Dalglish: Alberto Aquilani Is A Quality Player

Kenny Dalglish has opened the door for Alberto Aquilani to return to the Liverpool squad next season by declaring that the midfielder would be welcomed back to the club.

The Italian signed in 2009 to replace Xabi Alonso, who had moved to Real Madrid, but injuries and a lack of form limited him to a handful of appearances at Anfield and Roy Hodgson loaned him out to Juventus last summer.

The 26-year-old, who has scored twice in 36 appearances for the Serie A side, was expected to make his move to Turin permanent but the club has not made a bid which matches Liverpool’s valuation.

And newly confirmed manager Dalglish has said that the player would be a welcome addition to his squad for next season.

"There's a distinct possibility he could be back here. He's a quality player," he told reporters.

"He got off to a bad start here with his injuries and never really got going after missing preseason.

"He went out on loan and has done very well over there. If he was to come back here, for me that would be like a new face coming in."

Dalglish has confirmed that the club's owner, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), has given him money to spend this summer and the Scot is determined to spend it on quality players, in the mold of Luis Suarez who has been a massive hit since joining in January.

"The people we'll be looking at are of the highest caliber, because the players here have done really well since January," said Dalglish.

"It would be disrespectful to them not for us not to be looking at a higher level.

"We've had a great end to the season. There will be lots of work done in the close season and we'll take it from there.

"Although it might affect them, players themselves expect new faces to come in and give the place a lift. It'll happen and they know it'll happen.

"If we get some quality people in to go along with the people already here that will help everyone - it always helps to freshen up the dressing room.

"But if we're bringing anyone in they've got to be better than what we've got - and that's going to be a big ask."

Dalglish has insisted that players on the periphery of the team will stay unless the club receives a suitable offer.

He added: "They are still our players unless someone comes and takes them away from us.

"We've got to assess what we need, and that includes the players who have been out on loan.

"They'll assess where they've been and the other club will assess them.

"Alberto is the highest profile but we've got decisions to make on those players but it may be dictated to be someone else making up their own mind.

"We've not had time to sit down and discuss the players who have been out on loan apart from Alberto."

Youngsters Delighted By Reds Visit

Liverpool U18s have continued to thrill the people on the Caribbean island of St Vincent after dropping in on four local schools on Friday morning.

Rodolfo Borrell and his 20-man squad held a Q & A session with star-struck pupils of CW Prescod Primary, Kingstown Preparatory, St Vincent Grammar and Thomas Saunders Secondary School before taking to the field to run some fun-filled training sessions.

The visit proved to be just as enjoyable for the Reds players as it was for the natives and midfielder Krisztian Adorjan told us he was delighted to take part.

"It was a really good experience and we all had a great time," said Adorjan.

"We gave the kids some kit and some footballs and we really hope they can put them to good use. They all love football and that really showed throughout the session."

Dalglish Won't Settle For Second Best

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish insists it will be "disrespectful'' to his current squad not to make top-quality signings in the summer but also did not rule out a return for some familiar faces.

Dalglish accepts there will be some movement in and out but he will not settle for anything less than the best in terms of new arrivals.

Less than a year ago the club were going through a tumultuous time with manager Rafael Benitez having left and the search for new owners still a few months away from completion.

Americans Tom Hicks and George Gillett were trying to manage huge interest payments on loans they had taken out and new boss Roy Hodgson, having sold Javier Mascherano and Albert Riera and loaned out the likes of Alberto Aquilani and Emiliano Insua, was unable to replace like-for-like in the transfer market.

The arrivals of Denmark midfielder Christian Poulsen and Paul Konchesky, aged 30 and 29 at the time, did little to quell the growing feeling of concern at where things were heading at Anfield, although Raul Meireles has since turned out to be a decent signing.

But since Fenway Sports Group's buyout in October the future looks healthier both on the pitch and in terms of the bank balance and Dalglish has stressed the club will no longer settle for second-best when it comes to transfers.

"The people we'll be looking at are of the highest calibre, because the players here have done really well since January,'' said Dalglish.

