Joe Cole Eyes Permanent Move To Lille

Joe Cole has admitted he would be happy to make a permanent move to French side Lille at the end of his season-long loan from Liverpool.

Following a frustrating season at Anfield in which the midfielder struggled to make an impact, the 29-year-old moved to the Ligue 1 champions in search of regular football.

"I talked to manager Rudi Garcia and he has the same game philosophy that I have, so I really wanted to come," Cole told L'Equipe.

"You have to make choices in life, and it was certainly not the simplest to me. The easy options were to remain in London or England.

"But I was excited. We are competing for the national title and I can play in the Champions League.

"Finally, it is a young team with great guys that really play good football and I have always dreamt of playing abroad."

He added: "Will I remain at Lille next season? That is possible. They are happy with me, and vice versa, so why not?

"We have started to build a bridge. I really love to play here. I hope it will be a success for everyone."

Cole believes that English players would benefit from moving abroad and experiencing different styles of the game.

"The English players get experience abroad which can enrich our national team," he said.

"In Italy, France or Spain, the game style is more Latin.

"The Premier League is not the best competition; it is just different and unique. Some people told me I was right to go abroad."

Cole scored a stunning goal for the French side in the 1-1 draw with Lorient on Saturday, and has enjoyed a successful start to his new club, even receiving a standing ovation from fans in his last match.

The midfielder has been absent from the national team for some time, but his recent form at Lille will cause many to question whether he should be put back in the side, although Cole admits this is not a priority for him.

"Will Fabio Capello watch Ligue 1? I hope so," he continued.

"It is not my major concern so far. First, I want to be consistently good.

"If I get called back into the national team, I would be the happiest man. I love to play for my country.

"When I lived in Chelsea, everyday there were paparazzi in front of my door. At Lille, I can walk in the streets confidently. People are polite and respectful. It is great to enjoy the city freely.

"Anyway, in England you are forced to deal with the press, you don't have any choice. If I had any choice, I would have liked to never be famous. We are just footballers, aren't we?

"At Lille, I found quality players with unequalled joie de vivre in the changing room. I enjoy myself and I have fun every day. There is a great atmosphere. It reminds me of my first season at Chelsea."

One man who has particularly caught Cole’s eye since joining the French champions is rising star Eden Hazard, who has been linked with a move to the Premier League, and is certainly one to watch for the future.

He continued: "Everyone is talking about him in England. Hazard is the best young player I have ever seen at such an age.

"He has everything to become one of the best players in the world."

Barnes Backs Dalglish For Success

Liverpool legend John Barnes has been delighted with the impact made by Kenny Dalglish since his return to Anfield, saying the combination of an attractive brand of free-flowing football, twinned with some impressive results has meant the Reds can once again be regarded as a force to be reckoned with.

The fiery Scot is, according to Barnes, showing just why supporters are hailing him as the man to bring the glory years back to Merseyside - and attributes the fear-factor installed at the club as a reason they can be successful.

"Liverpool is now playing with the right passion, determination and spirit," said Barnes. "With Kenny in charge everyone is pulling in the right direction and that's what you need to be successful.

"You need everyone, including the fans and the board, to be 100 per cent behind the manager. They are, and the players have responded to that with their performances."

"There has to be a fear factor there. A manager needs that kind of respect and power, and Kenny commands that at Liverpool."

The Reds have been very active in the transfer market since the return of 'King' Kenny - and Barnes is confident that the squad assembled by Liverpool's prodigal son, is strong enough to return the club to the UEFA Champions League next year.

"I don't think Liverpool will win the league but I certainly think they will be in the top four," he continued. "Kenny has made signings not just for the present but for the future.

"That's important as you need continuity. If you keep changing players you'll never get anywhere. Now there are a lot of players in the squad who will be around for a long time and that has to be good.

"Next season young players like Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson will be a year more experienced and with greater consistency of performances Liverpool can challenge for the title.

"I think Kenny can bring the title back to Anfield - everyone has got faith in him."

City Rivalries Set Aside To Fight Crime

A campaign which has seen Liverpool unite with Everton to reduce crime is celebrating its fifth birthday. The Kickz initiative brought the city rivals together to make Merseyside a better place to live. It has seen young people from disadvantaged areas attend football sessions, improve relations with police and become volunteers.

