Match Report: Brighton 1 - 2 Liverpool

Craig Bellamy's inspired performance helped Liverpool secure progression to the Carling Cup fourth round as they condemned Brighton to their first competitive defeat at the Amex Stadium.

The 32-year-old flourished on his second full debut for the club, having rejoined the Reds from Manchester City in the summer.

Bellamy broke the deadlock in the seventh minute with a neat finish from an awkward angle and performed with aplomb throughout, including a superb 30-yard free-kick that rattled the crossbar.

Despite having overcome Sunderland in the previous round, the Seagulls never looked likely to add another Premier League scalp in the first half but improved greatly after the break.

Craig Noone's superb curling effort hit the crossbar shortly after the restart and Ashley Barnes scored a late penalty, although Dirk Kuyt had already put the tie out of reach.

The Holland international was put free by Maxi Rodriguez with less than 10 minutes remaining and finished strongly to the delight of the 2,403 visiting Liverpool fans, who also saw talisman Steven Gerrard make his first appearance since March.

Heading into the match Kenny Dalglish made seven charges to the side that started Sunday's 4-0 defeat at Tottenham, with summer signings Sebastian Coates and Bellamy both handed their first Liverpool starts this season.

Brighton, who face Leeds in the npower Championship on Friday evening, also made alterations, with Gus Poyet handing a full debut for Steve Cook as part of his five changes from the side beaten 1-0 at Leicester.

The third-round encounter was the pair's first meeting in more than 20 years and one that Liverpool started strongly.

Jay Spearing blazed a long-range shot over in the fourth minute and only a last-ditch tackle prevented Rodriguez prodding goalwards after a melee in the box.

Liverpool's pressure paid dividends in just the seventh minute when Luis Suarez poked the ball through to Bellamy, who finished neatly from a tight angle.

The visitors continued to attack after breaking the deadlock and Kuyt saw a fierce shot blocked by Gordon Greer.

The Dutchman almost snuck in at the back post soon after and then had a shot cleared off the line from the resulting corner.

The visitors' attacking intent had Brighton pinned back and they came agonizingly close to doubling their advantage in the 26th minute.

Poyet's defence was being given a torrid time by fellow Uruguayan Suarez, who shot inches wide when up against goalkeeper Casper Ankergren.

The 24-year-old again came close six minutes later, glancing an inswinging Bellamy free-kick just wide of the far post.

The Welshman saw a rasping 30-yard free-kick rattle the crossbar as half-time approached, before Ankergren was forced to tip Spearing's superb left-footed drive onto the post.

Despite Liverpool's dominance of the opening period, the Seagulls almost equalized with their first attack of the game but Martin Kelly's last-ditch tackle in the six-yard box thwarted the home side.

They looked rejuvenated after the break and two minutes in Noone's 25-yard curling effort hit the crossbar.

Jose Reina was well beaten by the former Liverpool junior but was on his toes to save from Matthew Sparrow from close range shortly afterwards.

Brighton continued to press forward but saw attacking threat Will Buckley forced off in the 60th minute with a knock, resulting in former Spain international Vicente Rodriguez coming on for his debut.

Liverpool made a change of their own with 16 minutes remaining as Gerrard made his long-awaited return from a groin injury in place of Suarez.

The south coast side continued to search for an equalizer but Kuyt seemingly put the match out reach with less than 10 minutes remaining, latching onto Rodriguez's pass to beat Ankergren.

Substitute Barnes pulled one back from the spot in the 89th minute after Jamie Carragher was adjudged to have fouled Vicente, although the goal proved a mere consolation.

Kenny Delighted By Response

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish praised the way his side responded to back-to-back league defeats with a Carling Cup win over tricky Brighton on Wednesday.

Dalglish fielded a strong side against the Championship outfit and the Reds progressed to the fourth round with a 2-1 win at the Apex Stadium.

Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt were on target in a game which marked the return of Steven Gerrard, who replaced Luis Suarez with 15 minutes remaining.

It was exactly the reply Dalglish had hoped for, having seen his side suffer consecutive defeats in the Premier League to Stoke and Tottenham, who embarrassed Liverpool with a 4-0 mauling at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

"For us, it was a fantastic response to what happened to us on Sunday - we're delighted," Dalglish told Sky Sports.

"I've great respect for Brighton, what Gus Poyet has achieved, and we wish them well for the season.

"Liverpool, in the first half, played some fantastic football. In the second half, Brighton had most of the play but Pepe [Reina] didn't have much of a save to make.

