Match Report: Braga 1 - 0 Liverpool

Liverpool failed in their attempts to equal a club record 14-match unbeaten run in Europe with a 1-0 defeat against Braga in their last-16, first-leg Europa League tie in Portugal.

The location of the AXA Stadium is no stranger to displays of hard labour, having been carved into the face of the former Monte Castro quarry.

But Kenny Dalglish's side were so devoid of movement at times they appeared to be taking inspiration from the huge chunks of rock still visible at one end of the unique ground.

They lacked pace and creativity without injured captain Steven Gerrard and the ineligible livewire forward Luis Suarez, who was instrumental in terrorizing Manchester United in Sunday's 3-1 victory.

Even a European debut for £35million record signing Andy Carroll after half-time could not turn things around after Brazilian Alan had converted a 17th-minute penalty.

The omens were there from the start with a side featuring three defensive midfielders - albeit with Jay Spearing patrolling the right side of a 4-2-3-1 - which still never looked comfortable or particularly solid.

They spent much of the opening quarter of an hour chasing possession, although the hosts never came close to threatening Jose Reina's goal.

They were just getting into their stride, however, and in the 17th minute when Mossoro raced onto a through-ball to the right of the penalty area he was brought down by Sotirios Krygiakos' mis-timed tackle.

The spot-kick was expertly slotted away by the Brazilian, who must have one of the least exotically-sounding names of all his countrymen.

Raul Meireles was given a hard time by Braga fans on his return to his homeland, having moved to Anfield from nearby Porto.

He had a rare shooting opportunity from a 25-yard free-kick but drilled his effort into the wall.

Pressure was growing on Liverpool though and centre-back Kaka, almost lived up to the reputation of his more illustrious namesake when he attempted a cheeky shot from a narrow angle after taking a corner but drilled the ball into the side-netting.

Left-back Silvio went even closer with a thunderous 35-yard volley which beat Reina but rattled back off the crossbar.

The visitors were crying out for some creativity and pace to be injected and to that end all seven substitutes were sent out to warm-up during the interval.

Ten minutes after the restart Carroll was sent on for Christian Poulsen, with Spearing dropping back into central midfield and Meireles moving to the right.

His early involvement saw him head over Meireles' corner, although he was adjudged to have committed a foul in the act, and then had a shot deflected for a corner.

Carroll's arrival certainly livened things up, with Braga unable to handle his aerial power; Liverpool's problem was they were not proving him with decent enough crosses to threaten the hosts' goal.

When Meireles did whip one in from the right it was Dirk Kuyt who controlled it and volleyed over the crossbar.

The closing stages became increasingly scrappy as the Reds pushed for an equalizer.

Carroll continued to win headers with confident regularity but they were mostly in non-threatening positions from Reina's long punts up field, with absolutely no service coming from either flank with Cole cutting a particularly inconsequential figure.

Braga by no means look like a side who will pose a significant danger at Anfield in a week's time but Liverpool's greatest problems are of their own making.

They have scored once in five away matches in Europe this season. Their home record is much better, and they need it to be if they are to turn things around.

Dalglish Admits Sloppy Liverpool Were Fortunate To Escape Lightly

Should Liverpool reach the Europa League final, the club's commercial department may be tempted to release a DVD of the full campaign. The away legs will, however, need to be fast-forwarded or cut out. Thus far, they have travelled through the Netherlands, Italy, Romania, the Czech Republic and now Portugal, amassing thousands of air miles and a single goal.

It was difficult to imagine that this was practically the same team that had taken Manchester United apart at Anfield. It was like coming across an old friend who has had Botox; they looked familiar but various bits were not moving as they should.

On Sunday, Andy Carroll had made his Liverpool debut as the United game turned into a triumphal procession. Here, football's most expensive Englishman caused Braga rather more problems than anyone else before receiving an elbow in the face from Kaka – not the one everybody has heard of but a Brazilian defender signed on loan from Hertha Berlin. "I'll do my impression of Arsène Wenger and say I didn't see it," his manager, Kenny Dalglish, commented afterwards. There was much, much more he would have wanted to avoid viewing again.

Braga's stunningly designed stadium is known as "The Quarry" and it would be tempting to say that Liverpool need digging out. True, they were beaten and the electronic scoreboard in front of the Monte Castro rock face was showing 67 minutes when home goalkeeper Artur was required to make his first real save, tipping over a drive from Dirk Kuyt. However, they were not buried alive, as perhaps they might have been.

Dalglish thought Liverpool fortunate to have only been beaten by a single goal. Celtic and Arsenal lost rather more comprehensively here this season, although significantly Braga were beaten at Celtic Park and humiliated at the Emirates Stadium. As he takes his side to a training camp in the Algarve, Dalglish might fancy Liverpool's chances of overturning this result on their return to Merseyside next week.

"Not if we start the way we did here," he interrupted. "Nobody can be pleased with the performance or the result. We won't be able to assess if we have contributed to our downfall until Thursday night."