Working with the police, the clubs have produced some impressive results in places like Norris Green, Breckside and Stockbridge, including: 31.7% reduction in Criminal Damage to a Dwelling, 22.4% reduction in Common Assault, 56% reduction in Burglary in a Dwelling, 47.9 % reduction in Theft From Motor Vehicle and 52.6% reduction in Theft of Motor Vehicle.

Inspector Colin Lewis from Merseyside Police said: "Fifteen years ago if you'd said we'd be working alongside Liverpool and Everton to combat anti-social behaviour, reduce crime and victimization and promote citizenship among young people I'd have thought you were mad. I'm not sure the clubs would have believed it either. "It is as good a partnership as I've ever seen - and I've seen a lot."

Home Secretary Teresa May praised the Premier League and the police for their Kickz work during a celebratory reception at the House of Commons, and said: "We all know how many supporters enjoy watching football, but the idea of using its strength to help young people in this way is fantastic.

"It's doing really good work enabling them to not just be taken out of situations in which they might get involved in gangs or crime, but actually giving young people a voice."

Dalglish Dismisses Suarez Comparisons

Kenny Dalglish believes Luis Suarez should be able to carve out a Liverpool legacy of his own, rather than forever be compared to the Anfield king.

With the Scot's famous No.7 shirt now adorned by Suarez, comparisons between the pair were inevitable, but Dalglish wants to allow the Uruguayan the opportunity to be his own man.

Dalglish was quizzed about the similarities between himself and the Reds striker following Liverpool's 2-1 win over Wolves, in which Suarez netted his eighth goal for the Merseyside club.

And the Liverpool boss was quick to relieve the pressure on Suarez to follow in his footsteps.

"I think everyone has their own identity and it undermines the boy if you compare him with anyone else," said Dalglish.

"He is Luis Suarez. He is a fantastic player and it is not fair to compare him with others who have been here before.

"Does he benefit from working with me? I don't know - I don't speak Spanish! I don't know where he gets his ideas from but he is full of them and he certainly knows how to play.

"The fans take to him because he is so genuine and 100 per cent committed. The crowd love players like that. He has his own ideas and he is full of them. He is just a fantastic player."

Enrique Tips Carroll To Shine

Jose Enrique has no doubt Andy Carroll will reproduce the form that made Liverpool buy him for a record-breaking transfer fee.

The 22-year-old joined the Merseyside club for £35million in January from Newcastle, but a combination of injuries and a loss of form have contributed to his indifferent start at Anfield.

In contrast Luis Suarez, who along with Carroll forms the apex of Kenny Dalglish's attack, has been in scintillating form since joining the club.

On Saturday against Wolves the Uruguay international again made the difference with a goal in an impressive all-round display, while the England international saw his header rebound off a post and wasted another opportunity.

Enrique, however, is of the opinion that it's just a matter of time before Carroll is back to his marauding best.

"Everyone knows Luis is one of the best strikers in the world but he is still young and has a lot to learn," said Enrique, who played alongside the striker at Newcastle.

"I think they (Suarez and Carroll) complement each other well. Andy was unlucky not to score. Maybe he tried too many tricks with the chance at the end but I think he will score next time."

Liverpool will make the short trip across Stanley Park on Saturday to face Everton in the first Merseyside derby of the season.

The England international is yet to open his Premier League account this term but a goal against his team's longest and most fierce rivals could catapult him into Liverpool folklore.

"Against Everton would be the perfect game for him to score," added Enrique.

"The derby is a massive game bit it is just three points and we have to get points now if we want a position in the Champions League.

"We have to win these games - especially before the international break."

Kelly Eyes Derby Clash

Liverpool defender Martin Kelly is crossing his fingers he has a chance to impress in the Merseyside derby with Everton.

The Reds tackle their neighbours at Goodison Park on Saturday, although the 21-year-old knows there are no guarantees he will feature.

Kelly played in the 2-2 draw with Everton at Anfield last season, but he missed their 2-0 defeat away to the Toffees.

The talented youngster impressed in Liverpool's weekend win over Wolves and is hoping he has done enough to stay in Kenny Dalglish's side.

