Liverpool FC Face Wait Over Fitness Of Martin Kelly

Liverpool faces an anxious wait over the fitness of Martin Kelly after he was sent home from England U21 duty with a groin problem.

The 21-year-old defender played 90 minutes for Stuart Pearce’s side as they beat Iceland 3-0 in Rekjavik in their Euro 2013 qualifier on Thursday night.

But he complained of tightness in his groin afterwards and, after consulting with the England medical staff, it was decided that he should return to Merseyside as a precautionary measure.

Kelly will now miss England’s trip to Drammen to play Norway on Monday night, and will be assessed by Liverpool’s own medical team ahead of next Saturday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United at Anfield.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish will hope the problem is not serious. Kelly has been beset by injuries since making his first senior start for the Reds in a Champions League clash with Lyon in October 2009.

He was injured that day, and missed the back-end of last season after suffering a hamstring injury at West Ham back in February.

On his return, against Bolton in August, he was substituted after just half-an-hour with another hamstring problem, but has since started each of Liverpool’s last three fixtures.

Dalglish could have England right-back Glen Johnson and Brazilian Fabio Aurelio back available for the visit of Alex Ferguson’s Premier League leaders.

Johnson has managed just nine minutes of action this season due to a persistent hamstring problem, whilst Aurelio has been sidelined with a thigh complaint.

Both returned to full training last week, and hope to be available for selection next weekend.

“I'm feeling good at the moment and I've been doing plenty of running,” Johnson said.

“I've just started doing ball work outside in training so I reckon it won't be too long now.

“I'm working hard and it would be nice to be back in the squad for the Man United game. Hopefully I can make the bench anyway, so fingers crossed.”

Daniel Agger, however, is not expected to recover from his rib injury in time to face Alex Ferguson’s men.

Derby Draw For U18s

An injury-time equalizer denied Liverpool U18s victory in the Academy derby on Saturday morning as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton at Finch Farm.

Matty Regan fired the visitors into the lead midway through the first half from the penalty spot after Raheem Sterling had been brought down inside the box.

Everton saw three chances cleared off the line as they pushed for an equalizer, but Sterling had a golden opportunity to wrap up the three points saved by goalkeeper James Fitzgibbon late on.

And the Blues clinched a point deep into stoppage-time when Chris Long pounced on a lose ball inside the box and tucked home to ensure the contest ended all square.

Mike Marsh handed Sterling his first Academy start of the season as his young side went in search of a result to emulate their senior colleague's triumph at Goodison Park last weekend.

And Liverpool certainly began the brighter of the two sides in the mid-morning drizzle at Finch Farm as the visitors set about dominating possession.

However, it was Everton who fashioned the more threatening early chances and Anton Forrester should have done much better when sent one-on-one with Tyrell Belford but the striker got the execution of his attempted lob all wrong and the ball bounced harmlessly wide.

Then Jake Bidwell was left clutching his head in his hands after seeing an aerial effort from a corner cleared off the line.

Everton were left further frustrated on the 20-minute mark when Chris Long burst into the box only to be thwarted by a fine challenge from Lewis Hatch. The ball broke kindly for Hallam Hope, but with the goal at his mercy, Brad Smith somehow managed to divert off the line.

The hosts were almost made to pay for their profligacy soon after when David Moli's powerful run into the area resulted in his effort being hacked off the line.

But Liverpool did take the lead on 34 minutes when Tyias Browning was adjudged to have brought down Sterling inside the left channel of the box.

Regan stepped up to do the honours from the penalty spot and made no mistake in dispatching into the back of the net.

Everton began the second half positively and only the post denied John Lundstram a leveller when his 25-yard drive cannoned against the woodwork nine minutes after the re-start.

The Blues continued to toil as they looked to restore parity and Hope clipped a free-kick over with time ticking away. At the other end, Sterling danced his way into a shooting position only to slice wide of the post.

