How Charlie Adam Can Help Liverpool Exploit The Pace Of Luis Suarez And Stewart Downing

As the mood of English football’s most celebrated sleeping giant lifted following the return of Kenny Dalglish last January, as did their level of performances on the pitch.

Aided by the arrivals of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll and the emergence of youngsters such as Martin Kelly and John Flanagan, Liverpool ended the season with a tactical fluidity that had been missing at Anfield for nearing two years.

That’s not to say that it was a flawless run-in. Tepid displays against the likes of Braga, West Brom and Tottenham showed Dalglish’s men to be lacking creative direction and an attacking plan B.

Versus West Brom, the vigour and work rate of the Reds in the middle of the park failed to hide the fact that there was a missing link to the front two of Carroll and Suarez.

As a result, the territory of Dalglish’s side remained in the centre of midfield as the side grew narrow, desperate for expansion on the flanks.

Unable to break against Roy Hodgson’s side, the temptation to kick and chase often proved too tempting for the team’s frustrated defenders with the game at 1-1. For the hosts, it was all too easy to defend against and the Baggies’ last-minute penalty rewarded the better side with three points.

However, with over £40 million worth of summer signings having joined the Reds, two new faces in particular can ensure that such one-dimensional play no longer need plague the Merseyside outfit. Just as when the club’s owners appointed King Kenny, Liverpool must look back to the not so distant past for inspiration.

This season, protected by Lucas, Charlie Adam’s wide-ranging distribution can be used to link up in close contact with the more advanced Steven Gerrard or spray balls to the flanks for Suarez and Stewart Downing to latch onto. From here, the Uruguayan can attack the box, cutting in from the channel whereas the former Aston Villa man can utilize his inch-perfect crossing ability to target Carroll in the area.

The more centralized route one option would also benefit, with Gerrard in a position to mop up knockdowns that have come from Carroll in the area in which he is most dangerous: just outside the 18-yard box.

With a three-pronged approach to goal such as this, Dalglish would be able to take advantage of Adam’s vision while maintaining the security of Lucas and the power of Gerrard.

A little more variety and less narrow-minded, this is the formation to continue Liverpool’s ascension.

Scott Dann The Man For Kenny Dalglish

Kenny Dalglish has moved for Birmingham star Scott Dann after Liverpool’s pre-season defensive shambles.

Dalglish wants to make the £8m-rated centre-back his fifth summer signing after seeing his side leak 15 goals in six friendlies.

He was eyeing Liverpool-born Dann, 24, earlier in the summer but opted to strengthen his midfield, landing Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson.

Dann, who has been likened to Kop legend Alan Hansen, missed half of last season after picking up a hamstring injury in January.

Anfield chief Dalglish has been hit by injuries to key defenders Martin Skrtel and Glen Johnson in pre-season.

Liverpool Line Up Loan Deal For Man City Defender

Liverpool's need for a left back is inching them closer to proposing a loan move for Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge.


The Reds are short of options in that part of the field having seen Emiliano Insua, Paul Konchesky, Fabio Aurelio and Glen Johnson all turn out in that position to differing levels of success over the past two years. And despite attempts to rectify the situation this summer, the club have still not managed to secure any of their targets.


Lyon's Michel Bastos and Celtic's Emilio Izaguirre had both been shortlisted but with the former speaking publicly about wanting to stay at the Stade Gerland and the latter having suffered a broken leg against Aberdeen on Sunday, options are now limited. As a consequence, Dalglish is now considering making an approach for Bridge in order to have an experienced Premier League operator in that position.


The former Chelsea and Southampton defender might not be the most exotic name to be linked with a move to Anfield but, crucially, he is available and - when given a run of games - is a solid player capable of delivering telling crosses upon which £35m man Andy Carroll would thrive. Any deal would not be concluded until the end of the transfer window as Liverpool still hope to make a permanent signing but if they are unable to do so and can reach an agreement with City over his £93,000 a week wages then Bridge could be wearing the famous red shirt in September.

Poulsen Ready To Fight

Christian Poulsen has dismissed speculation that he will leave Liverpool and insists he sees his future at the club.

Kenny Dalglish has increased his midfield options with the signing of Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson this summer.

