Carragher Plans To Play On

Jamie Carragher has shrugged off his 'veteran' tag by insisting that he has no plans to retire any time soon.

The Liverpool defender is a Premier League stalwart with over 650 appearances to his name.

Such a record, coupled with his 33 years of age, have led some to suggest that he could be approaching the twilight of his career.

Carragher, though, is adamant that he can compete at the top level for some time yet, with stepping aside something he is not prepared to consider until at least 2013.

"I want to play for Liverpool as long as I can," the former England international told the Liverpool Echo.

"I picked up some of the papers after the Chelsea game and each one said 'veteran Carragher'.

"It made me think to myself: 'God, I mustn't have too long left'.

"I know that at a minimum I have two-and-a-half years, and that time will fly."

Carragher's aim this season is to help Liverpool cement a top-six standing in the Premier League and secure European qualification for next season.

One man set to aid that cause over the coming weeks is record signing Andy Carroll, with the £35million striker closing on full fitness and an eagerly-anticipated debut.

Kelly Believes Liverpool Now Have Squad To Mount Challenge

Liverpool defender Martin Kelly believes the squad is now better placed to cope with the dual demands of domestic and European football. Liverpool resumes their Europa League season when they fly out to the Czech Republic today ahead of tomorrow's last-32 game against Sparta Prague.

Having gone unbeaten in their last six Premier League matches, Kelly believes restarting their European program cannot hold any fears for Liverpool. In the group phase, then manager Roy Hodgson chose to use fringe players in order to ensure his first-teamers were not overwhelmed by an arduous campaign, which had disappointed in the early stages.

New manager Kenny Dalglish will have no such concerns and, buoyed by their unbeaten run that has lifted them to sixth and with a free weekend coming up because of the FA Cup, he will select a strong squad.

Morale is high in the camp and – coupled with very few injuries – Kelly believes there is no reason why they cannot be competitive on two fronts – even after the disappointment of a 1-1 draw against Wigan at the weekend ended a four-match winning streak.

"We would have wanted to get the win against Wigan but we have to put it behind us and look to our game against Sparta Prague on Thursday now," said the England Under-21 international. "We've done well to progress and we want to go on to win it but we have to take it one game at a time. Any club can go on and win it so any game as a professional you want to win.

"That's our aim, but we'll take one game at a time. Our next one is the Sparta Prague one and that's what we're focused on. The knockout phase provides a different test to the group stages, you know you are up against good sides.

"We've got to get a good result over there so the second leg will be easier here at Anfield. I think the squad is pulling together now and you can see that on the pitch. We are trying to play our football, which is what we have been told to do, and hopefully we can get the results in the future."

Dalglish will make late decisions on the fitness of Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel after both missed the game against Wigan through injury. The manager still will not be able to call on club record signing Andy Carroll, who is continuing his rehabilitation work from a thigh problem at the club's Melwood training ground.

The former Newcastle striker could be set for a debut early next month and vice-captain Jamie Carragher is confident the new arrival will add an extra dimension to Liverpool's play.

Carragher also believes Carroll will work well alongside fellow new signing Luis Suarez, who has already made an impression. "They can become a partnership and bring other things to the team as a target man and someone who can feed off the pieces," Carragher said. "Likewise, if one is injured, the other is still capable of playing on their own through the middle."

Liverpool Target Eljero Elia Unsettled At Hamburg

Eljero Elia came on as a halftime substitute in last week's 3-1 victory for Holland over Austria and did what he has done so many times before, completely change the complexion of the match with his pace and flair.

Yet, despite being in such form, Elia isn't getting opportunities at his current club, Hamburg, and as a result, the Liverpool target may soon want out.

''Apparently there is not much confidence in me,'' he told Voetbal International. ''That hurts. I feel strong and would like to show the fans what I can do. It is very frustrating.

''I have started eight games and we have won seven of them so I cannot have done that badly. I don't know what I have done wrong, I have not been told. I know that I am not a bad player and I am in good shape.

''I am a player who needs confidence. If I play every week I will improve," said Elisa. "No-one can accuse me of not working hard enough, I am as fit as a fiddle.''

Though he hasn't spent much time in the shop window for Armin Vey's club this season, the interest in Elia surely hasn't gone away -- even as Hamburg has been unwilling to sell.

