Gerrard And Carragher Are Vital To Liverpool FC, says McAllister

Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher are as important to Liverpool FC now as they were when they started out on their sparkling Anfield careers more than a decade ago, according to Gary McAllister.

Injury has restricted Gerrard to just two starts this season, while Carragher has been forced to settle for a place on the subs bench since a calf strain saw him miss two rare games through injury.

But Gary McAllister, who spent two years at Liverpool FC while the sparkling potential of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher was starting to emerge, does not accept that the influence of the two Scouse hearts of Kenny Dalglish’s squad is starting to wane.

“Now, both, first and foremost, they are big lovers of the club,” declared McAllister.

“I mean in the way they train, the way they represent that club, the way they speak about it. I think it tells you everything, they love it. They love the club, they love the history, the tradition, they love the fans. So Liverpool without these two guys… I just can’t picture it.

“You know when I was there, they were younger players but outstanding, both lovers of the game.

“That’s the thing, they trained as if it was their last training session. They played a game as if it were going to be their last game.

“So I think that was always the thing that always shone through from these guys, they love football. They’re football fans.”

Gerrard and Carragher were both integral to the trophy winning treble landed by Gerard Houllier’s Liverpool FC side in 2001, with McAllister an equally influential catalyst.

Eyebrows were raised when the Scottish international was signed by Houllier at the age of 35, but McAllister’s majestic performances over two seasons saw him safely installed as an Anfield idol.

The Scot made 87 appearances over two seasons, and scored nine goals, including some hugely significant strikes.

And it was McAllister’s free-kick which was headed into his own net by Alaves’ Delfi Geli to land the UEFA Cup and complete that historic Cup treble of 2001.

But McAllister believes that if he had joined Liverpool earlier in his career, when he was at his peak, the Reds might even have captured the ultimate domestic crown.

Speaking while filming for his role in online football game IAMPLAYR, McAllister added: “Well it was the perfect swansong, but yeah, it would have been nice if I had got there in my prime. Because, you know, I went to Leeds in 1990.

“Who knows? If I had gone to Liverpool in 1990 when I was in my prime, Liverpool might not have had to wait so long to win a Championship because I was fortunate enough to win one at Leeds.

“But it’s a fantastic club. It would have been nice to play at Liverpool when I was in my prime but to get there when I was 35 and have two unbelievable seasons it was like a dream.”

As a result of that spell at Anfield McAllister has a particular affinity with Liverpool’s famous old stadium – the evening he buried the decisive UEFA Cup semi-final winning penalty against Barcelona, past a young Pepe Reina, is recalled as one of Anfield’s great European nights.

But he reluctantly accepts that the time is looming when the Reds may have to move on.

“Well the thing is Anfield is such an iconic stadium,” he explained. “I was very fortunate to play in some fantastic European nights.

“You know, Anfield under the lights is unique it’s a fantastic stadium but as much as I am a traditionalist clubs have got to move on.

“I think they’re looking to expand Anfield and that would be the best result for me rather than moving away from Anfield, but if they have to move away it’s just a sign of the times.

“Look at Highbury. That was a wonderful stadium but I think their move to Emirates has worked for them.

“The money they can earn by moving to a bigger and better facility is there for everybody to see.”

McAllister left Liverpool in 2002 to forge a coaching career, and last September left a post with Middlesbrough to become Gerard Houllier’s assistant manager at Aston Villa.

Since leaving Villa Park in the wake of Houllier’s departure he has been out of the game, but is itching to get back.

“It’s what I know, it’s what I’ve done since I left school at 16,” he explained.

“I enjoyed my brief time at Aston Villa. You know if the right opportunity does come along I would jump at it.

“You know that’s just a fact, it’s what I have been brought up to do, it’s what I know it’s what I know best.

“I’ve played over seven hundred games so I would like to put something back in.”

Anfield Chance For Young Town Trio

Three Swindon Town Centre of Excellence players are spending this week training at Premier League side Liverpool.

The three players are Jordan Young (U13), Ryan Wood (U14) and Lee Marshall (U15) have been selected to spend a week's training at the Liverpool Academy.

The trip has been organized as part of their continued development with the club already having close links with the Anfield side.

Centre of Excellence manager, Jeremy Newton, commented: "Dave Moss, Head of Recruitment at the Liverpool Academy, is a former Swindon Town player and someone I know well.

"The experience of going up to Liverpool and training with them will be a good opportunity for the young boys and hopefully they will learn a lot from their time there.

"In turn, we are looking for the lads to come back to Swindon and put into practice what they learn from being in such a high-level environment.