Braga has a reputation for being the most conservative city in a conservative country, the Tunbridge Wells of Portugal, although their football team plays in a stadium that is positively radical – two vast stands each holding 15,000, with one goal framed by the side of a quarry, the other by a grassy bank.

It looked as if Liverpool were playing a spectacularly wealthy Sunday League side, an impression reinforced when the goalscorer was announced as Alan.

Perhaps appropriately given the setting, Sotirios Kyrgiakos demonstrated a caveman's touch when attempting to challenge Mossoro, conceding a penalty that Alan Osorio da Costa Silva, known simply as Alan, put away in the goal in front of the grassy knoll. The Alan known as Shearer could not have buried the spot-kick any more emphatically.

Braga deserved and should have scored a second when, after Liverpool failed to clear an inventively taken free-kick, Silvio unleashed a superlative volley from outside the box that clattered against Pepe Reina's crossbar. A few inches lower and Silvio would have scored one of the goals of this European season.

Much of Braga's best midfield work was carried out by Hugo Viana, which may have caused a quizzical eyebrow to be raised at Newcastle United. At roughly the same time, English football's two managerial knights, Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Alex Ferguson, bought Sporting Lisbon's two most glittering talents. One is on half the billboards in Portugal, the other is not, but there were times yesterday evening when Viana's game did not seem so very different from Cristiano Ronaldo's.

Only if Braga show more resistance than they mustered at Arsenal, the club that inspired their foundation, will this result be seen in its full context. "We are optimistic," said their manager, Domingos Paciencia. "But we have to be very careful when we go to Anfield because Liverpool are one of the sides that can win this competition." Not on this evidence.

Segura Given Reds Reserve Role

Liverpool has replaced reserve team coach John McMahon with academy technical director Pep Segura.

The Spaniard takes over the role on a temporary basis until the end of the season as the club prepares for a proper restructuring of their youth system this coming summer.

Segura has a reputation for aiding some of the finest players in the game with their development, helping to bring Spanish stars Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas through Barcelona's youth academy.

Liverpool's Under-16s coach Steve Cooper will assist Segura for the remainder of the reserves' season.

"The club has conducted a thorough review of all operations based at our academy as part of our overall strategy to constantly improve our youth and professional player performance," said a club spokesman.

"We have a clear vision of the way ahead and a number of changes will now be put in place to help us to build on the considerable progress already made.

"Pep Segura will step in as reserve team manager on a temporary basis for the remainder of this term only, before a revised structure is put in place this summer.

"He will be assisted over the next few months by Steve Cooper."

Gary McAllister's Anfield Stay Was Brief But Memorable

Gary McAllister MBE was one of the most influential yet under-rated players in Liverpool’s recent history. The only time I saw Gary Mac live was after his retirement. It was during his appearance in Carra’s testimonial last summer against Everton. Upon his introduction the fans instantly broke into song....

(Sung to the tune of Alouette)

“Oh Gary Macca, Gary Gary Macca,

“Gary Macca, Gary Gary Mac

“Oh we love yer baldy 'ead (Oh we love yer baldy 'ead)

“Yer Baldy 'ead (Yer Baldy 'ead)

“You're Gary Mac, (You're Gary Mac)”...

Then “Shooot!” we bellowed at his every touch. It was obvious that Gary Mac was still a hugely popular figure at Anfield.

The man from Newarthill, Motherwell, was a throwback to the old days – a slightly built and elegant midfielder that pulled the midfield strings with crisp passing and robotic vision. Macca played an intelligent game and also packed an explosive shot.

Aged 35, Macca arrived at Anfield on a Bosman free in 2001. Though his ability was never in doubt, many questioned Gerard Houllier’s judgement in bringing in a player that was seen to be enjoying an Indian summer in what was very much the twilight of his career. The “Enforcer” proved all the doubters wrong with two splendid seasons culminating in the Scot forcing himself into Liverpool’s hall of fame.

Macca was hugely influential as Liverpool picked up the UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup. A dead ball expert and inspired proponent of free kicks, Macca’s influence was central to Liverpool’s style of play. His influence, professionalism and authority were also great examples for Liverpool youngsters Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

Macca had arrived at Anfield with a proven pedigree - 57 caps for bonny Scotland and five goals. He’d skippered his country and Leeds United at Wembley in the League Cup Final of 1996. It was at Leeds that Macca became part of the famous quartet of Strachan, Batty and Speed that captured the League Championship for Leeds in 1991-92.

Throughout his career the midfield schemer possessed the uncanny ability to dominate and control the pace of the game. He was similar to legendary Celtic Skipper Paul McStay, another one of my all time favourites and one who I wish had worn the Red of Liverpool.

His finest career moment was when he scored in Dortmund as Liverpool defeated Alaves 5-4 to lift the UEFA Cup in 2001. Macca was rightfully awarded the Man of the Match and it was his extra time free kick that was deflected in for Liverpool’s Golden Goal winner.

