Fourth Place Is Between Liverpool And Manchester City - John Aldridge

Former Liverpool hero John Aldridge believes the race for fourth place in the Premier League is a straight fight between the Reds and Manchester City, and has tipped Rafael Benitez's men to come out on top.

Speaking exclusively to Goal.com UK Aldridge, who scored 63 goals in 104 games for the Reds between 1987 and 1989, said he expected the race for a Champions League spot to be fiercely contested, but said Liverpool's more favourable run of fixtures gives them the advantage over their rivals.

"I personally think it's between Liverpool and Manchester City," said Aldridge, "It is obviously very tight, and I think it could go right down to the wire. We could be looking at the last day of the season being decisive.

"Manchester City are, at the moment anyway, playing the more attractive football, and scoring goals, but you look at Liverpool's run-in, and that to me gives them a slight edge."

Liverpool's desperation to secure Champions League football at Anfield next season has been heightened by the release this week of Deloitte's Football Money League, which shows the Reds to be trailing behind the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in terms of revenue generation, and Aldridge knows the importance of a top-four finish for Benitez and his side.

"For the future of the club, it is vitally important that they get fourth this season," he said, "I really hope that they do of course, but I think that they will in the end."

And, as one of the best goalscorers in the club's history, the former Republic of Ireland frontman is in no doubt as to who holds the key to Liverpool's success this season - Spanish striker Fernando Torres.

"It goes without saying that Fernando Torres is absolutely vital for Liverpool, if they are to get fourth place," he says, "Liverpool have to do everything to make sure he is available along with Steven Gerrard, because when he is in the team, they are a different side."

Torres in December became the fastest player in Liverpool history to reach 50 league goals for the club, achieving that remarkable feat in just 72 games. And Aldridge believes that the Spaniard is already well on the way to establishing himself as one of Anfield's all-time greats, alongside the likes of Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush and Roger Hunt.

"Absolutely, Torres can be one of the very best," he said, "Of course he needs to stay at the club for a number of years and have that longevity before he can be mentioned alongside the true greats, but he is definitely going the right way, his goalscoring record is phenomenal."

One of the key reasons for Torres' efficiency, Aldridge believes, is the role of skipper Steven Gerrard. The 29-year-old has recently rediscovered some of his best form after a patchy start to the campaign, and Aldridge believes a fit and in-form Gerrard could well be the catalyst for an upturn in Liverpool's performances.

"I think he has looked sharp in the last couple of matches in the centre of midfield," he said, "And when Steven Gerrard is in the side and firing, he brings a bit of bounce to the side, makes people click and gets people around him playing - Torres included.

"If Liverpool are to get themselves going then they need Steven Gerrard on song, make no mistake."

One area where Aldridge, who now works as a summariser for local radio station Radio City, thinks Benitez could improve Liverpool's chances is on the left hand side of midfield.

The form of Albert Riera has been indifferent all season, and though Dutch attacker Ryan Babel has shown glimpses of his undoubted talent of late, prompting some to call for the former Ajax man to be given a prolonged stint in the team, Aldridge believes the 23-year-old has wasted too many chances already at the club.

"I think with [Dirk] Kuyt on the right, Liverpool get a nice balance," he said, "He scores important goals and puts in some great work, but on the left we perhaps need some balance.

"We don't have a left-sided player who can go past a man and create things, like a left-sided version of Aaron Lennon or Shaun Wright-Phillips.

"Babel has had so many chances at Liverpool, and so far he has failed to take any of them. How many chances does he need?"

Insua: It's Taken Me Three Years To Settle

Liverpool defender Emiliano Insua believes it has taken him three years to finally settle in English football.

The 21-year-old Argentina international initially joined on loan from Boca Juniors in January 2007 and did not make his first-team debut for three months.

He made 13 appearances the following season, competing against Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena for the left-back spot.

But injuries to the former and the January departure of the latter has meant the South American has played in all but two of Liverpool's 28 Barclays Premier League fixtures.

And with Aurelio now ruled out for up to three weeks with a thigh strain Insua is set to continue his spell in the first team.

"For me this has been a special season because I've played many games in a row so I'm really happy," said Insua, who scored his first Liverpool goal in the Carling Cup defeat at Arsenal in October - just a fortnight after making his Argentina debut.

"It has given me a lot of confidence that I can do the job so I have to keep working hard and doing the same on the pitch.