These new recruits will augment a squad already bulging with midfielders in Lucas, Steven Gerrard and Jay Spearing.

Indeed, Dalglish's transfer business has prompted talk that the Denmark international would be sacrificed to balance the books.

But the 30-year-old, who has two years left on his contract, is in no hurry to leave Anfield.

"I have been really happy and I want to play, that's my goal for the future," Poulsen said.

"I am happy there with my family, it's a good club and they treat me really well. I hope I can change my situation and play more.

"I haven't heard anything from Liverpool; I am trying to be fit for the new season. So I think they want me at the club and I am happy to be there and unless they tell me something different, I am a Liverpool player for the coming season."

Glen Johnson Ruled Out For Two Weeks

Glen Johnson is set to miss the start of the new season for Liverpool after being ruled out for up to two weeks.


England right-back Glen Johnson damaged his thigh in the friendly win over Valencia at the weekend and is likely to be replaced by Martin Kelly when Sunderland visit Anfield on Saturday.


Johnson’s absence came as star striker Luis Suarez returned to training at Melwood following Copa America success with Uruguay.

New Midfielders Will Give Liverpool Great Options – Martin Skrtel

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is happy with the signings made by manager Kenny Dalglish and believes they will make the team stronger next season.

Skrtel has been impressed by what he has seen of new boys Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing so far.

"I must admit these players give us great options," the Slovakian told the club's official website.

"I remember Stewart from when I was playing against him a couple of years ago. I was at right-back and he was giving me a really hard time.

"He played really well that day so I am sure his crosses and speed will be very useful for our team.

"Charlie had a great individual season with Blackpool and I am really happy he is here.

"You could see his team depended a lot on him and he made a big difference. Jordan is still very young but he played for England so this says a lot about him."

Final Heartbreak For U16s

Liverpool slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Sierra Leone's FC Johansen in the final of the Swiss U16 Cup in Ruggell on Sunday afternoon.

After the contest ended goalless, FC Johansen managed to find the net in the early stages of extra time to secure the win.

With time ticking away, the Reds threatened to grab an equalizer but they were unable to find the back of the net despite their gallant efforts.

Earlier in the day, Liverpool beat Manchester City 2-1 in the all-English semi-final and boss Steve Cooper was delighted with the efforts of his players over the course of the competition.

The Academy manager told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I'm very proud of the boys - I think they've performed really well over the four days.

"It was always going to be a difficult task today heading into the semi-finals because there is more at stake in trying to get to the final, and also because the boys have had four hard days.

"It's been physically demanding with a lot of minutes played. We've picked up a few knocks, so we haven't been able to make many changes.

"But the lads didn't half perform well and I am really, really pleased with what they gave us.

"It's not just about playing and winning this weekend, it's about what we take from it and going back to the Academy with the boys having become better players.

"I think the four days here can only have been beneficial to the overall development. We've had a bit of everything - games where we've had to play football and pass our way to goals and wins, but we've also had to dig in a few times as well.

"We conceded a bit of a sloppy goal in the final, but it was going to take something like that for the game to go in somebody's favour, and on another day it could have gone our way.

"The players are entering a stage now where the football is becoming more competitive, and as long as the players realize this is what happens in elite, competitive football then they'll become better players for it.

"It's been pleasing that in every game they have tried to play our way, the way we are trained to develop our footballers at the Academy, and that's all we can ask."

The U16s were led out onto the pitch by members of Liverpool's Ability Counts squad, who have also been in action in Ruggell this week, before 'You'll Never Walk Alone' was played as the teams lined up.

The players have conducted themselves superbly all week in Ruggell - and Cooper is pleased with the attitude they have shown.

He said: "There was a bit of an opening ceremony to the final, and we're probably the only club with their own song here. I reminded the boys that they're playing for such a big club.

"With that comes a responsibility and an expectation all the time, and they have to live up to that. They cannot let the club down - and they didn't.

"We've told them that, and they realize it anyway. Every player that has come away with us this weekend has been on a trip with Liverpool before, so they know what's expected of them.

"They always need to know who they play for because it's a very special club and they're privileged to be part of it."

Though Liverpool has had a busy schedule of seven matches in four days in the tournament, Cooper feels the trip will also prove advantageous off the pitch.