Despite this perhaps his most memorable football moment was when he scored that 44 yard free kick in the Mersey Derby at Goodison Park.

Macca’s golden streak continued as he netted a charity shield winner against Manchester United during the season’s curtain raiser.

Houllier singled out Macca as his ‘most inspirational signing’ and proclaimed that had Liverpool had him ten years earlier they would have won the Premier League.

John W Henry Back In Billionaires Club

Liverpool FC owner John Henry has rejoined one of the world’s most exclusive clubs.

After a year’s absence Mr. Henry has made a comeback into Forbes annual list of world dollar billionaires. His return to the prestigious ranking is directly attributed by Forbes to his acquisition last year of the Anfield club.

Ranked joint 1,140th richest person in the world, the 61-year old American financier only just scrapes into the list, with his wealth valued at exactly $1bn.

He dropped out last year when his wealth was judged by Forbes’ editors to have dipped below the $1bn threshold for inclusion.

Mr. Henry, whose address is given as Boca Raton, Florida, is ranked 410th richest American.

Forbes writes: “The former global futures trader ... is once again a billionaire thanks to his October acquisition of Liverpool soccer club.”

Mr. Henry was part of the Fenway Sports Group that paid £300m for the club when it was bought from former owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks in a deal engineered by British Airways chairman Martin Broughton.

As well as Liverpool, Mr. Henry and his business partners own baseball team Boston Red Sox, which they paid $700m for in 2002.

But one local football finance expert cast doubt on the idea that the purchase of Liverpool could, on its own, lift Mr. Henry’s fortunes.

James Dow, a partner in Cheshire based corporate finance firm Dow Schofield Watts and who has advised Everton, Barcelona and Ajax, said: “The only reason he can be back in the list is that he has made a profit on the purchase of the football club.

“That’s not all that plausible. If he has made a profit then Mr. Hicks may have a justifiable complaint about the price at which the club’s shares changed hands.

“I don’t think the prospects for the club or its valuation have materially changed in the last few months.”

Other English Premier League football club-owning American billionaires listed by Forbes include Manchester United owner Malcolm Glazer, whose personal wealth is estimated at $2.6bn. Forbes values Manchester United at $1.8bn.

The 82-year old, who is a resident of Florida, also owns the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, an American football team that Forbes says is worth $1bn.

In 2002, Mr. Glazer’s wealth was put at $700m.

Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner’s wealth is estimated to be the same as Mr. Henry’s, meaning he is also ranked at 1,140th and is worth $1bn.

Match Preview: Braga vs Liverpool

Andy Carroll could make his full Liverpool debut in Thursday’s Europa League visit to Portugal to play Braga.

The £35million January signing came off the bench in the 3-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday after overcoming the ankle problem that had delayed his bow since his move from Newcastle United. Now, there is a chance that he might get his first start in the first leg of the last 16 tie with the Portuguese challengers, or he may yet once again begin the game among the substitutes if manager Kenny Dalglish opts to be cautious.

Carroll’s fellow January addition Luis Suarez cannot play at the AXA Stadium as he is ineligible, while Steven Gerrard has been left out of the travelling party, as the club assesses a niggling groin problem.

Dirk Kuyt scored the winner against Sparta Prague in the last round and will be hungry to get out on the pitch once again after his hat-trick against rivals United, while further back Glen Johnson should start at right back with Danny Wilson set to get the nod across the field and Raul Meireles a likely starter on his return to his home nation.

Other full backs Martin Kelly and Fabio Aurelio will both miss the next month with hamstring injuries, while Daniel Agger has a calf problem. Reserve full backs John Flanagan and Emmanuel Mendy have made the trip, but there is no Raheem Sterling this time.

Braga have already had some decent scalps in Europe this term with Celtic, Sevilla (twice) and Arsenal all among the sides they have earned wins against before bowing out of the Champions League. They reached this stage after getting the better of Lech Poznan in the round of 32.

In all they have lost seven of their ten previous meetings with English opposition, but have made a concerted effort to expand on last season’s fine second-placed finish in their own league and edged second-placed Benfica in a tough encounter on Sunday, their last outing before their first ever meeting with the Reds.

In Brazilians Rodrigo Lima, Alan and Paulo Cesar they have several threats to Liverpool’s consistent habit of playing out 0-0 draws in their away games in this competition, while former Newcastle man Hugo Viana is among their other creative threats.

Prepare For A Different Liverpool In The Europa League

It is fair to say that Liverpool have not exactly approached their Europa League campaign this season with boundless enthusiasm.

A club that has been European champions five times is bound to see the competition as a consolation prize to Champions League football.

Stuck on Channel Five and playing the likes of FK Rabotnicki and Trabzonspor was always going to leave the Liverpool fans uninspired in the early stages of the competition.

