Lucas - Reds Going Right Way

Lucas is hoping Liverpool are heading in the right direction following successive wins in the Premier League.

Liverpool followed up a home win over Blackburn Rovers by beating Bolton Wanderers 1-0 on Sunday to climb out of the relegation zone and into 12th position.

The back-to-back victories have raised hopes that the Reds are now starting to turn the corner following a difficult start to Roy Hodgson's tenure.

However, while Lucas sees green shoots of recovery at Anfield, the Brazilian midfielder has urged his team-mates to maintain the momentum of the past two results.

"It's three points and I think everyone can see we are improving all the time," said Lucas.

"Of course we were under pressure. We still have to improve in the league, but I think we are going the right way.

"In every game we are playing better and hopefully now in the next few games we get points and improve our position.

"The only way is playing well and I think winning will give everyone the confidence to keep going."

Maxi Rodriguez's late goal secured the points for Liverpool at the Reebok Stadium and Lucas acknowledged it was a tough test against Bolton.

He added: "It was a difficult game, of course. They have two big strikers and long balls always make it difficult for us.

"But at the end I think we tried to keep the ball on the ground and play our football, and at the end we could score a goal."

Liverpool 'Hand Trial' To European Sensation

Maccabi Tel Aviv whiz kid Omri Altman has flown to England for a trial with Liverpool, according to reports.

Israeli website One suggests that the 16-year-old was invited to Anfield after Liverpool scouts were sent to monitor the young midfielder.

Despite his tender years, Altman has an imposing physique and his power, touch and athleticism supposedly impressed the Liverpool representatives dispatched to watch him.

Reports in Israel allege that Roy Hodgson's scouts highlighted the youngster's attributes in a report compiled for the Liverpool boss, who was sufficiently impressed to ask Altman to come to Merseyside.

Altman is an attack-minded midfielder who represents Israel under 17s and has an eye for goal; which he demonstrated by scoring a hat-trick for Maccabi Tel Aviv B last week.

A deal for Altman would represent a coup for new Liverpool owners NESV and Hodgson who are want the Reds to be competing with the top clubs in Europe once again.

Hodgson commented last week that it is the vision of himself and John W Henry that Liverpool will be competing for players with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona - and Altman would certainly fall into that bracket.

The Liverpool manager said: "We want to be attracting the players that Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter are chasing. It would be nice to think that we can shop at a high level."

Kop To Pounce For Knockdown Price Wright-Phillips

Shaun Wright-Phillips is a £5million January target for Roy Hodgson.

Hodgson is due to meet new Liverpool owner John W Henry before Thursday’s Europa League clash with Napoli to discuss his January shopping list.

Wright-Phillips figures highly on the Liverpool boss’ list of targets and he feels the England winger could add some creativity to the Reds midfield.

Wright-Phillips, 29, would be available for a knockdown fee from Manchester City because he is in the final year of his contract at Eastlands.

Contract talks with City have stalled and Wright-Phillips would be prepared to leave City a second time because he has been dropped to the bench by Roberto Mancini.

Liverpool have been interested in Wright-Phillips before and Rafa Benitez wanted to buy him in 2005.

Liverpool, Arsenal And United Alerted To ‘New Schmeichel’ Availability

The agent of Arsenal and Manchester United target Anders Lindegaard has admitted the goalkeeper is desperate for a move to a European giant.

Lindegaard has gained many admirers from his impressive performances for Norweigian outfit Aalesunds, ranging from all over Europe.

The 26-year-old has been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United, as well as Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Aston Villa.

The Danish ace, who has been touted as the ‘new Peter Schmeichel’ is one of many names reputed to be on Sir Alex Ferguson’s list to replace Edwin van der Sar at Old Trafford.

The Gunners are still having a mini crisis with goalkeepers, with Manuel Almunia out of favour and some lingering doubts over Lukasz Fabianski, and have been catapulted to the head of the list of admirers.

