Gerrard: Barry Would Be Perfect For Liverpool

Gareth Barry is a “class act” and would enjoy the perfect partnership with Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard if his transfer to Anfeld is ever finally secured.

That is the view of the Liverpool captain’s cousin, Walsall defender Anthony Gerrard, who lined up opposite Barry on a night of a tense drama at the Banks’s Stadium on Tuesday night.

Villa fans booed and jeered their want-away former skipper for almost all of his hour-long appearance in the friendly following a turbulent summer of transfer rows and wrangles between Villa and Liverpool over the midfielder.

Liverpool-born Anthony is the younger cousin of Reds’ skipper Steve and himself a huge Liverpool fan and described Barry as a “quality player” after seeing him turn in an assured performance to help Villa secure a 3-2 victory over their League One neighbours.

The central defender - Walsall’s Player of the Season last year - believes Barry would be a huge asset to his home town club and said his man-of-the-match winning performance underlined just what a true professional Barry was when put under immense pressure by a crowd of some 2,200 travelling Villa fans.

Villa supporters are angry that their former skipper - who wants to leave to pursue his Champions League dream after ten years at Villa Park - publicly criticised manager Martin O’Neill in a newspaper article. Barry took a swipe at O’Neill because he felt his boss was too busy away commentating on the European Championships to deal with the transfer issue.

Anthony Gerrard said: “After seeing that performance it would seem that whatever is going on in Gareth Barry’s football life has not affected him on the pitch and that was evident in his performance against us.

"He showed he was a class act and a class above any of the other players. He is an absolute quality player and as a Liverpool fan, I believe he would be a great addition to the team.

“Gareth Barry is a credit to himself. He was as professional as always. He wants to better himself and play in the Champions League and fair play to him for that. Everyone wants to excel in their career and hopefully, if he moves to Liverpool, he can do that.

“I know Steve would like Gareth Barry to join him. They are good friends and they got on whenever they join up together with the England squad. I have no doubt at all that they would make a good partnership on the field.”

Barry’s run-out at the Banks’s Stadium ended when he was subsituted and disappeared in a waiting car without joining his Villa team-mates and manager Martin O’Neill who was watching the proceedings from the stands.

Villa won the game thanks to a brace from Shaun Maloney and a third from Wayne Routledge - cancelling out goals from Saddlers’ Alex Nicholls and triallist Patrick Suffo.

Maloney admitted afterwards that he hoped those goals would stake his claim for a place in O’Neill’s starting line-up for the visit of Odense BK to Villa Park in the second leg of the Intertoto Cup this weekend.

He said: “Hopefully I have shown the manager I am ready if the call comes against Odense on Saturday. Fingers crossed I can play a part.The boys played pretty well in patches against Odense last weekend so I think it will be difficult breaking into the starting line-up for the second leg.

“But I have done all I can now so hopefully I will be ready if the manager calls.”

Liverpool Sign Spanish Teenager

Liverpool have signed 18-year-old right-back Emmanuel Mendy on a free transfer from Spanish third division side Murcia Deportivo.

The Spanish teenager, who can also play at left-back, is expected to compete for a place in the reserve set-up overseen by Gary Ablett.

The Reds have made several youth signings over the summer.

Mendy joins Christopher Buchtmann, Nikola Saric, Zsolt Poloskei and Vincent Lucas Weijl at Anfield.

Manager Rafael Benitez has added Philipp Degen, Andrea Dossena and Diego Cavalieri to his senior squad.

Fernando Torres Will Have Prem Defences Quaking Says Dirk Kuyt

Fernando Torres will terrify Premier League defences again next season, claims his Liverpool team-mate Dirk Kuyt.

Torres bagged 33 goals in his debut campaign for the Reds before crowning his season by scoring the winning goal in the Euro 2008 Final for Spain.

And Kuyt claims no one in the Premier League will relish playing against the hitman when he is unleashed next month.

Torres returns to pre-season training tomorrow - along with his victorious Spanish team-mates - and Kuyt is backing him to score even more goals.

"He's only 24 and at that age he can only get better and better," said the Dutchman. "He showed that last season and he can only improve again.

"He knows that and the defenders know that as well. They will be afraid of him because of that. If he stays fit he can do even better than last season."