Such is the format of the tournament and the poor quality of opposition, Liverpool knew their progress to the knockout stages was little more than a formality.

Even in the last 32 clashes against Sparta Prague, there was a sense of deflation, a hint of sorrow that it was not them facing a team like Barcelona or AC Milan in the Champions League.

But Liverpool is a club founded on a winning mentality, and the Europa League remains a prestigious competition – you just have to wait until the latter stages before it becomes interesting.

Both Reds managers this season, Roy Hodgson and Kenny Dalglish, have fielded weakened teams in Europe, using it to rotate the squad and blood youngsters.

Four goalless draws in the Europa League suggests following Liverpool this season has hardly been full of excitement.

The two games against Sparta – a tie which the Reds eventually won 1-0 on aggregate – could easily be prescribed as a sleeping aid for insomniacs such was the tedium.

But Liverpool is a club built on winning things, Dalglish is a manager who knows the value of a major trophy.

And fans will remember fondly back to 2001, the last of three triumphs in this competition – then the Uefa Cup – which was sealed with a 5-4 victory over Alaves after extra-time.

On Thursday, the Reds travel to Portugal to face Braga for the first leg of their last 16 tie and the sense is that this is the stage where the Europa League really gets going.

The likes of Ajax, Porto, Villarreal, Benfica and Manchester City are all still in the competition and all of a sudden it no longer looks so inferior to the Champions League.

Liverpool will now put the borefests behind them and go for glory as they look to build on the confidence of their fine form in the Premier League.

Andy Carroll is expected to feature against Braga after making his debut as a substitute in Sunday's 3-1 victory over bitter rivals Manchester United, but Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of the clash.

Luis Suarez, an instant hit with the Kop, is cup-tied but Dirk Kuyt will start after his hat-trick heroics at Anfield on Sunday.

And with midfielder Raul Meireles also in great attacking form, the Reds will step up their game at this stage of the competition and show they are taking it more seriously through a positive approach.

They will have to, of course. Braga is a far better team than any that Liverpool have faced in the Europa League this campaign.

Just ask Arsenal. The Gunners lost 2-0 at Braga in the Champions League in November as they came up against a well-drilled, well-organized side.

The Portuguese outfit may not boast star names like Liverpool, but it promises to be a very tricky tie, especially with Gerrard absent.

Carroll's presence could be enough to ignite Liverpool as he looks to make an impact after his £35 million switch from Newcastle on the last day of the January transfer window.

The Reds insist they are focused on winning the Europa League, the only trophy now available this season.

Expect them to now start to prove it – beginning on Thursday.

Gerrard Could Miss Rest Of The Season

Kenny Dalglish has admitted that Steven Gerrard could be forced to undergo surgery in order to cure his groin problem, with reports suggesting the Liverpool captain could miss much of what remains of the season.

Gerrard did not travel with Liverpool for their Europa League tie against Braga on Thursday evening as he continues to struggle with the injury, which has afflicted him for a month but did not prevent him from playing in the 3-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday.

It is reported on Thursday morning that Gerrard will be sidelined for three weeks at the very least if he does require surgery, meaning he would miss England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales on March 26. Dalglish says further tests are required before deciding whether his captain will be operated on.

"He's not suffered any aggravation - he's just got a problem with his groin," Dalglish said. "He's not travelled, we'll have a look at it, and should know on Friday what we will have to do.

"It's the same problem. And for us and Steven it's a big enough problem we have got to find a solution to. We'll know better on Friday, where we stand exactly, but it's nothing too serious. We don't want to speculate about anybody, especially Steven.

"It's a problem that's minimal, but it needs to be fixed, and if it takes some time to get it fixed, we'll get it fixed."

Though Dalglish has a long and storied history at Anfield, the Europa League campaign remains something of a novelty as it is the first time he has managed the club in a continental competition. However, the Scot says he has not attached extra importance to the Braga fixture as a result.

"It is no less an ambition to me than winning the next game,'' he said.”It is not about Kenny Dalglish and my ambition, it is the club's ambitions and they have an ambition to be in a much healthier position than they are at this time.

"We will strive to do our best to get as far up the [league] table as we can and also in the Europa League and we will see where it takes us. But we won't lose out on anything from a lack of desire."

Liverpool Target Alexis Sanchez Subject To Bid From Unnamed Club

Udinese winger Alexis Sanchez is still on the Liverpool radar, according to reports.

The Chilean international has been on the radar of Barclays Premier League teams for some time now, with Liverpool thought to be one of those keen to bring the player to England.

Damien Comolli, director of football strategy at Anfield, is a known admirer of the 22-year-old, although it's thought that Liverpool will face stiff competition from a number of clubs around Europe.

Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Barcelona are also thought to be keen on signing the player, and the zebrette have confirmed interest in their prized asset, who has been compared to Cristiano Ronaldo in the Italian press.

