Match Preview: Liverpool vs West Brom

Liverpool will aim to improve their stuttering Premier League form when they host Roy Hodgson's West Brom on Sunday.

The former Reds boss returns to Anfield for the first time since being sacked in January 2011, knowing his Albion side can move within just one point of Liverpool with a win.

And there is much to encourage the Baggies given that Liverpool have just one Premier League win at home in 2012 - and that was against an under-strength Everton side.

But Kenny Dalglish has reiterated his desire to finish the league season strongly despite the looming distraction of the FA Cup final on May 5th.

Indeed, with just three matches until that Wembley date with Chelsea and a near full-strength squad to choose from, Dalglish will be hoping his players will use the remaining games to push their claims for a place in the cup final.

The incentives for West Brom are less obvious and Hodgson has already admitted that, with the club having achieved its primary goal of survival, they will not be risking injured players in the run-in.

But with several stars playing for new contracts and encouraging recent form with six points from their last three games, the Baggies should still prove tricky opponents.

Liverpool welcome back Pepe Reina after serving his three-match ban so Brad Jones' time in the limelight is set to come to an end.

Andy Carroll is expected to continue up front but Dalglish could rotate in midfield given the options available.

In defence, Jose Enrique is pushing for a recall and could return in a reshuffled back four at the expense of Jamie Carragher, whose error allowed Everton to take the lead at Wembley last weekend.

Hodgson insists he will not rush back Zoltan Gera or James Morrison as they step up their training following injury.

Marc-Antoine Fortune is also unlikely to feature after struggling with a knock, but Jonas Olsson could return after missing the win against QPR as a precaution.

Possible starting XI

Liverpool: Reina; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique; Henderson, Gerrard, Spearing, Downing; Suarez, Carroll.

West Brom: Foster; Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell; Brunt, Andrews, Mulumbu, Dorrans; Odemwingie, Long.

Suarez Lauds Carroll Link-Up

Liverpool forward Luis Suarez claims playing alongside Andy Carroll makes life easier for him, with the pair showing signs of forming a devastating strike partnership.

Carroll has not enjoyed the easiest of times at Anfield since completing a £35million move from Newcastle to become the most expensive British player in history.

He has, however, shown signs over recent weeks that he is starting to settle on Merseyside and is capable of producing the kind of form which convinced the Reds to spend big on his services.

The England international has netted crucial goals in Premier League and FA Cup clashes and has looked dangerous alongside Suarez.

Liverpool's Uruguayan hit-man claims to be enjoying working with Carroll, with his physical attributes complementing his goal-getting abilities perfectly.

"I think it's great for us to have a player of his ability and style," Suarez told the Reds' official website.

"His height and his ability in the air and to bring the ball down makes it easy for us smaller forwards in the side to link up with him.

"You only have to be running alongside him and you find the ball at your feet.

"I think he's showing that his technique on the ground has really come on and I think in the games where he has featured recently we are now seeing the Andy that we've all been wanting to see and he's really contributing, which is important."

Roy Expecting Rough Ride

West Brom boss Roy Hodgson is not expecting a warm welcome when he returns to Anfield on Sunday.

Hodgson makes his first return to Anfield this weekend since being sacked by the Reds last year following an ill-fated spell on Merseyside.

The experienced manager was dismissed in January 2011 after just eight months in charge before returning to management with the Baggies only 37 days later.

Hodgson failed to win over the Liverpool faithful during his time at the club and he admits to not being liked by the Reds fans while he was in charge.

When asked if he will receive a good reception, Hodgson said: "I don't know. I wouldn't have thought so.

"There is no reason to give me a good reception because they didn't like me when I was there. I can't see they are going to like me now.

"There aren't that many people I worked with that are still there and people like Damien Comolli (director of football) have moved on. But it will be nice to see one or two players I worked with."

Hodgson believes Liverpool will be in buoyant mood and with the pressure eased on them after reaching the FA Cup final.

"I'm sure they will be in a buoyant mood," added Hodgson. "Their home form has not been that good so I think they will be concentrating on getting the three points and as close to fourth spot as they can.

"I don't see their FA Cup success having any bearing other than it will make them more confident and maybe take a bit of pressure off them in terms of the game.

"Had they lost the semi-final, then all the attention would have been on their home record, which hasn't been great this season."

Albion made sure of a third successive season in the top flight via last week's win over QPR but Hodgson is adamant his players will not ease up during the final three weeks of the campaign.

"There are four matches left where I hope we give good performances that bring us more points," continued Hodgson.

"I can assure everyone interested in the club, particularly our fans, there is no letting up from us.