"The football always come first on these trips because obviously they are footballers," he stated.

"But to be a footballer, you've also got to be a teammate and part of a team - and there's no better way to bond with your teammates than when you're away from home and staying in a hotel together.

"There hasn't been a single problem and it's been very enjoyable to be around the boys - and I think they've enjoyed being around each other as well. I think it's been a very beneficial experience for them."

He added: "We'll travel back soon, we'll give them a day off on Tuesday and then straight back into the normal training program on Wednesday. We have games at the weekend and we expect them to be at a good level straight away."

Ladies Claim Chelsea Triumph

Liverpool Ladies secured their first WSL win of the season as they recorded a 1-0 victory away to Chelsea.

Chloe Jones was the matchwinner, illustrating just why the club signed her from Leicester, as she bagged the only goal of the game.

The Reds were boosted ahead of kick off with the news that Nicky Twohig would return from suspension to replace Beth Bailey at the heart of the defence, whilst the only other change from Wednesday's draw with Doncaster saw Cheryl Foster replace Ruesha Littlejohn.

And it was Twohig that came closest to opening the scoring, as she met a Jones corner forcefully, only to see her header cleared off the line by Danni Buet.

However, Chelsea's goal was soon to be breached, as Jones swung a corner into the near post, with the ball seemingly evading everyone to nestle in the net.

There were some suggestions that it may have deflected off the back of Chelsea midfielder, Buet, but Jones was not to be denied her first goal in Liverpool colours and took the adulation of her teammates.

Buet tried to make amends as she gained some space down the right-hand side, but blazed her shot over the bar, as the Blues struggled to get a foothold in the game.

A last ditch challenge from Lara Fay was required to deny Kelly Jones after 27 minutes, before she snatched at a loose ball from the resulting corner and saw her strike narrowly fly over the crossbar.

It took Chelsea 33 minutes to force Dani Gibbons into action, as Ashlee Hincks's 25-yard shot forced the Liverpool stopper into a fine save down low.

Buet then shot wide, as Chelsea upped the pressure going into the half-time break, with Gibbons required again to deny Helen Lander to ensure Liverpool retained their lead.

The Reds regained the upper hand as the second half got underway, with Twohig unfortunate not to double the advantage, as she latched onto another fine delivery from Jones, only to find her close range effort rebound off Blues 'keeper, Carly Telford.

The game then entered a scrappy stage, with Chelsea becoming frustrated by their inability to create chances against the team that had conceded the most goals in the division.

Cheryl Foster should have doubled the advantage on 69 minutes, as a fantastic centre from Jones found her in acres of space, only to divert the ball wide of the post.

Liverpool was in the ascendency, as Kate Brusell forced Telford into a close range save, before Jones hit the post, with the Blues' 'keeper beaten.

A minute later, and Liverpool were thankful to Gibbons for keeping their advantage, as Hincks raced clear on goal. The Reds' stopper stayed big however, deflecting the ball away with her legs.

Liverpool came back again, with Jones denied by Telford and Brusell seeing her long range cracker whistle past the post.

As the rain started pouring down, so did the Chelsea pressure, as they upped the tempo in the final 10 minutes in search of an equalizer.

Hincks couldn't quite wrap her foot around a loose ball, toe-poking wide of the post, before Gemma Bonner missed the target with a header from a Buet free-kick after Brusell had gone into the book for a wild challenge.

Sophie Perry found Twohig in the way once again, whilst Chelsea nearly snatched an undeserved equalizer at the death through Laura Coombs, but Gibbons was on hand to protect her clean sheet and ensure Liverpool claimed their first three-point haul of the season.

Suarez Can Eclipse Tevez

The only way is up for star striker Luis Suarez, according to Liverpool captain Steve Gerrard.

The Uruguayan proved a smash hit at Anfield in the second half of last season following his January arrival from Ajax.

Suarez also lit up the Copa America as his country won the competition this summer, and Gerrard thinks his club-mate can prove to be an even better player than Carlos Tevez.

The Liverpool skipper said: "Luis is a special player, he really is. He's so good. His movement, his touch, his awareness and the way he takes his goals is fantastic.