''Last summer, Juventus and Wolfsburg lodged bids for me and in January there was real interest from four teams in the Premier League. Hamburg did not let me go and I resigned myself to staying. I have not created any unrest. The club cannot blame me, I give more than 100% every game," said Elia.

That situation, though, isn't one that is sustainable, as far as the 24-year-old rising star is concerned.

''I'll just keep working hard in training every day. I've been doing that all season and will not change. But at the end of the season we will still have to look at the situation.

''If I am still a substitute then we will sit around the table and see what the consequences might be.''

Width remains Liverpool's area of greatest need heading into the summer signing period. Given Elia's unrest and Liverpool's prior interest, it would be no surprise to see the powers that be at Anfield move to bring in the Dutch winger.

Jose Enrique Keeps Transfer Options Open For Now

Liverpool defender target Jose Enrique is holding out on a new contract at St James' Park.

The Spanish full back has been in fine form for his club this season, earning rave reviews on his return to the Barclays Premier League. Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is thought to be keen on bringing the player to Anfield.

Footylatest claim Damien Comolli, director of football strategy for the Merseysiders, has identified the player as a potential summer addition who can bolster the Liverpool defence. It's thought that Enrique could be the long-term replacement for Paul Konchesky, who is out on loan at Nottingham Forest.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew does not wish to sell the player, who joined the club for a fee in the region of €7.5 million back in 2007. The former Hammers boss knows that if the Magpies fail to secure their survival soon though, the former Valencia player could leave the club.

“Jose has made it quite clear to us that until we’re safe he doesn’t want to open any discussions and we’re comfortable with that, it makes sense for us,” said the Toon boss yesterday.

Dalglish has hinted that new Liverpool owners NESV will spend again in the summer after splashing out over £55 million on strikers in January.

Luis Suarez Ideally Suited To Liverpool - Kelly

The best thing about new Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is that he is "100% committed", according to Reds defender Martin Kelly.

The Uruguayan, 24, has scored one goal in two appearances following his £22.8m move from Ajax earlier this month.

His determined attitude has made a big impression on Liverpool supporters after this season's listless displays from former idol Fernando Torres.

Kelly, 20, told BBC Radio Merseyside: "There is a lot to come from Luis."

Kelly continued: "He [Suarez] gives everything. The best thing is he's 100% committed and at a club like this that's what you need to be, and he shows that commitment for the full 90 minutes."

Another player currently impressing at Anfield is Brazilian midfielder Lucas, who reached a century of Premier League appearances during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Wigan.

The 24-year-old signed for the Reds from Grêmio in 2007 and has enjoyed an extended run in the Liverpool starting line-up this season, playing all but one of the matches since Kenny Dalglish returned as manager.

Lucas says the return of "King Kenny" has had a positive affect on and off the pitch.

"We know how good he was as a player and we can see he has a lot of knowledge about football," Lucas said.

"[First-team coach] Steve Clarke is helping the team a lot and both of them lift our confidence and tell everyone to stick together and believe in ourselves. That has been the most important thing to us.

"Kenny has told us how he wants us to play and the way Liverpool used to play football. We want to do what he tells us and we have to listen and perform on the pitch.

"He gives us things to think about, because at the end of the day we as players make the decisions on the pitch. It's on the training ground where he can give us advice and we have to listen to him and then translate that onto the pitch."

Defenders Fear Liverpool New Boy Andy Carroll - Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher believes that Liverpool new boy Andy Carroll strikes fear into his opponents.

The 22-year-old forward joined the Merseyside outfit in the January transfer window, after the Reds agreed to cough up £35 million to Newcastle United in exchange for the services of the hitman.

"We've had big tall lads, people like Heskey or Crouch, who have done very well for us," Carragher told LFC Weekly.

"But Carroll has that aggression that makes defenders fear him. He seems like a good lad - someone who'll fit in.

"As a defender you know when you go into certain games against particular players that you're going to have a hard day. There aren't too many of them but I know few people will relish playing against Andy.

"You wake up in the morning and think, 'Ah God - I don't want to play against him.' Everyone who has faced him probably thinks, 'I don't need this today.'"

The arrival of Carroll and Luis Suarez also saw the departure of former fans' favourite Fernando Torres, whose transfer to Chelsea has seen his image on Merseyside take a battering.

"It's two players for one if you like," Carragher said. "They can become a partnership and bring other things to the team as a target man [Carroll] and someone who can feed off the pieces [Luis Suarez]. Likewise if one is injured, the other is still capable of playing on their own through the middle."

