Dirk Kuyt Welcomes Competition For Places At Liverpool

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Liverpool FC Hopeful Glen Johnson Will Shrug Off Valencia Injury

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'They Did LFC Proud'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Match Report: Liverpool 2 - 0 Valencia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carroll, meanwhile, looks to be shaping up well.

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

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

Dalglish Bemoans Midweek Internationals Before Premier League Campaign

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tottenham To Lodge Surprise Bid For Liverpool Star

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

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

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

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

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

Liverpool Agree Fee For Jose Enrique

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gattuso: 'Milan Need An Aquilani'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Liverpool Accept City's Offer For Ayala

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

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

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

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

U16s Secure Semi Berth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Liverpool Offer Double Swap Deal In Exchange For England International

Liverpool is to offer both Sotirios Kyrgiakos and David Ngog to Bolton Wanderers in exchange for their defender Gary Cahill - according to Footybunker.

The Merseyside club value Ngog at £4.5m, which Bolton boss Owen Coyle is reluctant to pay outright, but the swap deal could prove more enticing.

It is unknown what the Trotters think of Kyrgiakos though - and the Reds defender is now somewhat of a veteran at the age of 32, and can only be considered a short term solution wherever he plays.

Liverpool is to offer a cash sum in addition to those two players, meaning they will abandon their pursuit of Birmingham City defender Scott Dann.

That would leave Jose Enrique as the only remaining target for the summer, meaning Kenny Dalglish could have assembled a formidable line-up for the coming season.

Liverpool Join Arsenal In Race To Sign Everton Star

Liverpool will attempt the impossible and try to prise Leighton Baines from crosstown rivals Everton.

The Reds have been stung into action after Arsenal expressed their interest in the England left back with a view to placing a bid for the player who was the best in his position in the Premier League last season. Manager Kenny Dalglish is desperate to sign a left back with Fabio Aurelio's continual injury problems a cause for concern and the lack of a senior back up option at the club. Glen Johnson performed admirably when called upon last campaign but Dalglish would prefer him to play in his natural position on the other side of the defence.

This has led to the interest in Baines though in an effort to keep relations between the two Merseyside club's cordial, the men from Anfield initially disregarded the option of making an approach knowing the answer would be an emphatic no. However, the Gunners interest - which has supplanted their desire to sign his Baines Goodison Park team mate Phil Jagielka - has prompted a change of heart.

Even so, it seems inconceivable that Everton would let one of their prized assets move across Stanley Park unless a truly jaw-dropping amount of money was on the table. Arsenal, it would appear, are still in the box seat should the Toffees decide to sell.

Dyer Linked With Liverpool Switch

Swansea may be bracing themselves for a shock bid from Liverpool for Nathan Dyer, after clinching the signing of Wayne Routledge.

It's been suggested that the Swans have moved to secure the signature of another winger as they fear losing Dyer due to a dispute over a new contract.

Routledge, who has just the Premier League new boys from Newcastle for an undisclosed fee, certainly shares many qualities with his fellow wide man, but manager Brendan Rodgers would ideally like to have both players in the same team.

However, the Swans can't afford to risk letting the 23-year-old walk away for nothing as Dorus de Vries and Darren Pratley did this summer, as he is now in the final 12 months of his existing deal.

Rodgers was initially optimistic that Dyer would put pen to paper on a new deal, but the reported interest from Liverpool is a concern, particularly with the Reds' new policy of signing top young British talent.

I Am Not Here To Replace Xabi Alonso – Charlie Adam

Charlie Adam has dismissed suggestions that he has been brought to Liverpool in order to replace former midfielder Xabi Alonso.

The Spaniard moved to Real Madrid in 2009 shortly after the Reds finished second in the league, but his departure from Anfield triggered a dramatic collapse in form as replacement Alberto Aquilani struggled with injuries and the side failed to qualify for the Champions League.

While Alonso continues to impress in Madrid, Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has brought in midfielders Adam and Jordan Henderson to compete with the players already at the club.

However, Adam insists he is not worried about trying to replace the Spanish World Cup winner and is focused on just cementing a spot in Dalglish’s side.

“Xabi Alonso was a top player at this club. He's a World Cup winner, he's won the European Championships,” he told reporters.

“He's done everything as a player and he's at one of the best clubs in the world with Real Madrid, so it's nice to know that people think I might come in and replace him - but I'm coming here to be Charlie Adam and not to replace anybody else."

He added: “I was young when I was at Rangers and I only played a few games so I had to go on loan and went to Blackpool. Some people said it was a step backwards but I saw it as a step forward and now with this move to Liverpool I see that as another step forward.

“I'm just fortunate enough that I've been able to play with some good players who have helped me get to this position but I don't want to rest and just say that I'm here to make up the numbers. I came here to play and to hopefully help the team.”

Adam moved to Merseyside after impressing with Blackpool last season.

Blackpool competed in the top flight despite having a very limited budget, something Adam believes is the biggest achievement in English football, but he says that he is glad that his move to Anfield finally came through after missing out in January.

“It was a long four or five months and obviously with all the speculation in January it was tough," he said.

“When you get an opportunity to come to a club like this, you think that it might never come back.