"It's natural you are going to compare him to Tevez because of his build, his shape and the way he plays. But I think he can go on to be even better."

Kuyt Expects Carroll Hot Streak

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has warned the Premier League that Andy Carroll is ready to live up to his star billing this season.

The £35million man demonstrated flashes of his ability in the second half of last season after completing his record-breaking move to Anfield, but he was frustrated by injury.

Carroll, though, scored his third pre-season goal when netting against Valencia on Saturday and Kuyt thinks it is a sign of things to come from his team-mate.

Ahead of next Saturday's campaign-opener against Sunderland, the Dutchman said in the LiverpoolEcho: "Andy is going to be top quality for us this season.

"It was difficult for him when he arrived because he had an injury. Then he played a few games and did very well but got another injury.

"Now he's had a full pre-season and has scored in his last two games. Hopefully he'll get another one next weekend.

"Andy is very strong in the air and you can also play it into his feet. He's a top striker and I'm sure he will do well and score a lot of goals for us."

It is a new-look Liverpool squad this season following the signings of Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Alexander Doni.

Neven Subotic Emerges On Anfield Radar

Liverpool have made an enquiry over Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic, according to reports.

The Sunday People claims the Serbian has rejected the possibility of a move to Anfield though, with the Reds' interest immediately falling flat over the £13 million-rated centre back.

Kenny Dalglish is thought to be in the market for defenders after a disappointing pre-season, with Liverpool conceding a plethora of goals before yesterday's 2-0 win over Valencia.

A left back is thought to be the club's main priority, with Spanish full back Jose Enrique the favourite to join Liverpool amidst a plethora of linked players.

Whilst Subotic is reportedly keen to play English football, the defender is claimed to want Champions League football, something Liverpool are unable to offer the player this season, unlike Dortmund, who won the Bundesliga last term.

With the 22-year-old target staying in Germany, Liverpool will now have to take their search for a player in the position elsewhere, with Scott Dann a defender also thought to be on the Merseysiders' radar.

Charlie Adam: Playing Regularly Is More Important Than Hefty Wages

Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam insists that playing regularly will always trump big wages.

The Reds midfielder began his career with Scottish giants Rangers and remained at Ibrox for six years, during which time he was sent out on loan on three occasions.

The last time the 25-year-old was dispatched on a temporary move elsewhere was to Blackpool in 2009. And he eventually joined the Seasiders to play regularly and establish himself by putting in strong performances.

Now the former Gers man is believed to have been handed a contract worth £60,000-a-week on Merseyside, but still hopes to play regularly at his new club.

"I’ve always been confident in my own ability to play at the highest level," said Adam, according to The Sunday Mirror. "But up until last year when Blackpool was in the Premier League I had never been given the opportunity to prove it.

"There’s no better feeling than walking out at three o’clock on a Saturday to play football. Every footballer would tell you that – or they should do. It doesn’t matter how much money you earn, playing is the most important thing.

"That’s what I have looked forward to since I was a boy and hopefully I’ll get the opportunity to do that and be successful at Liverpool. It’s like when people talk about taking steps forward and taking steps backward.

"But for me, it’s all about playing. It’s no good sitting on the sidelines at a top club. I’d prefer to play every week somewhere else. That’s all I have wanted to do since I was a boy.

"That’s why it makes me laugh when people say I took a step down leaving Rangers for Blackpool. For me it was a step forward. In fact, to go from not playing at Rangers to playing every week at Blackpool was a massive step forward.

"They looked after me, gave me an opportunity to come to England, and now I’m a Liverpool player."

The Reds currently have a plethora of midfielders, as Adam has to compete with Steven Gerrard, Lucas, Raul Meireles, Joe Cole, Alberto Aquilani and Jordan Henderson for a place in the team.

He said: "At every club there are players who bring different qualities to the team and it is all about learning to complement one another.

"I am a piece of the jigsaw. The manager is putting together a package here and he obviously sees me as part of that."

Dirk Kuyt Welcomes Competition For Places At Liverpool

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt says he is delighted by the club’s transfer activity this summer and is optimistic about their prospects of success this season.

Kuyt has been one of the most consistent performers at Anfield since arriving from Feyenoord in 2006 despite often being deployed out of position on the right flank, even finishing as the club’s top scorer last term with 15 goals.