Carroll, however, is currently recovering from a thigh injury, and earlier reports point towards a March return for the forward.

Liverpool FC Supporters’ Fury Over Cost Of Europa Match Ticket

Angry Liverpool FC fans have written to Europe’s governing body of football in protest at the “exorbitant” match ticket prices for the Europa League game in the Czech Republic tomorrow night.

Fans paid £145 for a single ticket for the match against AC Sparta Prague, which will be played at the Generali Arena.

Fans group Spirit of Shankly (SOS) has written a formal complaint to the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) on behalf of its members.

SOS believes travelling Liverpool supporters who have paid £145 have been asked to stump up at least another £30 more than the home supporters have done for similar seats, which counters UEFA’s rules.

SOS spokesman James McKenna said: “We have submitted a complaint to them because it goes against their rules and it is not acceptable for fans to have to pay £145 for a ticket.

“We copied Liverpool FC into the complaint that we sent to UEFA, but we have not heard anything from either of them yet.

“We found that home supporters were paying a maximum of £115 for their tickets – that is £30 less than what the Liverpool fans have to pay [for their maximum priced ticket].”

The fans group investigated the regulations around ticket pricing and noted that UEFA state: “Unless the associations or clubs concerned agree otherwise, the price of tickets for supporters of the visiting team must not exceed the price paid for tickets of a comparable category that are sold to supporters of the home team.”

Initially, the Anfield club received an allocation of 955 tickets priced at £54 each. A further 100 priced at £145 were later made available.

Daniel Nicolson, who bought a ticket for £54 in the away allocation, told the Daily Post: “What I paid was an extortionate price as it was, especially in a country where the price of living is lower than the UK.

“It seems that because we are Liverpool fans, they have increased the amount of the ticket prices.”

He added: “My flight was £125 and my hotel was fairly cheap.

“No one was expecting it to be dear, but the ticket prices have caught everyone out.”

A Liverpool FC spokesman said last night: “We have written to UEFA to express our concerns because the prices have increased solely because Liverpool is in town. We have not had a reply.

“UEFA regulations say they are allowed to set their own ticket prices. They are substantially higher than previous games in the same competition, and we share the concerns.

“The regulations say that like for like tickets should be put at the same price.”

Mr. McKenna added: “Having to pay that amount of money just shows how far it is out of touch with reality. People are struggling to keep their jobs and they are playing on our loyalty.”

SOS is concerned with the increase in ticket prices for supporters, and has been contacted by many of its members to ask what it can do.

At last Saturday’s annual general meeting, a plan to campaign against higher ticket prices was under discussion.

Saric Strike Sinks Crewe

Nikola Saric struck a late winner as Liverpool Reserves continued their fine form with a 1-0 friendly success against Crewe on Tuesday afternoon.

The Danish striker cut in on his left foot and unleashed a low drive into the far corner on 84 minutes as a young second-string side edged out the Railwaymen in front of the watching Kenny Dalglish.

The Reds had gone into the contest without a number of regulars and boss John McMahon used the occasion to give a first start to Conor Thomas.

The 17-year-old, who is on loan from Coventry City until the end of the season, gave a good account of himself and looked a composed figure throughout what proved to be a hard-fought encounter in Kirkby.

The visitors had named a relatively strong starting XI for the contest and it was no surprise when they almost took the lead inside six minutes.

A ball into the box found French trialist Marc-Andre Manga in space but his goalbound shot was well blocked by Andre Wisdom, who looked solid on what was his first start since recovering from a serious knee injury.

Next, Manga broke free of Emmanuel Mendy on the left side of the Liverpool area and as the defender attempted to get back he caught the Crewe forward's heels, leaving the referee with no option but to point to the penalty spot.

Up stepped Antoni Sarcevic, but his low shot was brilliantly saved by Martin Hansen in the home side's goal.

The Faroe Island's U21 international, Rogvi Poulsen then crashed a shot way off target before Hansen was again forced into action when he got down well to block Manga's drive following a clever pass from Sarcevic.

Liverpool had rarely threatened but they did carve out a decent chance just after the half hour mark when Saric glanced Brad Smith's searching cross just wide.

With half-time approaching it was the Railwaymen who were again wasteful in front of goal as Poulsen smashed an 18 yard shot off target after he had looked certain to score.