Kuyt has warned Torres he will be a marked man because of his stunning success last season, but he doesn't believe anyone will be able to contain him.

"I think Fernando already knows how difficult the Premier League can be, but he still did really well last year," he said.

"The only thing he has to be careful about is that people are starting to know him now. However, for a player like him, with his qualities, it's always going to be difficult for anybody to play against him.

"The most important thing is you always have to keep focused. There can always be a bad tackle coming in, but as long as you are focused and quick on your feet, you shouldn't get a bad injury."

Kuyt also praised Robbie Keane, who is set to join Liverpool in a £20million deal from Tottenham, and feels the Irishman will bring goals to the team.

Keane's arrival will push Kuyt further down the strikers' pecking order, but he insists his signing would greatly bolster Liverpool's attack.

Now Even Steven Gerrard's Cousin Is Telling Gareth Barry To Join Liverpool

Steven Gerrard's cousin has waded into the Gareth Barry row by advising the star not to go back on his plans to quit Aston Villa for Liverpool.

Walsall defender Anthony Gerrard faced Barry in Villa's 3-2 preseason friendly win at the Banks's Stadium on Tuesday where the midfielder was jeered by Villa fans.

But Gerrard reckons the flak Barry is getting will be worth it when he finally links up with England team-mate Steven at Anfield.

"I am a Liverpool fan and he would be a great addition," said ex-Everton trainee Gerrard, 22. "Gareth Barry was a class above against us.

"Whatever goes on in his football life, he does his talking on the pitch.

"Decisions on his future are down to him because he has aspirations of playing in the Champions League and Liverpool are there already. Everyone wants to excel in their career and hopefully he can do that.

"He would make a good partnership with Steven as they are friends from the England squad.

"And I have no doubts at all they would complement each other well in the centre of midfield."

Red Ajdarevic On Trial At NEC

Astrit Ajdarevic is likely to leave Anfield this summer, and as he begins a trial at NEC Nijmegen the Netherlands seem to be his most likely destination.

The Kosovo-born Swedish youth international arrived at Anfield in 2007 from Falkenbergs, but has yet to make a first team appearance for the Reds.

It seems likely that he will move on, having already completed a trial with Leeds United before heading to Nijmegen.

NEC technical director Carlos Aalbers seems pleased with what he's seen so far, describing Asrtit as an "inventive midfield player, who is both technically able and physically strong. Our priority may be a forward, but some opportunities can't be missed."
NEC coach Mario Been also welcomes AZ forward Gregory Nelson to the fold.

The 20-year-old arrives on trial from Alkmaar tomorrow in order to train ahead of friendlies against Hollandia, a Helderse selection, and Sparta Rotterdam.

Hertha Berlin 0 - 0 LiverpooL

Andriy Voronin had a second-half penalty saved but Liverpool maintained their unbeaten record so far in pre-season with a draw against Hertha Berlin.

In front of 51,641 fans in Berlin's Olympic Stadium, Liverpool's starting line-up included just three players who could consider themselves first choice come the start of the season.

But they showed enough effort, fitness and strength - particularly at the back - to encourage boss Rafael Benitez.

This was very much the final dress rehearsal as far as Benitez was concerned.

The Anfield chief has been denied his big-hitters so far this pre-season and that has given the support cast their chance to shine.

He has discovered that in youngsters Stephen Darby, David Martin and Jay Spearing there is plenty of potential for the future, and all three would benefit from a spell now out on loan.

But Benitez will bring his squad back to Melwood on Tuesday and has a week of intense work before they fly to Spain for a friendly with Villarreal next Wednesday, followed by a demanding trip to face Rangers at Ibrox four days later.

Benitez will hope by then to have made headway on the possible deals involving Gareth Barry and Robbie Keane while welcoming back to training Liverpool's Spanish heroes Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso, Jose Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa - all return to training at the end of the week.

By then decisions may well have been made over the futures of Jermaine Pennant, Andriy Voronin and Sebastian Leto.

They have all had plenty of chances over four friendlies so far, but the pace of preparation will hot up now with a Champions League qualifier three weeks away.

Liverpool will face that without Javier Mascherano, who is bound for the Olympics and played his last game for the club for a month in Berlin.