"We will train in the same way, will prepare for the games in the same way, as if we needed to win every one.

"You want to finish as high as possible. You have a basic goal to stay in the league and a second goal to get as many points as you can and finish as high as possible.

"There is no doubt we will be trying to do that but it is nice to approach it without that horrible feeling if you don't win or get a point, you are sinking further into the mire.

"I've been in that situation with Fulham and West Brom last year and it is a much nicer feeling to go into the games knowing if you lose, it doesn't mean you are relegated."

Kenny Dalglish Tells FA To Show Fans More Respect

Kenny Dalglish, the Liverpool manager, has accused the Football Association of showing a lack of respect to supporters craving tickets for the FA Cup final.

An allocation of just 25,000 each for Liverpool and Chelsea, allied to more travel chaos for Merseyside fans trying to get to and from London on May 5, has once more brought ticketing policies and kick-off times into focus.

Dalglish suggested that the fans were always last on the list of priorities for the governing body.

“I don’t know what the club’s opinion is but for me, and not just for this club but for every fan, I think they should be given a bit more respect than what they’re actually getting,” Dalglish said.

“The FA has rebuilt Wembley but I don’t think the 25,000 is any greater number of tickets than what it was when I was playing. I don’t know, but that’s for the FA to answer. The fans should be given more respect and taken into consideration more.

“There’s a lot of things to be taken into consideration for a kick-off time like the police and television, but the fans seem to be the ones who come third. As a fan I would be disappointed.”

Liverpool’s managing director, Ian Ayre, is understood to be discussing travel arrangements with Network Rail in an effort to postpone engineering works scheduled for Cup final day. Network Rail said the work was announced months ago and would not be changed. Thousands of Liverpool supporters will be struggling for means to get home after the 5.15pm kick-off.

“Travelling is out of our control. I’ve not got a timetable for trains or a timetable for work schedules on trains,” Dalglish said. “Look, I won’t support anyone other than the fans. It would be better if they were given greater consideration when they’re looking at a kick-off time.

“I don’t think anyone’s got a voice for them. We have enough on our plate concentrating on what recent work is being done here. Maybe someone else in the club would give you a better answer. At the end of the day if the fans are not there, it wouldn’t be such a good occasion. I can’t solve it other than for Liverpool not to get to the final and I would not want that would I?”

Branson Calls For Cup Rethink

Virgin boss Richard Branson has asked the Football Association to rethink the timing of next month's FA Cup final in the light of travel problems faced by Liverpool fans.

Major maintenance work means rail travel, of which Virgin are the main providers, is likely to be severely disrupted over the Bank Holiday weekend.

That means supporters travelling from the north-west to Wembley for a 5.15pm kick-off on May 5 and hoping to return on the same day will be affected.

"We have a strong relationship with Liverpool Football club and twice recently have worked with them and Network Rail to bring many fans to Wembley," said Branson in a letter emailed to the Liverpool Echo.

"On this occasion we would ask the FA to look again at the timing of the game."

The FA did not respond to Branson's call for a rethink on the kick-off time but stressed they felt there would be enough coaches to ferry fans back and forth.

"In light of the disrupted rail service to London, The FA can confirm that National Express, a partner of Wembley Stadium, will provide dedicated services between Liverpool and Wembley for the FA Cup Final," said an FA spokesman.

"The dedicated coaches will depart Liverpool Coach Station at 10.15am on Saturday May 5 and travel direct to Wembley Stadium arriving at 2.30pm so fans can enjoy the pre-match build-up.

"Fans will be dropped outside Wembley Stadium with coaches not departing until the game has concluded after either 90 minutes or extra-time and penalties - meaning Liverpool fans will not miss a minute of this season's final.

"We went on record last year to state that the 2011-12 FA Cup final would have a later kick-off time while May 5 was announced almost 12 months ago to allow the Premier League to conclude in plenty of time for England to prepare for this summer's European Championships."

But with all but three of Virgin's Liverpool to London trains having been cancelled that day and the last return service leaving just after 8pm, some fans still face being stranded in the capital.

Branson insists that had the FA been more flexible in their plans, and listened to the advice of the train company and Network Rail, the problems could have been lessened.

"The decision by the FA to schedule the cup final on a Bank Holiday weekend and start at 5.15pm rather than the traditional 3pm has been made for the FA's commercial reasons at the expense of the travelling football fan," added the Virgin boss.

"As is now customary on Bank Holiday weekends, the line is partly closed for improvement work.

"This is Network Rail's massive renewal program, scheduled more than two years ago, which will improve reliability on the line.