Back came Everton and Jordan Barrow's seemingly goalbound header was deflected off the line by Peter Alymer with Belford beaten.

Sterling should have put the result beyond doubt when he went clean through on goal but his low effort was blocked by the hand of Fitzgibbon.

Liverpool were made to pay for the miss when Chris Long netted deep into injury time to salvage a point for the Blues.

Liverpool Consider £10m Bid For Holland Starlet

Liverpool's director of football Damien Comolli has reportedly targeted FC Twente striker Luuk de Jong as a future signing after a number of scouting visits to watch him in action.

The 21-year-old Dutch international has been one of Twente's stand-out players and helped the club win the Eredivisie title in his first season.

His performances have been rewarded with a call-up to the national team and, according to caughtoffside.com, have caught the eye of Liverpool.

The Reds have assembled a top-quality strike pairing in Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez but support options are limited. David N'Gog was sold to Boton and Craig Bellamy has been brought in as a short-term replacement.

However, Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is reportedly eager to sign a younger striker who can enjoy a long-term future at the club, which has led Comolli to de Jong.

The Swiss-born forward is valued at around £10m, a price the Anfield club will be able to meet, while it is thought de Jong would jump at the chance to link up with international team-mate Dirk Kuyt.

Ogbonna Plays Down Reds Link

Torino defender Angelo Ogbonna has admitted he is flattered by the stories linking him with a move to Premier League club Liverpool.

The 23-year-old is of Nigerian descent, but has represented the Italy at Under-21 level and has gained glowing reports for his outstanding displays for the Serie B team.

Newspapers in Italy have reported on interest from Juventus, however, it is the speculation of a move to Anfield which seems to have most enthused the €10million-rated defender.

He told skysports.com: "I am flattered by the interest from clubs, but I will continue to work hard for Torino in Serie B.

"Liverpool is a dream club. If they are interested in me, that is awesome. I love the Premier League and one day I might play in that league.

"We all know that it is fantastic league."

Liverpool Keen On Dan Thompson

Liverpool is the latest Barclays Premier League club to be linked with a move for non-league striker Dan Thompson.

TalkSPORT reports that the non-league 'prodigy' has emerged on Kenny Dalglish's radar in recent weeks, with the Reds looking to add the player to their impressive youth ranks at Anfield.

Both Stoke City and QPR have taken closer looks at the player, with the Potters originally holding pole position to secure the signature of the 17-year-old.

“Something definitely will happen for him, because there are other clubs still sniffing about," said Hampton & Richmond manager Mark Harper last month.

“If it doesn’t then I have already spoken to his agent and asked if he can come back to us. It seems silly that I’m looking to bring some players in on loan, when there is potentially one of our own players available to help.”

However, a deal was not struck between the two parties, and Liverpool appears set to wade into the race to sign the Blue Square South player.

Dalglish spent big this summer on bringing young British players to the club, with £20 million Jordan Henderson the biggest example on Merseyside, following in the footsteps of £35 million Andy Carroll, who was brought to Liverpool in January.

Thompson, unlike the aforementioned pair, would have to work his way towards the Liverpool first team though time with the youth and reserve teams, but will be joining the likes of England youth internationals Raheem Sterling and Adam Morgan should the Anfield switch happen.

Johnson Eyes United Return

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has set his sights on returning to action in next weekend's clash with Manchester United.

Johnson has seen his season blighted by injury this term with his only appearance coming as a substitute in the defeat at Stoke last month.

To compound Johnson's misery he suffered a hamstring injury in that game and has not featured since.

Johnson is back in training and he is hopeful of being available for the visit of United to Anfield on 15th October.

"I'm feeling good at the moment and I've been doing plenty of running," Johnson told the club's official website.

"I've just started doing ball work outside in training so I reckon it won't be too long now.

"I'm working hard and it would be nice to be back in the squad for the Man United game. Hopefully I can make the bench anyway, so fingers crossed."

Martin Kelly Leaves England U-21 Duty With Groin Complaint

The injury bug seems to have bit Martin Kelly again.