At the interval McMahon replaced Hansen with Brad Jones, while Karl Clair, Jakub Sokolik, Tom King and Henoc Mukendi were also introduced.

The changes almost paid immediate dividends when Saric put Clair in on goal, but the youngster dragged his effort across the face of goal.

Crewe responded and were unlucky to see Sarcevic's low shot crash back off the post.

Defences were clearly on top but Mukendi almost changed that with a rasping shot that shook the stanchion.

Steven Irwin was the next to show, teasing two defenders before thrashing an effort just wide of Steve Phillips' left-hand post.

It was becoming more and more evident that one goal would be decisive and the away side again came close when Joel Grant cut in from the left and fizzed a shot against the post that had Jones beaten all ends up.

Michael Roberts then tested Phillips with a blockbuster from distance before Saric won it six minutes from the end when he cut in from the right and fired a low shot into the far corner.

Andy Carroll Could Make Liverpool Debut Against Manchester United

Liverpool is hopeful that Andy Carroll will make his club debut early next month, raising the tantalizing prospect of the £35m record signing taking his bow against Manchester United at Anfield.

The manager Kenny Dalglish has consistently declined to set a time-frame on Carroll's recovery from the thigh injury that has kept him sidelined since 28 December. The 22-year-old has suffered several setbacks with an injury that Newcastle United, his former club, initially believed would result in a three-week absence. He visited a specialist in Sweden before becoming the costliest British footballer on transfer deadline day.

Carroll has now resumed light training with Liverpool and is targeting a comeback in early March. Dalglish's team entertain Sir Alex Ferguson's league leaders on 6 March and will also face a Europa League tie on 10 March providing they overcome Sparta Prague in the last 32 of the competition. The first leg of that tie takes place in Prague on Thursday.

Liverpool's £57.8m deadline day capture of Carroll and Luis Suárez helped cushion the impact of the £50m departure of Fernando Torres to Chelsea. Jamie Carragher believes the club's new strike partnership will bring added momentum to Dalglish's reign.

"I was delighted to get them in and the club made a statement," said the Liverpool vice-captain. "Suárez has made a great start. He's got the goal, but it's his performances more than anything. With Carroll coming back, it looks the perfect partnership. Someone the size of Andy Carroll and then Suárez, it looks good."

Despite the arrivals at Anfield, Carragher admitted the timing of Torres's exit was unfortunate. "I'd have loved him to stay and I wish he would have given us to the end of the season," he said. "For two or three years for us he's been the best striker in the world. The disappointing thing is the timing of it but the start of the season hasn't gone well.

"I think it was something we were expecting either now or maybe in the summer. It's happened, good luck to him there, and I'm pleased with who we've brought in. We've got to look to the future."

Carragher Reveals Reds Concerns

Defender Jamie Carragher has confessed that he is constantly concerned about the future of Liverpool in the wake of the club's problems over the past 18 months.

The 18-time champions of England failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League last season and severely struggled under Roy Hodgson for the first half of the current campaign.

Liverpool was also on the brink of administration in October before new parent company, Fenway Sports Group, took over from George Gillett and Tom Hicks.

But Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish succeeded Hodgson and has transformed fortunes to put the top four of the Premier League within touching distance after a six-match unbeaten run.

When asked if he was genuinely concerned, Carragher said: "Every day! To be honest, it's been like that for a little while.

"Stevie [Gerrard] and I are so involved emotionally, sometimes too much, and it affects your whole life, and the last 18 months have been really tough.

"We've not been doing too well and the fans are your friends and family and it takes its toll.

"So it's great that the pressure has lessened off and people are starting talking about the top four.

"Dalglish's presence and who he is has galvanized the whole club - players and supporters. I don't need to tell you what he means to the club and the fans."

Simon Kjaer Remains On Anfield Radar After January Interest

Liverpool continues to be linked with defender Simon Kjaer despite having a January bid rejected, according to reports.

The Danish international was being monitored by a number of English clubs in the summer before moving to the Bundesliga, and again in January. It was Liverpool who moved for the 21-year-old though, with German media outlets claiming a bid from Kenny Dalglish was rejected.

Wolfsburg signed the player for an undisclosed fee in July, but it's thought that Liverpool will have to pay in the region of £10 million to bring the player to Anfield.

With 15 international caps to his name already, Kjaer isn't short of experience at either international or domestic level, and the centre back starred for his country during the World Cup in South Africa.