"If you are playing so many games in a row you get experience if you are a young player.

"I think this season will help me for the future and give me experience."

Insua has been involved in 2,360 minutes of Premier League action this season, with only tireless forward Dirk Kuyt, midfielder Lucas Leiva and defender Jamie Carragher having had more on-pitch time of the out-field players.

Manager Rafael Benitez was keen to rest the 23-year-old by rotating him with Aurelio over the coming weeks but injury to the Brazilian has ruled out that option for now.

Aurelio has not had much luck with injuries, having missed the start of the season after sustaining a freak knee problem in a kickabout with his children during the summer and been troubled with few niggling injuries since.

"It's not good news and we think he is going to be out for maybe another two or three weeks - Fabio has had really bad luck," said Benitez of his sidelined left-back.

"It all began at the start of the season, when he suffered the injury during the summer with his family, and it's like there has been something every month since then.

"It is a shame because he is a top footballer and a really nice person but him being out leaves us with a problem because we wanted to play him, so we could give Insua a rest.

"Emiliano is a good young player and has benefited from being involved in so many games but he has been laying a lot recently.

"We needed Fabio so he could help the team and also help Insua. His injury is bad news for both of them."

Insua admitted playing alongside national-team captain Javier Mascherano and compatriot Maxi Rodriguez, a January signing from Atletico Madrid, had made his life easier on and off the pitch.

"The Argentinian people are really together for each other and it is such a different culture [in England]," added Insua. "In the first year I couldn't speak much English so to have Javier and now Maxi means it is very special for all three of us.

"Javier is the captain of the national team so I respect him and I listen to him and maybe he can help me for the future."

Lucas Out To Prove Himself

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva believes his side's mixed fortunes this season have helped his progression into a first-team player.

The 23-year-old is one of just three Reds players to have figured in every Premier League game so far this season alongside Pepe Reina and Dirk Kuyt.

The Brazilian, who was in the squad for his country's 2-0 victory over Republic of Ireland on Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium and will hope to be in their World Cup squad this summer, has often been a much-maligned figure at Anfield since his transfer from Gremio in 2007.

However, Reds boss Rafa Benitez's persistence in using him alongside Javier Mascherano in a five-man midfield has seen the club's form pick up of late, with Lucas' determination to prove he can handle the pressure of playing for the club a key factor in his improvement.

"I've learned a lot more about myself and become a stronger person and player. It made me desperate to prove people wrong," he told LFC Weekly.

"There have been times (in the past) when I thought I may have made the wrong decision but now I am sure that I have made the right one.

"My game has changed a lot since leaving Brazil. I was able to attack more at Gremio because I played with two defensive midfielders. In England you have more responsibility.

"I still think I have some work to do if all the fans are going to believe in me. I'm happy and feel I'm improving. But it isn't about me, it's about the club doing well."

Lucas' comments were backed up by Benitez, who still feels he made the right decision signing a player who at the time was very highly thought of by a number of top clubs.

"I know he can improve so much more," said Benitez.

"When I was talking about him before he signed, I was telling people we were signing the captain of Gremio - and he was only 19.

"That means something. You do not captain teams in Brazil at such a level at that age if you are not a strong character with a good mentality. Hopefully he will continue to grow with us."

Kjaer Courts Liverpool Move

Palermo want to keep hold of star defender Simon Kjaer, despite the player admitting he would like to leave the club at the end of the season.

Kjaer has conceded he wants a move to one of the bigger clubs in European football - highlighting Premier League giants Liverpool as his preferred choice.

The 20-year-old - who joined Palermo just over two years ago - says he is seeking a new challenge in his career, but insisted any switch would have to be to an 'attractive club'.

The central defender still has over two-and-a-half years left on his current deal at the Stadio Renzo Barbera, however the Dane is eager to finalise a transfer before he turns his attention to World Cup duties with his national side.

Kjaer said: "I will take a step towards the dream or I will stay in Palermo. I would prefer to have it sorted out before the World Cup. I am ready for a new challenge, but is has to be an attractive club.

"(The) Premier League is the best league in the world and then there is Barcelona and Real Madrid in Spain.

"England and the physical playing style would probably suit me better. In case the right offers come, it would be exciting to form a partnership with (Daniel) Agger (at Liverpool)."

Officials at the club are not as keen to let their prize stopper exit, though, with Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini saying he does not want coach Delio Rossi to lose key players in the close-season.