The promising Liverpool defender is making a premature return home from England U-21 duty because of a groin complaint.

The 21-year-old played 90 minutes for his country in its 3-0 win over Iceland Thursday and felt some tightness in his groin after the game, the Liverpool Echo reports.

He was sent back to Liverpool so club doctors and staff could assess and monitor his condition.

He will not play for England in Monday’s Euro 2013 qualifier at Norway.

Kelly made his LFC debut in 2009, but it was last season that saw him established himself in the team.

He showed great promise as a center back and fullback under managers Roy Hodgson and Kenny Dalglish only for a torn hamstring he suffered in March to hamper his progress.

He has struggled to reach his top form this season because of recurring hamstring woes.

It is unclear if this groin issue will keep him out of Liverpool’s clash with Manchester United on Oct. 15.

Carragher Enters Final Furlong

The Liverpool vice-captain, Jamie Carragher, has admitted his playing career could be over in one or two year's time.

The 33-year-old has made 676 appearances for the Reds and is highly regarded at Anfield following 14 years of loyal service.

However, Carragher could soon find himself no longer a first-team regular in defence and claims his future is in the hands of his manager.

He said: "Ask (Liverpool boss) Kenny (Dalglish). He picks the team. It will be up to the coaching staff I suppose.

"You want to try to get as much out of your career and play as long as possible.

"The time will come in the next 12, 18 months, maybe two years.

"That won't be down to myself. It will be down to the people around me, the staff, the manager. They will decide."

Carragher has been tipped by some as a future Liverpool manager and he is looking forward to making the transition into coaching.

"Do I want to go in to coaching or management? Yes, I think so," Carragher added.

"I've taken my first steps to coaching and the B license.

"We all love the game, you want to stay involved in the game."

Carragher thinks the presence of foreigners is impeding the development of young English players and hit out at the Premier League for not protecting home-grown youngsters

"Everyone wants to play in the Premier League now. Players at our academy don't get a chance," he said.

"Our academies are not just full of local players. They are full of foreign players too. That's a bit of a problem for me.

"I think no foreign players should leave their country until 18 or maybe 21 and I think I think the academies should be for local players."

Carragher also backed up the view put forward by Paul Scholes that past England squads have been divided.

He remarked: "I saw that. I don't think it was Man United and Liverpool. It was more Man United and the rest.

"They'd all grown up together those Man United players. They had been in youth teams together. They would always sit together at meal times. It was just like the five best mates together.

"They'd all come through together. It was a tight-knit thing. They were best mates. They had a great youth team. It was more of a case of that.

"There were that many of them. They had such a good team. They probably had seven or eight in the squad at the same time.

"It was probably difficult for anyone to break into that little group and get to know them."

Morgan Nets Winner For England

Academy hot-shot Adam Morgan netted the winner as England U19s beat Portugal 1-0 on Friday afternoon.

The striker started the game and fired in the second half to give Noel Blake's side a vital victory in the Limoges Tournament in France.

Conor Coady captained the side and played the full 90 minutes, Jack Robinson played the opening 45 minutes while Morgan featured for 84 minutes.

England's Young Lions drew 2-2 with France in their opening game on Wednesday and now face Ukraine on Sunday.

Liverpool FC Nearing Naming Rights Deal

Liverpool is close to choosing a naming rights partner.

According to the Daily Mirror, the club has narrowed the field down to three companies and is looking for a sponsorship deal that will help fund its future ambitions, which include a new or redeveloped stadium.

Liverpool is thought to be seeking a naming-rights partner "who are prepared to pay at least the equal of Arsenal's record-breaking deal at the Emirates, which was worth around £150 million [$235.5 million]," according to the report.

Arsenal's 15-year deal with Emirates was signed in 2004, two years before the Emirates Stadium opened its doors.

A deal in that range would make building a new 65,000-70,000 seat stadium a likely proposition, as the local council is keen to use a new facility to redevelop part of the city.