Clubs were already aware of his talent from his performances with Palermo, and his stock has steadily risen since the move from Serie 'A'.

New Liverpool owners NESV have already shown that they are willing to back the Merseysiders financially, spending over £55 million on two strikers in the January transfer window.

Dalglish has hinted that more additions could follow as he looks to strengthen in several core areas at Liverpool, and a centre back is thought to be high on the wish list at Anfield.

Liverpool Target Super Spanish Star To Solve Problem Position

Newcastle United left-back Jose Enrique has been earmarked as a summer transfer target for Liverpool reports the Daily Mirror.

The 25-year-old Spaniard has been in fine form for the Toon this season and is seen as an ideal replacement for the outgoing Paul Konchesky.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish sent Konchesky on loan in the January transfer window after the summer signing struggled for form at Anfield.

He has instead preferred to play an out-of-position Glen Johnson at left back for the rest of the season until they can bring in a long-term replacement.

Enrique has been linked with Liverpool before but fresh reports have surfaced after Anfield Director of Football Strategy Damien Comolli was spotted at Ewood Park this weekend watching Enrique and Newcastle take on Blackburn Rovers.

The highly rated defender is regarded as one of the best players in his specialist position and Magpies fans will be desperate to keep hold of the Spanish star, particularly after having already lost former Toon legend Andy Carroll to Liverpool in the January window.

Enrique was brought to St James’ Park by former manager Sam Allardyce in August 2007 from Villareal for a fee believed to be around £6m, but since his rise to prominence, Newcastle chief Mike Ashley is thought to want at least double that if the player is to be sold.

New Liverpool owners NESV have already shattered the clubs record transfer fee since taking over when they signed Carroll from Newcastle for £35m, proving their financial commitment to the cause as they look to restore the Anfield club to its former glories.

Additional interest from Manchester United could be the only stumbling block as Sir Alex Ferguson continues to look for a replacement for Red Devils star Patrice Evra who is rumoured to be unhappy with life at Old Trafford and has been continuously linked with a move away from Manchester.

A summer transfer tussle between Manchester United and Liverpool will only play into the hands of Newcastle as they look to gain the maximum possible fee for one of their remaining leading stars.

Sylvain Marveaux Signs On Dotted Line At Anfield

Liverpool have reportedly agreed a pre-contract agreement with Rennes winger Sylvain Marveaux.

The 24-year-old will leave the French club in the summer after opting to allow his contract to expire at the end of the season and has also reportedly been courted by Chelsea.

However, according to Bleacher Report, Liverpool has won the race for the Frenchman – who was spotted in the stands at Anfield last month.

Liverpool director of football strategy Damien Comolli is alleged to have concluded talks Marveaux who – should reports be believed – will move to Anfield in July.

Marveaux, however, underwent groin surgery last week which ruled him out for the remainder of the season and will have to work hard to prove his fitness to whoever his potential employers may be.

If Bleacher Report’s claims are correct, then Marveaux is unlikely to be the only new arrival at Liverpool in the summer.

Aston Villa winger Ashley Young still remains on the Liverpool radar, as does Blackpool captain Charlie Adam – who was the subject of a number of bids from the Merseysiders in January.

AC Milan’s Kevin-Prince Boateng and France striker Karinm Benzema have also been linked with summer moves to Liverpool as New England Sports Ventures look to further invest in their playing squad.

Lucas Leiva Downplays Talk Of A Top-Four Finish For Improving Liverpool

Liverpool midfielder Lucas believes that a top-four finish in the Premier League is still possible, but does not think it would be wise to start thinking of Champions League football next season.

The Reds began their campaign in an ignominious fashion as they plummeted down into the relegation zone, but the appointment of Kenny Dalglish has seen the club come close to the European places after a series of positive results.

"I don’t think it would be clever on our part as a team to talk about the top four because two months ago we were three points off the relegation zone,” said Lucas, according to the Liverpool Echo.

"It is clear the team has improved and we are playing better but we have to keep going.

"In football everything can happen but we can take each game at a time.

"We should have killed the game [the 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic] and got three points but we move on and we have two important games in the Europa League now [against Sparta Prague]. There are still a lot of things to improve but our record is not too bad even with a draw.

"We know we must keep the same level of concentration every game to make sure we finish as high as possible in the table."

Liverpool currently lies sixth in the Premier League, eight points behind fourth-place Tottenham.