Palermo currently sit fourth in Serie A and are well positioned to secure a UEFA Champions League berth, a feat which Zamparini believes could persuade the likes of Kjaer to remain in Italy.

He said: "I hope that all can remain in Palermo and maybe if we go into the Champions League, (the) boys are more encouraged to stay.

"I want (Edinson) Cavani, Javier Pastore and Kjaer to remain here. Kjaer is much too an important player for us - I'd buy him again just to not make him go away."

Turan Eyes Liverpool Move

Turkey international Arda Turan would be interested in a move to Liverpool.

The Galatasaray midfielder has spoken of his desire to experience football overseas and Anfield would be one of his preferred destinations.

"Of course I want to play abroad but it is our board's decision," said the 23-year-old, who has previously been linked with Rafael Benitez's side.

"As I always mention, Liverpool attracts me because of their tradition.

"In Europe, I am a Liverpool supporter, so if I go to play in Europe, I would like to play for them."

Turan added on UEFA.com: "My dream has always been to play for one of the top European clubs, but you shouldn't make concrete plans in your life because sometimes these plans cannot be achieved.

"This is my dream, but for now I'm just working on my football."

Liverpool Winger Albert Riera Could Be Sold In The Summer

Albert Riera's continued omission from Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez's match-day squads has prompted regional press to link the Spanish winger with a summer exit.

Riera has struggled with a hamstring problem this season, and was absent from the first-team for a six-week period.

During January, Benitez recruited Maxi Rodriguez, and with Dutch forward Ryan Babel's improvement in form, chances for Riera to edge his way back into contention appear limited.

The Liverpool Daily Post believes time is not on Riera's side, and speculates that, in order to free up funds for a period of overhaul when the season concludes, Benitez now regards Riera as a saleable commodity.

Spain international Riera has also been omitted from the national line-up, and was not included in his country's squad for Wednesday night’s friendly with France.

Peter Kilfoyle Says Liverpool FC Must Play Key Role In Anfield’s Regeneration

For Walton MP Peter Kilfoyle, the problems of Anfield – in terms of health, housing and employment – are considerable.

He met Gordon Brown while he was still chancellor of the exchequer to see if there was funding available to tackle Anfield’s deprivation and housing issues with a unique programme.

But a positive answer was not forthcoming.

Mr Kilfoyle said: “We had a meeting where I was trying to get him to agree a special purpose vehicle to look at issues in north Liverpool.

“But it is the nature of these things that they pass them down the line.

“It needs a total sweep through, that area, to get it all done, particularly Rockfield Road. We have a lot of people coming here from overseas and what must they think about the area? It must give a very bad impression.”

Mr Kilfoyle said the club – as the major attraction in the area – needs to be definitive about its plans, which still have a bearing on regeneration, as “the only organisation of any size and credibility”.

He is in two minds about whether he feels the club appreciates the importance of its role in economic regeneration.

He said: “Christian Purslow, the managing director, is a banker – he is not a regeneration person.

“I do not think, in all honesty, he would see a football club as having a community dimension in perhaps the way we expect in Liverpool.”

But club officials insist they do sees themselves closely involved in the renewal of the area.

Regeneration director Andrea Titterington said: “It is true the pace of housing improvements has slowed, largely due to the wider economic situation coupled with the availability of mortgages.

“But the housing providers are still committed to the original plans.

“Although significant improvements have been achieved, there is still more to be done.

“We remain as committed as we always have to assist in the implementation of the strategy for the regeneration of the Anfield and Breckfield areas.”

Dirk Kuyt Leads Way As Liverpool Stars Shine On International Duty

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt was on target as Holland beat USA 2-1 in last night’s international friendly in Amsterdam.

The Reds frontman netted a 40th minute penalty to put the Dutch on their way to victory.

Clubmate Ryan Babel came off the bench 10 minutes from time as the hosts defeated England’s World Cup opponents.

Klaas Jan Huntelaar made it 2-0 before Carlos Bocanegra bagged a consolation.

Fernando Torres played the second half as Spain enjoyed a 2-0 victory over France in a glamour friendly in Paris.

Torres replaced David Villa at the break but it was Sergio Ramos who grabbed both goals for the European champions.

Villa was full of praise for Torres, who came through the contest unscathed.

The Valencia man: “Strikers live for goals, we have to score goals, it is what measures our performance.

"At the moment Torres is not having luck in front of goal (for Spain) but his work has been good for the team and we have to be happy with his work-rate.