Along with Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger he showed how strong this central axis will be next term.

Elsewhere Spanish teenager Daniel Pacheco again showed clever flashes of talent and almost got on the end of an Emiliano Insua cross.

Hertha came closest in the first period with two efforts from full-back Sofian Chahed.

Liverpool changed their complete back-line at the break, Martin Skrtel, Sami Hyypia, Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena taking over.

And the visitors should have scored after 49 minutes after Voronin was pulled down in the box by Kaka, who was tugging his shirt, but the Ukrainian striker saw his spot-kick saved by Christian Fiedler.

Cicero saw a downward header saved well by Diego Cavalieri, who was then replaced by Martin, with Jack Hobbs, Dirk Kuyt, Spearing and Yossi Benayoun all getting second-half run-outs.

Liverpool FC To Complete David N’Gog Deal

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez expects to seal a deal for teenage French forward David N’Gog today.

The club return to Melwood today after a three-match tour of Switzerland and Germany which concluded last night with a 0-0 draw against Hertha Berlin.

Although Liverpool extended their unbeaten run in pre-season to four games, a third victory could have been recorded had Andriy Voronin not seen his 50th-minute penalty saved by Christian Fiedler.

After the game, Benitez said: “We’re working hard. We have a young player and hopefully it will be done tomorrow, I think it will be positive.”

The manager was pleased with his team’s performance last night, saying: “We were well-organised and had an offensive mentality.

“We’ve got the Spanish players to come back and Fernando Torres will be one of them.

“We’ll see the difference once we’ve got these players and they show their quality.”

N’Gog is expected to cost £1.5m from Paris St Germain.

Rafa Benitez: Keane To Boost Liverpool's Strike Force

Rafa Benitez insisted he was working "very hard" to bring in a new striker after watching Liverpool fire blanks in Berlin's Olympic Stadium last night.

Andriy Voronin missed a second-half penalty as the Reds produced a limp performance which only served to highlight why Benitez must break the bank to bring in Spurs hot-shot Robbie Keane.

Without star players Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, they rarely threatened Hertha Berlin and were fortunate to escape defeat against their Bundesliga hosts. Benitez, who has yet to secure Gareth Barry's signature from Aston Villa, said: "We are working hard to bring in new players.

"We will see what happens over the course of the next few days.

"There were several positives to take from the performance.

"Javier Mascherano played a full 90 minutes for the first time this summer while the work rate of the team was very good."

Liverpool were fortunate not to be trailing at the interval, German defender Sofian Chahed narrowly failing to beat Brazilian keeper Diego Cavalieri from 20 yards in the fifth minute.

Despite the absence of Gerrard and Torres, the impressive 74,500-capacity Olympic Stadium was still well populated. There was little to shout about, however, for the healthy sprinkling of Liverpool fans present among the 51,641 paying customers.

Liverpool Turn Their Attention To Olympic Row

Liverpool have turned their attention to a feud emerging between the Bundesliga and Fifa regarding their guidelines on releasing well known players for next month's Olympic Games.

The Bundesliga yesterday made it clear that they were prepared to test Fifa's resolve on the topic after a dispute over German side, Werder Bremen's midfielder Diego broke out, threatening to damage the 'goodwill' pact which would give famous players the opportunity to play in Beijing.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez will start the new season without the services of Javier Mascherano as the Argentine will travel to Beijing. Liverpool will also be without Lucas Leiva and Ryan Babel playing for Brazil and the Netherlands, respectively.

Mascherano travels to the Olympics as one of Argentina's three players aged over 23 - he is there on the recommendation of Fifa who has encouraged all clubs to show goodwill towards the Olympic Games - there is no rule in place obligating Liverpool to release Mascherano.

Only players such as Babel and Leiza - both under 23 - can be compelled to join their national sides. With this rule in mind, Bremen have blocked Diego's request to compete in Beijing. On hearing of his club's decision, Diego is reported to have walked out of the training ground, and, without permission has flown to Paris to join the Brazil squad.

Bremen's sporting director has said that the matter will go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Should Diego be prevented from playing in Beijing, he has said he will abide by any decision taken by the CAS.