Arsene Wenger is facing competition in his mission to bring Lindegaard to the Emirates Stadium, though, as Roy Hodgson has reportedly sent scouts from Liverpool to watch him.

With concerns over Pepe Reina’s long-term future, Liverpool could be forced into making an offer to bring the stopper to Anfield in the near future – although that is thought to depend on whether Manchester United make a move.

Michael Stensgaard told Sport.co.uk: “There are clubs watching him, of course. I will not name them at the moment, but there are key clubs looking.

“He is currently performing well and playing to a good level. Unfortunately there is no news until we receive an offer.

“A move in the January transfer window can only happen when we receive a concrete offer, unfortunately no one has come forward with one, so it is difficult to talk about a move.

“The player is open to a January move if it is the right club on the right conditions for his current club as well. Until we have an offer I cannot say anymore.”

Manchester City 'Willing To Pay £1 More' Than Best Offer For Fernando Torres

Manchester City will try and ensure they outbid any competitors in the race for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.

According to the People, Manchester City chiefs have asked the player's advisers at Bahia International to inform them of any offers on the table for the Liverpool forward.

“They are willing to pay one pound more than the best offer that comes in for Fernando," a source close to Torres told the paper.

“City wants to prepare a new project with Torres as their main star. Next season they want to make sure they are fighting for the Premier League title from the first moment again."

Fergie Rules Out Move For Liverpool Ace

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted the club will not be signing any players in the January transfer window.

After seeing his side beat Tottenham 2-0 at the weekend, Ferguson admitted any players the club would be interested in would be cup-tied for the Champions League.

United have recently been heavily linked with Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who would cost just £12 million to bring to Old Trafford.

Reina is reportedly unsettled with life at Anfield and, with Edwin van der Sar having turned 40 on Friday, the Red Devils are looking at possible replacements for the Dutchman.

As well as the Liverpool custodian, Atletico Madrid’s young Spanish starlet David de Gea has been rumoured to be on that shortlist recently.

However, with van der Sar the first choice stopper at Old Trafford for the time being, it looks as though a move for his successor will have to wait until the summer.

Ferguson told the Independent: "We won't be buying in January, definitely not. If you want someone to play in Europe you are limited right away. There are hundreds of players cup-tied.

"You have five months left of the season, I will have Antonio Valencia back hopefully towards the end of February, which is a new player coming back.

“If Michael Owen gets back, it is another new player coming back. So with the squad I've got, I don't see any reason for us to buy anyone.”

Duo Complete Loan Move

Liverpool can tonight confirm that Tom Ince and Stephen Darby have completed their loan moves to Notts County.

Ince Jr. joins the Magpies on a Youth Loan until January 3, 2011 and will team up with his father, Paul, who has recently been installed as the League One side's new manager.

Darby, who has made just one substitute appearance for the first-team this season, has also moved to Meadow Lane on an Emergency Loan for the same period of time.

The duo have been given permission to play for County in the FA Cup and will now hope to make their respective bows in Tuesday night's league clash at Hartlepool.

Chinese Fans Share LFC Dream

Having previously reported on the legacy LFC is leaving in China by sponsoring the build of a home for a low income family, Regeneration Director Andrea Titterington now reports on the arrival on Merseyside of a special flag created by our Chinese fans.

A highlight of the Liverpool Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo was the chance for thousands of LFC fans to get closer to the Club they love.

On "Liverpool Day" a group of fans, including many from the Shanghai Liverpool Supporters Club, spent over five hours at the Pavilion gathering signatures on a flag that asks for a visit of the LFC team to China.

They were a happy crowd in their LFC kit at the Gala Concert in the evening of a day that saw over one million visitors to the Expo. They even got Leader of Liverpool Councillor, Joe Anderson, a staunch Evertonian, and Lord Mayor Helen Williams, to sign their flag petition.