“Fortunately I've got a manager who wanted me to come again in the summer and I was just delighted to get that reward and join this club.

“They're both very different things. Liverpool is a worldwide club but it was still an honour to play for Blackpool and to achieve what I achieved.

“Nobody expected it with Blackpool and I think it was the biggest achievement ever in the history of the English game, considering the budget the manager had and the players we managed to get in.

“Coming to a club like Liverpool and walking through the door everyday and seeing the European trophy sitting there you realize it's such a special club, and there are not many clubs like it in the world.

“Hopefully I can get the opportunity to play for us and do well.”

He added: “Now I'm a Liverpool player I don't just want to just rest and say 'That's me done' for the next however many years. I want to be here and I want to stay here. This is a wonderful club with wonderful people in charge and hopefully I can repay their faith with my performances on the pitch."

Anderlecht Complete Signing Of Milan Jovanovic

Anderlecht has completed the signing of Milan Jovanovic from Liverpool after the forward failed to make an impact at Anfield.

The Serbian international joined the club following the 2010 World Cup, while previous boss Roy Hodgson was at the helm.

The 30-year-old found first team opportunities hard to come by though and was regularly on the fringes of matchday squads.

Jovanovic's departure follows the arrival of a host of midfielders at Liverpool this summer, with Kenny Dalglish bolstering his squad for the new Premier League season.

Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson have arrived from Aston Villa, Blackpool and Sunderland respectively as the Anfield club's spending has passed far beyond £40 million during this transfer window.

Paul Konchesky has also departed Liverpool this summer for Leicester City, while the futures of a string of other Reds players remain in doubt.

Jovanovic returns to Belgium having previously played for Standard Liege.

LFC Change Lives In West Africa

Liverpool FC and Oxfam have joined forces to change lives in West Africa.

The Standard Chartered strip, which was worn proudly by the likes of Luis Suarez and Dirk Kuyt last season, has been donated by the club's award winning Community Department to Oxfam.

The full strip, including training gear and boots, is going to a project in Dakar, Senegal, called Frip Ethique.

The football kits will be sold in the local community by a project supported by Oxfam which will help to create jobs and re-inject cash in the local economy.

Serena Tramonti from Oxfam, said: "We are extremely grateful to Liverpool Football Club's Community Department for giving us the kit.

"About 14 months ago Liverpool FC Community Department and Oxfam went to South Africa just before the World Cup and we visited various projects there. Together with the LFC community coaches, we worked with local organizations and small football clubs to raise awareness of HIV and Aids.

"Everyone loved the community department and all of the coaches were absolutely fantastic with the kids, so it's a real pleasure to work with them again on this project.

"The Liverpool badge is famous all around the world and it grabs everyone's attention. It's a great way of being able to communicate with people.

"The kit will go Frip Ethique, a textile recycling centre in Dakar, Senegal where Oxfam provides work for over 40 women sorting clothing for the local markets. This is an important project in a country where half the population is jobless and below the poverty line.

"In a country like Senegal which has been devastated for years by conflict, being able to inject money and generate employment is vital to make a difference long term and help people to get themselves out of poverty.

"Frip Ethique is very unique as normally donated clothes get distributed through our shop network, but the Liverpool kit is going to go directly to the people of Senegal and will make a huge difference there."

Liverpool FC Community Coach Eddie Sullivan said: "It is a pleasure for the football club to give this kit to Oxfam. They are an organization that is renowned throughout the world for the work it does.

"It is a very humbling experience when we go all around the world and meet these people. They are fantastic and we are just delighted to be able to make a difference.

"We have been all over the world with the community department including Russia, China, India, Sudan, South Africa and we work with underprivileged children and homeless children as well.

"When the kids see the badge of the club their eyes light up and it's fantastic for us to help try and make a difference to their lives."

Reds Honoured In Switzerland

Ian Ayre used an international conference to speak of his admiration for several members of Liverpool's Ability Counts squad earlier this week - but how did the lads react when they saw what he had to say?

Speaking at the Football Is More forum in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland, Ayre explained why good role models are vital to the Reds.

But it was not only the likes of Kenny Dalglish, Steven Gerrard and Ian Rush mentioned by the Managing Director as he took the opportunity to praise the Ability Counts team.

Ahead of the European disabled football tournament, the squad watched Ayre's speech at their team hotel in Switzerland - and our cameras were on hand to capture their reaction.

Spirit of Shankly Exhibition Charts Rise Of Fans’ Group

Its a celebration of the long but ultimately successful battle to rid Liverpool of Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

‘Spirit of Shankly: The noise that refused to be dealt with’ is an exhibition of 16 photographs taken by group member and photographer John Johnson.

They are on display at Unit 28 on the first floor of Liverpool’s Met Quarter shopping centre until September 2.

From the big dig protest to the marches, the images highlight the impact of the fans’ organization which was formed in January 2008.

Johnson said: “As a photographer and lifelong Liverpool supporter I felt compelled to document those dark days of rule at the hands of Hicks and Gillett and more importantly the subsequent uprising from fellow fans.

“An uprising which would lead to the formation of the Spirit of Shankly, the first independent football supporters’ union in the UK.

“I hope that this exhibition gives some small insight into that birth, struggle and eventual triumph.”