"Sanchez is of interest of British and Italian teams. Somebody has already offered (for Alexis Sanchez) a figure close to 30-35 million euros but I cannot say by whom (we have received it)," Udinese chairman Franco Soldati told Sky Italia.

Sporting Director Fabrizio Larini continued the player discussions on Calciomercato, stating: "A evaluation of €25 million for Sanchez? Looking at what has been paid for (Luis) Suarez, (Fernando) Torres and David Luiz in England, I think Sanchez will also apply to more than €25 million."

It's unknown if Kenny Dalglish has taken a keen interest on the player, but the Liverpool boss hinted at a number of squad changes come the end of the season.

NESV, the club's owners, proved in January that they are willing to back the manager financially and have set a remit of bringing young, attacking talent to Liverpool during their reign on Merseyside.

The flying winger would certainly add to the attacking options at the club and whilst it's unconfirmed, it's possible that the offer came from Liverpool in the past. Either way, it appears competition will be great for the Sanchez's signature in the summer.

Wendt Options Open

FC Copenhagen full back Oscar Wendt is flattered to be linked with Barcelona, but his agent thinks he will move elsewhere.

The Sweden international will be out of contract at the end of the season and is currently considering his options.

Spanish paper El Mundo Deportivo recently claimed that Barcelona have had a look at the 25-year-old, who has also been linked to Liverpool as well as clubs in France, Italy and Germany.

Wendt told Sportbladet: "That a club like Barcelona keep tabs of you is fantastic.

"I haven't heard anything, it's just wait and see. I know there is interest from Italy, France and Germany.

"There is nothing serious yet, but there is certainly interest."

But agent Niclas Jensen believes Barcelona would not be the best move for his client at present.

He told Fotbollskanalen: "That's not what we are aiming at, and Oscar knows that as well. Of course, it is flattering to be mentioned in the same sentence as Barcelona, but he is clever enough to understand that might not be the best move right now."

Jensen added several clubs have already been in contact about the defender.

"It's something like eight to ten clubs, and then some are more interested than others," he said.

"With some clubs the interest is strong and with some we haven't come that far. It's football, so a lot can happen. One day everything can be sorted out, just to fall apart the very next."

Asked what sort of club might be best for Wendt, the agent replied: "He of course wants to go to a club at the top level, where he can continue to grow and become as good as possible.

"Oscar wants to go to a good league and play for a good team."

Liverpool Face Competition From Aston Villa For Xherdan Shaqiri

Liverpool reportedly face competition from Aston Villa to sign Xherdan Shaqiri.

The Swiss international winger has been heavily linked with a move to the Barclays Premier League in the past, with Liverpool thought to be considering a bid for the player in the summer.

Former Anfield chief Roy Hodgson is thought to have taken an interest in the player first, and FootyLatest now reports that Kenny Dalglish is also interested in bringing the player to Liverpool.

Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier is also thought to have taken a keen interest in the Basel youngster, whilst Villareal, Zenit St. Petersburg, Hertha Berlin and Borussia Dortmund lead the charge from the rest of Europe.

With over 50 appearances for the Swiss Super League champions and seven appearances for his country, Shaqiri is seen as the future star of the Switzerland national team. His goal against England showed a brief glimpse of his future potential.

Kenny Dalglish has hinted at a number of changes at Anfield in the summer, with the Liverpool legend keen to make his own individual mark on the Merseysiders' squad.

Valued in the region of £7 million, Shaqiri would add to the attacking options at Liverpool and fits the remit of bringing young talent to the club as set out by owners NESV.

Eriksen Would Reject Reds

Ajax starlet Christian Eriksen says Barcelona are the only club who could tempt him away from the Amsterdam Arena at present.

The Denmark international is being linked to a host of top clubs, including Arsenal and Liverpool, whose assistant manager Sammy Lee was recently spotted casting an eye over the midfielder.

But the 19-year-old, who has a contract to stay at Ajax until 2014, says the only club who could tempt him at present is Barcelona.

He told Danish media: "If I got an offer from Liverool right now, I believe I would reject it.

"Ajax is a good club for me at the moment and I believe it will be that for a couple of years.

"If I did move, it would have to be to FC Barcelona."

The teenager received rave reviews from the media following his performance in Denmark's 2-1 defeat to England last month.

However, he has previously stated that he does not feel that his game is suited to the Premier League.

Reds Pair Aid Kelly Progress

Martin Kelly has revealed how Liverpool greats Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard are pushing him to be the best he can be.

The 20-year-old full-back had made just one start for the Reds before the current campaign but he has truly made the first-team breakthrough this term.

Not only has the Whiston-born defender earned an extended run but his form has been such that he has remained in the side, racking up 22 starts already this season including 10 in the Premier League.

Some minor injuries have prevented senior pair Carragher and Gerrard playing as big a role as they have over recent years.

But they have been helping Kelly get to grips with what is expected at Anfield as the youngster aims to establish himself as a Reds regular.

"It has helped me having people like Stevie and Carra around," Kelly told the club's official magazine.