However, the summer arrivals of Jordan Henderson from Sunderland and Stewart Downing from Aston Villa have raised questions over whether Kuyt will be able to hold down a regular first team place this season.

But the Dutchman is not dwelling on any such concerns, instead choosing to concentrate on the positive aspects of the Merseyside giants’ summer strengthening.

"I am very happy with the signings we have made this summer and it was good for them to have their first game at Anfield," Kuyt told the club's official website after Liverpool’s 2-0 friendly victory over Valencia on Saturday.

"Everyone wants to play, but rivalry is something that in my opinion belongs to a club such as Liverpool. That's what should happen, you have to double up in every position.

"We want to progress and move forward and to do that you need more than 11 good players."

Liverpool FC Hopeful Glen Johnson Will Shrug Off Valencia Injury

Liverpool is hopeful Glen Johnson will be available for the start of the Premier League season after the defender limped out of action at the weekend.

Johnson lasted only seven minutes of Saturday’s showpiece friendly against Valencia at Anfield before pulling up with a thigh problem.

The right-back was immediately ruled out of the England squad for the Wembley friendly against Holland on Wednesday.

But Liverpool and the player are confident scans will show no serious damage and that he will be fit for the season opener at home to Sunderland in five days’ time.

Liverpool ended their pre-season preparations with a 2-0 win over Valencia thanks to goals from Andy Carroll and Dirk Kuyt.

Lucas Leiva made his first appearance of pre-season having had an extended break following his participation in the Copa America with Brazil, while compatriot Fabio Aurelio also returned to the fold after recovering from a calf problem that had hampered his preparations.

And Aurelio believes Liverpool’s lack of European football could work in his favour this season.

“My problem has been the injuries and I'm aware of that but I still believe I can be better than in the past and more available,” said the left-back.

“This season we have our games mostly once a week so it could be a good season for me to have a run of games and fill that gap.

“I had an injury to my calf at the beginning of pre-season so I've been working in the gym and on the bike. I have been involved with the team in the last week.

“I'm very pleased to have time on the pitch, especially because I felt very well. It was a good test after just one week with the team. Physically I didn't feel behind the others.”

Of the coming season, Aurelio added: “The first target is getting in the Champions League and once we get that, then we can look for more.

“The mood among the players is one of excitement. I think everyone is anxious to start the season. Everyone is expecting a lot from us with the signings but we have to look at the long-term as well – a few new players have arrived and they'll need time to settle in.

“Some of them already feel good in the red shirt so hopefully we can do well from the start of the season.”

Stanley Park Is Still The Best Option For Liverpool FC’s Redevelopment Plans

Former chief executive Rick Parry expects Liverpool’s owners to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Anfield.

Fenway Sports Group are still considering their options but have admitted that increasing capacity at Anfield is fraught with problems.

Parry, who was the Reds’ chief executive in 2008 when plans to build a new ground were shelved due to a lack of cash, believes FSG will conclude that taking up the lease in Stanley Park is the best way forward.

“The new owners have been very smart in not making any false promises or predictions,” he said.

“Full marks to them for taking their time to make sure they come up with the right answer.

“Initially we wanted to develop Anfield but there were too many complications. The idea of building new actually became increasingly attractive the more we studied the options.

“I can’t imagine what has changed radically that would lead you easily to a different conclusion.”

'They Did LFC Proud'

Liechtenstein Prime Minister Dr. Klaus Tschutscher has hailed Liverpool's Ability Counts team and believes they have done the club proud during their week-long stay in Switzerland.

Although they were beaten in the final of the European Disabled football tournament by FC Zurich in Ruggell on Saturday, the Reds made a big impression on everybody they encountered.

Indeed, following the final whistle, Dr. Tschutscher made his way onto the pitch to speak to the Liverpool players and enjoy a kick about with them.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "As a former sports minister, I was very proud to be able to meet them and it was a very important moment.

"They have done the club proud. I think they have made us proud as well and I hope they will go back home with good memories.

"Sport is a good way of opening doors and building bridges between non-disabled and disabled people. It's been good to see the players integrating and when you see that, you see the real use of sport in learning fairness and togetherness."

