revealed.

"It could be more than four weeks," he said.

"It's one of those injuries where it's very difficult for the doctor to say and I think four weeks is a very conservative estimate.

"If we're lucky it could be earlier, but it could be longer.

"We have to be very careful because it's the type of injury that has to be treated with a lot of respect."

Liverpool & Napoli Are Interested In Udinese Midfielder Gokhan Inler

Liverpool's and Napoli's interest in Gokhan Inler is unlikely to dwindle as both clubs fight it out for his services.

Opponents in the Europa League, the two clubs are set to embark on a transfer battle as Inler's agent Dino Lamberti claims there is potential to join one or the other during the January transfer window.

"January? You can never say no. Inler interests Liverpool also and so it will not be easy for Napoli," Lamberti told Radio Quinta Rete.

"You never know though. If Udinese do badly, and the others pull out... Napoli is an interesting club, but we cannot speak about something which doesn't quite exist.

"Then Udinese will not give him away on the cheap, they want as much as he is worth. Therefore they have the right to set a price."

Liverpool Lining Up Offer For Hamburg Winger Elia

Liverpool is eyeing a January deal for Hamburg winger Eljero Elia.

The 23-year-old winger has been linked with an Anfield switch on several occasions in the past, with former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez a known admirer of the speedster.

Former Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is now reportedly keen to bring the player to Merseyside, with talkSport claiming Liverpool are keeping tabs on the player as they look to strengthen their attacking options.

After failing to land another striker on transfer deadline day, Hodgson has earmarked the player as a potential replacement for Ryan Babel, should his compatriot leave for pastures new in the winter window.

A fee in the region of €10 million could be needed to complete a deal.

Roy Hodgson Pessimistic Over Dirk Kuyt's Chances Of Early Return

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson fears Dirk Kuyt could be sidelined with a shoulder injury for longer than the initial four-week period suggested by the Dutch midfielder.

Kuyt returned to Merseyside on Tuesday after injuring his shoulder while attempting a scissor-kick in training prior to Holland’s euro 2012 clash against Finland.

Although the 30 year-old insisted that he will be back in time to face former club Utrecht in the Europa League on Sept 30, Hodgson admits he is pessimistic over Kuyt’s prospects of returning within a month.

He said: “It could be more than four weeks. It’s one of those injuries where it’s very difficult for the doctor to say and I think four weeks is a very conservative estimate.

“We have to be very careful because it’s the type of injury that has to be treated with a lot of respect.

“It would have been bad enough to happen playing for the national team in a competitive match, but for it to happen in training was even more of a blow.”

Capello Hails Gerrard Form

Fabio Capello believes Steven Gerrard has been 'fantastic' since being switched to a central midfield position.

In recent seasons Gerrard has been regularly deployed on the left-hand side for England and as a support player to Fernando Torres at club level with Liverpool.

However, he has featured in the centre for his club since Roy Hodgson replaced Rafa Benitez as manager and took up a similar role in England's opening Euro 2012 qualifiers.

In the absence of the injured Frank Lampard, captain Gerrard grasped his opportunity in the middle and coach Capello is delighted with the 30-year-old's form.

"For a long time Steven Gerrard played for Liverpool like a second forward. This year he is playing like a midfielder," said Capello.

"He has started to play fantastic. He wins back the ball and then makes really important passes."

Capello must now decide whether to continue with Gerrard in that role for the next qualifier against Montenegro in October when Lampard is likely to be available.

James Milner's suspension for that fixture could force a reshuffle, while Capello also has a dilemma in defence after regular first-choice pairing Rio Ferdinand and John Terry missed the wins over Bulgaria and Switzerland.

"I have always said the door is open for all the players," stressed Capello.

"I have to decide who will come in. After that I will decide who is in the first XI.

"But these players did very well. They won two games and scored seven goals. Also, they created a lot of chances. This is a nice group."

Roy's Pacheco Challenge

Roy Hodgson has challenged Daniel Pacheco to fight for a place in his first team.