Meeting Jessie Lu, of the Shanghai Supporters Club, on Heritage Day, I was given another flag. This one says "Vast as China Mainland Sky, Long-Waited as China Mainland Kop...." "China-LFC Supporters' Union."

This flag - shown above being handed over to Stephen Done, Curator and Archivist at Anfield - has made a marathon journey called "Relay dream - LFC Come to China, Please."

Starting on 27th July 2007, Jessie has taken the flag to most of the major cities of China: Hong Kong - Guangzhou (Guangdong) - Sichuan - Chong qing - Hunan - Guangxi - Zhejiang - Jiangsu - Fujian - Xi'an (Shaanxi) - Shenzhen (Guangdong) - Beijing - Tianjin - Anhui - Shanghai - Liaoning. That includes 15 provinces. The flag even appeared at Anfield before going back to China. Hundreds of Chinese "Kopites" have signed the flag.

Jessie Lu says that she has a task, a dream, which the flag will go to LFC so that the Club will know the hopes of Chinese fans.

Having completed its marathon journey and arrived safely at Anfield, it will soon be on display in the Liverpool Museum.

Match Report: Bolton 0 - 1 Liverpool

Maxi Rodriguez struck a late winner at Bolton as relieved Liverpool finally climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone.

The Argentinian latched onto a brilliant Fernando Torres backheel to settle a competitive encounter at the Reebok Stadium four minutes from time.

Both sides created numerous chances in an evenly-matched contest but Liverpool left satisfied knowing their near month-long stay in the bottom three was over.

The match had looked like bringing more frustration for Liverpool and under-pressure boss Roy Hodgson as Sotirios Krygiakos twice went close and Torres squandered a good early opportunity.

The win drew them level on points with Bolton, who had been enjoying their best start for four years and were looking set for a seventh draw of the campaign.

They might even have won it themselves had a late Kevin Davies glancing header fallen the right side of the post.

Hodgson named the same Liverpool team for the third successive Premier League game as he attempted to instil the cohesion they have been lacking.

It initially appeared to work as the Reds, hoping to build on last week's morale-boosting win over Blackburn, started confidently and created two early chances for Torres.

The first came after three minutes as Steven Gerrard swung in a corner but Torres could not keep his header on target.

His next chance came just five minutes later but, despite netting last week's winner, the Spaniard still showed signs of the rustiness that has hampered him all season.

Torres raced through on goal from a Gerrard pass but delayed a shot and then mis-kicked as he attempted to stab past Jussi Jaaskelainen from close range.

Bolton's first attempt on goal came when Stuart Holden blasted a free-kick at the wall from 25 yards.

After that Bolton gave as good as they got and Jose Reina parried a vicious Holden volley from distance after the US international was teed up by Davies.

The hosts appealed for a penalty as Lee Chung-yong cut inside from the left and went down under a challenge from Jamie Carragher but referee Martin Atkinson played on to few complaints.

Liverpool attacked back but Cole scooped a long-range effort well over the bar and Gerrard did likewise from a free-kick.

Fabrice Muamba shot from long range for Bolton but his effort curved well away from goal.

Torres set up Gerrard but the Reds skipper drove wide from the edge of the box.

Taylor tested Reina with two free-kicks just before the break but the Spaniard managed to smother both attempts and Carragher survived another penalty appeal after the faintest of touches with the hand.

Krygiakos, goalscorer in two of the previous three league games, forced Jaaskelainen to save from a Gerrard cross in injury time.

Bolton made the early running in the second half and twice forced Liverpool to clear unconvincingly without creating a clear-cut chance.

Gerrard tried to raise Liverpool's fading tempo with a powerful run and long ball for Torres, but a promising attack was ended as Muamba collided with Lucas.

Gerrard found good space on the edge of the box but his shot was deflected into the air and claimed easily by Jaaskelainen.

Liverpool suffered a blow just after the hour as Cole was forced off with what looked like a hamstring injury and was replaced by David Ngog.