Torres Insults Liverpool Fans Again

Fernando Torres has once again risked incurring the wrath of Liverpool fans by clumsily stating that "people on the outside can't understand some things about football."

Torres promised to repay Roman Abramovich in goals for sealing his £50million "beautiful" move to Chelsea and further alienated the Liverpool fans who stuck by him through a bad loss of form by insulting them and then backtracking and saying he wants to be "recognized" when he returns to Anfield.

Torres said: "As a striker I'm asked for goals so I'll pay in goals.

"I still haven't seen Roman Abramovich. To put so much money down for me speaks of his dreams to keep on making history.

"We want to repay him for this effort. I have to pay my debt on the pitch. It's beautiful he paid so much for me.

"When the season started I expected to play a lot to forget about my injuries. But Liverpool didn't start well.

"There was no light at the end of the tunnel.

"An incredible door opened for me when there was six months of fight ahead of me.

"Now I can fight for what I've always dreamt about fighting for."

Torres then made his veiled insult to Liverpool fans.

He added: "People on the outside can't understand some things about football.

"The problem was that when Xabi Alonso and then Javier Mascherano left I could only see a light at the end of the tunnel when Chelsea opened the door.

"It just happened that my time came to leave. In time I hope Liverpool fans understand.

"I would like to return to Liverpool and be recognized. I only have gratitude towards the people, the club and everybody in Liverpool."

Torres has clearly lost the ability to let his football do the talking but his continued jibes at the club who showed massive loyalty to him when he was badly out of form are misguided at best.

This over-rated player should show some dignity and respect, especially after his pitiful showing on his Chelsea debut against the side that gave him his chance in English football.

Rampant Reds Rout Southend

Raheem Sterling scored five times as Liverpool U18s stormed into the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup with a 9-0 win over Southend United at Anfield.

Three strikes in six first-half minutes put the Reds into an unassailable lead, with Sterling bagging a brace and Conor Coady firing home from the penalty spot all before the midway point of the opening period.

Sterling completed his hat-trick on 35 minutes and Stephen Sama and Adam Morgan headers made it six for Liverpool before half-time.

The winger added his fourth and the Reds' seventh on 56 minutes with another jinking run and shot.

Sterling bagged a fifth with a cool finish on 85 minutes and Toni Silva wrapped up the scoring as Rodolfo Borrell's side booked their place in the last eight in emphatic fashion.

The U18s had comprehensively dispatched Notts County and Crystal Palace en route to the fifth round - two results that contributed to the seven-match unbeaten run they took into their showdown with Southend.

Borrell's men kicked-off aiming to set up a mouth-watering last eight clash with either Manchester United or Newcastle as they continued their bid to reach a fourth Youth Cup final in just six years.

The Spanish tactician named the same starting XI that had taken to the field against Palace in early January, while Southend included two players with first-team experience in their team in the shape of Alex Woodyard and Julian Okai.

The hosts nearly made a dream start when Jack Robinson almost somewhat inadvertently steered Suso's corner onto the base of the post inside the opening 60 seconds.

Sterling went closest next, cutting in from the left and curling an effort over the bar on 15 minutes.

But the Shrimpers were in no mood to lie down in the opening exchanges and they almost broke the deadlock themselves moments later. Woodyard's cross was misjudged by Duane Ofori-Acheampong, but the ball dropped invitingly for James Stevens.

The Southend skipper scuffed his attempt goalwards, but the ball was creeping into the bottom corner until Sama cleared off the line.

It was a real let off for Liverpool - but the visitors were soon made to pay for their profligacy.

It was Sterling who put the Reds into an 18th minute lead. Tyrell Belford's long goalkick was allowed to bounce through and find the winger's run, and he made no mistake with a composed finish beyond Daniel Bentley.

If there was a slight suggestion of fortune in Liverpool's opener, then Sterling's second on 21 minutes was all down to sheer talent.

Collecting the ball on the left wing, the diminutive No.7 surged into the area, dancing beyond three Southend defenders, before dispatching an effort into the Kop end goal.

Three minutes later and Borrell's side added a third. Morgan was brought down inside the area by Dominic Iorfa, allowing Coady the chance to crash a penalty into the roof of the net.

Liverpool were totally dominant - and Sterling duly completed his hat-trick on 34 minutes.

Craig Roddan's challenge on Stevens 25 yards from goal allowed the ball to break for Sterling inside the Southend box. The end result was never in doubt as he netted with aplomb.