"It would be disrespectful to them not for us not to be looking at a higher level. We've had a great end to the season. There will be lots of work done in the close season and we'll take it from there.

"Although it might affect them, players themselves expect new faces to come in and give the place a lift. It'll happen and they know it'll happen.

"If we get some quality people in to go along with the people already here that will help everyone - it always helps to freshen up the dressing room.

"But if we're bringing anyone in they've got to be better than what we've got - and that's going to be a big ask.''

And while Dalglish and director of football Damien Comolli cast their nets far and wide in an attempt to secure the best players the manager revealed some solutions may lie closer to home.

One of the first things Hodgson did when he took over in July was trim the squad, with Aquilani, Insua, Philipp Degen and Nabil El Zhar among those sent out on loan.

Aquilani's departure was the most high-profile, having arrived in a £17 million deal the previous summer, but the deadline for Juventus to sign the Italy international permanently has now passed with the Serie A side apparently unwilling to meet the club's valuation of the player.

Liverpool Move For £15m Wing Star Set To Go Ahead

Aston Villa are reportedly resigned to losing Ashley Young to either Liverpool or Manchester United this summer.

According to Metro, Villa are ready to pave the way for Young to seal a dream move at the end of the season after acknowledging that he won't sign a new contract.

The England winger has just one year remaining on his current deal, so Villa are preparing to cash in on the 25-year-old, rather than let him leave on a free transfer next June.

It was reported by The Guardian last week that Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group are 'increasingly confident' of sealing a deal for the £15 million-rated midfielder, and Anfield now appears to be his most likely destination.

Liverpool has been linked with the former Watford man for several months, and Damien Comolli is understood to have been monitoring his progress with great interest.

The Liverpool director of football has previously stated that the Reds may move for Young, should he become available, and it now seems as though the Anfield club will get their wish at the end of the season.

Liverpool Ready £20 Million Offer For World Cup Winner

Kenny Dalglish has reportedly added another stellar name to his long list of potential summer recruits; that of Sevilla winger Jesus Navas.

Though Navas has been a one-club man for the entirety of his career since joining Sevilla's youth system at the tender age of 15, the Liverpool boss will be very keen to bring the 25 year-old to Anfield in the close season.

It is thought Dalglish has earmarked the eleven-cap Spain international as a perfect foil for his recently-acquired strike partnership of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.

Despite suffering from chronic homesickness, Navas declared himself fit to travel to South Africa for the FIFA World Cup last summer, stating, "To play for your country is the greatest thing and I hope to be able to do so."

The three appearances he chalked up along Spain's successful campaign included a cameo appearance against the Netherlands in the final.

Although Navas has been largely hampered by injury throughout this current season, restricted to just 15 outings in La Liga, he was on hand to score a rare headed goal in Sevilla's 1-1 draw with Barcelona in March.

Should he make the decision to leave the club he has played for over 300 times, he would be welcomed with open arms at Liverpool. For a start, he would be reunited with Pepe Reina, his international teammate.

Diego Could Make His Long Awaited Move To Liverpool In June

Liverpool are preparing to table a summer bid for highly rated Wolfsburg playmaker Diego in a deal that has been labelled as the potential bargain of the summer according to The Sun.

The 26-year-old Brazilian midfielder has been valued at €10million by the Bundesliga outfit, as Diego looks set to depart Germany after a solitary season.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is looking to add more creativity to the Liverpool midfield, after finding his side struggle to break teams down at times this season.

With the January additions of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll, Liverpool now have a potent strikeforce, but often lack the cutting edge to service their front line.

Diego has been linked with a move to Anfield before, but at the time Wolfsburg's €15million price tag was considered too high.

Now under the ownership of Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool carry more weight in the transfer market, as they prepare to further strengthen the Reds’ squad.

Having snubbed a place on the Wolfsburg bench for last weekend's game against Hoffenheim, newly installed coach Felix Magath has given up hope of retaining Diego's services, and as a result has slashed his asking price accordingly.