Krygiakos again went close when Gerrard picked him out from a corner but this time headed narrowly over.

Krygiakos was then involved at the other end after bundling into Davies but Atkinson deemed the Bolton captain to have gone down too easily.

Liverpool might have been struggling to produce the intensity their fans demanded but pieced together a move of genuine quality as Rodriguez finally got into the game midway through the second half.

Rodriguez sent Gerrard away down the left with a clever backheel and the captain whipped in a cross for Torres.

Torres nodded back down for Rodriguez to attempt a spectacular overhead kick which went just inches over. Bolton replied as in-form Johan Elmander, looking for his first home goal of the season after hitting five away, showed great control and drove just wide of the post.

Zat Knight then headed over from the resulting corner and Davies also glanced a header wide from a free-kick as the Trotters enjoyed a strong spell.

But Liverpool roused themselves late on and carved Bolton open with a delightful move to set up the winner for Rodriguez.

Torres was the creator as he nutmegged Gary Cahill with a clever backheel and Rodriguez raced through.

The Argentinian showed great composure as he clipped the ball in off the body of Jaaskelainen.

Roy Hodgson Hails Liverpool FC’s Gritty Defence After Win Over Bolton Wanderers

Roy Hodgson hailed Liverpool’s “gritty” defence and hopes victory against Bolton Wanderers can prove a springboard for his team’s season.

A Maxi Rodriguez strike four minutes from time earned a 1-0 win at the Reebok Stadium and moved Hodgson’s side out of the relegation zone into 12th place.

It was only Liverpool’s third clean sheet in the Premier League this season but followed an impressive shut-out at Napoli 10 days earlier in the Europa League.

And Hodgson said: “We hope it’s a springboard. We have had three very good results now, including the Napoli one.

“We have defended so much better in the three games. I know that we will score goals but at the moment we aren’t. I suppose I could be criticized for making bold statements such as that but I do believe we will score goals with Torres, Gerrard, Kuyt, Rodriguez and Meireles, along with Soto (Kyrgiakos) coming up from the back.

“One of things that concerned me was that we were leaking goals, and it wasn’t good that we had to score two or three to get a result.

“We have had two good cleans sheets against Bolton and Napoli away from home.

“It was a very gritty performance, especially from the back four. It’s never easy to play against Bolton, they have a very well-honed style of play based on getting it into the box from all areas with two front men strong in the air.

“You have to be well organized and have players who can deal with the situation.”

Liverpool wasted a number of promising attacks until Fernando Torres found Rodriguez inside the area with a clever backheel and the Argentine netted only his second goal for the club.

“We had such a lot of the ball and a lot of situations where I thought we had a good opportunity to put ourselves in to a good goalscoring opportunity, but it never quite came off,” said Hodgson. “Luckily, one more came up and we made the most of it.

“If we’d had a better start to the season we would have had that little bit more composure to make use of those situations.

“When you don’t do that, you worry one of the long balls or long throws is going to bounce kindly for the opposition and you lose.”

Hodgson also hailed the contribution of David Ngog, who gave Liverpool’s attack another dimension after replacing the injured Joe Cole during the second half.

“He is getting better and better,” said the manager. “He works hard at his game and in training he is trying to do some of the things we are asking.

“He did contribute late on, especially as Fernando was tiring at that time. He is a young player and one we think has got potential but when you are at a big club like Liverpool, people aren’t too forgiving when you don’t show that straight away.”

Jamie Carragher Delighted To Move Out Of The Bottom Three

Jamie Carragher has expressed his relief at moving out of the relegation zone following Liverpool's 1-0 win at Bolton Wanderers.

The narrow victory was secured by Maxi Rodriguez's strike in the 86th minute and will lift pressure off Roy Hodgson, who has steered his side to their second consecutive win under his stewardship.

And Carragher believes the Reds can now climb up the table after the close fought encounter inside the Reebok Stadium.

"It is just nice to get out of that bottom three, we've been there [the relegation zone] for a while," Carragher told Sky Sports.