"The FA were told of these plans and of the impacts of a late kick-off, but chose to ignore the advice of Virgin Trains and Network Rail.

"If the FA had engaged with the industry we could have worked out a range of options well ahead of time and timed the match to minimize the disruption."

The matter was even discussed in Parliament on Thursday with Transport Secretary Justine Greening telling the House Of Commons: "The underlying problem that we are trying to solve is that the FA Cup starts later than it was originally planned to start.

"I have spoken to Network Rail (NR) and Virgin and Department for Culture Media and Sport.

"It is very difficult to change the NR work which is really important for maintenance and safety and has been planned for 18 months but Virgin have said that they are planning to put on longer trains on the Sunday so that we can make sure that fans have a good opportunity to get back."

Six MPs have signed an early day motion, calling on "all involved to take the action necessary to ensure disruption is minimized as much as possible".

Liverpool Walton MP Steve Rotheram called on ministers to "bang heads together" and make sure there were scheduled services from the capital back to the north-west.

"Will you get the relevant authorities, Virgin, Network Rail and the Football Association, round the table and bang their heads together until common sense prevails?" he said.

Liverpool Trial South American Quartet

Liverpool's are set to take further advantage of their relationship with Uruguayan side Nacional, by trialing four of the club's youngsters.

Rodrigo Amaral, Leandro Otormin, Gaston Pereiro and Daniel Baldi will all begin a trial with the Reds this week.

The moves follow Sebastian Coates' arrival at Liverpool last summer, which former director of football Damien Comolli at the time claimed would spark a link between the two sides.

"This is very important for us because this step has been taken thanks to the Nacional name and what the club has achieved in the last few years," he said.

"It is fundamental for the kids to travel, to discover the world and take on this life experience. It will be unforgettable for them, and we want them to make the most of this experience."

It's expected that the quartet will take part in 10 training sessions before returning to their parent club on April 29.

The brief trial is one of the benefits which came from the signing of Coates last summer, as Liverpool continue the trend of looking to bring in young players.

Jordon Ibe, Seyi Ojo, Dan Smith and Joao Teixeira have all recently joined Liverpool as part of their re-modelling, with the onus of bringing through young players rather than continually paying out for expensive, albeit established, professionals.

The troubles of those big-money purchases this season has given extra clout to their youth policy, which has bared fruit over the past 18-months, with John Flanagan, Martin Kelly, Raheem Sterling and Jack Robinson all making their first-team Liverpool debuts.

Swiss Youngster Set To Reject Liverpool

Swiss starlet Granit Xhaka is unlikely to move to the Premier League this summer after revealing that he is close to joining German side Borussia Monchengladbach.

Xhaka, who plays for Basel, impressed during the Swiss side’s run to the last 16 of the Champions League this season, reportedly attracting the interest of suitors such as Liverpool.

However the 19-year-old, who has been capped six times, has indicated that he is likely to join Monchengladbach at the end of the current campaign.

Speaking about a switch to the Bundesliga side to Swiss newspaper Basler Zeitung, Xhaka said: "Personally, I have nothing to hide. For me, everything is settled. Now it's up to the clubs to decide."

Basel is thought to be demanding a fee of £8m for the young playmaker’s services.

Kenny Praises Rafa Legacy

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has complimented former Reds manager Rafa Benitez on the work he did to lay the foundations of the current Academy structure.

During his time in charge on Merseyside, Benitez implemented wholesale changes to the youth system over at Kirkby and appointed many of the current pool of coaches including Pep Segura, Rodolfo Borrell and Frank McParland.

The changes undertaken by Benitez are generally accepted to have played a significant part in the subsequent increase in youth team players coming through the system.

This season has seen first-team game time for the likes of Jon Flanagan, Jack Robinson and Raheem Sterling, whilst the U19s finished third in the inaugural NextGen Series.

Dalglish admitted to LFC TV: "I think it's been fantastic and it's a great credit to the changes that Rafa made three years ago, bringing in Pep, Rodolfo and Frankie.

"The way it has moved forward is a credit to anyone who has helped in any way, shape or form.

"It was Rafa who brought these people in and we should always be grateful to him for doing that.

"In years to come, if we get some players through it, I'm sure he'll be just as proud as any of the players are. And he should be proud about what he's set up here."

Kenny Aims To Maintain Momentum

Kenny Dalglish hopes Liverpool can carry the momentum from their FA Cup semi-final victory over local rivals Everton into the remainder of the season.

The Reds triumphed 2-1 against the Toffees in last weekend's derby encounter at Wembley to book a spot in the final against Chelsea - their second cup decider this season after lifting the Carling Cup.