It is believed that Standard Chartered Bank, Liverpool's current shirt sponsors, is one of the three companies under consideration.

Rush Excited By Options

Ian Rush today explained why he believes the firepower available at Kenny Dalglish's disposal can help Liverpool achieve success this season.

Anfield's all-time record goalscorer feels the striking quartet of Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll, Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt provide an array of varying options in attack - and he's confident they, along with Steven Gerrard, can supply the goals that lead the Reds to glory.

Rush told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It's always pleasing to see so many options - we've got four or five strikers who can change a game.

"They're different options and make Liverpool stronger than last season.

"It was great to see Steven Gerrard and Craig Bellamy come on to strengthen the team against Everton - and that's what Liverpool have got this season.

"I think we can go onto better things now with those striking options. If it's not happening in a game for 60 or 70 minutes, we've got two or three options to bring on from the bench."

He added: "Everyone talks about the aerial threat of Andy, but he scored with his foot against Everton.

"When Andy and Suarez are playing together, I think Suarez can move into space off him. He's a very good reader of the game and he's on fire at the moment. He looks eager to play, gives 100 per cent and that's what supporters want.

"You've also got Craig Bellamy with pace. He likes playing on the left and helped make the goal for Carroll on Saturday, and then there's Dirk Kuyt who is somebody else who gives 100 per cent every game."

All four of Liverpool's senior strikers played a part in helping the side to a 2-0 Merseyside derby victory over Everton on Saturday.

Carroll broke the deadlock with a neat 71st minute finish against the Blues before Suarez added the Reds' second.

In the case of the former, it was his first Barclays Premier League goal of the season - and Rush is convinced there will be many more to come from the No.9.

"We know he is going to score goals, but as a striker it is always nice to get your first goal," he said. "To get your first league goal of the season against Everton will do his confidence no end of good.

"We know he is a great player and I am looking forward to seeing more goals from him."

Dalglish To Rival Ferguson For Dutch Sensation

As reports surfaced this week linking Manchester United with a move for Sporting Lisbon star Ricky van Wolfswinkel, it seems Liverpool have reignited their interest in the striker.

Various sources have claimed United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has sent scouts over to Portugal to watch the 22-year-old in action with the view of making a bid next summer.

However, according to Correio de Manha, Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish remains interested in van Wolfswinkel after scouting him last season.

The Dutch forward only moved to Sporting this summer from FC Utrecht but it is thought the Portuguese club will reluctantly accept a large offer for him next year.

The £11m-rated player has had a blistering start to the season, scoring six goals in seven appearances.

Liverpool Alerted As Midfielder Reveals Unhappiness At Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich winger Danijel Pranjic is reportedly unhappy with life at the Allianz Arena under new coach Jupp Heynckes, according to team-mate Ivica Olic.

The 29-year-old was one of the star performers under previous boss Louis van Gall but has played just two minutes as a substitute this season.

Pranjic, who has made 39 appearances for Croatia, helped Bayern win the title two seasons ago and last year made 28 league appearances and was a regular in the Champions League.

Liverpool was strongly linked with the midfielder over the summer and could now offer the winger a chance to play regular first team football by making an offer in January.

The midfielder’s contract expires at the end of the season and it has been suggested that Bayern may decide to sell in January, rather than letting him leave on a free in the summer.

Pranjic's club-mate Olic has revealed that his fellow Croatian is becoming frustrated with a lack of first team opportunities.

"It is definitely no easy situation for Danijel," Olic told German newspaper Bild. "I have told him that he should not give up. He needs to go on working hard in training and giving his very best in those sessions.

"Bayern Munich is a big club, we are playing a lot of competitive matches. We almost have a match every three days. He needs to believe in his chance regarding the first team."

Liverpool signed a left winger in the summer as Stewart Downing arrived from Aston Villa but the England midfielder is often asked to play on the right and Reds boss Kenny Dalglish could deploy Pranjic on the left.