Dr. Tschutscher also revealed his fondness for Liverpool and admitted he'd love to take in a game at Anfield sometime in the near future.

He said: "My first shirt I had was a Liverpool shirt. That was some years ago, but I have never been to Anfield. I hope I will have the chance to see a game in that important stadium."

His sentiments were echoed by Swiss politician Hildegard Fassler, who believes the Ability Counts squad are an example to everyone.

She said: "Unfortunately I did not see them play, but I was very impressed with the manner in which they and the U16s have been mixing together. It's been very good for them (Ability Counts squad) to come here.

"They have done Liverpool proud with the way they have behaved, laughed, played and integrated.

"The club can be very proud they have such a team and that they have taken them abroad. They are an example for everyone."

Match Report: Liverpool 2 - 0 Valencia

Liverpool concluded their pre-season schedule with a victory and a clean sheet after overcoming Valencia at Anfield.

Andy Carroll netted his third goal of the summer by capitalizing on a mistake by David Albelda in the sixth minute, the striker picking up the ball, hitting it against the post off goalkeeper Diego Alves and finishing at the second attempt.

The hosts then made it 2-0 in the final minute of normal time thanks to a goal which was announced as Dirk Kuyt's, even though replays suggested Sotirios Kyrgiakos had got the last touch.

The game proved to be a comfortable workout for the Reds ahead of their Barclays Premier League opener against Sunderland next Saturday and manager Kenny Dalglish - who had seen his side ship 15 goals in their previous five friendly matches - will take encouragement from the fact that they did not concede.

Dalglish made only two changes to the starting line-up from Monday's 3-3 draw with Valerenga in Oslo, with former Valencia man Fabio Aurelio - featuring for the first time in pre-season - and Alberto Aquilani coming into the team.

Jack Robinson and Kuyt dropped to the bench, where they were joined by Lucas Leiva, who had returned to training with the Reds earlier in the week following his participation for Brazil in the Copa America.

Juan Mata, a reported target for several Premier League clubs over the summer, was included in the visitors' first XI.

Liverpool made a positive start and had the lead when an error by Valencia captain Albelda allowed Carroll to pounce.

Making a hash of a back-pass, Albelda played the ball straight into the path of the England international, who saw his initial shot through Alves' legs come back off the post but was alert enough to tuck away the rebound.

Moments later Dalglish was forced to make a substitution, Glen Johnson picking up an apparent calf problem and coming off for Martin Kelly.

Valencia then enjoyed a spell of pressure before Jordan Henderson drilled an effort wide for the hosts.

Another defensive lapse by the Spanish side let Carroll in again, but the 22-year-old could only shoot at Alves.

Carroll then received a yellow card after lunging in late on Adil Rami and getting into a skirmish with the Frenchman, before being on the end of a hefty challenge himself, Albelda flying in and also getting booked.

Lucas and Robinson were introduced at the break for Jay Spearing and Aurelio and soon after the restart Dalglish made four more changes, David Ngog, Maxi Rodriguez, Kuyt and Joe Cole coming on for Carroll, Stewart Downing, Henderson and Aquilani.

The substitutes were quickly into the action as Ngog shot wide from Rodriguez's tee-up.

Daniel Agger then lashed an effort over the bar, and Kelly struck a low drive towards goal which Alves dived to smother.

Kyrgiakos and John Flanagan entered the fray to replace Agger and Adam, and Tino Costa sent a free-kick over the bar for the away side.

Valencia substitutes Sofiane Feghouli and Roberto Soldado looked like they might threaten late on, but Liverpool wrapped up the win in the 90th minute, Kyrgiakos and Kuyt seemingly bundling the ball in between them from close range.

Dalglish admitted after the match that the shutout at the back was just as important as the goals scored.

"I think the boys deserve great credit for the work they have done out there," Dalglish said.

"I think they have got their reward for the hard work they have done in training by not losing any goals, and that is as pleasing for us as it is to score two at the other end.

"We are delighted with everyone's attitude and commitment, and for us to go and win against a very good side will not do us any harm."

In the remaining days before the Sunderland game, Dalglish will be welcoming striker Luis Suarez - who helped Uruguay win the Copa America - back to training and crossing his fingers that his players get through the midweek international fixtures unscathed.