"If a club wants to sign Diego, they need to get in touch with us," Magath told German newspaper Bild.

The Brazilian international is set to be hit with a hefty fine for his latest antics, but despite that, Magath insisted nothing concrete will be decided on his future until the club speaks to the player.

"There is no new state of affair, no decision has been taken yet - neither one way or the other and there is plenty of time until pre-season to have a conversation with Diego."

Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli has given the green light to proceed with negotiations that could see the exciting South American star make his long-awaited move to Anfield when the transfer window reopens in June.

Liverpool Seek Hazard Swap As Lille Move For Jovanovic

Lille is chasing Liverpool striker Milan Jovanovic.

The Daily Mail says Jovanovic has played his last game for Liverpool after undergoing an operation to remove a cyst in his knee.

The Serbian is recovering in Qatar and is wanted by French league leaders Lille.

He could be used as a makeweight in a potential deal for Eden Hazard.

Kenny: I Won't Spoil Skrtel Feat

Kenny Dalglish today spoke of how Martin Skrtel has grown in stature this season as the Slovakian prepares to complete a remarkable feat of playing in every minute of every Barclays Premier League match.

Just one other outfield player can boast such a record - Everton's Player of the Year Leighton Baines.

Dalglish told reporters ahead of Sunday's trip to Villa Park: "It's a fantastic achievement but we have to wait and see if he's playing on Sunday or not! No, I wouldn't like to spoil that perfect record.

"He's been fantastic this year and really grown in stature. He's been a real asset for us.

"He gets credit from the people who really matter - the people here. He wouldn't have played every game if not."

Liverpool travel south having seen their Europa League qualification hopes dashed by a 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham last weekend.

Dalglish has been impressed with the reaction of his players this week.

"I don't think they were too happy but they've got the chance to put that right on Sunday," said the Scot.

"Training has been good - it's always good. They are looking forward to the game but the disappointment should be there.

"There were some positive vibes that came out of the game on Sunday."

Liverpool needs to better the result gained by Tottenham at home to Birmingham to qualify for continental competition next term.

On how closely he will be following events from White Hart Lane, the boss added: "Everyone knows the results from most matches whether it's the first, last or middle game of the season. You know what's going on at most places.

"It'll be no different on Sunday but we'll concentrate on our own game and see if we get any favours from somewhere else."

Some have questioned how beneficial entry to the Europa League is for clubs such as Liverpool, with participation meaning most Barclays Premier League games are shifted to Sunday.

But Dalglish won't be drawn into a debate about the competition's value.

"The most important thing for us is to win the game on Sunday and see where it takes us," he said.

"If we're in the Europa League we're in it, if we're not we just have to get on with it."

On whether not being in the Europa League would harm our chances of developing youngsters or attractive players, Dalglish added: "Maybe a couple of your points are fair, but a couple of them don't make any difference.

"On developing young players, we're going into a competition next year that will help develop young players in Europe. That's not an issue."

Aston Villa has nothing but pride to play for on Sunday having secured their top-flight status despite a serious illness to their manager Gerard Houllier.

In his absence caretaker boss Gary McAllister has overseen some impressive results, including a victory against Arsenal last weekend.

Dalglish added: "The illness to Gerard doesn't help but they are both fantastic footballing people and they've done the most important thing - keeping Aston Villa in the Premier League.

"I'm sure Gary would much rather have Gerard in the role he was meant to be in when he went there, but fate took over. He's done well to keep them up.

"Villa had a fantastic result last week at the Emirates. It's their last home game and I'm sure they'll want to finish the season on a high. They'll be well up for the game."

Dalglish Would Welcome Aquilani

Kenny Dalglish has refused to rule out the possibility of Alberto Aquilani playing a part in Liverpool's revival.

The 26-year-old has been out on loan at Juventus this season having failed to impress since he was signed in the summer of 2009 for £17million.

However, Dalglish is a known admirer of the talented playmaker and it now seems more than likely he will return to Anfield for the new season.