"Now we can look to move up the table. Not sure where that [three points] will take us, I'm sure it will look a lot better.

"We have to go on a run ourselves, we know we have not had a great start but with the league being so tight, a few wins can move us up the table."

Carragher conceded it was not the best performance from his side, with Bolton coming close to equalising through Kevin Davies late on, but the defender hopes victory will give Liverpool the confidence they have been missing this season.

"We all know winning breeds confidence, it was a tough game but not the best performance but we played very well last week and not so well this week.

"We dug in and these are the games this season we have actually been losing so it is nice to win one of them," he added.

Late Defeat Stings Coyle

Bolton boss Owen Coyle conceded he felt his side were unfortunate to fall to a late defeat to Liverpool at the Reebok on Sunday.

A game that was shy of genuine chances throughout the 90 minutes was settled four minutes from time when Maxi Rodriguez stabbed home from Fernando Torres' flick.

Bolton matched their North West neighbours in what was a closely fought contest, with Coyle of the opinion his side deserved at least a share of the spoils.

"I don't think we deserved to lose the game," he told Sky Sports 1. "Late in the game Liverpool have scored a very good goal from their point of view, but having said that, we've had opportunities before that.

"I felt the application and the effort of the players was first class. I thought we dominated the game for large periods without having too many clear-cut opportunities."

Coyle felt his side were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty after Jamie Carragher survived an appeal after the faintest of touches with the hand in the first half, and striker Kevin Davies went down under a heavy challenge from Sotirios Krygiakos after the interval.

"I thought we had a penalty in the first half with a clear hand ball from Carragher, possibly a penalty in the second half for the push on Kevin Davies," he added.

"These are the margins in the Barclays Premier League that you have to come out on the right side of, and unfortunately for us it's a cruel ending."

Joe Cole Injury Update

Roy Hodgson is waiting to discover the extent of Joe Cole's injury with the England international set to have a scan on his hamstring on Monday.

Liverpool's No.10 was forced off the field during the 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers and the Reds boss is hoping the scan will be a positive outcome.

"Joe has a slight hamstring injury so he will have a scan on Monday," said Hodgson.

"Hopefully he will be ok but I can't say how long he will be out until we get the results of the scan.

"Often these muscle injuries always seem to take ten days to two weeks, but I know Joe will be keen to be fit for Chelsea next weekend. We'll have to wait and see."

Roy To Launch £9m N'Zogbia Bid

Liverpool gaffer Roy Hodgson plans a £9million transfer window move for Wigan's Charles N'Zogbia.

He has been in stunning form since turning down a summer move to Birmingham City.

Hodgson and talent-spotter Kenny Dalglish watched French wing wizard N'Zogbia (above) in top form against Bolton last weekend when they went to see him and run the rule over today's opponents.

The Anfield pair saw enough to send three of their top scouts, including number one Eduardo Macia, to check him out in midweek - only for N'Zogbia to be restricted to a brief appearance as a sub in the Carling Cup.

Wigan could be tempted to sell, with the player ambitious for a top club and Marseille also showing an interest.

Hodgson hopes to do business in the New Year market and a pacy wide man is his missing link. None of his captures have filled that bill and Ryan Babel looks a likely departure to clear the way.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez wants to hold on to his best players but he and chairman Dave Whelan may allow a sale to strengthen the Latics squad with the cash.

Martinez admits he would like to bring in fresh faces for the second half of the season.

Hodgson Targets Big Haul

Roy Hodgson is looking to bring 'five or six' players to Liverpool in January, including a new striker.

The Reds have endured their worst ever start to a Premier League season this campaign, leaving them languishing in the relegation zone having collected just nine points.

Manager Hodgson hopes to combat his side's poor form by heavily bolstering his squad in the upcoming transfer window, starting with his front line.

"We are going to be very interested in improving our squad in January," Hodgson said in the Daily Star.