Newton added: "It's a little reward for all the efforts the boys have put in during the first half of this season."

Marsh Expects Liverpool U18s To Respond To FA Youth Cup Defeat

Mike Marsh says he has no worries about his side’s ability to bounce back from their disappointing FA Youth Cup exit.

The Reds Under-18s were much-fancied for this season’s competition, but fell at the first hurdle as they were beaten 3-1 by Swansea City last week.

Marsh admits he was left frustrated by his side’s early exit, but says there is plenty to look forward to from the Reds’ next generation.

“It was very frustrating and disappointing,” he said. “We always have high hopes and we want to do well in any competition, but we can’t dwell on this.+

“The lads have reacted well in training, as I knew they would.

“Setbacks happen in football. At a club like Liverpool, you are always under scrutiny, you just need to pick yourself up and dust yourself off.”

Marsh hopes his side can do just that when they welcome West Bromwich Albion to Kirkby on Saturday morning, and says there is plenty of reason for positivity among his young talents.

“When you analyze it, we have lost four games out of sixteen,” he added. “We are doing really well, playing some nice stuff, and I think we are only going to improve in the New Year too.

“We have a very young side, with a lot of first year scholars in our line-up. It’s good to think that this time next year we will have a superb side, but they are doing great this year too.”

He added: “Generally, our performances have been good. Results-wise, they have been better away from home than at home for some reason, but in terms of performance there hasn’t been a lot of difference either way.

“We have hopefully learned one or two lessons from the Swansea game, and everything bodes well for the future.”

FA Begins Suarez Hearing

The Football Association has begun the disciplinary hearing into claims that Liverpool striker Luis Suarez racially abused Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

Suarez was accused of racially abusing Evra during Liverpool's 1-1 draw with United at Anfield in October.

The Uruguayan has categorically denied using any racist language towards Evra and Liverpool have backed the player over the incident

Suarez has been charged with abusing Evra, and referring to his "ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race" by the FA.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish has been critical of the FA for the amount of time it has taken in trying to resolve the issue.

The hearing is expected to last for two days with the outcome expected by the end of the week. Both players are due to give evidence to the hearing.

Liverpool Linked With Shock Move For In-Form Striker

Liverpool are being touted to make a shock January move for in-form Wolves striker Steven Fletcher.

The Scottish striker, who has bagged six goals in ten appearances this season has reportedly caught the eye of Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish, who is growing concerned at his side's lack of goals this term.

Liverpool have only found the net 17 times this season, some way off the Premier League front runners.

While Liverpool have one of the highest chances created rates in the league, the main concern will be the low conversion rate, something which has led to many questioning the pricey acquisition of Andy Carroll nearly a year ago.

The club's owners appear reluctant to break the bank when the transfer window re-opens and are instead hoping the acumen of Director of Football Damien Comolli will allow the club to strengthen without spending too much.

The 24-year-old Fletcher, who has eight caps for Scotland, would be expected to relish a move to Anfield, although his current boss Mick McCarthy would be reluctant to let his striker leave.

Should Liverpool make a concrete offer, they would have to bid in the region of £5 million for his services.

Fernando Torres To Liverpool Is The Thing People Are Talking About

Like so much surrounding Fernando Torres in the past eighteen months, the sudden Twitter explosion about his possible return to Liverpool doesn’t make much sense. A seemingly baseless rumor about his current club’s willingness to sell for £30million less than he was purchased for eleven months ago, and all of a sudden there’s legitimate-seeming people having legitimate-seeming conversations about the likelihood that Liverpool would make a move for him. Proving that, once and for all, we need to stop drinking so much.

It was sort of a strange thing that happened once the Daily Mail reported that Chelsea would be willing to sell Torres in the January window, in that everyone apparently forgot that other clubs exist. It wasn’t just that Chelsea might be thinking about considering the idea of an opium dream that Neil Ashton had, it was that Fernando Torres was leaving London and he had to be coming back to Liverpool because he never really stopped loving them and how good would he be with Luis Suarez and does anyone know how to get burn marks off of ClimaCool?

Which isn’t meant to entirely trivialize the sentiment that comes along with the idea of Torres back in a Liverpool shirt, because even the most butthurt of us has to acknowledge that the love affair between player and club was something special. Hindsight can trick us into believing that it was never that great, but myriad YouTube compilations, public proclamations of undying love, and the four jerseys you have stuffed in a bin in the closet tell us otherwise.