Kelly has been hindered by hamstring problems this year, but he insists those issues are in the past as he is now feeling 'fitter than ever'.

"I'm really looking forward to playing in the derby if I'm selected," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"I was on the bench there last season and it was a tough game. They started well and put us under pressure. We'll be looking for the win but it's a derby day and it's always difficult.

"I'm feeling good. The medical staff has worked me a lot this week to keep me on top of the hamstring injury.

"It was about being sensible against Wolves and I thought I did that. I'm made up I've played the last two games and I'm feeling fitter than ever."

Dalglish Baffled By Carroll Fuss

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish cannot understand the "obsession" with Andy Carroll's form as the £35million striker continues to search for his first Premier League goal of the season.

The England international is yet to score in five league appearances so far this season, although he was on target for the Reds in the Carling Cup second-round victory at Exeter.

England manager Fabio Capello again warned Carroll about his lifestyle earlier this month but Dalglish appears frustrated by the continued focus on the former Newcastle man, who he is convinced will prove to be a valuable long-term asset to Liverpool.

Quoted in several national newspapers this morning, Dalglish said: "I don't understand the obsession. There are other players who haven't played either. I think people are obsessed with Andy Carroll.

"He's learning, but I'm an old guy and I'm still learning. I don't understand the paranoia with Andy. People talk about him like they know him. They don't know him. They talk about his lifestyle - what lifestyle? Everybody is obsessed with Andy Carroll.

"We'll always look after him and I'm sure he'll look after us. We've spoken in the past about Andy being one for the future, not just the short term, but it's immediate for everyone.

"Some of them that aren't as fortunate as he is, their future might not be as long as Andy Carroll's."

Lucas Hails Important Reds Win

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has claimed the club's season is 'back on track' following Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Wolves at Anfield.

The Reds took an early lead through Roger Johnson's own goal, and Luis Suarez made it 2-0 for Kenny Dalglish's side relatively early. Steven Fletcher made it a tense second period though, scoring early after half-time.

With Steven Gerrard returning to fitness on Merseyside, the Brazilian is fighting for his starting spot in the Merseysiders' first XI, and will be hoping to be involved as the side look to continue improving.

"It was an important win. It was a heavy defeat at Spurs, so it was important to win in the Carling Cup and get three points in the Barclays Premier League which gives us the chance to be closer to the top four," Lucas told the official Liverpool website.

"We spoke before the game against Brighton. We needed to win, get back on track, go into the next round and come into this game with confidence - and to win too. That is what happened."

Mick McCarthy's side made it a difficult second-half for the Reds, and had chances to equalize as tension mounted at Anfield.

Lucas was happy to claim the important victory in any way possible though, with the most important thing being the three points on the board.

"It was a tough game and we had plenty of chances but only took two," he added.

"It is hard when you concede a goal early in the second half. We tried to control the game and I think we managed well.

"I think sometimes we are a bit unlucky; we twice hit the post and there were a couple of saves by the 'keeper but that means we are creating chances. If we can score more goals it will be good but it was an important win."

Liverpool FC Are Heading For Stoke In The Carling Cup

Liverpool faces another away day in the Carling Cup after being drawn against Stoke City in the last 16.

The Reds’ reward for their 2-1 win at Brighton is a tie at the Britannia Stadium to be played in the week commencing October 24.

Kenny Dalglish’s men will be looking to avenge the 1-0 defeat they suffered at the hands of the Potters in the Premier League earlier this month.

Liverpool has lost two and drawn two of their four visits to the Britannia since Tony Pulis’ side were promoted to the top flight.

However, the last time the clubs met in the League Cup in November 2000 the Reds hammered them 8-0.

Stoke earned their place in the fourth round after beating Tottenham on penalties.

The Boss Loves Visiting Us

In our latest column from the club's Academy, Frank McParland offers his thoughts on the NextGen Series so far and reveals which two Reds legends have visited Kirkby recently.

It's been a frustrating couple of weeks for us with regards to the NextGen Series double header against Wolfsburg.

I felt we played poorly in the first game at Anfield and were somewhat fortunate to get a point thanks to a late own goal.

However, we produced a fine display in the away fixture last Wednesday and didn't deserve to go down to a 2-0 loss.