Brazilian players are said to be under more pressure than most to join up with their national sides as their head coach Dunga is under such scrutiny that poor results in China could see him sacked.

The football event in Beijing begins on August 6.

Yossi Eager To Prove His Worth

Yossi Benayoun believes he can improve upon an impressive first season with the Reds by becoming even more ruthless in front of goal during the 2008-09 campaign.

The Israel international is confident he has what it takes to prove his worth to boss Rafael Benitez and admits he is happy to play in any role for the team if it means he can help them go on to secures more silverware.

"I believe in myself and know what I can do," he told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"I think I had a good season last year, but I want to improve and score more goals. It's up to the manager - my job is to do what I can for the best of the team."

Benayoun, who appeared as a second-half substitute in the 0-0 draw with Hertha Berlin in the Olympiastadion last night, feels the stalemate with the German outfit was the Reds' most difficult pre-season clash so far and likened it more to a European night at Anfield than a friendly fixture.

"We've played against a good team who play good football and it's a good test for us," he said. "I'm sure we will improve and I'm sure we will be ready for the new season.

"It was similar to a European night because we saw a lot of supporters come out and we wanted to win. There weren't as many substitutions as you would expect because it was important to both teams. We had some good chances including the penalty but what can you say, it's only pre-season.

"I've felt good in the past few games. I didn't play too much against Hertha because I picked up a little bit of an injury in training but I still came on, and I think it did some good.

"Hopefully I will improve along with the rest of the team."

Reds' Spanish Armada Set To Return

Liverpool's Spanish contingent will be back in training at Melwood on Friday after their successful Euro 2008 campaign.

Fernando Torres, Pepe Reina, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa helped their country claim European Championship glory this summer, and were granted extended leave in order to recover from the tournament.

However, they are now set to join up with their domestic team-mates as the pre-season preparations hot up ahead of the new season.

Rafael Benitez is delighted to welcome the quartet back in to the fold, especially as he saw his side struggle for long periods during a 0-0 draw with Hertha Berlin on Tuesday.

"All the Spanish players will be back in training with us on Friday," he told the club's official website.

"Torres will be one of them and hopefully we will see the difference in our play because of the quality these players showed last season."

Benitez, who saw an Andriy Voronin penalty saved during the game against Hertha, still believes that there are plenty of positives which can be taken from their latest friendly encounter.

"Diego (Cavalieri) showed the quality he has with some good saves," said the Reds boss.

"I thought the game was played at a high tempo and both teams were working hard. We had chances and they did too, so a draw was probably a fair result.

"We made some mistakes but that is normal for pre-season. We also did some really good things.

"When you have four or five players who normally play not available it's not always easy to play at you highest level, but the young players have done well.

"The players have worked hard in the training camp and that is a positive for us."

Carra Hails Scouse Prospects

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has praised the efforts fellow scousers Jay Spearing and Stephen Darby on their pre-season tour of Europe.

Precious few local lads have successfully negotiated the step from the Liverpool reserves to the first-team in recent years – virtually none since Steven Gerrard, in fact.

Ormskirk-born Stephen Warnock threatened to break the mould but never managed to displace John Arne Riise – now of Roma – before being sold to Blackburn Rovers last year.

Carragher and Gerrard have thus been flying the banner for born and bred Liverpudlians at Anfield ever since Michael Owen’s departure for Real Madrid in 2004, but the Kop may have a few more scousers to cheer on before long.

Spearing and Darby were instrumental elements of the title-winning reserves team last season and have featured prominently during the Reds’ summer hit-outs in Switzerland and Germany.

And Carragher, who is known to take a great interest in the club’s youth prospects, believes both boys are capable of making the grade.

"All the young lads have done very well on this trip, especially Jay Spearing and Stephen Darby," he told Liverpool’s official website.

"Hopefully that will continue. They don't need any advice from me; they are doing very well at the moment."

Another impressive performer during the pre-season so far is Spanish youngster Daniel Pacheco, who has earned mass plaudits since arriving on Merseyside from Barcelona last summer.

"Daniel Pacheco has looked very sharp - he is a class player and we are delighted to have him," Carragher continued.

"Hopefully he can go on and do it this season but, as I say, he is still a young player - you shouldn't forget that. Hopefully he will be a Liverpool boy for years to come."