Liverpool's league form has been less impressive but manager Dalglish is hoping Saturday's triumph will give his side impetus in the five games they have left.

"There is always a good feel around and about the football club," he told the club's official website.

"Melwood has always been a nice place to come and work since I've come in and the positive result we got on Saturday puts an extra couple of centimetres on people's smiles.

"We've got our reward for winning in the semi-final against Everton and we want to keep that momentum going.

"We want to try and play as well as we possibly can and get as positive results as we possibly can between now and the end of the season."

Liverpool's fans could struggle to get to Wembley for the final against Chelsea on May 5th, with rail maintenance work over the Bank Holiday weekend, coupled with a 5.15pm kick-off, meaning thousands travelling from the North West will have to find alternative transport.

It adds more misery on supporters who have been allocated 25,000 tickets for the decider - almost 7,000 fewer than their semi-final against Everton last weekend.

Dalglish believes fans are "taken for granted" when it comes to the big events but is confident supporters will make it to Wembley.

"Sometimes that is the problem when fans are taken for granted - not just our fans but those at all football clubs," he said. "That is the decision which has been made and it's been made outside of our control.

"It could have been made a bit easier for them but they are fantastic fans and they will get there."

Liverpool's next challenge comes against West Brom this weekend, with Baggies boss Roy Hodgson set to return to Anfield after an ill-fated stint at the helm over the first half of last season.

Hodgson has enjoyed more success at The Hawthorns, keeping Albion safe from relegation last season and guiding them into midtable this term.

Dalglish expects the manager to be afforded a warm reception when he returns to Merseyside, adding: "It will be good to see Roy. To see him back at Anfield - obviously we've played them down there already - will be good and I'm sure he'll get a warm reception from the supporters.

"He's a man with real integrity and dignity and he tried his best for this football club. I'm sure the supporters will respect that."

Kuyt Eyes FA Cup Final Goal

Dirk Kuyt is hopeful he can continue his knack of scoring in the big games when Liverpool take on Chelsea in next month's FA Cup final.

The Dutchman has already found the net in both finals the club have been involved in during his time at Anfield.

He scored late on in the 2007 UEFA Champions League final against AC Milan in Athens, although it wasn't enough to prevent the Italians gaining revenge for their defeat in Istanbul two years previously.

And his extra-time strike in February's Carling Cup then helped Kenny Dalglish's men overcome Championship side Cardiff on penalties.

Although he missed out in last weekend's semi-final against Everton, the 31-year-old has backed himself to perform when the big games come around.

"I am proud that, after the Champions League final and the final of the Carling Cup, for the third time I am with Liverpool in a final," the Dutchman said.

"I will do everything to ensure that in the third final I prove my worth with a goal."

Kuyt has found first-team starts harder to come by this season and did not even make it off the bench at Wembley on Saturday.

However, the former Feyenoord star feels he may still have a part to play against the West Londoners on 5th May.

"It is a disappointment that I did not play (against Everton)," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"I expected to come on and you hope to be the first to come on but that was not to be.

"But there have been some important moments for me in the FA Cup, such as my goal against Manchester United (which was the late winner in round four)."

Dalglish - Bellamy Delivered

Kenny Dalglish has praised Craig Bellamy for his free-kick expertise after the Welshman crossed for Andy Carroll's FA Cup semi-final winner.

Carroll's towering header from Bellamy's delivery secured a 2-1 win for Liverpool over neighbours Everton and a third Wembley visit of the season for the Reds.

And Liverpool boss Dalglish revealed Bellamy had reaped the rewards for hours of hard work at the club's Melwood training ground.

"Craig's delivery for Andy's strike was perfect," wrote Dalglish in his LFC Weekly Magazine column.

"It always is when the ball finishes in the back of the net. His delivery is normally great; that is because he practices it so much in training.

"It shows that what you do on the training ground pays off. It's not the first time Craig has delivered a ball like that. He's delivered lots of good set-pieces this season. He did it at Chelsea in the Carling Cup when Martin Kelly scored."

The build-up to the all-Merseyside semi-final included much speculation that Liverpool could struggle as they would be forced to field third-choice goalkeeper Brad Jones.

Both Pepe Reina and Alexander Doni were suspended for the game due to recent red cards and with Jones' only involvement this season being an unconvincing display at Blackburn it could have been an area of weakness.

But the former Middlesbrough man produced a solid display and Dalglish believes the plaudits for that must go to goalkeeping coach John Achterberg for his work with the club's goalkeepers.

"Seeing Brad do well was particularly pleasing," added Dalglish.