It's one of those strange situations that can arise in football from time to time. You can pull out all of the stops and come away with nothing and yet, on another day, you will be well below the standard you are capable of and manage to get something out of the game.

The defeat in Germany was particularly hard to take as I don't think the hosts could have argued had we gone in at the interval leading by three or four. That's not an exaggeration either. If you haven't seen the highlights on LFC TV, then you should check it out as we had a whole raft of clear-cut opportunities.

Wolfsburg rode their luck and in the second half they came out and struck two quickfire goals that really knocked the stuffing out of our lads. To our credit, we kept probing away and we could even have sneaked a point had we managed to convert some of our late chances.

It's all part of the learning curve for the kids. I've said in the past that playing against different cultures and styles is important to their development and they will still take positives from this tournament.

The travelling and the way we have approached it is almost gearing them up for what a European campaign would be like in the first-team. They've faced the physical approach of the Norwegians, the well-organized Germans and the flair players of the Portuguese outfit. They have also come up against referees of different nationalities so on the whole it's a great experience for them.

We now turn our attention to our penultimate Group 2 game with Molde this Thursday. We are well aware that qualification for the knockout stage is going to be Sporting plus one of the other three teams.

We've just got to go with the old adage of taking it one game at a time. We can't underestimate Molde. We need to do our job well in that game. If we do that we give ourselves a chance.

NextGen Series aside, things have been ticking along nicely for the Academy as a whole.

The league season is underway for all age groups and there have been some entertaining games already.

A couple of weeks ago, Kenny Dalglish was down here to watch some of the younger teams in action. That was the day after the first-team's unfortunate 1-0 loss at Stoke. It was fantastic to see him there as he could have decided to give it a miss after the frustrations at the Britannia.

But the boss still loves coming to the Academy and having him visit from time to time gives us all a big lift.

We also had Ian Rush here last Monday. He ran an indoor session with the U15 and U16 strikers and gave them tips on how to improve their finishing. It's not bad being able to call upon the club's record goalscorer in all competitions, is it?

I'm sure those lads will have taken every word he said on board and it'll be a day they remember for the rest of their lives. Hopefully we'll see the benefit of it out on the pitch in the months and years ahead.

Stadium Decision Extension Given By City Council

Liverpool have been handed an extension by the city council to make a decision regarding their new stadium, according to The Daily Mail.

A decision over whether the club wishes to build a new ground at Stanley Park, or redevelop parts of Anfield was expected at the end of the month.

However, Liverpool have been given extra time to make a decision, that if the club move, with cost in the region of £400 million.

Liverpool have invested £100 million on their playing squad in the past nine months, but further investment may have to be halted fit he club decide to leave their current home.

Liverpool already have planning permission for the Stanley Park site, however, the history connected with Anfield means the club are keen to investigate how they can develop their existing home.

Reds Head For New York

Liverpool Football Club is today heading for New York to showcase the Tactics 4 Families initiative after the project was shortlisted for a prestigious Beyond Sport award.

The program has been nominated for the Sport Team of the Year accolade and as a result, Tactics 4 Families project manager Mark Chester will give a presentation at the world famous Yankee Stadium on Tuesday as part of the Beyond Sport United summit.

The audience members at the conference will each have $50 to donate to the project they're most impressed by following the presentations. Each scheme can benefit from up to a maximum of $10,000.

Reds Community Department manager Bill Bygroves will also be involved in a panel discussion about taking community work overseas, as Liverpool have done to great success over the years.

"It's fantastic for the Tactics 4 Families program," Chester said. "It's confirmation that we're doing the right thing.

"It's a pioneering project and it's great to get that recognized by an organization that is as prestigious as Beyond Sport.

"Just to be shortlisted is a great achievement."

Beyond Sport is the charitable arm of the Benchmark Sports business, who run annual award ceremonies consisting of a wide-range of categories.

Its aim is to promote, support and develop the use of sport to create positive social change across the world.

Sports clubs can apply for their individual community projects to be considered - and after LFC entered Tactics 4 Families, the initiative was shortlisted by a team of judges alongside Manchester City's 'Enterprise City' scheme, as well as programs from the Philadelphia Eagles and the Memphis Grizzlies.