"A striker with so much quality, such magic and so much experience, despite not having a good year, he is always dangerous and never do you want to face him.

“The power he has in the last few metres is unique. I've never seen another player with that much power and that is what we as other strikers want."

Javier Mascherano played the full 90 minutes as Argentina secured an impressive 1-0 win over Germany in Munich.

Israel failed to qualify for the World Cup but Yossi Benayoun helped to lift spirits as he scored in their 2-0 victory in Romania. Sotirios Kyrgiakos couldn’t prevent Greece from going down 2-0 to Senegal.

Liverpool Fans Outflanked By Manchester United's Green And Gold

Liverpool have become accustomed to living in Manchester United’s shadow during the two decades that have passed since the league champions’ flag fluttered over Anfield.

United have won the trophies, cashed in on the explosion of the Premier League across the globe and they could even erase Liverpool from the record books by winning a 19th league title this season.

The miracle of Istanbul aside, the red half of Merseyside has had little to throw back in the face of their foes from the other end of the East Lancs Road over the past 20 years.

And as the green-and-gold masses at Old Trafford now find themselves earning global publicity, and the apparent financial support of the Red Knights, in their battle to remove the Glazer family, those Liverpool fans attempting to overthrow their own despised American owners have been outflanked once again by their Mancunian rivals.

Whatever their prospects of success – and the smart money is on the Glazers riding the storm and banking a handsome profit many years down the road – the United supporters have won the publicity battle.

IMUSA and Must, the two groups fronting the campaign, have claimed the front pages, sports pages and news bulletins as a result of their clever campaign.

The Liverpool fans? Apart from the odd march and a couple of posters criticising Tom Hicks and George Gillett, they have slipped beneath the radar.

When Tom Hicks Jnr. was forced out on the back of an email row with a supporter earlier this year, Liverpool’s fans had the perfect opportunity to accelerate their campaign.

But since then, the focus has shifted firmly to Old Trafford and the movement aimed at overthrowing the Glazers.

The irony, though, is that Liverpool’s supporters have much more reason than the United fans to mount a visible campaign against the club’s owners.

Under the Glazers, whether the United fans like it or not, Sir Alex Ferguson’s team has enjoyed a period of incredible success.

Three Premier League titles, one European Cup, a World Club Championship and three League Cups.

Meanwhile, under the stewardship of Hicks and Gillett, Liverpool have won precisely nothing.

Rafael Benitez has seen numerous transfer targets slip through his grasp and, although he was able to lure Fernando Torres to Anfield, others have gone elsewhere.

So if any group of fans has reason to be disillusioned it is the Liverpool supporters. They are the ones desperate for a return to the glory days that United are presently enjoying.

United’s followers have gorged on success while Liverpool have starved.

Yet it is the United supporters that appear more determined to enforce regime change when it could be argued that they have never had it so good.

With the success of the green-and-gold campaign, there have been noises emanating from Manchester and Merseyside talking up the prospect of an unholy alliance between Liverpool and United fans aimed at showing their joint opposition to their respective American owners.

That proposal only has the support of a small minority on both sides.

Regardless of their shared ownership issues, United fans would enjoy nothing more than seeing Liverpool run into the ground by Hicks and Gillett.

Equally, the Kop would rejoice if United sank without a trace under the Glazers.

But while the United hordes milk the publicity generated by the green-and-gold campaign, Liverpool’s supporter campaign risks falling behind.

They need to find a trick of their own, a gimmick that will steal the thunder of the green-and-gold masses.

But maybe the moment has passed. Perhaps United have done them again.

Hicks And Gillett Left Smiling Despite Fan Discontent After Liverpool’s Revenues Soar By Millions

Despite continuing fan discontent and concerns over the financing of the club's debt, Liverpool FC's owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett were given a boost this week when it was revealed that the club's revenues have been boosted by almost €10 million.

Liverpool have moved up to seventh place in Deloitte's Football Money League, after the Reds' annual revenues climbed from €207.4 million to €217 million. Liverpool still trailed Premier League rivals Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, but United's revenues only improved by €2.2 million, and both chelsea and Arsenal recorded lower revenues than in previous years.