Gold Medal Then Premiership Crown - Mascherano

Javier Mascherano has confirmed that he'll go to the Olympics and, brimming with confidence, is targeting another gold medal and the Premier League title.

Midfield battler Javier Mascherano has come under fire over his imminent stint as a Beijing olympian, which will involve him missing the start of the season.

However, the 24-year-old - one of the over-age players in Argentina's squad for the Games - has now hit back.

He feels everything he'll touch this season will turn to gold and that his adventure in China will be long forgotten by the time the Reds hoist the Premier League trophy aloft.

Gunning for his second-straight Olympic triumph, Mascherano confirmed to the Liverpool Echo: "I will go to the Olympics - I'm leaving the team for a month.

"Hopefully, I will go to Beijing and win the gold medal for my country and come back and win the title with Liverpool."

Still, the midfielder, capped 36 times for the senior international side, is happy to have shaken off the inevitable summer sluggishness and seen some new faces by enjoying pre-season with Rafa Benitez's side.

He continued: "It was important for me to do the pre-season with the team so I can get to know my new team-mates before I go to the Olympics.

"We are all working hard and hopefully the work we are doing now will help us to have a good season and we will try to win some trophies.

"We are having more and more contact with the ball and, when the new season arrives, I think we will be ready for the Premier League."

Rush: Barry & Keane Can Help Reds To Glory

Liverpool legend Ian Rush believes the potential signings of Gareth Barry and Robbie Keane could see the club finally challenge for their first Premier League crown.

Despite being the most successful club in English football, the Reds have yet to open their account in the Premier League era. Their last title came in 1990, under the guidance of Rush’s former strike partner, Kenny Dalglish.

It has been a trying 18 years since, during which Manchester United have supplanted their North West rivals as England’s biggest and best, while London duo Chelsea and Arsenal have also leaped ahead when it comes to domestic affairs.

The catch-cry from Anfield in recent years has been that they are one or two great signings away from reclaiming the trophy they seemed to own during the 1970s and ‘80s. The arrival of Spanish superstar Fernando Torres has taken them one step closer, but gaps remain in certain departments.

Now Rafael Benitez is chasing Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry and Tottenham striker Robbie Keane, although the players’ respective price tags have prevented the deals from being completed as yet.

Rush is adamant that those two players could complete Liverpool’s puzzle, and has called on the club’s owners, George Gillett and Tom Hicks, to stump up the ₤40million or so required to secure the pair’s services.

“When you look at what’s happening at other clubs, why shouldn’t Liverpool go close?” Rush said in The Sun. “I just hope Rafa gets the money to sign Barry and Keane – then I could see them giving it a real go.

“The spine of the team is in place with Jose Reina, Jamie Carragher, Stevie Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

“If they get support, I can see them mounting a genuine push – and not before time.”

After a season that was riddled with boardroom controversy, it has been a relatively peaceful summer so far on Merseyside – certainly compared to the goings on at Old Trafford, the Emirates and Stamford Bridge, anyway.

And Rush believes the Reds should capitalise on their rivals’ unrest as they seek to add to their 18 titles – a record that is being threatened by the Red Devils, who clinched their 17th last term.

“It’s no good setting your sights on fourth at a club like this, where expectations are so high,” the Welshman continued.

“And maybe this is the right time. United have lost No 2 Carlos Queiroz and no-one knows what will happen with Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Chelsea have a new boss and new players but even great ones need time to gel.

“And Arsenal are losing players too, while nothing has happened at Liverpool, apart from selling Peter Crouch.”

Keane's arrival would effectively nullify Crouch's departure, at any rate, while Barry would replace Xabi Alonso, should the Basque playmaker also leave. But whether that will be enough for Liverpool to clinch their first Premier League crown remains to be seen.

Reina Rules Out Spain Return

Liverpool goalkeeper Jose ‘Pepe’ Reina has dismissed the possibility of returning to his native country, insisting he is completely satisfied on Merseyside.

Reina arrived at Anfield in 2005 and has since established himself among Europe’s elite ‘keepers, snaring three consecutive Golden Glove awards for most clean sheets in a Premier League season.