The winner will be announced at a ceremony in Cape Town in December.

Match Report: Liverpool 2 - 1 Wolves

Liverpool returned to winning ways but made hard work of it at home to Wolves as defensive frailties and equally-fragile confidence levels were almost exposed for a third successive week.

Everything appeared to be going to plan as a Roger Johnson own goal, diverting in Charlie Adam's shot, and another magical Luis Suarez strike appeared to have put the Reds in the comfort zone at half-time.

But substitute Steven Fletcher pulled one back within minutes of the second half starting to ratchet up the pressure on the hosts, who were guilty of missing a number of opportunities to make the victory easier than it turned out to be.

Having lost back-to-back matches at Stoke and Tottenham, where they were humiliated 4-0, it was understandable nerves would be shaky.

And with the Reds keen to avoid a third successive defeat, which would have been their worst run since 2003, the pressure to secure a victory - especially with the Merseyside derby and the visit of Manchester United around the corner - was all-important.

What was equally key to Kenny Dalglish's side's fortunes this season was captain Steven Gerrard making his first Barclays Premier League appearance since March having recovered from a groin operation.

Wolves had actually started the brighter, aided by their hosts' penchant for conceding free-kicks outside their own penalty area.

Their best chance fell to Jamie O'Hara when a ill-judged backpass from Martin Kelly, returning to the side in the absence of the injured Daniel Agger, saw the midfielder shoot weakly at Jose Reina.

A couple of Adam corners caused some difficulties for the Wolves defence but not as much as the midfielder's 11th-minute long-range shot.

Stewart Downing's lay-off saw the Scotland midfielder unleash a 25-yard shot which was diverted past Wayne Hennessey by Johnson's diving header.

Andy Carroll, still the subject of intense debate about his place in the side, should have silenced his critics with a free header from Downing's corner but planted the ball straight at the goalkeeper.

In his favour, however, the England international's performance offered plenty apart from a goal.

But it was Suarez who, once again, was providing the major threat up front with the Wolves centre-backs struggling to contain the Uruguay forward.

Johnson was left bewildered when Suarez brought down Reina's kick and turned the defender inside the penalty area only for his cross to be cut out.

Two further half-chances fell to the South American before he finally got he just desserts in the 38th minute with a goal which owed everything to his movement and Jose Enrique's vision.

The Liverpool left-back lifted a ball over the top of the defence and his team-mate timed his run perfectly to collect, turn Christophe Berra inside then out before firing a shot inside the near post.

Just before the break - during which the third biggest cheer of the afternoon greeted news of former Reds striker Fernando Torres' sending-off for Chelsea - Suarez poked another shot just wide of the far post.

But Liverpool's defensive record this season - they have kept only one clean sheet - meant the third goal would be crucial and it fell to Wolves.

Four minutes after coming on for the start of the second half boyhood Reds fan Fletcher smashed home a shot from Stephen Hunt's cut-back after Reina and Martin Skrtel had got in the way of each other trying to clear their lines.

But Wolves almost crumbled in the aftermath as Hennessey produced his most important save of the game to block Suarez's effort at close quarters from Carroll's knockdown.

Carroll headed against a post while Hennessey made yet another vital block to deny Downing, who should have scored after Liverpool broke quickly on the counter-attack.

Wolves recovered their composure and turned the tables with an extended spell of pressure which caused some consternation amid the massed Red ranks and almost saw Berra equalize with a far-post header.

The long-awaited appearance of Gerrard, who made a brief substitute appearance in the Carling Cup in midweek, finally arrived in the 81st minute when the England midfielder replaced Suarez, who had run himself into the ground.

When the ball dropped to the Reds captain 25 yards out he did not need a second invitation to unleash a dipping volley but there was no fairytale Anfield comeback as the ball bounced wide.

There were a few worrying moments before the end but Dalglish's side saw them out to get back on the winning track.

Happy Days With Suarez

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is looking forward to a long and happy future with Luis Suarez at Anfield.

The Uruguayan scored his side's decisive second goal in superb, solo style in Saturday's engrossing 2-1 win over Wolves at Anfield, where Roger Johnson's own goal had set the home team on their way.