We can probably all acknowledge that there’s a fair bit of romanticism involved here, and that as pejorative and condescending as we’d all like to be, there’s a flicker in all of us when the topic comes up that’s informed by past glories and endless what if’s. If only he’d stayed, his partnership with Suarez would be unbeatable. He’d never be struggling the way he is now, lifted by the unconditional love of supporters and a natural mentor in Kenny Dalglish. And obviously Steven Gerrard’s groin dong would be in pristine condition, buoyed by their magical link-up on a regular basis. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

There’s really no reason for any of this to have traction other than the romance and the memories, though, and I’m not so sure that’s good enough justification to go after anyone. The desire for a once-loved player to return makes sense emotionally, but in the real world, it doesn’t do anything for the club’s current troubles. Sentiment doesn’t convert chances, even as much as we’d like to believe it.

One of the other main talking points to emerge since Neil Ashton and most of the Twitterverse experimented with mescaline is the idea that, at £20million, there’s some sort of juking the stats to be done. All of a sudden bust of the century Andy Carroll only cost £5million, and we can retroactively explain why Liverpool spent so much money on the former Newcastle striker. Which is not really the most flattering argument for Liverpool or Carroll, who’s not yet had the chance to rid himself of the fact that people with lots of money decided to spend some of it on him.

What a terrifically awful idea—purchase a player you sold who’s scored fewer goals than the player you bought with the money earned from the player you sold to try to prove a point that the player you bought wasn’t worth that much. Uh-huh.

So to seriously argue that coming back to Liverpool is the best thing for the club or for Fernando Torres, or just because I could lift the ban on my wife wearing that jersey she really likes, is misguided at best. It’s emotionally appealing but ultimately unfulfilling, as the joy we experienced during his first stint at the club—and even the glee we felt as Daniel Agger delivered a Danish special to his jaw—can’t be taken back or duplicated. Both are painful in retrospect, but I doubt we’d take either of those things back.

In the end, Chelsea will probably end up selling Fernando Torres, whether it’s this coming January, next summer, or five years from now. He could find his way back to the starting eleven for them and hit the goalscoring trail, or continue to languish in obscurity and find himself subject to ongoing rumors about discontent and failed potential. And if by some otherwordly influence they end up selling to Liverpool, there’ll be a healthy amount of dissonance we’ll have to deal with.

David Villa To Be Offered To Liverpool, Chelsea & Aston Villa

Barcelona has reportedly placed David Villa on the transfer list, sparking a scramble for his signature between Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa.

The Spanish international, 30, has dropped down the pecking order at the Nou Camp this season, and more importantly, has allegedly fallen out with star player Lionel Messi.

Now, pro-Real Madrid publication Marca, claim the Catalan giants are ready to cash in on the unsettled forward, whom they paid £34million for back in 2010.

The Reds have long been linked with a move for Villa, and could view the forward as the ideal partner for Luis Suarez, but may struggle to match Chelsea in a bidding war should they decide to enter the running.

Alex McLeish’s Aston Villa are seen as rank outsiders for the Spaniard’s signature, but supposedly want their name to be kept in the mix in the event the Champions League winners decide to officially offer out the striker’s services.

However, Barca coach Pep Guardiola has refuted the claims, saying: 'Marca lie. I have not spoken to David after the last match in Madrid, but all of the players are in my plans.

'I am the one who comes up with 25 different line-ups during the season because I feel that is the best thing to do.

'Most of the players that are here now will continue for the rest of this season and the next.'

Liverpool's Lucas Hopes Dashed

Liverpool's hopes of signing Brazilian youngster Lucas have been dashed after he revealed he is scared of leaving his country for Europe.

The midfielder is under contract with Sao Paulo until 2015 and is valued at around £30m, with Liverpool among a string of admirers from across Europe.

Manchester United, AC Milan and Barcelona have all tracked his progress but Lucas believes he is better off staying put for now.

"I'm only 19, I'm still young and I'm scared of not being able to adapt to life abroad. I hope that this'll change some day," said Lucas, who has 10 caps for Brazil.

He added: "I'm working up a great relationship with the Sao Paulo fans. The worst aspect of being a footballer is not being able to see my childhood friends, who I miss very much."

Comolli Wants To Hurl Bundesliga Striker Into The Mix

Borussia Dortmund and Polish striker Robert Lewandowski is back in the frame again with Liverpool his most likely destination. Liverpool have been linked with many strikers with the transfer period looming on the horizon as Dalglish looks to conquer his attacking headaches.