"I know he came on at Blackburn, but it's been a while since he started a first-team game. Both him and Doni are a credit to themselves.

"They've both looked sharp and confident. How they've performed has been a good reflection of the work John Achterberg has done with them.

"It's unusual for two keepers to be required in such a short period of time. People sometimes ask, 'why do you need three goalkeepers?' It's in case of situations like this. If we hadn't had (Jones and Doni) we might have had to put in one of the youngsters from the Academy.

"A situation like that could ruin a young boy's career. We were fortunate that we didn't have to consider it."

Suarez - Reds Will Be Stronger

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is confident the Reds can emerge stronger next season after a turbulent campaign at Anfield.

The Merseysiders' season has been full of ups and downs, with Kenny Dalglish's men reaching two cup finals but struggling to make an impact in the Premier League.

Poor results in the league have heaped pressure on manager Dalglish, while director of football Damien Comolli was dismissed by the club earlier this month.

The Reds were also at the centre of a racism row after Suarez abused Manchester United defender Patrice Evra, with the club attracting widespread criticism for their support of the striker.

However, the Uruguay international believes Liverpool can come back a better side next term as a result of this season's turmoil.

"You are bound to enjoy picking up trophies and medals, of course you are. But you learn most about one another during a bad patch - you learn how to stick together even more," said Suarez.

"No team has success after success. All clubs, teams and players go through good runs and bad runs. That is football.

"Even the very best of all time have bad periods, but it is how they react that defines them.

"If you react in the right way and support each other, adversity can be a good thing in the long run because you become stronger."

Suarez has voiced his gratitude to manager Dalglish for his "100% backing" despite the controversy that has surrounded him this season.

The Reds boss gave the striker his unqualified support during the racism inquiry, which resulted in the Football Association suspending the 25-year-old for eight games.

Suarez told Liverpool's official magazine: "Apart from the fact that he was the person that signed me, I appreciate the fact that I've always felt that I've had 100% backing from Kenny Dalglish.

"This is very important for any footballer. He understands me as a player and as a person. He knows what I can do and that I will always give everything for the team on the field.

"Importantly, because he was a striker himself, if there are things I need to put right, he tries to help me by giving advice.

"I always take it in the right manner because I respect the fact that he played in the same position as me and is one of the greatest, if not the greatest player, in the club's history."

Victor Moses Alerts Liverpool After Calling Off Wigan Talks

Wigan winger Victor Moses is for a summer transfer to Liverpool after deciding not to renew his deal at the DW stadium.

The Nigeria-born 21-year-old has shone for the Premier League strugglers this season, and has been instrumental in the club’s surge away from the relegation zone, which has seen the Latics chalk up wins against Manchester United and Arsenal.

With only one year remaining on his current contract, Moses is in a position of power at the DW, and with Liverpool interested in acquiring his services, the former Crystal Palace man has seemingly decided the time has come to try his hand at a higher level.

'This is how it works here (in England),’ said his agent Tony Finnigan.

'Victor Moses has just a year left on his contract with Wigan Athletic and we were about to start talks on the extension when he said he does not want to sign a new deal.

'Victor Moses has played himself into a position where virtually every club in the Premier League want to sign him.

'All of the Premier League clubs will be strengthening in the summer and we are not surprised that Moses has been linked with virtually every team in the top division.'

Keen to point out there is no friction between the youngster and his current boss, Finnigan added: 'It doesn't mean he doesn't like his manager - he chose Wigan over other clubs.

'Martinez is a tactical genius and an excellent coach, and they are Victor's words.

'He's been playing regularly, he's in form and enjoying his football. He has been offered the chance to extend his contract but has said, "No thank you".'

Liverpool Hope To Complete Deal For Athletic Bilbao Youngster

It seems Athletic Bilbao will have a tough time hanging onto their players in the summer after Liverpool where the latest side to be linked one of their players in young striker Mikel Zaton.

The Spanish side has made the semi-finals of the Europa League and there has been speculation about a number of their players leaving, with the likes of Iker Muniain. Javi Martinez and Fernando Llorente, who has often been linked with a move to Liverpool, all admired by a number of European clubs.

However, according to Basque newspaper El Correo, Liverpool are hoping to steal one of their youth team players after learning that Zaton had scored an impressive 25 goals in 28 games.

The 16-year-old has bagged five hat-tricks this season and the paper suggests that Liverpool have already entered into negotiations with the Spanish side to try and complete a deal in the summer.

Liverpool are hoping to improve their squad at the end of the season and the clubs transfer policy since Fenway Sports Group took over has been to look at signing younger players who represent value for money.