"They talk to you all the time - to try to test you out, see if you are mentally tough enough to deal with the expectations. It has been a good experience for me.

"It makes you realize quickly, if there was any doubt, the pressures of getting three points for a big club.

"They just want you to be the best and not give anything less than 100 per cent. It's nothing personal if they get on your back. It's the three points that count."

Kelly suffered a hamstring injury in last week's 3-1 defeat at West Ham, ruling him out of Sunday's 3-1 win over Manchester United.

But he played the full 90 minutes of the FA Cup defeat at Old Trafford while featuring in both wins against Chelsea, and the recent injury blow has helped keep Kelly's feet on the ground.

"Playing in the kind of games I have recently, then getting injured, has made me realise how short your career can be," he added.

"One minute you're in the team playing against Ryan Giggs in front of 75,000 people, the next you're in the treatment room and can't even play a game in the park.

"It will be over before I even know it so I need to make sure every match counts."

Former Liverpool Defender Sami Hyypia Hoping For Anfield Return

Former Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia is dreaming of a Europa League return to Anfield.

The Finnish centre back became a legend during his time on Merseyside, spending a decade with Liverpool and skippering the side before Steven Gerrard took the armband.

Bayer Leverkusen signed the player on a free transfer in the summer of 2009, and Hyypia has enjoyed a successful spell with the Bundesliga outfit thus far. That said, Liverpool were reportedly keen on bringing the player back to Anfield last summer under Roy Hodgson.

A return to his former stomping ground could be on the cards this term though, with both clubs battling away in the Europa League and searching for qualification to the quarter finals, where a 'dream' draw could be on the cards.

"My big dream is to play Liverpool in the next round. It would be amazing to return to Anfield and play another match there," the defender told the SID news agency.

"There are only big clubs left in the competition now and these games are really exciting."

Leverkusen faces a tough task against Villarreal in their tie, whilst Liverpool must beat Braga to progress to the next stage of the competition.

The former Willem II player would undoubtedly receive a fantastic reception were he to return to the club that he holds in such high regard, but Liverpool would be keen not to extend too many gratuities as they chase a realistic trophy this term.

Carroll Set For European Debut

Liverpool's £35million striker, Andy Carroll, is set to make his European debut in Thursday's match against Braga.

The former Newcastle star has recovered from a long-standing tendon injury and made his first appearance in red as a substitute in Sunday's win over Manchester United.

Carroll played the last 16 minutes at Anfield to mark his return to action after an almost three-month rehabilitation process, which began prior to his record-breaking January transfer.

Liverpool now plan to gradually increase their new England international's workload, which is likely to include a substitute outing in the Europa League last-16 first-leg match against Braga at the Estadio AXA.

"It's been a long process rehabilitating him - about eight or nine weeks - but we are happy with the result," Liverpool's head of sports medicine and sports science, Dr Peter Brukner, told the club's official website.

"We've seen steady improvement over that time. He's much stronger in that tendon and in general as well.

"We still need to keep working with him and we want to build his training and playing load up to the level required.

"He'll play some more minutes against Braga and hopefully he'll be involved more and more with each game."

Brukner added: "He had a tear in the tendon just above the knee, which was a rare injury because it is more common to have that below the knee.

"We were really determined to build him up slowly and just get him a lot stronger to cope with the load."

Brukner has also been impressed by 22-year-old Carroll's determination to return to full fitness.

He said: "The physio and fitness guys have worked really hard with Andy and to his credit he's not shirked the issue."

Cameron Park Could Be On His Way To Anfield

Middlesbrough academy graduate Cameron Park is a transfer target for Liverpool reports the Times.

Described as an outstanding left-sided prospect, the 18-year-old winger has captured the attention of Reds’ Director of Football Strategy Damien Comolli.

The Liverpool chief has reportedly been in touch with the Championship club over a possible move to Anfield in the summer.

Liverpool scouts have also been monitoring Park’s progress in the Boro reserve team with Riverside bosses saying he has shown more potential than both Stewart Downing, and Adam Johnson who also made their names in Middlesbrough’s youth set-up.

Park agreed professional terms on a four-and-a-half year deal in January but with Boro set to lose their Premier League parachute payments after the end of the current campaign, Liverpool are set to capitalize on the likely financial restructuring needed at the club.

Kenny Dalglish is keen to add to his attacking midfield options, and despite Park having only made three senior appearances as a substitute this season, the Liverpool boss has seen enough to pursue his interest in one of the hottest young prospects in English football.

Since the appointment of new Liverpool owners NESV, the Anfield club’s philosophy of acquiring promising young talent wherever possible means that a summer approach looks increasingly likely.

Liverpool Made Contact With Stephen Ireland But Manchester City Vetoed Move

Liverpool reportedly made an attempt to sign Stephen Ireland last summer but the move was blocked by Manchester City.