Liverpool haven’t been clinical enough in front of goal this campaign notching up 18 goals in 15 Premier League games.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish will look to lure the Dortmund striker to Anfield as he looks to bolster his attacking options that could help lift the load of Suarez’s shoulders. Liverpool have had to solely rely heavily on the Uruguayan for both goals and flair this season, and Lewandowski could be the answer to fix Liverpool’s dilemma.

Lewandowski is not your typical out and out scorer but has still managed to notch up 10 league goals in 16 matches this season. He was instrumental in helping Dortmund lift the Bundesliga title last season and could see a move to Merseyside as a fresh challenge. The 6ft Polish striker would be the perfect player to complement Luis Suarez as he holds the ball well and likes to feed people through.

Liverpool had thought they found the perfect combination in Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez but the former has failed to live up to expectations. The England international has been below par since his switch to Anfield and heavy criticism on Carroll’s capabilities has left Dalglish convinced he needs more cover up front.

The Polish youngster moved to Dortmund on a four year contract in 2010 for a fee of around €4.9 million and will take some doing to lure the youngster to leave Dortmund having just signed with the club a year ago. However Liverpool’s new owners have shown enough steel that they are willing to spend big in a bid to put Liverpool back on the map, having already spent over £100 million since their takeover.

Shelvey Wants To Take Chance

Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey feels sorry for his team-mates who have suffered injury or suspension, but he is ready to step up as a replacement.

The £1.7million signing from Charlton in May 2010 was at the beginning of December recalled from a loan at Blackpool by boss Kenny Dalglish after Lucas Leiva's season was ended by knee surgery.

Jay Spearing has since also been made unavailable after being sent off at Fulham and he served the first of a three-match suspension in last Saturday's win over QPR.

Shelvey, who scored six goals in 10 appearances during his two months at Blackpool, was a late substitute in the victory and, ahead of Sunday's trip to Aston Villa, he is hoping for more opportunities.

"Obviously it was really unfortunate for Lucas to get such a bad injury and then for Jay to get a ban as well," said the 19-year-old in the Liverpool Echo.

"With a few players missing, there's definitely an opening there, but it's down to the gaffer whether he wants to pick me.

"When my time comes, I'll be waiting and ready to take my chance."

Shelvey thinks his time at Blackpool helped his development and manager Ian Holloway was very impressed by the teenager.

The England Under 21 international now hopes to continue his form with Liverpool and catch the eye of Dalglish.

"I feel that the time I spent away from the club really helped me come on as a player," said Shelvey. "But it also made me realize just how much I want to be playing in Liverpool's first team.

"There's a big difference between Championship football and Premier League football.

"It's so good to be back in and around the squad. I only got on for a few minutes on Saturday, but it was really special to be back out there on the pitch in front of the fans. It's always a great honour to play for Liverpool.

"Kenny called me back and hopefully now I can show the gaffer what I can do. I've got to deliver day in, day out in training and try to force my way into his plans."

Academy Starlet Signs Contract With LFC

Liverpool youth player Raheem Sterling has signed his first professional contract with the club.

Sterling turned 17 on the 8th December, and Liverpool wasted no time in tying down the exciting prospect to a pro-contract.

"The talented winger joined from Queens Park Rangers in February 2010 with a reputation for pace and flair. He made an immediate impact when he scored on his U18s debut in a mini-derby triumph against Everton.

"Since then he has continued to make great strides and at the age of 15, was rewarded with a substitute appearance in the first-team's pre-season defeat at Borussia Moenchengladbach.

One of the highlights of his fledgling career came during a 9-0 FA Youth Cup thrashing of Southend in early 2010, with Sterling scoring five of the goals.

He has also represented England at youth level and helped his country reach the U17 World Cup quarter-finals in the summer of 2011".

Ian Rush is big fan of Sterling, and recently tipped him to make a breakthrough: There are a few young kids coming up. There is one young lad, Raheem Sterling. He is only 17. He is similar to Michael Owen at that age..."

Three Solutions To Liverpool’s Scoring Troubles

Luis Suarez scored his first goal in over two months against QPR on Saturday, just Liverpool’s 18th strike in the league.

This has become a worrying statistic for Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, as his side have begun to lose touch with the teams leading the Premier League.

Another concern is that Liverpool’s immediate rivals Chelsea and Arsenal are both beginning to show some good form.

The Anfield side have only managed to score more than once in a Premier League game on six occasions this season. This has left them with a measly goal difference of just five.

Compare this to the 21 of Manchester United and Chelsea with 15, never mind Manchester City’s whopping 34.

These scoring figures are pretty dismal, nobody can really argue that, but what can Dalglish do to improve them?

There are a number of arguments being put forward but GMF have come up with what they feel are the most suitable options for the Merseysiders.