Juventus have missed the deadline by which a deal for the Italy international should have been concluded and the Reds boss has stated he would welcome him back.

"There's a distinct possibility he could be back here. He's a quality player," he said.

"He got off to a bad start here with his injuries and never really got going after missing pre-season.

"He went out on loan and has done very well over there. If he was to come back here, for me that would be like a new face coming in."

As well as Aquilani, Emiliano Insua, Philipp Degen and Nabil El Zhar will all return after being sent out on loan by former boss Roy Hodgson.

The reshaping of the Liverpool squad is further complicated by what to do with fringe players like Joe Cole and Milan Jovanovic.

But Dalglish insists he will not make any rash decisions on players and that everyone will be judged on merit.

"They are still our players unless someone comes and takes them away from us," he added.

"We've got to assess what we need, and that includes the players who have been out on loan.

"They'll assess where they've been and the other club will assess them.

"Alberto is the highest profile but we've got decisions to make on those players but it may be dictated to by someone else making up their own mind.

"We've not had time to sit down and discuss the players who have been out on loan apart from Alberto."

Dalglish Happy Enough If Carroll Is Picked For U21s

Kenny Dalglish says he would have no problems if Liverpool striker Andy Carroll is called up by England for the forthcoming Under-21 European Championships.

Controversy has surrounded Stuart Pearce's squad selection for the summer tournament, with Arsene Wenger warning that Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere should not be picked - especially if Carroll, a player in a similar situation, is excused from action.

But Dalglish insists he has no problem with the £35 million striker being selected for the event, believing it to be part and parcel of international football.

He also paid tribute to Carroll's team-mate Jay Spearing, who is one name almost certain to be included in Pearce's final squad when it is named next week.

"We will wait and see if he [Carroll] is picked on Monday," Dalglish said. "At the moment Jay is in the squad and he's not had a mention.

"If he gets into the Under-21 squad it is a fantastic reward for what he's done.

"If any other of our players go then fine."

Dalglish also hopes midfielder Raul Meireles will be fit for the final game of the season, as the Reds face Aston Villa.

"He is training, so I think we should have him in and around the game for Sunday," the Scot added. "We won't take any chances, but we expect him to be fit."

Poulsen Sees His Future At Liverpool

Christian Poulsen says he is determined to stay at Liverpool and fight for his place, despite failing to hold down a first team place this season.

The Danish international midfielder was brought in by Roy Hodgson last summer, but weak performances has made him struggle to break into the first team – although he has made 21 appearances for the Reds.

Poulsen hasn’t been in action since the Reds went out of the Europa League to Braga in March.

He has been strongly rumoured to be one of the players on Kenny Dalglish‘s exit list this summer, but the 31-year-old believes there is a future for him at Anfield.

“Of course it’s been a difficult season for me,” he said. “I came under Roy Hodgson and halfway through the season he left but I have still had some good times here.

“I am feeling settled here with my family. I have three kids now and we had a baby in February who was born in Liverpool.

“What I miss of course is playing more but I hope the future will be brighter for me at Liverpool.

“I have two years of my contract left so yes I think my future will be here.”

Kenny Keeps Focus On Villa

Kenny Dalglish insists Liverpool will not be distracted by the events at White Hart Lane when they travel to Aston Villa on Sunday.

The Reds are still battling Tottenham for a fifth-placed finish, and Europa League qualification, as the campaign reaches its conclusion this weekend.

Dalglish's side will leapfrog Spurs into fifth if they better their result against Birmingham, while Harry Redknapp's side will clinch the spot if they collect three points.

But the manager is adamant Liverpool's sole focus is on ending the season with a win, no matter what unfolds at The Lane.

"We want to end the season with a victory that would give us a chance of finishing as high up the table as possible," Dalglish told Liverpool's official website.

"That's always been our aim and as long as a higher position is attainable we'll continue to go for it.

"All we can do is concentrate on our own game and not worry about anyone else. We can't affect another team's results, so there is no point in worrying about it."

Dalglish admits the Reds could face a tough task at Villa after they clinched an unexpected 2-1 win at Arsenal last weekend.