'Broadcasting revenue of £74.6m (€87.6m) has risen by £3.8m (5%) since 2007/08,' reports Deloitte. 'The increase reflected a second place Premier League finish in 2008/09, which provided £50.3m of revenue (a £4.3m (9%) uplift). Reaching the quarter-final of the Uefa Champions League in 2008/09 earned Liverpool €23.2m (£19.7m) which was €3.6m lower than the amount received from Uefa for reaching the semi-final in the previous season. Having failed to reach the last 16 of the Champions League in 2009/10, Liverpool will be looking for a very strong Uefa Europa League performance to minimise the shortfall against the level of European revenues they usually generate.

'Despite the challenging sponsorship market, Liverpool achieved a £13.5m (25%) increase in commercial revenues to £67.7m (€79.5m), which accounts for 37% of the club’s total revenue, following the commencement of four new partnerships, reportedly worth a combined £10m (€12m).'

Deloitte also noted that Liverpool's performance is likely to improve in coming seasons, when, amongst other things, its £20 million per year shirt sponsorship agreement with Standard Chartered begins. That deal more than double what Liverpool currently receive annually from Carlsberg. However, the report also noted that, to move up the Football Money League, Liverpool are likely to need to move to their proposed new stadium.

Failure to do so has been a key part of fan discontent at Anfield. A poster campaign in Liverpool has seen billboards throughout the city carry the message: 'Tom and George, Debt, Lies, Cowboys. Not welcome here.'

Jan Molby Expects A Fit Fernando Torres To Galvanise Liverpool's Push For Fourth Place

Liverpool stars Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun and Glen Johnson will have a major impact on the club's season when they are fully fit once more, according to former Reds midfielder Jan Molby.

Molby expects Torres and Johnson to be keen to build form and fitness ahead of this summer's World Cup, although he has some doubts as to whether Rafael Benitez will want to disrupt his side's current defensive solidity by reintroducing Johnson at right-back.

"Torres and Johnson will certainly want to be fit and flying in time for the World Cup and players of their quality will always make an impact," Molby told the Reds' official website.

"Benayoun and Torres are already back in the first-team, but the problem is when do you put Johnson back in? Obviously he's got to return to full fitness first, but what will his comeback do to the way we've been playing recently? Glen loves to attack, so his return could alter the approach of our defence.

"However, in saying that, the centre-backs will have gained a lot of confidence from our recent clean sheets, so maybe we could be at the stage where we can deploy two attacking full-backs and see how it goes. Glen could also be an option for a wide midfield role."

The Dane does expect Torres to provide a major lift after being affected by injury for so much of the current campaign.

"It's not just the fact he lifts our team and crowd, he also has an effect on the opposition," Molby added.

"The last thing any opposition want to see is Fernando Torres on the teamsheet, whether he's starting or a sub.

"He has an impact all round, but of course when you've missed the amount of matches he has with injury, you need a little bit of time to find your feet again.

"It was no surprise he came back and scored a goal on Sunday against Blackburn because that's what he does, but in terms of his overall play he'll need a little bit more time to find his best form.

"We can't afford to lose him again - we have to keep our fingers crossed he can stay fit for the remainder of the season."

Liverpool striker Torres Favours Barcelona Move If He Leaves Anfield

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is keen on a move to Catalan giants Barcelona, if he is forced to leave Anfield.

Sport suggests that Liverpool may have to sell their prized assets, including Torres in order to help repay the club's large financial debt. Although both Chelsea and Manchester City have been linked with the 25 year-old, Torres reportedly would prefer a move to Barcelona.

Sport discounts the possibility of a transfer to Real Madrid, given Torres' loyalty to his former club Atletico Madrid. But the Liverpool striker apparently feels "a great sympathy" for Barcelona and "wouldn't hesitate a single moment" to move to the Nou Camp.

During his time at Atletico Madrid, Barcelona president Joan Laporta "was flirting" with the signing of Torres, according to Sport.

"El Nino" has been outstanding since moving to Anfield in 2007 and has scored 13 goals in 21 matches for Liverpool so far this season.

Inter To Sign Liverpool's Steven Gerrard When Jose Mourinho Extends Deal - Report

Inter coach Jose Mourinho is expected to sign a new deal and then make a fresh bid for Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, according to Il Corriere Dello Sport.

Club president Massimo Moratti is keen on extending the Special One's contract from 2012 to 2013, and his salary will jump from €11 million to €13 million per annum as part of the new terms.

Once Inter are certain of Mourinho's stay, they will provide the funds he needs to strengthen the squad. First on the list will be Gerrard, who was linked with the club last summer.