Liverpool Send Chief Scout To Watch Swedish Midfielder

Liverpool's former director of football Damien Comolli may have one last parting gift for the club after it was reported that he sent he club's chief scout to Holland to watch midfielder Rasmus Elm.

Comolli was in charge of helping identify potential signings and it seems he was keen to try and convince Liverpool to move for the AZ Alkmaar midfielder just days before he was sacked.

According to The People, Comolli instructed chief scout Steve Hitchen to head to Holland to watch the Sweden international in action against FC Twente in a top of the table clash.

The 24-year-old is certain to be a member of the Sweden squad that travels to Ukraine and Poland for the European Championships this summer and has been instrumental in Alkmaar pushing for the title.

Alkmaar is currently second in the league, six points behind Ajax, with Elm having been a regular starter all season.

The paper believes that Liverpool will need to offer in the region of £7million to convince the Dutch side to part with the midfielder who is believed to be interested in a move to England.

Liverpool has struggled in the league this season and it seems likely that manager Kenny Dalglish will look to freshen up his squad in the summer months.

Reds Land Crewe Starlet

Crewe Alexandra has confirmed that midfield starlet Dan Smith has signed for Liverpool.

Manchester City was also keen on the 16-year-old midfielder, who is an England youth international.

But Liverpool has now moved to agree a deal reported to be worth around £250,000, although if he makes the first-team it could possibly rise to £1million.

Crewe spokesman Rob Wilson confirmed: "We are naturally disappointed that Dan has decided to sign for Liverpool.

"The club has received an undisclosed fee and future add-ons but we would have much preferred to have seen him play for our first team."

Smith, who has been with Crewe's highly acclaimed academy since the age of 11, also confirmed the deal when he tweeted a picture of himself with Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish.

Liverpool Attacker Targeted By Bundesliga Side

Hamburg are the latest club to reportedly show their interest in Liverpool attacker Dirk Kuyt, with rumours circulating that he will be on his way out of Anfield this summer.

Kuyt has found his first team opportunities limited since the arrival of Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool boss last year, starting only 11 games in the league this season.

Dalglish has opted for the natural width of Stewart Downing, and has preferred the youthful exuberance of Jordan Henderson to the industry of Kuyt.

The Dutchman's decreasing role at Liverpool has seen him linked with a number of clubs, and according to the Liverpool Daily Post it seems as though the latest club to show an interest is Bundesliga side Hamburg, who reached the Europa League quarter-finals.

The German side is currently 14th in the table, but is looking to strengthen in the summer as the push to regain European football.

However, the 31 year-old is also thought to be wanted by former side Feyenoord, where he enjoyed three prolific seasons, scoring 71 times in 101 appearances.

Feyenoord coach Ronald Koeman recently admitted he was interested in bringing the Netherlands international back to Feyenoord.

“As coach of Feyenoord, I naturally hope that he will wear the shirt of Feyenoord again, but I can’t say more than that,” Koeman said.

Cole Hoping For Lille Stay

Joe Cole would welcome the opportunity to make his stay at Lille permanent, but concedes that any decision regarding his future rests with Liverpool.

The England international is edging towards the end of a season-long loan agreement with the reigning French champions.

Having been deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield, it appears unlikely that he will be drafted back into the Reds fold this summer.

Cole admits he would rather bring the curtain down on a forgettable spell on Merseyside, with a high-profile switch in 2010 having failed to live up to expectations.

The 30-year-old has enjoyed his time in Ligue 1 with Lille, with regular football rekindling his passion for the game, and he is waiting to learn what Liverpool has planned for him.

"I've not spoken to anyone at Liverpool," he said in the Liverpool Echo.

"I'm expecting a call from them. I would like to stay here, but it's still too early to say. Let's see how Lille finish the season.

"I am happy here, my family too.

"I was well received and I love this team. But it's not me who decides. We need to see what the board decides."

Cole insists money will not play a part in any decision regarding his future, with game time of greater importance to him at this stage of his career.

"The financial issue is important, but money is not the priority for me," he added.

"I enjoy being on the pitch and that's the main thing."

Carroll - I Want To Start More

Andy Carroll wants to be given the chance to start more games for Liverpool and insists he has changed his lifestyle since his record-breaking move to Anfield.

The striker joined Liverpool from Newcastle United in January 2011 for a record fee for a British player, but has scored just 10 goals in 51 appearances.

He has started only 31 of those matches and admits his confidence has been low after spending large periods of the season on the substitutes' bench.