Accommodate Andy Carroll

The £35million signing from Newcastle United has struggled to settle in at Anfield and has been spending the majority of his time sat on the bench.

This makes coaxing his best form out of him more difficult, as you cannot risk it while the team are struggling to finish games and not looking overly dominant.

However, the long-term benefits could outweigh the quick fixes in this regard, as a fully fit and firing Andy Carroll would surely lead to a great rate of goals.

His physicality alone is enough to occupy most defences, but couple this with the guile and movement of Luiz Suarez and you have a potentially devastating partnership.

Change The System

Although it is en vogue for Premier League sides to play the 4-3-3/4-5-1 formation and variations thereof, a straightforward 4-4-2 could suit Liverpool.

Following on from the previous point, this would make it easier for Andy Carroll to fit into the side and give him and Luiz Suarez the chance to form some kind of understanding.

Another expensive summer signing struggling to make his mark is Stewart Downing, whom Dalglish purchased from Aston Villa for £22million.

The England international has failed to register an assist or goal this season, but he has been quite unfortunate so far. Downing’s strengths are taking opponents on and putting dangerous crosses into the box.

Having Luiz Suarez in the middle means there isn’t much likelihood of this tactic being overly effective, which has been illustrated by a number of positive performances from Downing ultimately ending fruitless in goals stats.

Having more to aim at in the box would benefit him greatly and could in turn help turnaround the fortunes of Carroll.

Buy A New Striker

The simplest answer to Liverpool’s little problem could also be the most effective in this case. With the transfer window looming ever closer, Dalglish may be well served to go out and purchase a proven goal scorer.

Dirk Kuyt is yet to register this season, Andy Carroll has not really got going at Liverpool, Luis Suarez has only just come out of two-month drought and Steven Gerrard has spent most of the season injured.

That means the vast majority of Liverpool’s main goal sources are not doing the job they would normally do. This is a problem around the Christmas/New Year period especially, with lots of games coming over a short amount of time.

If a team is struggling to find the net and is not seeing out games, February could arrive quickly and they, seemingly all of a sudden, have fallen too far behind their rivals.

January signings have been known to reinvigorate a side’s season and spur them on to greater feats in the second half of the year. If Liverpool were to bring in a quality striker, it could mean the difference between Champions League qualification and no European football at all.

Liverpool Transfer Target Lucas Biglia On Arsenal Radar

Reported Liverpool target Lucas Biglia is being pursued by Arsenal, according to the agent of the Anderlecht midfielder.

The 25-year-old Argentine is also on the radar of Fiorentina and AC Milan, with the former making a concerted effort to seal a January deal for his signature.

Liverpool has been frequently linked with Biglia in recent months, and injury to Lucas Leiva has led to renewed speculation that he could move to Anfield.

However, Arsene Wenger appears to have stolen a march on Liverpool counterpart Kenny Dalglish, and Enzo Montepaone has confirmed the Gunners are keen on his client.

"I know that Fiorentina officials went to Belgium to have a look at him and that they spoke to Anderlecht about trying to sign him in January," Montepaone told calciomercato.com.

"Interest from AC Milan? Yes, I can confirm that there has been in the past, but there has never been anything concrete.

"Fiorentina's interest is real, but Arsenal also like him a lot.

"Italy has always been his dream and, as he holds an Italian passport, a move to Italy is very likely.

"It is, however, important to pay attention to Arsenal."

Liverpool Target Jelavic Is Happy To Stay At Rangers

Nikica Jelavic insists he's happy at Rangers despite being flattered by reported interest from Liverpool.

The striker has bagged 28 league goals in just 40 appearances since joining from Rapid Vienna in 2010.

The Croatian international was the subject of a big-money bid from Leicester City in the summer and Gers boss Ally McCoist is braced for further interest in the January transfer window.

But Jelavic told the Daily Record: 'Every day, when I open the newspapers, I’m moving to another club.

'It’s nice to think so many teams are interested in me from the strongest league in the world but I’m not thinking about a transfer right now.'

Adam Has Capabilities To Outshine Alonso

Former Liverpool defender Gary Gillespie has reiterated his claims that Charlie Adam can be as good - if not better - than Xabi Alonso.

The Spanish international became a cult hero during his five-years at Anfield, although left for Real Madrid under a cloud in 2009 after falling out with manager Rafael Benitez.

Whether the Reds have ever properly replaced the 30-year-old remains up for debate between the club's loyal fans, but Gillespie insists Scottish international Adam is the man who could go on to bigger and better things on Merseyside following his summer arrival.