However, the 25-year-old has had to settle for a spot on the bench when it comes to international duty, as Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas – who was outstanding in Spain’s EURO 2008 triumph – effectively owns la Furia Roja’s No. 1 jersey.

Some have speculated that the former Barcelona shot-stopper could return to La Liga in the hope of increasing his chances of supplanting Casillas, as it is a widely held belief that la Seleccion’s coaches prefer home-based players.

But Reina – one of four Spanish scousers in Austria and Switzerland last month – insisted he will not be leaving Liverpool any time soon, and is focused solely on helping the Reds claim silverware this season.

"I won't consider returning to Spain," said Reina. "I like Liverpool and it doesn't even enter my head to return already to Spanish football - and that goes for my family as well.

"I want to celebrate winning a big trophy with Liverpool this season and if we do I promise my team-mates I will cook them some excellent seafood in return!"

Pennant Backs Keane Pursuit

Jermaine Pennant believes a partnership of Robbie Keane and Fernando Torres could be the best in the Premier League.

Liverpool have confirmed an interest in signing Keane, although Rafa Benitez's comments about the Irishman have prompted a complaint from Tottenham Hotspur.

Keane has told Spurs that he wants to join Liverpool and Pennant would welcome the gifted forward at Anfield.

With Torres having enjoyed a sensational debut season with the Reds, Pennant believes the combination of the Spaniard and Keane would be a major hit.

"Robbie is a great player," said Pennant in the Daily Star. "He's sharp around the box and is a great finisher.

"With Torres up front as well, it will be a great partnership. They could be as good as anything in the Premier League."

Meanwhile, Pennant is planning to still be a member of the Liverpool squad in the coming season as he looks to cement a place in Benitez's side.

Pennant has been linked with a move to Blackburn, but insists he is not looking to quit the Reds.

He added: "I'm not thinking about leaving at all."

Friendly Can’t Fire The Imagination On Merits Of Anfield Squad

Ever the professional, it seems Rafael Benitez’s only concession to the notion of a pre-season friendly match is to prowl the technical area resplendent in a pair of jeans.

There is little chance of the Liverpool manager taking a similarly casual attitude to his team’s preparations for the coming campaign.

But while the latest stage of that warm-up programme saw the Anfield outfit further stretch their muscles with a testing workout against Wisla Krakow on Saturday, it has been impossible for Benitez to gauge any accurate assessment of the state of his squad.

Already without the Euro 2008-winning Spanish contingent of Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and Pepe Reina, Benitez has missed Steven Gerrard for the last two friendlies with the skipper having flown home before the weekend 1-1 draw nursing a groin problem.

Those five will again be absent tomorrow for the clash with Hertha Berlin in Germany, Liverpool’s final fixture before they head back to Melwood for a further period of intensive training.

Pre-season is often notoriously deceiving, but particularly so this season with so many of his expected first-team regulars as yet unavailable.

“We’ve had a lot of players away and it has made a difference,” admits Benitez. “Hopefully we will have everybody available soon and with the big names back we can do better.”

There was once a time when the pre-season process of shaking the ring-rust from the players, building fitness, bedding in summer signings and experimenting with tactics was a mystical matter to all but the most loyal, hardy supporters.

Not any more.

Nowadays, almost every friendly is built up to be an ‘event’, when in reality they are very rarely anything of the sort.

Saturday’s game was a painful example of why pre-season encounters and live television coverage should not be mixed.

As a spectacle, it was woeful. Indeed, the most memorable moment was when a photographer, desperate for some entertainment, proceeded to knock over half of the advertising boards behind one goal.

With Fribourg’s intimate Stade-St Leonard slowly cooking under the heat of the Swiss summer sun, the game at times was reduced to walking pace, the raft of absentees making the evening close to a glorified training session for Liverpool.

Having undertaken intensive training sessions the previous day and on the morning of the game, it was hardly surprising Liverpool tired noticeably quicker than their opponents with no player lasting the full 90 minutes.

Polish champions Wisla, preparing for a Champions League qualifier next week, were noticeably the sharper and offered a far greater challenge than either Tranmere or FC Lucerne.

Philipp Degen, so unconvincing on debut last Wednesday, also missed out with a minor groin problem, and it is a touch alarming that youngster Stephen Darby seemed far more effective in a defensive role than his Swiss colleague.