But the England international has always made it clear he is not interested in leaving his hometown club.

However, failure to qualify for the Champions League could prompt him to reconsider his Anfield future.

Liverpool's Fábio Aurélio May Be Out For Three Weeks, Says Rafael Benítez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez believes defender Fábio Aurélio could be sidelined for three weeks with a thigh problem.

The Brazilian was forced off midway through the first half of Sunday's victory over Blackburn after straining quadriceps in his right leg.

Aurélio has not had the best luck with injuries, having missed the start of the season after sustaining an unusual knee problem in a kickabout with his children during the summer.

Since then he has struggled with a few niggling injuries but appeared to be ready for a longer run in the team before this latest setback as Benítez was keen for young left-back Emiliano Insua to have a break.

"It's not good news and we think he is going to be out for maybe another two or three weeks – Fábio has had really bad luck," said Benítez.

"It all began at the start of the season, when he suffered the injury during the summer with his family, and it's like there has been something every month since then.

"It is a shame because he is a top footballer and a really nice person but him being out leaves us with a problem because we wanted to play him, so we could give Insua a rest.

"Emiliano is a good young player and has benefited from being involved in so many games but he has been playing a lot recently.

"We needed Fábio so he could help the team and also help Insua. His injury is bad news for both of them."

With right-back Glen Johnson on the verge of a first-team comeback it seemed Benítez's injury worries were over until Martin Skrtel broke his foot in last week's Europa League tie in Romania and Daniel Agger injured a knee against Blackburn.

There is, at least, some encouraging news concerning the Denmark centre-back: "We will continue to watch Daniel," Benítez told the Liverpool Echo. "We are glad that it is nothing serious but whether he is available for Wigan (on Monday) depends on his progression in the next few days."

Gerrard Proud To Be Captain

Steven Gerrard insists the England captaincy has not been tainted by John Terry and that players must still earn the right to wear the armband.

With new captain Rio Ferdinand injured, Gerrard will skipper England against Egypt tonight in the first international since Capello stripped Terry of the role.

There has been debate over whether the captaincy still holds the same prestige after Terry lost the armband because of his alleged affair with the ex-girlfriend of Wayne Bridge.

Manager Fabio Capello has questioned how the captaincy is viewed in England, claiming being a leader is more important than being the skipper and that Italian and Spanish teams simply appoint the oldest or most-capped player.

But Gerrard still believes leading one’s country is the ultimate achievement. “I don’t think we make too much of the captaincy,” said Gerrard. To be captain of England is a very proud feeling. Every kid dreams of being England captain. I was no different. I don’t really care what other countries think about the captaincy."

“You have to earn the right to be England captain. It would be disrespecting the captaincy to get it as the oldest or most-capped player. It’s massive over here and rightly so. I don’t have any doubts about the captaincy, not at all."

“When Fabio told me I was captain for the Egypt game, I was delighted and I am looking forward to leading the boys out. The spotlight’s not just on the captain, it’s on every single player – more so the closer you get to the World Cup."

“The manager has taken the decision to take the captaincy off John and, as another player, you have to respect his decision. I expect JT to be himself, a very good player and a majestic leader out there. Even if he hasn’t got the armband, I expect him to be a captain in the dressing room and out on the pitch."

Albert Riera Facing Uncertain Liverpool Future

Albert Riera is facing an uncertain Anfield future – as Pepe Reina agreed to extend his Liverpool FC career.

Riera has not even made the bench for the last two games after some under-par performances following his return from six weeks out with a hamstring problem in January.

With Yossi Benayoun fit again, the arrival of Maxi Rodriguez increasing competition and Ryan Babel back in favour, Riera has slipped down Rafael Benitez’s pecking order.

Having been strongly linked with a return to Spain last summer, the winger has been hampered by niggling injury and loss of form, and so far making only 15 appearances.

That lack of action threatening Riera’s place at this year’s World Cup, with the 27-year-old absent from the Spain squad for tonight’s glamour friendly in France.

And Riera will also have a fight to avoid being moved on from Anfield at the end of the season as Benitez looks to shake up his squad after an underwhelming campaign.

Keegan Honoured By Shankly Award

Kevin Keegan labelled Bill Shankly his “inspiration” after being presented with the award that commemorated the legendary manager's legacy.

Given a magnificent ovation by a capacity crowd in the Crowne Plaza as he made his way onto the stage, it was clear a poignant night for one of Liverpool's greatest players.