"I'm prepared to accept that a number of players we're looking to sign do make five or six - but I don't wish to specify positions other than one is obviously a front player.

"In January we should be really looking to solve one or two situations. We are desperately short of players. Front players.

"Having three front players at the club, and that's if you include Ryan Babel, is nowhere near good enough.

"If Fernando (Torres) isn't playing one week, you have got to get someone in who has got the same level of quality."

Premier League Preview: Bolton Wanderers vs Liverpool

The feel-good factor under Coyle has revitalized Bolton, while Hodgson finally had a week to enjoy since he took over at Liverpool.

Although disappointed to grab just a point against Wigan, the hosts' eighth spot in the table has been well earned, with the bitterness from Gary Megson's reign now just a memory.

Liverpool would kill to be in the same place after a disastrous beginning under Hodgson condemned them to 18th. But following a draw in Napoli and a win against Blackburn, the slow climb up the standings could continue if all three points are claimed.

Bolton will be looking to reverse recent history after having become Liverpool's whipping boys.

The Anfield outfit have enjoyed a six-match winning streak against their weekend opponents after they previously traded results in the early part of the decade. Coyle will be keen to arrest the slide to continue the push into the upper echelons of the table.

What the Scot will not target is the disappointment of last season's 3-2 defeat at the Reebok under Megson. Bolton failed to follow up taking the lead twice and fell to a late Steven Gerrard strike.

TEAM NEWS

Bolton Wanderers

Manager Owen Coyle is able to call on all his big hitters for the visit of Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

Despite the hot-tempered draw at Wigan Athletic last weekend, no fresh injuries have reared their heads. Squad men Ricardo Gardner (thigh), Andy O'Brien (hamstring) and Jlloyd Samuel (calf) still remain sidelined for the coming weeks, with Joe O'Brien (knee) and Sean Davis (knee) out for lengthier periods.

Ivan Klasnic has been named in the matchday squad after his arrest and bail this week.

Stuart Holden will most likely be in his now familiar role in the middle of the pitch for Bolton.

Probable starting XI: Jaaskelainen; Steinsson, Cahill, Knight, Robinson; Lee, Holden, Muamba, Petrov; Elmander, Davies.

Liverpool

The Reds travel to the Reebok with a midweek reserves defeat to Huddersfield Town having had an impact on boss Roy Hodgson's options.

A knock to Ryan Babel (ribs) that demanded hospital treatment has put his place in jeopardy. More positively, Fabio Aurelio (Achilles) enjoyed a 60-minute run out.

Daniel Agger (illness) is believed to be back in contention, with Glen Johnson (hamstring) has been handed an outside chance. Dirk Kuyt (ankle) is still a week away from a return.

Probable starting XI: Reina; Carragher, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Konchesky; Maxi, Gerrard, Lucas, Cole, Raul Meireles; Torres.

Roy Hodgson Demands Repeat Display From Liverpool At Bolton

It’s little wonder that Roy Hodgson had a spring in his step at Melwood yesterday. By his own admission his first four months as Liverpool manager have been “traumatic” but he’s just enjoyed the best days of his short reign.

Last Sunday’s vital 2-1 victory over Blackburn lifted spirits and since then he’s enjoyed the rare luxury of a full week on the training ground to help ensure the Reds’ improvement is maintained at Bolton on Sunday.

Owner John W Henry’s public declaration yesterday to rubbish rumours that top stars could be sold in January was music to the boss’ ears.

“This week has been very nice,” he said.

“When you have a midweek game it does impact on what you can do training wise. You’re always concerning yourself with ‘can we do this?’ because it’s either too close to the next game or too soon after the last one.

“It’s advantageous having a free week as it gives you extra time to work on things. It means you can give the players Monday off and get a nice rhythm to the week.

“Training has been very good this week and hopefully we carry on from where we left off last Sunday.

“Against Blackburn we had more incisiveness around the penalty area – there was more devil in us.