Substitute Steven Fletcher inspired Wolves to a second-half fightback with his goal, but Suarez was still the star of the show after tormenting Mick McCarthy's team.

The Copa America winner was visibly furious when Dalglish opted to replace him in the 81st minute with returning captain Steven Gerrard, who played his first Premier League match since March.

But Dalglish was full of praise for January signing Suarez after the match, as the Reds boss told Sky Sports: "It was a fantastic goal for Luis. He has been fantastic since he came here.

"He is playing with a wee smile on his face all the time and he is a good personality to have in and around the place.

"On the pitch, he has made a fantastic contribution. We are fortunate to have him and we look forward to a lot more happy days with him."

Gerrard had made a 15-minute outing in Liverpool's Carling Cup win over Brighton in midweek, but this was his first appearance at Anfield since the win over Manchester United on 6th March.

The England international has been missing for six months due to a groin problem, which required surgery, and he showed flashes of his class in his short outing against Wolves.

Dalglish, though, maintains he will not be rushing his star man back into the starting line-up, despite Everton and Manchester United looming on the fixture list.

The Scot said: "We are lucky to have Steven. Any football club is better off with a fit Steven Gerrard. As we keep saying, we'll continue in an educated fashion and look after him as best we can.

"We will reward him for the fantastic work he has done so far. If everybody has got the same mentality as Steven, we will be okay. We are just delighted for him and delighted with him."

Dalglish thought Liverpool were good value for their win, although they did look nervy after Fletcher pulled a goal back for Wolves shortly after his half-time introduction.

The Anfield boss said: "It was a difficult game. I think it was an entertaining game. I think we deserved to win.

"I think they got a lift in the second half. We came in two goals up, and deservedly so. Second half, they got a goal early doors and it gave them a bit of momentum and they put us under a bit of pressure.

"But the boys defended really well. They got a lot of headers in and one or two blocks. At the other end of the pitch, we could have scored another three or four with a bit of good fortune. But maybe we got a bit of good fortune with the first goal."

Kelly Praises Stevie Lift

Martin Kelly believes the inclusion of Steven Gerrard on Liverpool's teamsheet gave everybody a boost ahead of Saturday's 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

After making his comeback following a six-month absence with a substitute appearance at Brighton in midweek, the captain was named on the bench for the visit of Mick McCarthy's side before he made a late cameo as the Reds clinched three points.

And Kelly feels Gerrard's presence played a part in lifting the crowd inside Anfield, which in turn helped Liverpool make a positive opening to their clash against Wolves.

"It was good to get back to winning ways (in the league) and I think we needed the three points," Kelly told Liverpoolfc.tv. "We had the fans behind us and the return of Stevie especially lifted the crowd. We're happy with the win."

Liverpool took an early lead at Anfield when Roger Johnson deflected Charlie Adam's shot into his own net after 11 minutes.

The Reds then furthered their advantage moments before the break courtesy of a fine effort from Luis Suarez.

Wolves reduced the arrears when Steve Fletcher tucked home four minutes into the second half, but despite spells of sustained pressure from the visitors, it was Liverpool who went closest to finding the net again.

"The early goal was vital and we got another from Luis," said Kelly. "We were unlucky not to get a third and it's a pity we couldn't because that would have sealed it, but we were professional and saw the game off.

"It was a great goal from Luis. He's playing at a high standard at the minute. He is even training the same way as he is playing and it's fantastic to have him in the team.

"With Stevie to return, it's going to cause the gaffer even more selection problems. But we're all in it together."

On Wolves' fruitless search for an equalizer following their goal, Kelly added: "It always happens in football, especially in the Premier League, when you've got a two-goal lead and the opposition gets a goal, they're back in the game.

"But I thought we defended well, got through the game and it was vital we got the three points."

Liverpool return to action next Saturday lunchtime when they make the short journey across Stanley Park to take on Everton in the Merseyside derby.

Kelly believes it was imperative the Reds collected three points before travelling to Goodison Park.

He said: "We can build on this win. It was good to get a victory going into the derby next weekend. We needed it because it's going to be a really tough game there. We'll all have to work hard in training to make sure we're ready for next week."

Kelly is eager to play a part in the derby clash having been on the bench for last season's corresponding fixture with the Blues.