"Adam's performances all season have been excellent. He's a midfield player that makes things happen. He hurts teams, and he hurts defences with his passing," said Gillespie whilst co-commentating during the 1-0 win over QPR at the weekend.

"I like him, and I've gone on record as saying I think he's got all the capabilities of being better than Xabi Alonso. I stick by that.

"He also gives you goals as well; he created a great chance for Suarez against QPR. I think he's a great player."

Adam joined Liverpool from Blackpool for a reported £7 million during the summer transfer window, having failed to help the Tangerines avoid relegation from the Barclays Premier League by the narrowest of margins.

Spearing Eyes Regular Start

Jay Spearing admits he needs to prove to Kenny Dalglish that he does not need to strengthen his side with anymore midfielders.

The academy graduate had been lined up to replace Lucas, who is out for the season with a knee injury, but was sent off in his first start of the season in the Premier League against Fulham.

Summer signing Jordan Henderson filled in for Saturday's victory over against QPR but Spearing is keen to prove he is the long term solution.

"The club is massive worldwide and the owners have come in and shown that they're going to back the manager," he said. "A club the size of this is always going to attract big players.

"It has always been my dream to play week in, week out so it's up to me to prove to the manager on a daily basis that when the transfer window does open and he has money at his disposal that he can look at a position like mine and think: 'There's no need to sign anyone there - we're pretty strong.'"

Johnson Offers Suarez Support

Glen Johnson insists Liverpool team-mate Luis Suarez will not be affected by all the furore surrounding him.

Suarez has found himself in the headlines for the wrong reasons on occasion this season with the Uruguayan being hit with two misconduct charges by the Football Association.

The former Ajax man has also been targeted by opposition fans, but Johnson believes Suarez's confidence has not been dented despite a trying last few weeks.

"Luis isn't going to let any of the silly stuff bother him," Johnson told the club's official website. "People will try everything they possibly can to upset him because he's a good player.

"No opponent wants him to feel comfortable because if he feels comfortable he will score goals and that's not what they want. Of course he will get everything thrown at him. That's just the way it is.

"But he's exactly the same - a good professional and a good player. His confidence hasn't dropped. He always works so hard for the team and he plays very well when he's not scoring. But obviously we are much happier when he's scoring.

"I've been fortunate to play with some very good players and Luis is right up there.

"The difference between him and most other strikers is that he works so hard. Obviously he loves to score goals like most strikers but he works that bit harder. And when he's in front of goal he's the man you want the chances to fall to."

Aldridge: Villa Park Is Perfect Setting For Downing To Break His Duck

It’s written for Stewart Downing to get the winner at Villa Park this Sunday.

The winger has been unfortunate so far this season. He hasn’t scored or created a goal for us and is due some luck.

Downing had his best 45 minutes for Liverpool in the first half against QPR.

He will have an extra incentive against his old club and it all points to him getting on the scoresheet – just like he did when the clubs last met at Villa Park back in May.

Villa’s home form hasn’t been great. I watched them against Manchester United and they were ordinary.

We’ll go there with confidence and it’s a winnable game for us.

Reds Spread Festive Cheer

They may be gearing up for one of the busiest periods of the campaign, but Liverpool's first-team players and staff took time out of their preparations for the Festive season to bring some Christmas cheer to Alder Hey children's hospital on Monday.

The Reds took on the role of Santa Claus for one very special afternoon to make their annual visit to the local hospital and spend time with youngsters who are facing up to the prospect of remaining on the wards for Christmas and beyond.

The team were collected from Melwood shortly after midday by Ellison's Travel, who provided the use of a fleet of mini buses free of charge as they have done for several years, and they arrived clutching goodie bags stocked full of LFC merchandise to hand out to the kids.

To ensure as many children as possible were given an opportunity to meet their heroes, the players and staff were split into groups and set off around the hospital to visit the wards.

Though hospital staff tried to keep Liverpool's visit a surprise, news quickly spread and the groups were greeted by beaming smiles on the faces of the excited patients and their families, who were not only given gifts but also the opportunity to pose for photos with the players, have a chat with them and collect their autographs.

It was certainly a poignant occasion for the Reds party - and manager Kenny Dalglish insists it's important the squad make their annual visit to Alder Hey and try to bring some holiday cheer to the children.

"We're here because we have a responsibility to the community of Liverpool," the boss told Liverpoolfc.tv. "It's an unfortunate time of year for people who are in hospital, especially children.

"It's a traditional trip for us to come to Alder Hey and every one of the boys is here. It's great for them to come along, it's great for the kids as well and you get a little bit of a lift.