Benitez’s other new full-back, Andrea Dossena, was given clearance to make his first appearance on the left side of defence.

And, as with Degen, the early signs weren’t particularly encouraging.

The Italian was caught out of position on a number of occasions and Wisla’s 12th-minute goal came down the Liverpool left, Marek Ziencuk cutting the ball back to Tomas Jirsak to sweep a first-time finish past Diego Cavalieri.

Both Dossena and Degen can hardly be expected to slot in straight away, but both will surely now be aware of the expectations and demands of Benitez and supporters. Must do better.

Liverpool had already forged ahead in the sixth minute when Ukrainian international striker and pre-season specialist Andriy Voronin netted his second goal in as many games.

A flowing move involving the again impressive Lucas Leiva and Ryan Babel ended with Yossi Benayoun threading a brilliant ball into the path of Voronin who, having seen his initial effort saved by Wisla goalkeeper Mariusz Pawelek, made no mistake in dispatching the rebound.

Voronin later spurned a good chance to regain the lead when a mistake by Marcin Baszczynski put the Ukrainian in the clear, but his shot was too close to Pawelek.

Benayoun had an effort cleared off the line by Arkadiusz Glowacki after the interval but the Israeli was an often infuriating figure, continually coughing up possession to the Poles.

He wasn’t alone, though, as Liverpool made life particularly difficult for themselves during the first half by struggling to hold on to the ball.

Wisla should have taken advantage of some sloppy defending, with Benitez’s side showing few signs of having yet addressed last season’s inability to consistently handle set-pieces.

After one such malaise, Liverpool had to rely on a harsh flag from the referee’s assistant to prevent them falling behind before a Marek Ziencuk free-kick evaded a clutch of defenders and struck the outside of Cavalieri’s right-hand post.

Sebastian Leto again fleetingly caught the eye with some fancy footwork only to be let down by a poor choice of final pass, while fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano announced his return to the first-team squad with a couple of crunching tackles. The midfielder clearly does not do ‘friendly’.

Voronin, Benayoun and late substitute Jermaine Pennant have all been linked with moves away from Anfield so far during this transfer window, serving to only further underline that this Liverpool team is virtually unrecognisable to the one that will step out for the first leg of the Champions League qualifier next month.

And until the cavalry arrives, Benitez is unlikely to contemplate a wardrobe change just yet.

Gerrard To Be Fit For Villarreal Friendly

Liverpool expect skipper Steven Gerrard to be fit for their friendly against Villarreal in Spain next week.

By that time they should have another striker on board – whether it is Tottenham’s Irish hitman Robbie Keane or Paris Saint Germain striker David N’Gog.

Anfield captain Gerrard is back at the club’s Melwood training camp receiving treatment on a groin injury as boss Rafael Benitez’s prepares his squad for tonight’s away friendly with Hertha Berlin.

The England player missed Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Wisla Krakow in Switzerland on Saturday, having been sent home for treatment on an injury sustained by the midfielder in training.

Reds manager Benitez accepted that Gerrard would not be fit for the trip to Berlin, but has every hope that he will be on the plane to Spain next week for the August 30 clash with goalkeeper Jose Reina’s former club.

Liverpool do not have a match this weekend, but Gerrard will be occupied with a trip to Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral on Friday.

That is the venue for the 28-year-old to have an honorary fellowship conferred on him by Liverpool John Moores University, in recognition of his services to sport.

Professor Michael Brown, who is vice-chancellor at LJMU, said: “Steven epitomises the university philosophy of ’Dream, Plan, Achieve’.

“As a young boy he excelled in the sport he loves and ensured his talent was recognised, looking upon challenges as opportunities and pursuing each available avenue.

“As a result he has become one of the best sportsmen in the country, if not the world, with a reputation for integrity both on and off the pitch.”

Professor Brown added: “As a prominent sporting figure and a son of the city, it is fitting that LJMU, an international leader in sports and exercise science and a major contributor to Liverpool’s success and growth, should award Steven with this honorary fellowship.”

Gerrard, who was awarded an MBE earlier in the year, added: “I am very proud to become a fellow of Liverpool John Moores University.