Sitting with old sparring partners Tommy Smith, Ian Callaghan, Chris Lawler and Ron Yeats, watching old footage of his playing days and Shankly speaking struck a chord.

Shankly was a father figure to Keegan, whom he signed from Scunthorpe in 1971 and it was clear to see the man who made the Reds number seven jersey famous was humbled.

"It's a great honour," said Keegan. "Watching the clips of this guy made us all very emotional. He would have been nearly 97 this year, had he still been with us.

"He was an inspiration to me from the day I first walked into the club. When he left, for me, a little a bit of the club died because he meant that much to everyone.

"It was a very special night and receiving the award made me very proud, particularly when you see some of the people who have won it in the past."

Keegan followed Shankly into management after his glorious playing career ended but, when asked by Master of Ceremonies Ray Stubbs what pointers he took from his mentor, his reply was predictably sharp and witty.

"Not enough of the winning, that's for sure, but you can't have everything!" said Keegan, who now spends his time working as ESPN's main pundit.

"He respected players, he treated them properly and he always made it clear that the fans were always the most important things about the club.

"Players come and go - look at the table I was sat on. We have all long since left but the club will always be there because of those fans. That's what makes it so great."

Hillsborough Panel Views Archive

The group set up to study previously secret documents relating to the Hillsborough tragedy saw for themselves on Tuesday the scale of the archive they are set to examine.

The Hillsborough Independent Panel is overseeing the public disclosure of archives held by the emergency services, the city council and other public bodies in Sheffield.

The documents relate to the disaster in April 1989 when 96 Liverpool fans died in a crush at Hillsborough Stadium after going to see their team play Nottingham Forest in an FA Cup semi-final.

The panel, chaired by the Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev James Jones, was set up last year after the 20th anniversary of the tragedy.

The group visited the archives in Sheffield to look at where the documents are being held and to talk to staff involved in the project.

The bishop said the archive of around 600 boxes of material was "daunting" in its size but he praised the work which has already been done to bring it together and organise it.

The seven members are broadcaster Peter Sissons; public information expert Christine Gifford; TV producer and researcher Katy Jones; Paul Leighton, former deputy chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland; academic criminologist Professor Phil Scraton; Bill Kirkup, former associate medical director at the Department of Health; and archivist Sarah Tyacke.

After his initial look at the documents, the bishop said: "The reason we're doing this is because this is the principal purpose of the panel, which is to oversee the maximum possible disclosure of the documents which are contained in the Sheffield archive.

"This today was our first opportunity of walking through the archive and seeing the shelves of material."

He said: "It's a very large archive.

"I'm very impressed by the way the archive has been kept.

"This is a three-star archive which speaks of the excellence of the service here."

He added: "It is daunting and that's when you realise you need a team. There's no one person that can do this."

The panel convened for the first time in Liverpool earlier this month when it met representatives of Hillsborough victims' families.

The bishop said the panel's tasks were to ensure the maximum public disclosure of the documents and to write a report detailing their contents.

The group will complete the task by making recommendations about a national archive of the Hillsborough documents.

The bishop has said they would "leave no stone unturned" in their search for the truth, which included holding meetings with South Yorkshire Police.

Lord Justice Taylor's inquiry into the disaster, which reported in 1990, criticised senior police officers on duty at the match for a "failure of control" and recommended the introduction of all-seater stadiums.

But the families have continued to call for further inquiries into the deaths.

The bishop said today: "We've got two years in which to do this work.

"The next time we meet will be to establish the protocol of how we will actually access this material.

"Today has enabled us to get some sense of the size of the operation and to meet some key staff."

Some people have estimated the number of documents in the Hillsborough archive could total around two million.

Later, the panel visited South Yorkshire Police HQ where it met with chief constable Meredydd Hughes and other senior officers.

The bishop said the meeting had been very useful and he believed the families of those who died could be reassured the force was giving its full co-operation to the process.

He said: "The panel was greatly encouraged by the initiative the chief constable has already taken in depositing his whole archive with the Sheffield archive."

The bishop added: "I think the people of Sheffield, as well as people in Liverpool and people in Nottingham, can be assured the chief constable has given his word he will co-operate fully with the purpose of the panel which is the maximum possible public disclosure of the documents in the Sheffield archive."