Clarke - Enrique Warrants Spain Role

Liverpool coach Steve Clarke believes Jose Enrique should win a call-up for the Spain squad if he continues to progress at Anfield.

The 25-year-old defender was one of seven new signings who arrived in the summer but, while the likes of Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing and Craig Bellamy have grabbed the attention, Enrique has gone somewhat unnoticed.

But his form has not slipped the attention of those within the walls of the club's Melwood training ground with Clarke full of praise for the former Newcastle defender.

"He wants to improve. I know he is desperate to be part of the Spanish squad in future," said the Scot.

"If he continues the work he's doing and manages to improve then I am sure he will make the squad, no problem."

Henderson Happy To Play Anywhere

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson is away on international duty with the England Under 21s but he took a bit of time out to answer some questions on Twitter on behalf of The FA.

Signed from Sunderland in the summer, Henderson said he prefers playing in the middle, rather than the wing, because that’s what he feels he’s best at – but he made it clear that he’s just happy to be picked and will player wherever he’s put.

“Hendo” explained during the filming of his Twitter Q&A why he won’t be getting his own account any time soon. It’s important to note that he doesn’t have his own Twitter account and any accounts you might see on Twitter claiming to be his are fake and shouldn’t be followed. Also victims of fake accounts on Twitter are the two Reds stars Henderson said he gets on best with – Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll, neither of whom currently use the social networking site.

Stuart Pearce’s youngsters play a Euro 2013 qualifier against Iceland in Rekjavik tonight and then face Norway in Drammen on Monday. Joining Henderson in the squad are his Liverpool team mates Jonjo Shelvey (currently on loan to Blackpool) and right-backs Martin Kelly and Jon Flanagan.

Amongst the other questions Jordan was asked were favourite cheese, PES or FIFA and Maradona or Messi.

Gerrard Steps Up Recovery For United Showdown

Liverpool first-team coach Steve Clarke believes the time is now right for captain Steven Gerrard to step up his bid for regular football.

Gerrard was left out of Fabio Capello's squad for Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro as he has played just 56 minutes of football in three substitute appearances this season. His recovery from a groin operation in March took slightly longer than expected and Liverpool were not prepared to risk the 31-year-old until he was completely ready.

With more than a week until the club's next match, at home to Manchester United, Clarke hopes to see the influential midfielder start pushing himself further.

''For Steven it's just a progression. He's coming back from a long-term injury and we'll try to treat him as cautiously and carefully as we can,'' the Reds coach told Liverpool TV. ''Obviously there will be a time when he is going to have to push on - and I think this is the time now.

''We've only got a very small group of players left behind because we've got a lot away on international duty but we managed to get a lot of good work into them yesterday. With Steven it has been well documented that we're looking after him.

''He's going to have to push himself in the coming weeks - and the more minutes we get into him, the better.''

Liverpool's medical and coaching staff believes they have covered every minor detail in managing Gerrard's comeback, tailoring his rehabilitation with specifically designed programs.

''After you've been out for a long time, you struggle with the pace of the game and the size of the pitches,'' Clarke added. ''So we worked with him in small areas and then gradually started to make the areas bigger. Every step is important.

''He's handled the steps we've given him so far very well and we'll just look to push him on.''

Carragher Demands English Boss

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes England are 'cheating' by having a foreign manager in charge of the national team.

Fabio Capello was handed the reins after Steve McClaren failed to guide the Three Lions to qualification for Euro 2008, and persuaded Carragher to briefly come out of international retirement for last summer's World Cup.

England now look set to reach their second major tournament in a row, with a point all that is needed against Montenegro on Friday to make it through to Euro 2012.

Capello will stand down after the finals in Ukraine and Poland, and Carragher feels his replacement must be English.

While the 33-year-old insists his criticism is not aimed at Capello, he maintains that having a foreign coach is 'embarrassing'.

"The next manager of England should be English," said Carragher.