The Reds were showing no signs of letting up and Sama headed home Krisztian Adorjan's corner to make it 5-0 eight minutes before the break.

There was still time for another before the break and Morgan nodded in Adorjan's free-kick to extend the Reds' advantage even further in stoppage time.

The hosts' onslaught continued after half-time and after Sterling's swerving effort had narrowly evaded the post, substitute Toni Silva saw an effort deflected onto the crossbar by Bentley.

But Sterling was not to be denied his fourth and on 56 minutes, he again burst beyond three Southend defenders before slipping a low shot out of Bentley's reach and into the top corner. It was simply sublime stuff from the former QPR teenager.

Substitutes Joshua Sumner and Jason Banton combined well on 67 minutes, resulting in the former rolling a strike against the post, while Ofori-Acheampong looped over on a rare sortie forward from the guests.

With five minutes left on the clock, Sterling guided a low shot across Bentley and into the bottom corner to claim his fifth of the night before Silva wrapped up the scoring on 90 minutes.

It proved to be the final act on a night that will live long in the memory for Liverpool fans, and Borrell's troops can now look forward to an Anfield quarter-final date with either Manchester United or Newcastle.

On this form, neither of those two sides will be looking forward to the clash with the Reds.

Raul Meireles Confident Liverpool Can Still Achieve Champions League Spot

Midfielder Raul Meireles has been in top form of late having scored four goals in Liverpool’s last five unbeaten games and has revealed that he now feels more part of the Reds family than before.

The 27-year-old joined Anfield in the summer for a £11.5million fee from Porto but failed to shine under Roy Hodgson.

However, the Portuguese midfielder has adjusted to Kenny Dalglish’s managerial style and been in great form, most notably being the match-winning hero in Liverpool's 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge last Sunday. Meireles admits that he now feels very connected to the Kop and gets emotional when his name is chanted by the Reds fans.

He told The Sun: "The fans have been with me from my arrival, but now my goals mean their support for me is bigger. I am a hard man but I get very emotional when they sing my name during matches.

"As a foreigner watching Liverpool on television, I always sensed something special about the club but it's only possible to really understand it when you are here.

"To perform at Anfield and score a goal is fantastic. I am privileged to play for Liverpool and perhaps in time I will think that I have fulfilled the biggest dream of my sporting life."

Liverpool has resuscitated their season since Dalglish took the helm and while they were languishing in the relegation zone at the new manager's arrival, they are now in the chase to secure a spot in the Champions League.

New signings Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll give some fresh hopes to the Reds who had to bid goodbye to their starlet Fernando Torres in the process, but not everyone was pleased to see the Spaniard leave.

"I would prefer to have Torres in my squad than play against him but I respect what's happened,” Meireles said.

"He is a worldwide star who helped me integrate at this club, which shows what sort of person he is. But football is a professional business, Fernando no longer leads our attack and we respect the situation. The manager insists he is the past and we must forget him. I believe that's right.

"Suarez is a big striker who has shown his quality with Ajax and Uruguay. He scored on his debut and this is important. We are all helping him to adapt and I am optimistic Luis will be a big star in the Premier League.

Asked why Liverpool is doing better since Kenny Dalglish replaced Hogdson, Meireles said:

"Hodgson was a very serious coach without much direct contact with the players.

"He tried to reinforce the defence more than the attack. Now things have changed.

"Dalglish speaks with people and offers more freedom of movement in the midfield line to help the forwards. My mission is not to score goals but to help my companions in attack.

"But Dalglish has demanded that I shoot in each match to test the keepers and I've had some success.

"To qualify for the Champions League will be a big prize for us after the bad beginning to our season. The victory at Stamford Bridge has improved our morale

"But I am convinced our series of bad results has ended and our best moments have arrived.

"The challenge is to improve match by match in the league and to dedicate total effort in the Europa League.

"To finish fourth is not easy, but the dressing room has decided to take on the challenge. If we fail in a couple of matches along the way it will be nearly impossible.

"We are in a race against the clock but there are still many points to play for."

"As for me, I suffered here to begin with but never thought I made an error in signing. I intend to improve on my performances. You've not seen the best of Meireles yet."

Dalglish Admits 'Unfair' Suarez Treatment

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has confessed he may have pushed Luis Suarez too far by making him play 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Wigan.