The 24-year-old playmaker subsequently joined Aston Villa in a deal which saw James Milner move in the opposite direction but was shipped out of Villa Park in January - moving to Newcastle on loan.

Ireland has endured quite a fall from grace since being named City's Player of the Season for 2008/09 - an accolade which saw him rewarded with a new five-year contract.

The departure of Mark Hughes from Eastlands signified the start of Ireland's downward spiral and the Irishman soon fell out of favour after Roberto Mancini took the City reigns.

An exit from Manchester was always predicted during the summer transfer window and the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham were reportedly monitoring Ireland's situation with great interest.

However, the midfielder has revealed that - despite contact from both Liverpool and Manchester United regarding a potential transfer - City opted not to sell the £8 million-rated Ireland international to a Barclays Premier League rival.

"I saw Shay Given the other day, Arsenal want him but he can't go as City don't want to strengthen a rival," Ireland told So Foot.

"It was the same with me, I had contacts with Manchester United and Liverpool but City vetoed it."

Liverpool were also linked with Ireland in January but were reported to have doubts over his fitness, although a summer move could still be in the offing.

The Reds are known to be keen to add some midfield creativity to their ranks as of June 1 and Ireland could provide Liverpool with the extra invention they so crave.

Liverpool's Strike Force Is World Class - Jay Spearing

Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing believes strike duo Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll are world class.

Both joined the ranks at Anfield in the January transfer window and Spearing thinks Suarez has been impressive.

The 22-year-old told BBC Radio Merseyside: "The two strikers we've brought are world class and we've paid good money for them.

"Suarez has shown already that he's very sharp in and around the box, likes to take people on and gets shots in."

He added: "He has shown in Holland, in a small amount of games, his goalscoring record is unbelievable.

"Andy Carroll has proved he can score all sorts of goals in the Premier League and has played at international level."

Liverpool's form has improved since the return of Kenny Dalglish as manager in January and a fine 3-1 victory over Manchester United on Sunday was described as the "highlight" of the season by the Scot.

The Reds have been beaten only three times in 12 matches under Dalglish and have also beaten last season's league champions Chelsea in the process.

Spearing believes Dalglish, who scored 172 goals in 515 appearances for Liverpool, has inspired the players and improved their confidence.

"He's the greatest player to come from Liverpool Football Club," said Spearing. "He has an aura and he's come in and given the lads a lot of confidence.

"He's not changed much but he's brought in his own ways of training and Steve Clarke [first-team coach] has come in and took the training and brought in new ideas.

"It just shows in the results and in the games that we're right behind the manager. We've all got a bit of confidence in ourselves, which you could say was a little bit lost in the first few months of the season.

"Since Kenny has come in a new leaf has been turned and we're looking forward now."

Liverpool FC Launches Official Game App For Apple Devices

Liverpool FC has launched what it claims is the first official football club game app for the iPad.

The game, which pits players against Liverpool FC’s goalkeeper Pepe Reina in a penalty shootout, will be available across all Apple’s mobile devices including the iPod Touch and iPhone 3GS.

The game’s developer, Bright AI, has used a combination of the physics of a real football’s movement, recordings of supporters’ chants and sound effects from matches to replicate the experience of a penalty shootout at Anfield stadium.

Mobile manager at Liverpool FC Kathy Smith said the club would be extending its product range to other devices in the near future as it looks to strengthen its standing in the mobile market.

“Mobile provides an important channel for fans to engage with the club, not only on matchdays but for entertainment too,” she said.

Liverpool Close In On Arsenal Man

Liverpool appear to be leading the chase for Arsenal left back Gael Clichy as the French international continues to struggle to resolve his contract dispute with the club. The 25 year old defender will apparently not now iscuss the issue with his North London employers until the end of the season and that has led many to believe that Arsene Wenger is not willing to compromise on his initial offer to the former Cannes man.

There seems little chance Clichy would move to hated rivals Tottenham, not after eight years and 250+ appearances for the Gunners and the talented wide man is apparently open to the idea of staying in the Premier League if big moves from Abroad are not forthcoming.

Italian giants Juventus are reportedly willing to pay as much as €20m (£17.2m) for the experienced Toulouse born full back and Liverpool may have to match that offer, which may seem steep for a player who will have a year left to run on his contract come the summer, but we are talking about arguably one of the best players in his position in Europe and the price is still less than the Merseyside club paid for Glenn Johnson.

Clichy may not be keen on a move to Turin though as the club is in something of a crisis at present and may well finish outside the European qualification places altogether. Liverpool are looking for a new left back as they look to offload Emiliano Insua and Paul Konchesky, the aforementioned Johnson has been played out of position on the left but is clearly more suited to the right side where his place seems in the balance given the great form shown by youngster Martin Kelly.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has also been linked with moves to offload under performing members of his squad including Manuel Almunia, Nicklas Bendtner and even Andrei Arshavin who is attracting interest from his former club Zenit St Petersburg.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic Must Decide On Either Anfield Or Stamford Bridge

AC Milan loan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s long-term future has been cast into doubt, alerting a number of Barclays Premier League clubs reports the Metro.