"They're a good side Brighton, they're well organized and have a bit of pace about them. We had to play really well to get through and the lads deserve great credit for the way they played."

After a late penalty which saw Brighton threaten a push for extra-time, Dalglish was relieved not to have Gerrard's cameo appearance turn into a 45-minute workout.

The Reds boss admitted had Liverpool been more comfortable earlier in the game, he may have handed Gerrard more time, but he insists the club cannot afford to be "irresponsible" with the club captain.

"If it had been four or five maybe we could have given him a wee bit longer but there was no way it was ever going to be four or five," said Dalglish.

Gerrard May Have To Settle For Liverpool Bench Role, Hints Dalglish

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has hinted that Steven Gerrard may have to wait for a return to the starting XI, despite the midfielder making his comeback in the 2-1 win at Brighton.

The influential Reds skipper has sat out almost six months with a persistent groin injury, but came through his long-awaited return unscathed after replacing Luis Suarez with 15 minutes remaining.

The Merseysiders have suffered back-to-back defeats in the Premier League, and many fans are desperate for Gerrard to return to action, but Dalglish insists that while he’s pleased to have his captain available again, he won’t be taking any unnecessary risks.

‘We'll manage Stevie as we manage everybody else - we're not going to be irresponsible by throwing him in for more minute than he needs,’ said the Reds boss.

‘He's made terrific progress and we're looking forward to that continuing. We won't spoil it by being irresponsible, but it gives everybody a lift.’

Liverpool entertains Wolves at home on Saturday, and will have Charlie Adam available for selection after he served his one-match ban for his red card against Spurs last weekend.

Bellamy's Goal Delight

Craig Bellamy today spoke of his delight after scoring his first goal since his return to Anfield as Liverpool booked their place in the fourth round of the Carling Cup after a 2-1 win at Brighton.

It was the Welsh forward's first strike in a red shirt since his famous Champions League effort at Barcelona in February 2007, and he also played a major role in the vital second goal which saw Dirk Kuyt fire home.

"It was a nice goal and I was pleased with it," Bellamy told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"I managed to link up with Luis Suarez who is such an impressive player and it was a good feeling.

"I thought we steamrollered them in the first half. Our movement and everything was outstanding, but it just proves that when you are so on top you need to score the second and third goal.

"We faded in the second half and they played well. We gave them the incentive but we knew it was going to be a hard fought game.

"It was a bit of relief for us when we got the second goal on the break but we are delighted to get through.

"We had a lot of players out there like myself who needed the 90 minutes and I enjoyed it."

As to how far Liverpool can go in the Carling Cup this season, Liverpool's No.39 prefers to take things one step at a time.

He added: "We've still got a long way to go in the competition and we will try our best. We'll look forward to Saturday's draw now and see who we get."

Bellamy also reflected on his moment of magic which almost provided him with a September Goal of the Month contender when he sent a rasping 40-yard free-kick onto the bar.

"I thought it was in for a minute," he said.

"I've tried it a few times over the last few years which have gone quite well for me. The way these new balls move means if you catch it right you can score.

"Maybe I'll have a bit more luck next time but the most important thing was the team won."

Steven Gerrard Insists Liverpool Must Take Every Competition Seriously

Steven Gerrard has revealed that Liverpool are taking every cup competition seriously after manager Kenny Dalglish put out a strong side in their 2-1 victory over Brighton in the League Cup.

t was the Reds captain's first appearance after spending six months on the sidelines through injury, and he insisted that being at Liverpool is "all about winning trophies".

"For a club like Liverpool, we haven't been to a major cup final for a long time, so we've got to take every cup seriously - especially when there's no Europe - it makes it a little bit easier to put stronger sides out," he said after the match.

"Kenny's assembled a fantastic squad and now we've got a couple of good players in every position, so even when he mixes it round or rests people we can still put a strong side out like you saw tonight."

He continued: "It's drilled into you from a young boy when you play for Liverpool. It's all about winning trophies and that's the reason why we've got to take every cup seriously - that was the message from the manager tonight before we went out.

"We want to be one step closer to a major cup final and we've delivered tonight. As the captain I'd love nothing more than to get to Wembley with the lads and lift the cup."

"I've been really happy with what I've seen since Kenny's come in. There's been a lot of happy faces around the training ground, and the supporters are happy and I think 90 per cent of the performances have been fantastic.