Dalglish had hoped to withdraw Suarez, a £23 million signing from Ajax in January, but Liverpool's need for a goal forced him to leave the Uruguayan on the pitch.

The 24-year-old had only played 27 competitive minutes in the previous two months following a seven-match ban and the Eredivisie's winter break.

He was unable to conjure a winner for the Reds, who saw their winning run ended when Steve Gohouri struck to cancel out Raul Meireles' opener.

"It was maybe unfair to keep Luis on for 90 minutes because he's not had too many games but we kept hoping he would get a goal," Dalglish said. "His energy and enthusiasm and movement is going to cause a lot of people a lot of problems.

"He never did anything which surprised us because he didn't do anything we've not seen before. He is a good footballer playing with good footballers so I am not going to be surprised by anything that he does. He will be a favourite with supporters I think."

Manchester United Ready To Rival Liverpool & Spurs For Charlie Adam

Manchester United is reportedly considering a summer move for Liverpool and Tottenham target Charlie Adam.

The Blackpool captain has been in impressive form during his debut Barclays Premier League season and – despite missing out on the chance to leave Bloomfield Road in January – he seems almost certain to depart when the transfer window reopens.

Liverpool tried in vain to bring Adam to Anfield last month – failing in several attempts to sign the Scot.

Blackpool rejected three offers from Liverpool who were keen to sign the 25-year-old to add an extra creative dimension to their midfield.

Despite the persistence of Liverpool director of football strategy, Damien Comolli, the Reds never came close to Blackpool’s valuation of Adam – believed to be around £10 million – but Spurs did match the price on the head of the ex-Rangers midfielder.

However, Tottenham registered their interest too late on deadline day – ultimately failing to sign Adam by a number of minutes.

Reports initially surfaced in January that Manchester United were ready to rival Liverpool and Spurs for Adam after Sir Alex Ferguson suggested the Tangerines talisman’s corners were worth a hefty sum on their own.

Now, according to the Sunday Express, United will weigh up a move for the Scotland international in June – with a bidding war seemingly likely to ensue between the Red Devils and their Barclays Premier League rivals.

Adam’s rise to prominence in English football has been quite dramatic and the Scotland international is now even drawing comparisons to former United hero, David Beckham.

Ex-Tartan Army goalkeeper Andy Goram – who played with Beckham at Old Trafford in 2001 – believes he is well placed to compare the two players and claims Adam will only continue to improve.

“Charlie Adam reminds me of a boy I once played with,” Goram wrote in the Scottish Sun.

“This lad had everything. He could pass, he could shoot, he could lead and he could inspire.

“He was already well on his way to superstardom when I met him for the first time. Now? Well, quite simply, he's a global icon.

“His name? David Beckham. For me, Adam has all of Becks' star qualities.

“He can cross, shoot and is blessed with a range of passing that takes your breath away at times.”

Whether Adam follows in Beckham's footsteps at Old Trafford remains to be seen but – should they register their reported interest – it is sure to be a fascinating summer battle between themselves, Liverpool and Spurs.

Liverpool Ready To Reignite Interest In £8m Hotshot

Liverpool is reportedly planning to rekindle their interest in Chelsea youngster Daniel Sturridge.

The 21-year-old has failed to make a meaningful impact at Stamford Bridge since his move from Manchester City in 2009 but is currently enjoying a new lease of life on loan at Bolton.

Sturridge scored his third goal in as many games for the Trotters on Sunday and speculation is now rife that Chelsea will have to fight off interest for him in the summer – namely from Liverpool.

It was initially reported by Goal.com that Liverpool had made an enquiry about the England under 21 striker in December with a view to a sealing a temporary deal.

However – despite their also being reports suggesting Chelsea were willing to use Sturridge in a cash-plus-player offer for Fernando Torres – a move to Anfield never came to fruition but Liverpool are allegedly monitoring his progress closely.

According to caughtoffside.com, Liverpool are plotting an £8 million move for Sturridge when the transfer window reopens as they look to further bolster their goalscoring ranks.

Not only would a swoop for Sturridge provide Liverpool with an added attacking option, but it would also serve as evidence of Reds owners New England Sports Ventures (NESV) fulfilling their promise to invest in young talent.

The future appears to be bright at Liverpool after the acquisition of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll – aged 24 and 21, respectively – and the Merseysiders are likely to bring more players to Anfield in the summer with plenty of potential to improve and develop.