"Our job involves getting maximum points at Villa Park," he added. "That's never an easy task and I'm sure it won't be this weekend.

"Villa had a terrific result away at Arsenal on Sunday - we know how difficult it is to travel to the Emirates.

"To go there and win 2-1 shows what Villa is capable of. We'll have to perform well if we are to get something from them on Sunday."

Clarke Still Has Manager Ambition

Steve Clarke admits he still has managerial ambitions - but claims a three-year contract working alongside Kenny Dalglish at Liverpool was too good to turn down.

The 47-year-old is one of the most respected coaches in the game, with former boss Jose Mourinho once saying, 'I think he is much, much better than many managers who are in charge of teams at the moment.'

Clarke made no secret of wanting to become a manager after leaving West Ham last summer - but that desire is now on hold after signing a long-term deal as first-team coach under Dalglish.

In a fascinating interview with Liverpoolfc.tv, Clarke said: "Circumstances dictate what happens in football. After I left West Ham at the end of last season I thought I would try my hand at management. Nothing came up in that short period - one or two possibilities but nothing concrete developed.

"Then I came here and I've enjoyed it. Working with Kenny I can improve myself as a coach and a person. I can learn a lot from Kenny as a manager, as I've done from previous managers I've worked with.

"My ambition to be a manager will never go away until I do it. But that's something for the future. For now it's to focus on the job at hand.

"It was a great moment to sign the contract. It's always nice when you get rewarded for doing a good job. It's good to settle everything down and have positive things to look forward to in the future.

"Obviously when you come to a place and you're on a short-term contract, you don't quite put down the roots you should because you're never quite sure if you're going to be there long-term. Now I've got a three-year contract I'll be looking to buy a place and settle down in the Liverpool area."

Alex O'Hanlon Joins Reds From St Kevin’s Boys’ Club

Liverpool have beaten off the advances of Manchester United and Chelsea to sign highly-rated Irish teenager Alex O'Hanlon, it has been claimed.

According to The Times, the Reds have won the race for the 15-year-old, who has been nurtured in the famed stable of St Kevin’s Boys’ Club - a former home to Liam Brady, Damien Duff and Ian Harte.

A deal for the youngster represents quite a coup for Liverpool with Real Madrid also having allegedly been tracking the left-back.

Billed as one of the most exciting talents to emerge from Ireland for several years, the defender has been compared to Tottenham flyer Gareth Bale.

“He is very highly thought of. He’s an excellent full-back and hopefully he might turn out like Gareth Bale," Brendan Bermingham, secretary of St Kevin’s Boys’ Club, said.

“He’s got a really good attitude, quiet and unassuming. He’s just football, football, football.”

The acquisition of O'Hanlon serves as further evidence of Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group fulfilling their promise to bring the cream of young talent to Anfield.

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner recently reinforced FSG's pledge, while director of football Damien Comolli has been tasked with persuading teenage stars that Anfield is the right place for them to further develop their careers.

Eden Hazard Will Not Discuss A Potential Move To Liverpool Until The Summer

Liverpool target Eden Hazard has refused to comment on the continuous speculation that surrounds his future until the end of the season according to skysports.com.

The 20-year-old Belgian international winger has drawn plaudits from all corners of the globe after a series of scintillating displays in Ligue 1 this season, and as a result the Lille playmaker is not short of clubs queuing up for his signature.

Reports in the French press claim that one club has already made an offer of €23million in an attempt to secure Hazard’s heavily coveted signature.

But the player himself has shelved all talk until the summer and instead remains focused on helping Lille in their hunt for the domestic title.

Speaking after their recent 1-0 victory over Sochaux, Hazard intimated:

"I am just thinking about winning the league and we are almost there.

"I am not thinking about transfers. I have many contacts but my advisers and the club are the ones controlling that side of things.

"I am happy to see Gervinho scoring and taking us closer to our dream. I want to win the league and transfer talk can wait for a bit."