However, Carroll has started the Reds' last two games against Blackburn Rovers and Everton in the FA Cup semi-final, scoring the winner both times, and believes he will only get better with more time on the pitch.

"I am confident in myself that, if I am playing games, I will score goals and put myself about," said the 23-year-old.

"I cannot really do that if I am on the bench and coming on in the last 10 minutes of games.

"What I want is to start games and put myself about like I know I can. When I haven't been playing, you get low on confidence."

Carroll also claimed the days of his party lifestyle off the pitch were behind him after former England boss Fabio Capello infamously warned him last September that he needed to "drink less".

"My past is my past. I changed my lifestyle when I came to Liverpool and settled down. I love it here," he added.

"People will say to me 'Oh, you were in the boozer last week' but it is just rumours going round.

"Now I just laugh it off. To be honest, I don't go out at all. I know what people say is not true, my family knows it's not true and the club knows it's not true.

"All I do now is sit in the house with my girlfriend, chill out and watch movies."

Carra Hails Vital Suarez

Jamie Carragher believes it is "vitally important" to keep Luis Suarez at Anfield, insisting he would not swap the striker for any other player in England.

The Uruguay international has expressed his desire to extend his stay with the Reds despite a testing first full season which saw him serve an eight-match ban after being found guilty of racially abusing Patrice Evra last October.

But the season has also seen lots of high points, including scoring Liverpool's all-important equalizer in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final victory over Everton - his 14th goal of the campaign.

Liverpool vice-captain praised the 25-year-old's contribution to the cause as Kenny Dalglish's side chase two trophies this term.

"I thought he was brilliant. Our best player. I wouldn't swap him for anyone in the league," said Carragher.

"He is a fantastic player and I'm delighted we've got him and hopefully he will take that forward into the cup final.

"It is vitally important (Liverpool keep Suarez). I see no reason why he would want to leave.

"He is playing well so hopefully he will sign a new contract, which he is expecting to do."

Colombia Striker Claims Liverpool Are Interested In His Services

Colombian striker Jackson Martinez claims he is currently attracting interest from both Liverpool and Porto.

The 25-year-old, who has scored 17 goals in 31 league appearances this season, plays his club football for Mexican side Jaguares.

But he has been tipped to make a move to one of the big European clubs this summer and he has revealed that he could be on his way to the Premier League with Liverpool.

Scouts from Anfield have reportedly watched him in action this season and he is available for around £4m - but Porto are also in the hunt.

Martinez told Colombian newspaper Nuevo Estadio: "I am not in any advanced negotiations with Liverpool or Porto but I know they are personally interested.

"I have not spoken to anyone and that goes for my club and my agent.

"In the next few months things should be finalized."

Liverpool Have First Refusal On Mexican Star

Liverpool will have first refusal on Mexican winger Hector Herrera, should the youngster move to Europe.

The 21-year-old currently plies his trade with Pachuca, and played a prominent role in ensuring Mexico qualified for this summer's Olympic Games in London.

It was confirmed on Friday by Pachuca's executive director Andres Fassi on Friday that Liverpool are interested in signing Herrera, although a formal approach has yet to be made.

Fassi has since claimed that a Liverpool representative has been to watch Herrera in action, something the player has confirmed himself when questioned by local reporters.

"I was only introduced to him, he didn't tell me anything specific," he said, as reported by Goal.com.

Liverpool also has an unofficial agreement with Pachuca that they will be provided with the opportunity to sign Herrera before anyone else, when his current employers make him available.

"We have a sort of deal between the two clubs, in that Liverpool would be the first in line should the player immigrate to Europe," Fassi explained.

"There's no formal offer yet, only interest, no verbal agreement or pre-contract.

"Liverpool's people came to Mexico on a general scouting trip, there's a declared interest in Herrera.

"Their scout was here for four practice sessions and now they want to watch him in the Olympic Games."

The acquisition of Herrera could prove to be the final Liverpool signing to have been influenced by Damien Comolli, with the Frenchman having been tasked with the recruitment of young talent during his time at Anfield.

Comolli was relieved of his duties last Thursday after a number of expensive failures were acquired for Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool first-team.

Cup Final Timings Confirmed

The Football Association has confirmed that the FA Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea will kick-off at 5.15pm on Saturday, 5th May.

The showpiece event will be the first to be played under floodlights in 19 years, with the last being the 1993 replay between Arsenal and Sheffield Wednesday.

It is the first time the final has been moved away from its traditional 3pm kick-off since the new Wembley opened its doors in 2007.

Since then, Chelsea has won the cup three times, lifting it in 2007, 2009 and 2010.