"We have still got Luis to come back in so we will see how he is - he should be back in Monday or Tuesday I think," Dalglish said.

"Lucas has been back a week and it has been great to see him back and play 45 minutes.

"We are where we would like to be with most of them. We could have done without midweek internationals, but we just have to live with that and hope that no-one comes back injured."

Dalglish revealed that Johnson had in fact injured his thigh and would be assessed on Sunday.

Carroll, meanwhile, looks to be shaping up well.

"We were absolutely delighted with Andy's performance," Dalglish said.

"You can see he has gotten over his injury problems - he was flying about out there, which is great for us."

Dalglish Bemoans Midweek Internationals Before Premier League Campaign

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalgish has bemoaned the timing of the upcoming mid-week friendly internationals as he prepares for the start of the Premier League season.

The Reds finished their pre-season schedule with a 2-0 victory at Anfield against Valencia on Saturday. The match came a week before they kick-off their domestic campaign with a trip to Sunderland.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Dalglish voiced his frustration at seeing many members of his stellar squad depart on Sunday after they have been assessed alongside fresh thigh injury victim Glen Johnson.

"We could have done without a mid-week fixture for friendly internationals but we've just got to live with that and hope no-one comes back injured," the Scot stated.

"Everybody is in today and we'll assess how they are before they start to leave for international duty if they're called up as a lot of them are on standby at the moment."

Liverpool had endured a pre-season to forget beforehand, with victories in the Far East followed by defeats to Hull City and Galatasaray and a draw with Valerenga. Dalglish stated his troops deserved "great credit" for Saturday's result against the La Liga giant.

He said: "I think the boys deserve great credit for the work they've done out there.

"I think they got the reward for the hard work they have done in training by not losing any goals and that is just as pleasing for us as it is to score two at the other end. We're delighted with everybody, and their attitude and commitment.

"For us to go and win against a very, very good side, that won't do us any harm."

Carragher: The Best Way To Stop Manchester United Is To Be Winners

Jamie Carragher believes that the best way to stop Manchester United from continuing to win more Premier League titles is for Liverpool to win it themselves.

The Reds recently relinquished their status as the team with the most number of league titles in the history of English football, as the Old Trafford club won a record 19th championship last season.

That took them one ahead of the Merseysiders, and the defender hopes to remedy the situation quickly.

"If we want to stop them being champions then the best way to do it is to finish top ourselves," Carragher told The Sunday Mirror.

"It’s the same with the Champions League. I don’t want to be sat here in 10 years’ time talking about the fact that United have won more European Cups than us – and the best way to stop that is to qualify for the Champions League and win it again.

"It has been too long for a club like Liverpool not to win the league, but we can’t become obsessed with them in the way they used to be about Liverpool when they couldn’t win the title.

"What was it for them – 26 years was it? We’ll be doing what we can to make sure we don’t break their record! I think during that time, they also got relegated. I don’t think that will ever happen to Liverpool – and you can quote me on that. I won’t stop hoping or believing, but I am realistic enough to know that time is running out for me to win it.

"And to be honest, I’ll have still had a great career. The most important thing isn’t Jamie Carragher, it’s Liverpool Football Club."

For now, however, the 33-year-old insists that manager Kenny Dalglish has been addressing the problems in the squad through his signings.

"I think what the manager has been quick to address is the fact that we haven’t had the same strength in depth as other top teams. It can’t be just about 1 to 11," said Carragher.

"It’s a squad game now because of all the matches and the boss has really prepared for that.

"In the past we have perhaps relied on the likes of Stevie (Gerrard) or (Fernando) Torres a bit too much and I think that’s something the manager has been looking to address with the signings he’s made."

Tottenham To Lodge Surprise Bid For Liverpool Star

Tottenham are weighing up an approach for Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva.

The Londoners are preparing for the seemingly inevitable departure of Luka Modric to Chelsea, who are believed to on the verge of submitting a £30m bid for the Croatian, and have identified Lucas as an option. With Wilson Palacios also likely to leave White Hart Lane with Stoke City interested in taking him on, the need to bolster the squad becomes clear.