The player’s agent Mino Raiola has intensified speculation linking the Swedish international with another summer move after being quoted in the Italian press.

"Zlatan might not end his career at AC Milan. We will decide everything in 2012 according to the results achieved here," Raiola told 7 Gold.

The news is likely to alert the likes of long-term admirers Chelsea as well as new potential suitors Liverpool.

It was only last week that Ibrahimovic declared he would finish his career at the Rosseneri after scoring 19 goals in 33 games in his debut season.

He has also contributed 12 assists in the club’s pursuit of the Scudetto (Serie A title) for the first time since 2004 – fine form which has prompted Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti to earmark Ibrahimovic as a top target to bring to Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is also in the market for more attacking options, despite the Reds spending in excess of £50million on their January recruitment drive that saw Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez move to Anfield.

Liverpool owners NESV have backed the club financially and the spending looks to continue when the transfer window reopens in June, with Ibrahimovic rumoured to be a confirmed Anfield target.

Having failed to live up to his €56million price tag after a swap deal with Barcelona took him to his first spell at the San Siro with Inter, Ibrahimovic’s stock has since risen again.

AC Milan have the first option of purchasing for a reported €24million, but with news that the 29-year-old is keen to embark on another challenge elsewhere, a summer transfer tussle for Ibrahimovic’s signature between Chelsea and Liverpool is anticipated.

Lucas Wants New Contract

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva believes he has done enough to deserve a new contract at Anfield.

The Brazil international will enter the final year of his current deal at the end of the season and there have yet to be any discussions regarding an extension.

Lucas has shown significant improvement this campaign, despite almost being sold by Roy Hodgson last summer, and he has remained a part of Kenny Dalglish's plans since January.

The 24-year-old accepts that club owners, the Fenway Sports Group, and Dalglish, if he is offered a long-term contract, are likely to make summer changes to Liverpool's squad as they continue their rebuilding process.

But Lucas hopes that he is not a player who is moved on, as he told the Liverpool Daily Post: "Always in the summer a few players will go and a few players will come, so we have to wait and see. We want to finish this season well.

"I hope to be one of those that stays in the summer. Why not? I still have one year left on my contract after this season so I have a commitment with the club, and I'm doing everything to show I am capable to be here.

"There haven't been any talks over a new deal. I'm just looking at finishing this season. This season has been very good for me, and I just want to keep that going.

"I only have to convince two people - Dalglish and the Brazil national team manager. I just have to keep going."

Injuries To Fabio Aurelio And Daniel Agger Hand Liverpool FC A Left-Back Blow

Kenny Dalglish faces a defensive headache ahead of Liverpool’s Europa League trip to Braga tomorrow, after both Fabio Aurelio and Daniel Agger were ruled out due to injury.

Neither will be included in the travelling Reds party, which heads for Portugal today, leaving Dalglish with a decision to be made over the left-back position.

Glen Johnson is favourite to start there, with Jamie Carragher pushed out to right-back, though Dalglish has used young Scot Danny Wilson at full-back in recent weeks, and could be tempted to give the 19-year-old another European start at the Estadio AXA.

Aurelio limped out of Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Premier League leaders Manchester United after just 24 minutes with a hamstring injury, and club doctor Peter Brukner has confirmed the Brazilian will be out for at least a month.

“He’s got a significant hamstring injury,” said Brukner. “Unfortunately his body lets him down. He always plays well when he’s fit. We’ve been managing him carefully because he’s not been playing twice in a week, but this just came out of the blue.

“He had a minor adductor strain a few weeks before that. We rehabilitated him and he trained all week with no problems at all. He’ll be out for a month so that’s a blow. It’s a partial tear. It’s what we call a secondary degree hamstring. It’s similar to Martin Kelly’s, and these are three or four week injuries.

The news will come as a fresh blow to the 31-year-old, who has only just shaken off an adductor problem, and has been plagued by injuries during his five year stay at Anfield.

“He’s obviously very down,” added Brukner. “It was a sad sight to see him walking off the pitch. He’s frustrated because he was playing well on Sunday. He was looking forward to getting a run of games but it wasn’t to be.”

Agger, meanwhile, is making slow progress after suffering a calf injury in the win over Sparta Prague in the last round of the Europa League. The Dane, another who has suffered tremendously with injuries during his time on Merseyside, received a kick to the leg during the 1-0 success at Anfield a fortnight ago, and Brukner says Thursday’s clash in Portugal has come too soon for the 26-year-old.

“Daniel had a nasty kick on a joint to the side of his knee,” he said, “It’s an unusual spot to get an injury. They take time and he’s a bit of a slow healer.

“He’s still not 100 per cent so we’ll have to see if he’s fit for the game this week. But it’s more likely to be the following week.”