Liverpool booked their first FA Cup Final appearance in six years with a 2-1 win over Everton on Saturday, while Chelsea hammered Tottenham 5-1 in the second semi-final on Sunday.

Despite making a combined 43 semi-final appearances between them, the game will be the first time the two have met in the final.

Reds Fans Face Cup Travel Test

Severely-restricted rail services mean Liverpool fans heading to next month's FA Cup final face a travel test.

The Football Association have been criticized by a supporters' group for scheduling the May 5 tie at Wembley against Chelsea for a 5.15pm kick-off.

But transport logistics are set to push anger levels higher as engineering work by Network Rail over the May Day bank holiday weekend means Virgin Trains have cancelled all but three of their Liverpool to London services on the day of the final.

And while fans are being advised to travel to the capital via Manchester, Chester or Stoke, there appears to be no means of making the return journey by rail as there are no trains going back to the north west after the game.

Further engineering work near Milton Keynes means return journey times of over five hours for those hoping to travel back the day after.

It is set to pile more difficulty on fans, some of whom had to get up at 3am to make it to Wembley for Saturday's 12.45pm kick-off in the semi-final against Everton.

"We always try and help football fans get to and from matches on our network, and did this very successfully for Everton and Liverpool supporters travelling to the semi-final," said a Virgin Trains spokesman.

"However, on this occasion, as we explained to the FA, the choice of both a 5.15pm kick-off and the staging of the FA Cup Final on a bank holiday weekend when Network Rail had already planned essential route improvement works means we cannot offer fans the level of train service they have come to expect."

A Network Rail spokesman added: "Improvement works on the railway are planned around 18 months in advance, ahead of any scheduling of sporting events and knowing which teams will compete in the final.

"Unfortunately on this occasion, with the FA Cup final earlier in the month than usual and with the FA choosing a later kick-off time, it has resulted in Liverpool fans unable to return by train."

The Football Association's decision to dispense with a traditional 3pm kick-off for the first time has been criticized by fans.

With a number of Premier League matches being played on May 5, and television companies to consider, the governing body opted for an early evening start.

"The FA running the game in this country is an absolute joke," said a spokesman for the Merseyside branch of the Liverpool FC Official Supporters Club.

"Once again the FA Cup has been totally and utterly devalued. It should have kicked off at 3pm and the other league games moved to the Sunday.

"The final should kick-off at 3pm and everything else should work around that fixture.

"It is just another example of the FA devaluing their own competition.

"The last people who are thought of by the FA are the fans. Football fans don't matter to anyone.

"We are seen as a money-making machine who will do anything to follow their clubs.

"The fact you love your football club means you keep on going.

"And the fact Chelsea fans can spend all day drinking in London as they don't have any travel problems means there is then the potential for trouble."

Luis Hoping For Change Of Luck

Luis Suarez believes the Reds can take some positives from the number of times they have hit the woodwork in 2011-12 – but he is hoping for more luck in front of goal next season.

Kenny Dalglish's men have hit the frame of the goal 29 times so far this campaign, including Maxi Rodriguez's strike against the post in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final victory over Everton.

Next season our top scorer hopes some of those near-misses will become goals.

"When you shoot, you can look for the spaces between the posts and the goalkeeper," Suarez said when he was interviewed exclusively in this week's LFC magazine. "But instinctively, you usually aim for the corners, which means that there's a chance the ball might hit the post. I think we have hit the post more times than the crossbar.

"Sometimes this happens. As a striker, you can shoot from 25 yards and hit the post with a shot that is technically perfect. But you can also be looking the wrong way, the ball hits you on the knee and it goes in. The next minute, you score again and you're on a run.

"There is an element of luck. It would be more worrying if chances were not being created. Maybe next season, all the ones that hit the post and come out may go in."

Johnson Calls For League Focus

Glen Johnson says Liverpool must remain focused on their league form and not get distracted by the forthcoming FA Cup final with Chelsea.

Having already won the Carling Cup, the Reds have a chance to complete a domestic double at Wembley on 5th May - just the fourth time any side have achieved the feat.

But with the club eighth in the Premier League and on course for their worst finish since 1994, the England defender says they must improve their league form before they think about any more silverware.

"We'll take each game as it comes," said Johnson.

"The preparations will be the same as usual. We've got a game on Sunday against West Brom so we've got to enjoy the win and then we'll look forward to that game before the final.

"We need to take every game as it comes and we've got a few more games before then.

"But it (the final) is going to be there in the back of people's minds. Hopefully we can pick up another trophy.

"The lads got a buzz for winning stuff a few months back in the Carling Cup and luckily we're in another final."