Lucas has been at Liverpool for four years though has spent much of that time being derided by fans and observers alike. That perspective has changed over the last 12 months with the player integrating himself into the side to greater effect and warming to the demands of manager Kenny Dalglish.

At 24, the Brail international still has a career ahead of him and Spurs boss Harry Redknapp would like that to be in North London. Though Dalglish remains a fan of his player, the Liverpool midfield is stretched to bursting point after the summer additions of Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson.

A bid of around £9m might be enough to convince the Scot to part company with his charge.

Liverpool Agree Fee For Jose Enrique

Liverpool has finally agreed a £5.5million fee for Newcastle defender Jose Enrique.

The two sides have been at loggerheads all summer over a price for the attack-minded Spaniard.

But with Enrique refusing to sign a contract and going on Twitter to criticize his club, the Magpies have decided to take the money on offer from the Reds.

And Kenny Dalglish is now in a position to tie up the deal having moved the money- draining contract of Milan Jovanovic off his wage bill.

Enrique has been Liverpool’s top target to solve their left-back position throughout the summer.

The stopper, 25, arrived at Newcastle from Villarreal in a £6.3million deal in 2007 and made 119 appearances.

Gattuso: 'Milan Need An Aquilani'

Gennaro Gattuso warns Milan they need to bring in “Alberto Aquilani or Riccardo Montolivo, someone with quality.”

The Rossoneri fought back to beat Inter 2-1 in the Italian Super Cup on Saturday, but their sluggish first half performance raised questions.

“The way I see it, Milan need a new man in midfield,” Gattuso told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

“We more or less all have the same characteristics in that area. We need a player who can get the team moving a bit more.”

Following Andrea Pirlo’s move to Juventus, they have been linked primarily with Liverpool outcast Aquilani and Fiorentina’s want-away former captain Montolivo.

“Perhaps Aquilani pushes up more, while we all know Montolivo, as he has been an Italian international for years.

“Aquilani and Montolivo are both players of great quality.”

Liverpool Accept City's Offer For Ayala

Liverpool have announced via their official website that Hull City’s offer for Daniel Ayala has been accepted.

The Spaniard has been given permission to discuss personal terms with The Tigers, with Pearson likely to aim to conclude the deal before Saturday’s trip to Ipswich Town.

City had initially bit £500,000 for Ayala and with Liverpool holding out for a seven figure sum, a compromise has now been reached to bring in a player who will challenge James Chester and Jack Hobbs for a starting place.

Ayala made 12 appearances for The Tigers last season when joining on loan from Liverpool, scoring once against Derby County.

U16s Secure Semi Berth

Liverpool are through to the semi-finals of the Swiss U16 Cup after clinching first place in Group B on Saturday.

The Reds recorded an emphatic 5-0 victory over St Gallen in their opening game of the day in Ruggell to ensure they'd finish top, meaning their 2-1 defeat to Rapid Vienna had no impact on the final standings.

Academy manager Steve Cooper told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It was quite a difficult game against St Gallen because they are the local team here.

"They've struggled a little bit in the tournament, but they dropped off us, sat back and made it really difficult for us to play, so we had to be patient.

"We managed to score in the first half and fortunately goals came a little bit easier for us in the second.

"It was a good experience for us to have to adapt to something different, but the boys did well and I was pleased with them.

"I thought we did okay against Rapid Vienna and we probably played some better stuff and created better chances than we did against St Gallen.

"But we've got a few knocks and a couple of boys that have played a lot of football over here, so I could see there were a few tired legs out there.

"We made a couple of mistakes, but that's something we can talk about and hopefully put them to bed come tomorrow."

Liverpool secured top spot after winning four of their five clashes in a group that also contained FC Zurich, Team Vorarlberg and Wolfsburg in addition to Saturday's opponents.

Cooper admits the manner in which his side has dealt with several different playing styles over the course of the tournament so far is cause for satisfaction.

He added: "What has been pleasing is we have tried to play the right way - and we have done that most of the time we've been on the pitch.

"It's good recognition for everybody that we're through as group winners and hopefully we can take that into tomorrow.

"But as I've said previously, the most important thing is the boys get the experience of playing in a different environment against different styles and cultures - and they've certainly acquitted themselves really well up to now."