"I've got nothing against Capello, I went to the World Cup and got to know him, but that's not what international football is.

"It's like saying if our keeper's not good enough, we'll go and get (Gianluigi) Buffon from Italy.

"It's a form of cheating in international football and it's a bit embarrassing.

"It's different for developing countries in Africa and elsewhere, who are trying to build the game up but, for England, such a big football nation, I don't think we should have a foreign manager.

"Just because it didn't work out with Steve McClaren, it didn't mean we had to go for a foreign manager.

"We should have gone for the next best Englishman."

Carragher also believes the lack of opportunities English managers get at top Premier League clubs is a contributory factor.

He added: "If every club had an English manager, someone would have to win the league! Someone would have to win the FA Cup! And then they'd accumulate these trophies.

"Capello had an aura and presence that maybe McClaren didn't have.

"And it was the same with the likes of Benitez and Houllier at Liverpool, and Mourinho at Chelsea.

"With their CVs, they've all got something about them and have won big trophies. So does that mean English managers need to go abroad?"

Robinson Strikes For England

Jack Robinson was on target as England U19s were held to a 2-2 draw against host nation France in their opening game of the Limoges tournament on Wednesday night.

The young Lions twice went ahead through Will Keane and Robinson, only to be pegged back on each occasion by the home team.

Conor Coady captained Noel Blake's side while Adam Morgan appeared as a 63rd minute substitute.

England will now play Portugal in their second game on Friday afternoon.

Ferguson Urges United Fans To Behave At Anfield

Sir Alex Ferguson has written a letter to Manchester United fans who are going to the away match against Liverpool on 15 October, urging them to behave, due to twelve clubs reducing the ticket allocations for travelling Red Devils fans.

Liverpool are among the sides who have been forced to cut allocations to United fans by safety advisory groups, in this case down from 3000 tickets to 1960, due to the behaviour of supporters.

Sir Alex’s letter, quoted in The Guardian, read: “Despite intense lobbying by the club on your behalf, there will only be just over 1,900 United fans at Anfield.

“We can't allow this situation to continue.

“I've said many times that your support is a vital part of our success and, trust me, the players do notice when your numbers are cut.”

A main concern for safety groups is some fans’ habit of blocking aisles and gangways in the stadium, which could potentially impede emergency services.

Tottenham, Manchester City and Sunderland are among the other clubs who have taken measures to reduce the amount of Red Devils supporters travelling to their stadiums.

The actions are being taken on the recommendations of safety advisory groups, independent organizations made up largely of local council and police representatives.

For United, who already have more demand for away tickets than available supply, the issue is an important one, and the Scot will be hoping that his plea for good behaviour will be respected in a traditionally hostile fixture.

Liverpool Spending £7.5m Per Point

Liverpool have spent a total of £7.5 million per point in the Barclays Premier League, between last October when the new owners purchased the club and the end of last season, according to the FourFourTwo annual football rich list.

Fenway Sports Group purchased the club last October from previous owners Hicks and Gillett, and have taken the club from being close to ruin to in a stable financial position and capable of challenging for Champions League football.

The amount of money that Liverpool have spent is almost £2 million more per point than Manchester City have spent since their Middle Eastern owners took over in September 2008.

Since Kenny Dalglish took over the reigns at Liverpool, he has spent over £100 million on bringing players to Anfield. Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson are just a few names Dalglish purchased, with the three combining to cost the club over £75 million.

While Liverpool made some big purchases in the 2010 summer transfer window, three changes in managers within a year brought the club instability. Dalglish’s emergence in January helped give the club more of a plan for the long-term future, but players are still gelling with one another, and seven new signings this summer have put Liverpool into something of a rebuilding period.

In contrast, Everton have spent £48,192.77 per point since Bill Kenwright bought the club in 2004, up until the end of last season.

Since 2004, Liverpool has won one Champions League and one FA Cup. They are yet to claim silverware for new owners Fenway Sports Group.

Meanwhile, since 2008, City have won one FA Cup.