"If you take Tottenham away and it's exactly what I've been hoping for, and that makes you even more desperate and hungry to get back and get in amongst the lads.

"So it's been frustrating, but it's also been nice to see that the lads have been progressing well and the signings we've made have been good; from top to bottom at the club now everyone's smiling."

Gerrard was also happy with the dominance Liverpool displayed in the first half, and the performance of Craig Bellamy, who scored his first goal since rejoining the Anfield club.

The captain added: "I thought in the first half we were fantastic, we could have had the game dead and buried and been three or four up, but you know in these cup ties the opposition are always going to have a spell of pressure.

"Credit to Gus Poyet, he's got a fantastic team here who play well and they'll probably find themselves hard done by that they didn't take us to extra time. Though that wouldn't have been the end of the world, I'd have got an extra 30 minutes.

"But we're glad to be in the draw for the next round, and looking forward to Saturday to see who we get in the draw.

"It's a fantastic performance from [Bellamy], that's why we've signed him.

"He's got pace, he's always dangerous, it was a great finish for his goal and he's unlucky not to score a worldie when he's cracked the bar so we're really pleased to have him here and I think the fans have had a taste of what he's going to offer us for the rest of the season."

African Hitman Makes Liverpool Comparison

Cameroonian international striker Samuel Eto'o has compared his new club's supporters to those of Liverpool.

The former Barcelona and Inter Milan forward became the highest-paid footballer when completing a move to Russia this summer, with Anzhi Makhachkala splashing out on the 30-year-old.

Concerns were raised over the reception the player would receive from supporters after the move was confirmed, but Eto'o admitted that both he and his teammates were grateful to their 2,000 traveling fans in the 1-0 defeat at Kuban.

The striker went as far as to compare the support to that of Liverpool at Anfield, a ground and atmosphere the player has sampled on a number of occasions in Champions League competition.

"Of course I felt their support," Eto'o told Anzhi's official website

"My team-mates and I personally are very thankful to them. Owing to our supporters we never feel lonely in away matches.

"They're like Liverpool fans with their famous hymn, 'You'll Never Walk Alone'."

Steven Gerrard Ready To End Liverpool Nightmare

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has expressed his delight about returning to action for the club, after describing his six-month injury lay-off as a “nightmare”.

"It's been a nightmare for me,” Gerrard lamented. “I'm not the best when I'm out injured and watching games.

"It's been tough and the last six months have been a rollercoaster. It's behind me now and I'm looking forward to getting match fit and getting back in the starting line-up.

"I'd been out a long time and it was fantastic to be out there in that kit again and it was nice to get a win as well."

The England midfielder has been sidelined since March with a groin injury after suffering a number of setbacks in his recovery. Dalglish was careful not to risk the inspirational midfielder but put him on for the final 20 minutes of Wednesday night's game.

Liverpool will return to Premier League duty this weekend and will look to get their title ambitions back on track following back-to-back defeats to Stoke and Tottenham.

And Dalglish has claimed Gerrard's return has given everyone at the club a lift but said he would not rush his recovery.

“Steven coming back in was fantastic for everyone connected with the football club,” Dalglish said.

“But we’re more pleased for Steven than anyone else because he has worked really hard to get here, he has had a few disappointments along the way and just to get the 20 minutes would have given him a lift.

“We’ll manage his situation as well as we have done to get him this far. We want the same as what he wants but we’ll need to be careful with it and we’ll not get carried away by the fact that he’s back for 20 minutes.”

Youngsters Suffer Wolfsburg Woe

Liverpool's hopes of qualifying for the NextGen Series knockout stage have suffered a blow following a 2-0 defeat in Wolfsburg on Wednesday night.

Two goals inside the opening 10 minutes of the second half did the damage as the Germans picked up the victory that saw them join the Reds on four points and move into joint-second place in Group 2.

Rodolfo Borrell's youngsters had gone into the contest expecting a tough encounter, but they dominated the first period and should have gone ahead when both Toni Silva and Suso missed good chances.

Raheem Sterling then had three one-on-one situations with the Wolfsburg goalkeeper but failed to find the net on each occasion.

The hosts had illustrated the quality they had at their disposal in last week's 1-1 draw at Anfield and they made the Reds pay for their profligacy within two minutes of the restart.

Andax Guleryuz sized up a free-kick 25 yards from goal before crashing home a superb strike that gave stopper Tyrell Belford no chance.