Liverpool is thought to be the club in pole position for Hazard’s services, with Reds boss Kenny Dalglish keen to add two wide midfielders to his Anfield ranks.

Having exploited the January transfer window to bring headline signings Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll to Anfield, Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group are set to back the club financially once again to continue the rebuilding process.

Director of Football Damien Comolli has received favourable reports from Liverpool’s scouting network, meaning the Reds are now poised to step up their pursuit in order to clinch a deal that could see Hazard move to Merseyside in the summer.

Liverpool Plot £10m Blues Defender Addition

Liverpool are preparing to make the first move for Birmingham defender Scott Dann, according to reports.

The 24-year-old centre back has impressed in the Barclays Premier League since moving to St Andrew's back in 2009, and now Kenny Dalglish is reportedly keen to bring the player to Anfield.

A Liverpool move hinges on whether the Blues survive this season, according to the Daily Mail, with Dann set to become available should Alex McLeish's side go down.

Reputed to be one of the top earners at the Midlands outfit, the report claims Dann would be priced at £10 million is well within the Reds budget should they wish to make a move for the player.

Dalglish is known to have a number of transfer targets in mind for the summer, and Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group have vowed to back the manager financially after he committed to a three-year deal on Merseyside.

A defender, attacking midfielder, winger and striker are all thought to be on the Liverpool wish list, with Dalglish and Damien Comolli, director of football at Anfield, set for a busy summer when the transfer window reopens.

Dalglish Fighting Teammates For £15m Target's Signature

Jonas Gutierrez says he is trying to convince Jose Enrique to stay at Newcastle, as a huge offer looms from Liverpool.

Enrique, Gutierrez and Fabricio Coloccini have been dubbed the ‘Three Amigos’ for their close relationship both on and off the field, and Gutierrez is hoping Enrique decides against a move to Liverpool.

“It is very important for me to have those guys around me, more outside the pitch than on the pitch,” Gutierrez told The Journal.

“But on the pitch, what I have down the left side with José is something no other Premier League team has. It is a very special relationship.

“We have an amazing understanding, almost telepathic. Having José playing the way he does is brilliant for me and because we get on so well, we know what each other is thinking.”

Gutierrez goes as far as to rate the Liverpool target, valued by the BBC at £15 million, as one of the best current left backs in the English game.

“He is one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, right up there with (Ashley) Cole, (Patrice) Evra and (Gaël) Clichy,” he said.

“He is only young so is going to get even stronger.

“As long as he keeps thinking he has to learn more and more, there is every chance he will be in the Spanish national team very soon.

“He has all the qualities to be there, he just needs to fine-tune his game.”

While Gutierrez highly rates his teammate, so does Kenny Dalglish, with the Liverpool manager reportedly already having discussed a deal with the left back.

Liverpool legend Phil Thompson, a close friend of Dalglish’s, recently claimed on a Norwegian TV station that a deal for Enrique to make the move to Merseyside had already been agreed to.

“From what I've heard, yes the deal has been done and he will come to Liverpool,” Thompson told Norwegian station TV2.

“It'll be interesting because he's done very well. He had a difficult first season coming into the Premier League a couple of years ago but he really understands the game now.

“He's one of those full backs who is good going forward but he's also a good defender and I think that is the main thing.”

Raul Meireles Looks For Contract Improvement After Successful First Season

Liverpool midfielder Raul Meireles will ask the club to improve his contract after being deemed a success in his first season on Merseyside, according to The Guardian.

The Portuguese international joined from Porto last summer on a rumoured £30,000 a week contract but was promised a summer review of those terms if he adapted well to the Premier League.

He said recently: "If I had this opportunity I'd sign a new contract today. [For] 10 years, 20 years, for sure."

Meireles has flourished in the Premier League this season, particularly since the return of Kenny Dalglish, under whom he has scored all of his five goals this season.

The former Porto midfielder, 27, also won the prestigious PFA Fans' Player of the Year award.

Steve Clarke Insists Big Changes Are Not Needed At Anfield

Liverpool first team coach Steve Clarke believes wholesale changes are not necessary to ensure the Merseyside club challenge for the Champions League places next term.