“It was a good team performance and a good victory.

“It’s important from the first minute at the Reebok that we are as committed as we were in the 90 minutes against Blackburn.”

The win over Blackburn may have represented Liverpool’s best display of the season but Hodgson knows it’s far too early to be talking about turning corners.

For the manager it simply represented the final chapter in a miserable first quarter of the campaign.

Nine games have yielded just nine points, but Hodgson insists the Reds, who remain in the relegation zone, will start the second quarter of their league fixtures at Bolton in much better shape than they were in back in August.

“I’m wary on the back of one good result to say our problems have all finished as we’re still in a poor situation in terms of our league position,” he said.

“The first quarter of the season hasn’t been good for us in terms of the league and the next three quarters are going to be very important.

“When I came there were a lot of things that needed changing here and there’s still a lot of work to be done at the club.

“But going into the next quarter I’m hoping it won’t be quite as traumatic as the first quarter.

“Hopefully by the halfway stage we will start to see a bit of light. In January, with one or two transfers to improve the team and with the work the players have put in every day, we’ll be a stronger team.

“I’m looking for a good second half of the season but the next quarter, starting at Bolton, is important to continue the stabilization process and move us up the table.

“I’m not believing naively that we’re going to win seven out of our next nine and fly up to the top.

“But I want us to move away from the relegation zone and give performances that make us hard to beat and ask plenty of questions of the opposition with our attacking play.

“I believe in the team and I believe we’re capable of doing better in the next quarter of the season.”

Eighth placed Bolton are only three points better off than Liverpool but have only lost once so far this season and that was at Arsenal.

The Reds’ record against the Trotters is impressive having done the double over them in three successive seasons but Owen Coyle’s side are unbeaten at the Reebok since April and Hodgson is wary.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Bolton,” he said.

“They are a very good club and have been successful for a number of years.

“Sam Allardyce started it off and it was carried on by Gary Megson and now Owen Coyle.

“They are a very stable Premier League team and hard to beat. We will have to be at our best to get a result.

“They have had a lot of draws so far this season but that’s been the same throughout the league and is why so many teams are bunched together from bottom up to 10th spot.

“It’s strange because you get teams like us who have had a poor start and are disappointed with everything that has gone on, while there are teams like Bolton and Fulham on a similar number of points who are happy with the way they’ve done so far.

“They’ve drawn a lot but from what I’ve seen I don’t think Bolton are a defensive team. They like to go forward and have a lot of attacking players.”

One player tasked with halting the Trotters will be Sotirios Kyrgiakos.

The Greek defender has grabbed his chance to shine in recent weeks and produced a man of the match display against Blackburn last weekend.

With Glen Johnson still sidelined by injury, Kyrgiakos is set to continue at the back alongside Martin Skrtel as the Reds look to combat the aerial threat of Kevin Davies.

“I’m very happy with Soto and he’s certainly done a good job since he has come into the team,” Hodgson said.

“He didn’t have many chances here last season but he got his chance this season partly due to injuries to Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson and has taken it with both hands.

“He’s a whole hearted player who defends well and causes problems in opposition penalty areas. He has scored some good goals for us and it’s a good weapon to have.

“In the games so far he has been one of our better players.”

Kyrgiakos rose in front of the Kop to thump home a header from Steven Gerrard’s corner against Blackburn and Hodgson believes that combination with the skipper will bring plenty of rewards.

“We all know about the importance of set-pieces,” Hodgson said.

“It’s not just about movement and position, you need quality from the delivery and someone who is desperate to get their head or foot on the end of it.

“We have someone who can give us excellent delivery. There aren’t many better kickers of a dead ball than Steven Gerrard.

“Having someone like Soto to attack them is great. Long may it continue.”

Roy Hodgson At Ease Alongside Liverpool Ambassador Kenny Dalglish

Roy Hodgson insists he does not consider Kenny Dalglish a threat, despite the former Liverpool player and manager putting himself forward as a potential replacement for Rafael Benítez during the summer.