The bishop said the day in Sheffield had been very productive, especially in terms of forging relationships between the various people who have co-operated to put the archive together. He said the good relationship between the group and South Yorkshire Police was clearly very important.

The panel will meet again next month, he said.

Mr. Hughes said: "It was encouraging to meet the Hillsborough Independent Panel here in Sheffield. The members were keen to ensure that it is well understood by all that they are not a new inquiry into the disaster.

"I was pleased to have the opportunity to brief them on the work already carried out by South Yorkshire Police and our local partners.

"Since March last year we have all been steadily bringing together our remaining files and documents to ensure the archives here in Sheffield are as complete as possible.

"The establishment of the panel, the recruitment of the archivists and the growing recognition of the scale of this undertaking, both locally and nationally, means that interested parties and the public generally are gaining an insight as to just how long this process will take.

"We will create a public archive of documents for the historians of the future as well as the stakeholders of today - all of whom will be able to judge the events of Hillsborough for themselves."

Liverpool Fans Take Anti-Gillett And Hicks Campaign To Billboards

Liverpool FC fans campaigning against the club’s American owners have taken their protest to the streets.

A number of billboards have sprung up on major routes into the city, calling for the resignation of Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

The posters, the brainchild of supporters union Spirit Of Shankly (SOS), are emblazoned with the message: “Tom and George, Debt, Lies, Cowboys. Not welcome here.”

Around five are thought to have been rolled out so far, with another five expected to complete a total of 10.

They are located prominently in Prescot Road, at its junction with Green Lane; Vauxhall Road, in Kirkdale; and Derby Road, near Sandhills Lane.

One is set to be erected at Lime Street station taxi rank, with another predicted for Queen Square bus station in coming days.

SOS spokesman Jay McKenna said: “The message is to remind people Hicks and Gillett are not welcome here.

“It educates about what we think they are doing to our club and the feedback so far is very positive.”

The group also moved to end growing speculation that a joint Liverpool and Manchester United fan protest could take place outside Old Trafford when the teams meet on March 21.

A recent report in a Manchester newspaper suggested supporters were seriously considering joining forces and had held secret meetings to protest against their respective American owners, and their tactics of saddling both clubs with debt.

The matter was discussed at last weekend’s SOS AGM, during which the matter was unequivocally ruled out.

The SOS spokesman added: “There will be no joint protest. It is not something which would be workable.

“We will be discussing ways of moving forward and how we can stand together.”

Considering the hostile rivalry which still exists between both clubs, the idea immediately prompted raised eyebrows among fans.

But due to the animosity between supporters, and despite some reports to the contrary, the issue has never been seriously entertained.

Liverpool fans are likely to attend a Football Supporters Federation event in London tomorrow entitled Sit Down, Shut Up: Are Football Supporters Discriminated Against?

Ian Rush: Liverpool All Geared Up For Champions League Battle To The Bitter End

Better football last year, better at grinding out result this year - Liverpool's win over Blackburn was not for the purists but its importance should not be dismissed.

It was hard work but when you come up against a side like Blackburn, the first thing that you must do is fight and it was really encouraging to see Liverpool roll their sleeves up and battle.

With Tottenham and Manchester City winning, we had no other option but to do likewise to keep ourselves in the running for fourth place; our two main rivals are refusing to go away and the remainder of the season is going centre on which team can hold their nerve.

There is some speculation that it will take a tally of around 80 points to win the title, so what do you imagine it will need to clinch the final Champions League spot? Looking at it from this distance, with 10 games left, I'd say 68-70 points will be enough to achieve that goal, which effectively means Liverpool need to win another seven times before May 9.

With games against Chelsea and Manchester United impossible to predict, you are working on the basis that we need to win every other fixture to get to where we want to be.

Some will say that is too big a task, that Liverpool have struggled for consistency all year, but the signs against Blackburn suggested Liverpool are going to be able to embark on a winning spree. All the good football that was played at Anfield came from men wearing Red shirts and it was great to see Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres all linking to good effect.

It was no coincidence that Steven and Fernando got on the scoresheet and the longer they play together, the better Liverpool will be on the run. As Jamie Carragher said after the game, you have always got half a chance when your special players are fit.

The way things stand, though, inevitably Liverpool are going to have to keep churning out results under pressure, as the majority of games they will play now will be on a Sunday.

Next week, of course, it is Monday night but that won't be a bad thing, as the international contingent will have a few days extra to recover for Wigan.

And that means they will be in good shape if they need to fight once more.