Clarke joined his countryman Kenny Dalglish at Anfield in January 2011, and the Scotsman is confident that the current squad, along with a limited number of additions, will have the quality to reclaim its place amongst the Premier League’s top teams.

"We have a decent squad here, a lot of good players who have shown that for us," Clarke told LFC TV. "If we can find two or three players that can add to the squad then that is what we should do.

"If we can't find the right players to improve us at the right time then I think we have enough to keep us moving forward.

"We've also got the young players coming through - that has been a big plus for everyone at the club this season.

"If we can continue with the nucleus of the established players we have and keep adding one or two kids and then maybe improve one or two in the summer."

The 47-year-old also hailed the impact of Dalglish and believes he has struck up an effective relationship with the manager and his assistant Sammy Lee.

"In the short time we have been here I think we have shown a good working relationship," Clarke added.

"The club feels it is on an upward curve at the moment and that is good for everyone.

"If we can build on what we can achieve in the short spell things will be brighter in the future."

The former Chelsea and Newcastle United man also stated that while there was disappointment at the possibility of missing out on Europa League qualification following Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham, a top-six finish is still a significant achievement for a side which had been previously cut adrift from the league’s top sides.

"I would have been happy [to be in Europa League contention] but when I came here I saw how achievable it was to get into the top six," he said.

"In my head I had a point’s total I thought was achievable and although we haven't got that yet it is still possible and if we get to that it will be a pleasing job we will have done in the second half of the season.

"But I don't think it is right to set too many big targets or goals. We are guaranteed a top-six finish and if results go our way we can get fifth. If not, top six is good from where we were in January.

"Next year we have to look at it but you have to consider the strength of the league. There are a lot of good teams up there.

"Breaking into the top four will always be difficult but if people want to set that as an objective I'm happy to take that on board."

Jamie Carragher Knows Management Move Would Mean Changes

Liverpool vice-captain Jamie Carragher admits he will have to modify his ultra-competitive on-field attitude if he eventually decides to go into management.

The 33-year-old still has more than a year left on his current deal at Anfield but has long been linked with a move into coaching.

Carragher, the club's second highest appearance-maker with 667, is playing under his fifth Liverpool manager in Kenny Dalglish and accepts he has learned much from all of them.

He does not know what sort of boss he would make should he decides to take the plunge when he eventually does retire from playing, only that he will have to be a lot calmer.

"I probably wouldn't be able to lose my temper as much as I do on the pitch," said the centre-back.

"Managers these days don't really lose their temper too much, it's the way the modern manager is.

"I'd imagine if Kenny wasn't happy about something he just wouldn't pick you, I suppose that's the best way because sometimes it doesn't matter how much you shout.

"He is very easy going, which is maybe different to other managers I've worked under.

"They had their own styles, which again I've learned from in different ways.

"Every manager does it his own way and Kenny is an individual - he has a sense of humour and he wants that to rub off on his players.

"What it boils down to is success. If you win, it's the right way and if you don't it's looked at as being the wrong way.

"There is no set pattern to being a manager and any player will tell you that they take little things from every manager or coach you play for.

"But when you get into a job like that you only learn from your mistakes - the more experience you get, the better you get in dealing with situations.

"However, until it happens it is not something I'm really thinking about."

Recently Carragher has been focused more on helping teenage defenders John Flanagan and Jack Robinson settle into the first team after injuries forced them to be fast-tracked from the reserves.

It has been an easier job than he could have expected as both, particularly Flanagan who has featured in the past six matches, have not looked out of place.

That points to a healthier future not only for the first team but the academy, from where Carragher himself graduated.

"What Flanno has done is to give everyone at the academy and club generally a lot of hope," he added.

"Supporters want to see local lads progress but more importantly for the lads hoping to progress they now think 'Well, Flanno's done it, so can I'.

"He's in the team on merit now and has shown he is capable of playing out of his comfort zone (at left-back against Newcastle and Fulham)."