It was harsh on the visitors, particularly given their first-half pressure, but it got even worse just moments later when the German outfit doubled their advantage with a well-worked move.

Giovanni Millemaci raced down the left, cut inside and unleashed a fine shot that fizzed into the corner.

Liverpool pushed to force their way back into the contest but once again their finishing was lacking.

Sterling hit the crossbar while Adam Morgan and Silva both went close as Wolfsburg rode their luck to claim a somewhat fortuitous triumph.

Liverpool U19s/Reserves: Belford, McLaughlin, Sama, Wisdom, Smith, Coady, Roddan, Sterling, Suso, Silva, Ngoo.

Match Preview: Brighton vs Liverpool

Liverpool will be looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat to Tottenham when they take on Championship high-flyers Brighton in the Carling Cup on Wednesday.

The Reds made a bright start to the season but their good early work has been undone to some extent following back-to-back losses against Stoke and Spurs in the Premier League.

Having gone down 4-0 at White Hart Lane on Sunday, Kenny Dalglish will be determined to return to winning ways at the Amex Stadium and make it through to the last 16 of the Carling Cup.

And Dalglish will be boosted by the return of inspirational captain Steven Gerrard, who is poised to make his first appearance in six months following groin surgery.

New signing Sebastian Coates is likely to be given a full debut in central defence while Craig Bellamy could get his first start since returning to the club last month.

Midfielder Charlie Adam and defender Martin Skrtel serve one-match bans after red cards against Tottenham.

Brighton will use the match as an opportunity to further measure their progress, having earned promotion to the Championship at the end of last season and made a fine start to life in the second tier.

Gus Poyet's side were beaten 1-0 by Leicester on Saturday but remain third in the standings and will now hope for a further boost by claiming a famous cup victory.

Poyet has admitted Brighton will need a 'perfect' performance if they are to prevail, but he will be forced into at least one change for the visit of the Reds.

Former Tottenham defender Mauricio Taricco, now Albion's assistant manager, is poised to start at left-back as Marcos Painter is suspended.

Painter was sent off for two yellow cards during Saturday's defeat at Leicester and serves a one-match ban.

Striker Will Hoskins has finally recovered from the hip injury which has sidelined him since the opening day of the season, while former Spain midfielder Vicente has been building up his fitness after joining as a free agent last month and could be added to the squad.

Poyet must also decide whether to risk young defender Lewis Dunk, who is one booking away from a ban.

Dalglish Seeks Response At Brighton

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish says his players are determined to repay the fans for the club's disappointing loss at the weekend when they take on Brighton in the Carling Cup on Wednesday.

Liverpool slumped to a 4-0 Premier League defeat versus Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday in a game at White Hart Lane that saw Reds duo Charlie Adam and Martin Skrtel sent off to leave the Reds with a mountain to climb.

Dalglish is now seeking a response from his charges in their midweek outing at Championship side Brighton, with club captain Steven Gerrard's pencilled in return from injury set to boost Liverpool.

He said: "The fans supported us fantastically and I think the boys will bear that in mind and look forward to repaying them in some way. Sunday didn't please anybody and the players were really disappointed.

"We have got to get ourselves right and concentrate on ourselves. We are pleased to be in the Carling Cup and our intention is to stay in it for as long as we possibly can."

Poyet Seeks Perfect Performance

Brighton boss Gus Poyet admits his side will need to play the "perfect" game if they are to beat Liverpool in the Carling Cup.

Championship hopefuls Brighton welcome Liverpool to the Amex Stadium in their third round tie on Wednesday night.

The Seagulls have already knocked out Liverpool's Premier League rivals Sunderland in the previous round, but Poyet believes his side will need a little luck if they are to send Kenny Dalglish's troops packing.

"We need to be at the top of our game and be a bit lucky, and maybe if Liverpool isn’t then we've got a chance," said Poyet.

"If both teams play at the same level Liverpool should win because they are quicker, stronger and better technically.

"We have to make sure we are better than them on the day and take our chances. You need practically the perfect game to beat them - but we are going to try."

Danny Wilson Keen For Liverpool FC Chance To Impress In Carling Cup

Danny Wilson is hoping to get the opportunity to impress Kenny Dalglish in tonight’s Carling Cup tie against Brighton.

The 19-year-old Liverpool defender’s only appearance so far this season was in the last round at Exeter City.

“Hopefully the manager decides to play me again and I’ll look to take the chance that comes along,” he said.