With Dirk Kuyt ruled out of action for four weeks with a shoulder injury and David Ngog a doubt for Sunday's trip to Birmingham City with a hamstring problem, the Spanish starlet could get an opportunity.

Liverpool's No.12 is highly rated by Hodgson and he is hoping the former Barcelona youngster will take his chance.

"I thought Dani did very well when he came on against Manchester City in the five or six minutes he played," said Hodgson.

"I also thought he did very well when he came on against Trabzonspor and he made a difference. He is a player that we really believe in.

"He is young but it is great that can keep giving him these opportunities and moments on the field and I think these moments will get even longer as the season progresses.

"Now we are in the Europa League, it is good for me too that I will be able to give chances to the likes of him, (Jay) Spearing and (Jonjo) Shelvey.

"They need games and we will have plenty of opportunities in the coming months."

Pacheco also has a burning desire to repay his manager's faith and added: "I hope I will play a big part.

"I know that I have to keep working very hard in training and I will have to take the chances that the manager will give to me."

Roy Reflects On Summer Deals

Roy Hodgson today declared himself satisfied with Liverpool's summer transfer dealings - and insisted new boys Raul Meireles and Paul Konchesky will prove to be quality additions to his squad.

With the transfer window now closed until January and Liverpool having submitted their Barclays Premier League squad, Hodgson insists he is happy with the players at his disposal and is pleased the Reds were able to act quickly to fill the midfield gap left by Javier Mascherano.

"It was important to sign a quality midfielder when we lost Javier," said Hodgson. "We had half prepared for his departure by jumping in to sign Christian Poulsen when he became available, but it was important for us to keep strong in that area.

"We loaned out Alberto Aquilani and so we are pleased to have been able to bring in Meireles. He is experienced in the Champions League, in international football and has had proven success at Porto. He is an all-round midfielder who is capable of playing in all three of the central midfield positions.

"He has a pedigree which we researched, followed and studied. I followed him at my previous club so it was good when I heard he could be available and that we could do the business quickly.

"He has played a lot of international football so settling into the English game won't be a major problem. Our public are sensible people and they realise that having played all of his career in Portugal, it may take a bit of time. We have that time. He will adjust, but whether it's from the first moment we'll have to wait and see."

One player who won't need time to adjust to life in the Barclays Premier League is fellow new boy Paul Konchesky, who arrived from Fulham on transfer deadline day.

Despite speculation for many weeks that the England defender would be Anfield bound, Hodgson admits he was delighted to finally welcome his former player to the club.

"It was difficult because Fulham were anxious to keep him and were against letting him go," he said. "Our good fortune was he was in the last year of his contract and he made it clear that if they didn't let him go he wouldn't sign a new contract. That was useful for us because otherwise it would have been very difficult to get him.

"There aren't many quality left-backs around in the world, never mind in England - so to find an English one who can go straight into the team without any adjustment problems is a big advantage.

"He is a player I know, a player I have worked with and he knows the way we try to play and the things we try to do. That's another little advantage, but the main reason for bringing him here is because we think he's a good player and he's the right man for the job."

With players arriving on new deals, leaving permanently, and loan deals being struck, Anfield was a hive of transfer activity before the window slammed shut - and Hodgson admits he is much happier with the squad he now has at his disposal.

"We should be very happy," he said. "A lot of hard work has gone in and you have to mention Christian Purslow and Eduardo Macia, who both worked really hard during the transfer window to do the deals I wanted to happen but also to do deals for quite a few players to leave the club.

"We were unbelievably overstaffed when I came to the club and, if the truth be known, we still are overstaffed. It was just as big a job making sure some of the players who never feature for the first team move on and that we limit our squad to players who are either in the frame to play first-team football or who have a bright future who are still anxious to play academy and reserve team football.

"We don't want that middle group who are too old for reserve football but are not serving any purpose for the first team because they never feature."