Fans even pointedly chanted Dalglish's name during the 2-1 defeat by Blackpool earlier this month but Hodgson considers the ambassador's work with the academy and scouting departments crucial to the future of the club and believes the days of in-fighting at Anfield are over.

"I'm not prepared to pass up on quality people who can help because of a fear the day may come the club decides they want Kenny as manager," Hodgson said.

"That wasn't the case in the summer, but that's not to say it won't be the case forever. I don't know. I have no fears in that respect because I know my qualities and I'm not a political person.

"He is doing a great job alongside us and we involve him in our scouting while he still works at The Academy and plays an ambassadorial role. That's what he's good at.

"You cannot find a better person for that than Kenny Dalglish. I told him I was disappointed he went for the manager's job because for me he should be working for Liverpool on a permanent basis, long after I leave for years to come assisting all future Liverpool managers."

Niko Kranjcar 'Set For January Liverpool Transfer'

Niko Kranjcar could be given the chance to kick-start his career with a January transfer to Liverpool.

The Croatia midfielder has indicated he is keen to leave Spurs after falling out of favour at White Hart Lane because of the form of Gareth Bale and summer signing Rafael van der Vaart.

According to the Times, he could get his wish to move on after Liverpool asked about his availability.

Reds boss Roy Hodgson has made it clear he intends to add to his squad in January and is looking for players capable of slotting into a Premier League side straight away.

Kranjcar, 26, fits that profile having played in England since 2006, initially with Portsmouth before making a £2 million switch to Tottenham in 2009.

However, a move for Kranjcar would test the commitment of Liverpool's new owners, as Spurs are believed to value him at around £7 million.

Newcastle United and Everton are also interested, but Tottenham's asking price is likely to prove too expensive for both clubs.

Masch Explains Anfield Exit

Javier Mascherano says he quit Liverpool because of a lack of investment by Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

The Argentinean ace moved to Anfield in February 2007 and made 139 appearances for the Reds before switching to Barcelona in a £18million transfer this summer.

Reds boss Roy Hodgson questioned Mascherano's professionalism for failing to make himself available to play against Manchester City before his move but the 26-year-old insists he had to get out of Anfield because of a lack of investment from the then owners.

He told The Sun: "While Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United were spending big money, Liverpool couldn't because they had no money.

"The situation is clear to me. When you want to fight for big things, titles, you must have a big team to win.

"But, at Liverpool, that wasn't the case.

"That was the main reason we didn't qualify for the Champions League and all players want to test themselves at that level."

He added: "It is not easy to leave a team when you have been there almost four years.

"The Liverpool people and fans treated me very well. I cannot say anything against them and they will always be in my heart.

"But, though it was difficult, I knew my time there was over. Finished. I needed to go."

Liverpool have since been taken over by New England Sports Ventures and Mascherano believes the Reds can now push on.

He added: "I try to watch all of Liverpool's games on TV. They have had a tough start but I'm sure they'll get much better.

"There have been a lot of problems with the owners and this has affected things on the pitch.

"Now this has been sorted out, I think things will get better for the team."

As for his Barcelona career, Mascherano has made six appearances so far and believes he is settling in well.

He said: "We are fighting for three titles this season and have started fairly well.

"I feel I have settled in OK. After only two months here I already feel at home and the people are treating me very, very well.

"I try to improve every day and adapt to the team - but La Liga is totally different to what I have been used to.

"The Premier League is much more physical but, here, they prefer to play more tactically and technically.

"Coming here is a step forward for me and I am trying to do better."

Mascherano admits he would love to see Fernando Torres join him at Camp Nou but believes it will be hard for the Spanish ace to quit the Kop.

He said: "Torres is so good, he could play for any club. I'd like to see him at Barca but don't know if that would be possible.

"Liverpool's fans love him so much and he loves them so much too that I don't know if they would be able to part."