Fresh Twist In Reds Pursuit Of £20m Brazilian

Inter Milan are reportedly planning a January swoop for Liverpool target Lucas.

According to talkSPORT, Inter a keen to bring the £20 million-rated Sao Paulo midfielder to the San Siro, while the Reds have shown an interest in the 19-year-old.

Inter are alleged to be planning the addition of Lucas alongside the signing of compatriot Casemiro and Borussia Dortmund sensation Mario Gotze.

The latter has also been linked with Liverpool in recent weeks, with Kenny Dalglish said to be keen to bring the 19-year-old to Anfield in the New Year.

Gotze is regarded as one of the finest young talents currently operating in European football, and has also been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United.

Meanwhile, another teenager reported to be on the Liverpool radar is Leicester forward Jeffrey Schlupp.

The 18-year-old German has scored five times in nine appearances for the Foxes this season and, along with Liverpool, is also attracting interest from Newcastle.

Tottenham Linked With Liverpool Defender

Unconfirmed reports in England are linking Tottenham Hotspur with an ambitious move for Liverpool defender Glen Johnson.

According to footy bunker, Harry Redknapp is keen to bring the player he signed for Portsmouth to the Capital as he looks to bolster his right back options.

The 27-year-old defender is currently sidelined from Liverpool action with injury however the emergence of Martin Kelly and John Flanagan means that he will face a tough task reclaiming his first team spot.

Should Tottenham decide to firm up their interest they would, in all likelihood have to pay upwards of the 18 million pounds that Liverpool paid for the right-back two seasons ago.

Downing - Exciting For Fans

Stewart Downing believes the Liverpool fans deserve to see entertaining football, insisting the team is trying their very best having notched 15 goals so far this season.

The Reds currently sit in fifth place in the Premier League table on 13 points after a 2-0 win over Everton in the Merseyside derby last Saturday.

England winger Downing claims the players get as much satisfaction from their attacking play as the fans do from watching it.

"It's good to see the fans are enjoying watching the team play and the way we're trying to play," he told LFC Magazine.

"We're trying our best for them because they deserve it.

"I think fans watch football to be entertained. They want to see goals and forward players attacking. It's nice when you can do that.

"Some managers obviously don't want a game to be too open, but from a fans' point of a view, players are there to entertain and do well.

"I think particularly at home, we have done that this season. Our football has been good and long may it continue.

Ahead of their clash with fierce rivals Manchester United after the international break, Downing is looking to collect big scalps this season.

He added: "We have been creating chances. I think there will be a day soon when we put all of them away and we'll have a big win against somebody.

"It's been a decent start to the season. But it's still early yet.

"We know it's not about doing it over six or seven games, it's about doing it for the whole season. If we all continue to work hard, there's no reason why we can't be successful."

Title Out Of Liverpool's Reach - Suarez

Luis Suarez has claimed Liverpool's best chance of picking up silverware this season is in the cup competitions, with the Uruguayan suggesting Premier League title contenders Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are "unreachable".

The forward has been a shining light for Liverpool this season, with his four goals propelling the Reds up to fifth in the table. They are just six points adrift of the Manchester duo, and three behind Chelsea, but Suarez feels they are not on the same level as the pacesetters.

"We have no limit and want to stay in the top four. But winning the Premier League is now very difficult," Suarez told Gazzetta dello Sport. "The two Manchesters and Chelsea are unreachable. But we can win the cups."

The No.7 jersey is held in great esteem at Anfield, having been worn by Kevin Keegan and current Reds boss Kenny Dalglish, but Suarez has claimed he was not aware of its significance when he joined the club from Ajax.

"I didn't know the history of my No.7 shirt at Liverpool," Suarez said. "I picked it because it was one of the few numbers available. Now that I know the story I am proud to wear the 'seven' and I try not to feel the burden of its heritage."

Suarez has adapted well to life in England and has been helped along the way by Dalglish.