"Some of them are that young they won't know who we are! But we just hope Christmas is a little bit brighter for them.

"You always realize how lucky you are coming to hospital at any time, but especially at Christmas. The nurses do a fantastic job, not just here but in every hospital, and I'm sure they're delighted to see us come and show our appreciation to the nursing staff as much as giving a wee bit of sympathy to the kids as well."

Dalglish Expects Transfer Talk

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish knows he can do little to prevent speculation that suggests he will try to sign a striker in January.

A failure to convert chances this season has undermined the Anfield club and they have already suffered five irritating home draws, the most in the Premier League, as a consequence.

It was almost a similar story against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, when Luis Suarez's first top-flight goal since October was the only effort to be taken from 15 attempts.

The heroics of visiting goalkeeper Radek Cerny were a significant factor in Liverpool's one-goal margin, but there have still been suggestions Dalglish needs to find another forward.

Liverpool bought Suarez and £35million man Andy Carroll, whose continued loss of form meant he was an unused substitute against QPR, and they have most recently been linked with Rangers' Nikica Jelavic.

But Dalglish told his club's official website regarding the win over QPR: "We did miss some chances, yes, but the goalkeeper saved a lot of them too.

"Do I feel the need to go out and do something about that? Aye, whichever side comes along here next, we'll ask them to come without a keeper. That's the best way to do it, isn't it?

"Irrespective of what I say, it's not going to stop speculation we are going out in January to sign Joe Bloggs up front, or whoever. I don't need to say anything.

"For us it was a fantastic team performance. We are quite happy. I trust the players implicitly when it comes to scoring, implicitly."

He added: "I think some of the football we played in the first half was brilliant, and we won't change our beliefs or the way we play.

"That's why we brought the players here in the first place, and we will stick to those principles."

Liverpool Want Brazil Striker As Answer To Goal-Scoring Problems

Liverpool are hoping that they can persuade Internacional to part with star striker Leandro Damiao during the January transfer window as Kenny Dalglish attempts to address the clubs lack of goals.

The Reds have the joint best defensive record in the Premier League with Manchester City, having conceded just 13 goals, but Dalglish's side have scored just 18, 30 less than the league leaders.

Dalglish has brought the likes of Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez and Craig Bellamy to Anfield in the last year, but it seems another front man is topping his list of targets.

Brazil international Damiao has been in outstanding form for Internacional ever since becoming a regular in the first team at the start of last season.

The 22-year-old has scored a staggering 40 goals this year and has emerged as one of the most in-demand striker in South America, with the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal both showing an interest in the forward.

Liverpool had been heavily linked with Barcelona striker David Villa but the club would have to spend close to £40million to land a striker who is already 30-years-old.

The clubs transfer policy is to bring the best young players to the club and it is perhaps far more likely that they would attempt to make an offer for Damiao.

A number of European clubs have shown an interest in Damiao, but Liverpool are hoping that by making an offer of £25million they will be able to persuade the Brazilian side to part with the forward.

Reds To Win Race For Starlet

Skysports.com understands Liverpool is in pole position to sign Wycombe Wanderers starlet Jordan Ibe.

The 16-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in England and has attracted the interest of a host of Premier League clubs.

Ibe shot to fame with a superb goal against Sheffield Wednesday at the end of October in his first professional start, following a series of impressive substitute appearances.

Liverpool has held a long-term interest in the teenager after Ibe trained with them last summer and they have been keeping tabs on his progress.

The likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham have all been credited with an interest in the talented youngster, but Liverpool is thought to be favourites to land Ibe

The Reds have shown their transfer policy is to sign the best young British talent and they have moved to steal a march on their rivals by setting up a deal to bring Ibe to the club next summer.

Kuyt Unfazed By Goal Drought

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt insists he remains unfazed by his current goal drought for the club.

Kuyt, who was Liverpool's top scorer last season with 15, has one Carling Cup goal to his name this campaign but has not found the net in the Premier League since May.

The Reds have struggled for goals in general in the Premier League having scored just 18 goals in 15 games.

Kuyt is adamant he is not worried by his lack of goals and he is confident the goals will come because the side is creating chances.

"I haven't scored for a while but we all feel like we are close to it and we have the confidence to keep going and soon we will score more of our chances," said Kuyt.

"The last six months of last season we were all scoring goals.

"Sometimes in football it is like this, you have to keep working hard and it will come.

"Last season I was scoring five or six games in a row and everything I touched was going in.

"Now sometimes you are a little bit unlucky to be just in the wrong position or you just miss a chance - that is football.