The 21-year-old's appearance against Wolves was his second start in succession following a hamstring problem - and the defender believes he's back in peak condition.

Kelly said: "I'm feeling good. The medical staff has worked me a lot this week to keep me on top of the hamstring injury. It was about being sensible against Wolves, and I thought I did that.

"The medical staff has worked really hard with me and we've come through it together. I'm made up I've played the last two games and I'm feeling fitter than ever."

He added: "I'm really looking forward to playing in the derby, if I'm selected. I was on the bench last season and it was a tough game. They started well and put us under pressure.

"We'll be looking for the win, but it's a derby day and it's always difficult."

Suarez Visibly Upset About Substitution

With Liverpool clinging to a 2-1 lead in the 82nd minute, the Anfield faithful rose and gave a rousing ovation at the sight of a green No. 8 being held on the fourth official's board, signifying the first Anfield appearance by captain Steven Gerrard since last spring.

Gerrard's highly anticipated home appearance came in place of Luis Suarez, and the striker made no attempt to hide his anger at being lifted from such a close contest. Suarez, who always wears his emotions on his sleeve, smashed a water bottle before spending the rest of the match shaking his head on the bench, a noticeable distraction from a close encounter on the pitch.

Suarez spent the entire match tormenting a Wolves' backline that seemed incapable of handling his otherworldly blend of balance and close control, with the Uruguayan creating a steady stream of opportunities for the Reds. Indeed, it was Suarez's brilliant 38th-minute goal, where he toyed with Christophe Berra before beating Wayne Hennessey near post, which proved to be decisive in handing Liverpool all three points.

However, with Liverpool hanging onto a lead, Kenny Dalglish's decision to replace a striker with an extra midfielder is a relatively common and tactically sound switch when trying to close a game. Furthermore, despite Suarez showing no signs of slowing down, the attacker has already logged heavy minutes in the early season and Dalglish will be looking to spare his star player's legs at every opportunity.

For his part, Dalglish has made no mention of Suarez's angry reaction, instead focusing on what was a dazzling performance.

"Luis has been outstanding since he came to the football club, not just on the pitch but off it as well. We are very fortunate to have him," said Dalglish after the match. "We look forward to many more happy days with him here because he's a fantastic footballer."

Dalglish is rarely one to criticize his players in public, and certainly shares Suarez's hyper-competitive disposition, but one would assume that the manager will privately speak with his pupil about calling negative attention toward himself while the team was fighting to earn a tough home win.

Liverpool Made Bid For Chelsea Target Mario Gomez

Chelsea target Mario Gomez was the subject of a bid from Liverpool, reports in Germany have claimed.

Gomez has been in quite sensational scoring form for Bayern Munich this season; netting eight times in three games, including a four goal haul against Freiburg.

And, according to Bild, Liverpool offered €30 million for the German striker in April, as Kenny Dalglish made plans for the summer transfer window.

Liverpool had been linked with the 26-year-old during the Anfield tenure of Roy Hodgson and, it would appear, reignited their interest following a fine run of form from Gomez.

The former Stuttgart frontman had scored 32 times for club and country before the end of April, and finished the campaign with 40 strikes in 44 appearances.

Chelsea, meanwhile, has been linked with Gomez in the past few days as Andre Villas-Boas allegedly considers signing a replacement for Fernando Torres in January.

The Spanish striker has yet to justify his £50 million price-tag since joining Chelsea from Liverpool nine months ago.

Andy Carroll Continues To Frustrate

A few eyebrows were raised in the Kop when Andy Carroll was named in Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool side to face Wolves on Saturday, seemingly out of faith rather than merit.

After all, the £35 million man has been well below-par this season – not least in the 4-0 defeat at Tottenham six days earlier – and Craig Bellamy had looked extremely sharp in the midweek League Cup win at Brighton.

Yet Dalglish is determined to persist with Carroll until he comes good, despite the worrying parallels with the start of Emile Heskey's career at Anfield.

Carroll arrived on Merseyside to much fanfare on the last day of the January transfer window and the Kop had high hopes for his partnership with Luis Suarez, hoping modern-day version of the famous combination of Kevin Keegan and John Toshack.