"Dalglish tries to talk to me in Spanish and tries to help me," he said. "I appreciate that."

Dalglish Backs England's Decision Not To Call On Steven Gerrard

Kenny Dalglish has expressed his satisfaction with Fabio Capello's decision not to pick Steven Gerrard for his latest England squad.

The midfielder made only his third appearance in six months for Liverpool when he came on as a substitute in last Saturday's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park– which the visitors won 2-0 – have undergone a groin operation. It was felt then that Capello would pick Gerrard for Friday's Euro2012 qualifier against Montenegro but, to Dalglish's delight, he decided to leave the player on Merseyside.

"I think it's beneficial for everybody that Stevie hasn't been called up by England," the Liverpool manager told the club's official website "He's got back to where he is right now because of the people that have been working with him. He's said himself that he has great faith in those people.

"I don't think it would have been helpful for Stevie – or us or England – if he had gone away for the game against Montenegro. I think it's a sensible decision for all concerned."

Dalglish added: "These few weeks also give some of the lads who are returning from injury – Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson – more time to get back. Time is a great healer so hopefully the lads will benefit from the break. We'll cross our fingers and hope that nobody comes back from international duty with an injury."

‘I Wouldn’t Swap Luis Suarez For Anyone’ - Jamie Carragher

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has praised team-mate Luis Suarez and said he would not swap him for any other striker in England.

Manchester City forwards Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko have eight and six goals respectively in the Premier League, whilst Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney is the league’s top goalscorer on nine goals.

However, the Anfield veteran has total faith in the Uruguay international and confessed he would not swap the 24-year-old for any other player in the country.

“I know there are great players in the league,” Carragher told talkSPORT. “Aguero has started great, Rooney has started great, all these different players, but I can honestly say, without bias, I wouldn’t swap him for anyone.

“I’m not saying these players aren’t as good as him but, for me, I wouldn’t swap him for anyone. I think he’s fantastic.”

Suarez played a key role in the Merseyside derby on Saturday when Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell was sent off for a lunge on him, before winning a penalty and sealing victory by capitalizing on a defensive mix-up to wrap up a 2-0 win.

He scored four goals last season in the Premier League for Liverpool after arriving in January for an estimated £24 million from Ajax.

The striker has already equalled that total in the 2011-12 campaign and now has nine goals in 22 appearances in all competitions for the Reds.

Wilson Eager To Bounce Back

Liverpool youngster Danny Wilson insists being dropped from Scotland's senior squad has only fuelled his desire to re-establish himself for both club and country.

After failing to win a first-team place at Anfield this season, Wilson has been left out of Scotland's crunch Euro 2012 qualifiers with Liechtenstein and Spain.

Manager Craig Levein called the youngster to give him the news after he found himself limited to just one appearance for the Reds, against Exeter in the Carling Cup, so far this season.

The 19-year-old, who will line up in a crucial Scotland Under-21s qualifier against Luxembourg on Thursday night, respects Levein's decision but is determined to put himself back in the mix.

He told the Daily Record: "If I was playing every week then I would be with the full squad. But I haven't been featuring at Anfield.

"Craig Levein has always been fair and included me earlier in the season when I wasn't playing.

"The manager didn't need to phone but showed what he's all about by calling. I was grateful and have no complaints.

"It doesn't mean its over. If anything it gives me a boost as I'm even more determined to get back up there.

"But I'm fortunate to be able to play with the Under-21s and will give my all while I'm here.

He added: "I was actually surprised to be in a few of the previous senior squads given my lack of action.

"The manager stuck by me but going into these two games he needs guys who are playing every week.

"Unfortunately I'm not one of them but I'm sure the guys in the squad are more than capable of doing the job."

Former Rangers defender Wilson has seen potential loan deals to Blackpool and Leeds fall through this term, but he refuses to be disheartened by his lack of playing time.

He added: "A couple of loan deals haven't quite happened. I just need to work hard at keeping my fitness up so I'm ready when the games do come along."