“Not only has LJMU done so much for this city and the people of Liverpool but it has given the science of football international credibility. It is an honour to be recognised with this award.”

On Gerrard’s fitness, Benitez made it clear immediately after the Krakow game that the player’s absence is only short-term.

Benitez said: “Steven’s groin problem is not serious but he cannot train and he wouldn’t be available for the game in Berlin, so we decided to send him back to Melwood.

“He should be okay in about a week. It’s not serious but there’s no sense to keep him with us while he is unable to train or play.”

Liverpool, who hope to complete the transfer of Robbie Keane from Tottenham shortly – but not before the weekend as had been previously predicted – also want to have 19-year-old French striker David N’Gog signed this week after a £1.5m bid was accepted by Paris St Germain.

The youngster would become Liverpool’s fourth signing of the summer, after deals for Philipp Degen, Andrea Dossena and Diego Cavalieri.

Degen is also out of the Berlin game with a groin problem.

Liverpool also snapped up teenagers Vincent Lucas Weijl and Nikola Saric recently, but while they are for Gary Ablett’s reserve squad, N’Gog has been earmarked for the first team.

N’Gog’s arrival could hasten the departure of Ukrainian striker Andriy Voronin.

Voronin has scored twice in three unbeaten pre-season friendlies but is interesting Hamburg and could go for £3m, to add further to Benitez’s transfer kitty and the prospect of signing Gareth Barry to the squad before the season starts.

Albert Riera Admits He’d Love Liverpool Move

Albert Riera has revealed his desire to return to English football with Liverpool.

The Spanish left-winger has fallen out with his club Espanyol and wants to return to the Premier League following a previous spell on loan with Manchester City

Manager Rafael Benitez has pondered a move for the 26-year-old this summer to strengthen his attacking options – but wouldn’t consider paying anything above £8million.

Even then he would only be likely to pursue his interest if he was unable to seal his top two targets of Robbie Keane and Gareth Barry.

“I know English football and it is an attractive option for players,” Riera said.

“If Espanyol do finally receive an offer I do not want to miss the opportunity to go to Liverpool. The option to join a super-club doesn’t come every day.

“I am a realistic person but this has given me something to look forward to.

“To reject the possibility of a move would be madness.”

Liverpool remain confident of sealing Keane’s signature, but are considering their response to complaints made by his club to the FA, before it is decided whether they will face a charge.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has reported both the Anfield club and Manchester United for what he calls “disgraceful” conduct during the current transfer sagas.

Rafa Benitez And Kenny Dalglish Give Support To AFC Liverpool

The new amateur football club AFC Liverpool has been backed by Liverpool FC managers past and present Rafael Benitez and Kenny Dalglish.

Kop favourite Dalglish sent a personal email to AFC Liverpool Chairman Alun Parry to support the venture, which is aimed at keeping those priced out of Premier League football within the Liverpool family.

The legend said: "I would just like to congratulate you and everyone involved with AFC Liverpool.

"It is a brilliant idea and I hope it is a success for you all.

"You can't always judge your success with results on the pitch. Your greatest success could be bringing a part of Liverpool FC to many people's lives. All the very best."

Current Liverpool manager Benitez gave AFC Liverpool his approval in an interview with LFC TV.

Commenting on the new non- league club for Liverpool fans, he said: "I'm pleased with the idea.

"I think that, with more people closer to our club, it's good.

"My message is just to wish them all the best, to score lots of goals and progress to another level. It will be fantastic for us."

Club founder and chairman Alun Parry said: "I am delighted that Kenny and Rafa are so supportive of AFC Liverpool. We really appreciate their backing and hope that their support encourages Liverpool fans to get behind both clubs.

"We are currently seeking shirt sponsorship, so having Kenny and Rafa on board will be a big help."

AFC Liverpool have already opened their trophy account by beating Nelson FC at the weekend in a game honouring the 50th anniversary of Joe Fagan's arrival as a coach at Anfield.

Their next game is away against leading non-league outfit Marine at the Arriva Stadium in Crosby tonight, followed by a visit to Formby FC on Saturday.

The new club will be playing all home games at Prescot Cables' Valerie Park ground, starting on August 9 with a league game against Darwen FC.