If anything, a home clash against a physical Wolves side that conceded three in their previous outing seemed the sort of occasion when Carroll could kickstart his Reds career.

While Suarez oozed class and scored a well-taken goal though, Carroll produced an influential performance but flawed performance as the spearhead of the hosts' strikeforce.

“Everything except the goal,” was Dalglish's analysis of the club's record signing. “We couldn't have got much more out of the big fella yesterday.”

The Scot has rallied against critics of Carroll and will continue to take the positives out of the former Newcastle man's displays in the hope that he rediscovers the form that prompted the Reds to pay so much money for him.

Some of the signs were particularly encouraging from a player who has been publicly criticized by England coach Fabio Capello for his lifestyle off the pitch.

Having seemingly shed a couple of pounds, he looked fitter and leaner than a month ago, and he used his physical prowess to cause Wolves problems in the air, making contributions almost by his mere presence.

That was the case in the build-up to the opener, an own-goal by Wolves defender Roger Johnson in the 11th minute after he deflected in Charlie Adam's shot. Wolves manager Mick McCarthy claimed Johnson had been fouled by Carroll seconds before Adam fired towards goal – and he was probably right.

Likewise, as Liverpool pushed for a third goal in the second-half, Carroll found himself involved, always looking to cause a nuisance, not least when he challenged Wayne Hennessey under a high ball, which then fell free for Suarez to force a fine save from the Wolves goalkeeper.

With just three goals in his Liverpool career so far, concerns are understandably being expressed over Carroll's contribution and whether he could turn out to be an expensive flop.

He is low on confidence. That was made the most clear deep into added time when instead of shooting when the ball fell to him in the penalty area, he tried to walk past Wolves defenders until he was in a perfect position to pull the trigger. By the time he drew back his foot to shoot, a Wolves player was on hand to smother the danger.

Earlier in the half, he had seen his header from five yards cannon back off the post. It was the kind of chance he was bought to bury - and it was the sort of cross from Stewart Downing that could get the 22-year-old rising up the goalscoring charts. He just can't get it right in front of goal at the moment.

His main problem, though, continues to be his restricted movement and clumsy technique in a team that wants to play swift passing football.

On one occasion in the first-half, after taking three touches to get the ball under full control, Carroll tried to spin a Xavi-esque pass wide with the outside of his left-foot but missed his target by at least 20 yards.

The awkward nature in which he attempted to execute the action seemed to encapsulate his lack of incisiveness, in stark contrast to the intelligence and skill of his strike partner Suarez.

While Suarez buzzed around non-stop with world class movement, Carroll is one of the easier players for a defender to mark as he moves little off the ball and slows down the team's one and two touch attacking play.

When the game stretched, Liverpool could have done with the introduction of Bellamy from the subs' bench to exploit the space and to put Wolves on the back foot with his pace.

It is Carroll's lack of technical quality and the negative effect he has on the rest of the team that means it may be time for Dalglish to drop the striker.

Carroll should take heart from his performance against Wolves – it was a step up from his anonymity at White Hart Lane – and he has shown he provides a useful outlet for the Reds.

The problem is: he's not even worth half of that £35m fee and his style should make him a Plan B for a side that has played some wonderful football when Carroll has been absent, but rarely when he has actually featured.

Morgan At The Double As U18s Win

Adam Morgan scored twice as Liverpool U18s romped to a 4-0 triumph at Wolves on Saturday afternoon.

Mike Marsh's side produced a tremendous performance in the Black Country and got back to winning ways after last weekend's 2-2 draw with Barnsley.

Academy hot-shot Morgan was in top form as he produced two clinical finishes while Kristoffer Peterson and Jordan Lussey were also on the mark.

Marsh told Liverpoolfc.tv: "The lads were excellent and played some great football.

"We took our goals really well and could have had a lot more."

Liverpool U18s: Jamie Stephens, Lewis Hatch, Tom King, Joe Rafferty, Matty Regan, Peter Aylmer, Kristoffer Peterson (Yalany Baio 63), Josh Sumner (Nathan Quirk 80), Adam Morgan, Henoc Mukendi (Saim Gainford 73). Unused subs: Connor Wearing, Michael Wilson.