"I will work hard and wait until the time comes. I am sure with the way this team plays everyone up front will score loads of goals.

"Every player in the squad has shown they can score goals - Stewart Downing, Craig Bellamy, Andy Carroll, Luis, myself and Maxi Rodriguez."

Stefan Frei Joins Liverpool For Week-Long Training Stint

Stefan Frei is the latest Major League Soccer standout to join Liverpool FC for offseason training. The Toronto FC goalkeeper will spend one week practicing with the Reds, according to TorontoFC.ca.

"This is a great opportunity for Stefan and we were happy to give him permission to train with a historic club like Liverpool," Toronto FC manager Aron Winter said. "He has emerged as one of the top keepers in the league since the start of his career and has certainly earned this special opportunity."

The Swiss-born stopper has been Toronto's starting goalkeeper since becoming a professional in 2009. He was drafted out of the University of California-Berkley in 2009, replacing Aston Villa's Brad Guzan in the TFC goal.

In three seasons, Frei has made 95 appearances in all competitions, and Toronto's notoriously pourous defense keeps the 25-year-old plenty busy. He is annually among the league leaders in goals conceded and saves. Despite allowing a high number of goals, Frei is regarded as one of the top 'keepers in MLS.

He will work LFC goalkeeping coach John Achterberg and world-class goalkeepers Pepe Reina and Alexander Doni. The trio will help him refine his game and introduce him to the "Liverpool way" of playing the position.

Frei is the second MLS player to join the Reds during the offseason. New York Red Bulls striker Juan Agudelo is currently training at the club's Melwood practice facility.

Real Defender Flattered By Reds Interest

Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez insists he is happy to remain in San Sebastien, despite reported interest in his signature from Liverpool.

The 20-year-old made his senior debut for Sociedad this season, and has since registered a further 13 appearances in La Liga.

His composed displays at the back have reportedly caught the attention of Liverpool, and it has been claimed that Kenny Dalglish is keen to bring the Spaniard to Anfield in January.

However, Martinez says he has no intention of moving to Liverpool - or anywhere else for that matter - at the present time.

"I am happy in San Sebastian," he told skysports.com.

"It is normal that I am happy with this news, but those things depend on the club.

"Now my head is only focused on helping Real for us to make sure we are not in a dangerous position in the table."

Meanwhile, a club source says, should Liverpool or any other interested parties make a formal approach for Martinez, it would not be considered until the summer.

"We know about the presence of scouts, but our position is clear - the subject of a sale will not even be looked at until the summer," the source told skysports.com.

Luis Suárez Given Extra Time To Reply To Conduct Charge

Luis Suárez has been granted more time by the Football Association to respond to a charge of improper conduct for an alleged obscene gesture to Fulham fans following Liverpool’s defeat at Craven Cottage last week.

And while it is not expected to influence any defence against the improper conduct charge, the emergence of photos in Holland showing Suárez allegedly making the same gesture to Feyenoord supporters while playing for Ajax in January 2010 is likely to be an embarrassing development for the Uruguay forward.

Suárez, who was charged last month with racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra, had been due to respond to the improper conduct charge by 4pm on Monday (Dec 12), but the FA has confirmed that Liverpool have asked for further time to reply.

They have also been granted an unspecified extension to respond to a charge of failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion following the dismissal of Jay Spearing during the same game.

Suárez is awaiting confirmation from the FA regarding a date for the personal hearing requested when pleading not guilty to the charge of racially abusing Evra, which dates back to the Premier League fixture between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on Oct 15. With the threat of a suspension hanging over Suárez should he be found guilty, Kenny Dalglish last week described the ongoing failure to resolve the case as a “bit of a joke”. While no date has yet been set for Suárez’s hearing in response to the Evra charge, it is understood that the player is likely to be given the chance to state his case to an FA panel before the turn of the year.

Although the FA closes for business on Dec 23, the disciplinary unit will work as normal in the week leading up to Dec 31, and a hearing could yet be scheduled for that week to ensure that the matter is resolved as quickly as possible. While Dalglish’s misgivings about the length of time taken to arrange a personal hearing are shared by many involved with the case, both at Anfield and Old Trafford, Liverpool’s decision to request further time to respond the charge against Suárez – issued on Nov 17 – resulted in the club being granted an extra week.

As such, the FA’s disciplinary unit has had two weeks to process Suárez’s response and make arrangements for a hearing. It is understood that Suárez will not be expected to respond to both charges against him at the same hearing because of an effort to ensure neither case is prejudiced by the other.