“If you’re not getting a run of games and are only given one opportunity then you need to make sure you take it.

“Brighton has just come up from League One and is going well in the Championship. It will be a tricky game but we just need to focus on ourselves. If we apply ourselves in the right way we are a match for any team.”

Wilson, who cost £2million from Rangers in the summer of 2010, has been limited to just nine appearances for the Reds so far.

“I’m delighted to be here and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” he added.

“I feel like I’ve improved as a player but I haven’t played enough games. I haven’t got control over that.

“I can only try my hardest. The more games I get the happier I’ll be with my progress.

“It’s difficult for me with all these top players ahead of me but I wouldn’t have come here if I didn’t think I was up to the challenge. I’m only 19 and I’ve still got time on my side.”

Liverpool & Spurs Still Pursuing £20m Brazilian

Sao Paulo midfielder Lucas is still in the sights of Liverpool and Tottenham, it has been claimed.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the Barclays Premier League duo have been joined in the pursuit of the £20 million-rated 19-year-old by Roma, with the latter considering a January bid.

The Brazil international has also been linked with Manchester United in the past, but Anfield and White Hart Lane have since emerged as more likely destinations.

Liverpool and Spurs are alleged to be maintaining contact with Sau Paulo in the lead up to the new year, when both clubs are expected to dip into the transfer market once more.

Spurs are, perhaps, more likely to make substantial investments when the transfer window reopens, having failed to make a significant impact during the summer.

Harry Redknapp added only Brad Friedel, Emmanuel Adebayor and Scott Parker to his first-team squad. However, perhaps more importantly, Spurs did manage to keep Luka Modric from the clutches of Chelsea.

Liverpool, meanwhile, enjoyed a particularly fruitful few months as Kenny Dalglish built a squad capable of qualifying for the Champions League.

Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing, Alexander Doni, Jose Enrique, Sebastian Coates and Craig Bellamy all signed for Liverpool to aid their quest for European football.

Agger Out For A Month

Liverpool's current problems have been compounded by the news Daniel Agger will be out for up to a month with a fractured rib.

The cultured defender was substituted before half-time in Sunday's 4-0 defeat against Tottenham following a heavy fall.

For all his talent, Agger seems to have been dogged by injuries during his time at Anfield, and now faces a fresh setback having earned a place in Kenny Dalglish's team.

Dalglish confirmed the injury to the club's in-house television station.

"Daniel has got a fractured rib, so he's struggling a bit," Dalglish told liverpoolfc.tv.

Per Steffensen, Agger's agent, articulated the frustration of the Denmark international who seems to be riddled with bad luck.

"It's the worst possible news. He has broken two ribs, and he must keep still for four weeks," Steffensen told sporten.tv2.dk.

He added on tipsbladet.dk: "Daniel is way down now and I certainly sympathize with him.

"He will miss the two (international) matches against Cyprus and Portugal and there is a match against Manchester United he also misses.

"It's insanely annoying."

Ian Rush Signs Up For Meningitis UK Vaccine Campaign

A Merseyside mum joined ex-Liverpool FC player Ian Rush to campaign for a life saving vaccine.

Sue Burke, 31, from St Helens met the former Wales and Reds striker and charity patron at Anfield, to call for a Meningitis B jab.

Ms. Burke’s nine-month-old son, Cieran, was left profoundly deaf, and sufferers epilepsy among other health problems after contracting the disease.

Ian, who is an ambassador and patron of Meningitis UK, said: “I had meningitis as a child, and was very lucky to survive without any disabilities. Therefore, I am pleased to support this campaign.”

Borrell: We Need Our Best Display So Far

Rodolfo Borrell has called for Liverpool Reserves to produce their best display of the season when they face Wolfsburg in a crucial NextGen Series encounter in Germany tonight.

The Reds needed a late own goal to salvage a point when the two sides locked horns at Anfield last week, leaving Group 2 wide open.

The Spaniard feels it is too early to claim that the clash is 'must-win' but accepts his team will have to step up a level if they are to come away with a positive result.

Borrell told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I think it's more about it being a 'must produce a good performance' type of game.

"Anything can happen when you play against a team with such a strong squad. But we have a very good team too.

"We still have two more games in the group after this one. It's more about putting right what we did wrong in the previous game.

"If we come away with a win then obviously we will be in a much better situation. But it's an improved display we are looking for first of all."

He added: "I think Wolfsburg are very strong but I'm just focusing on my own team.

"They are very well organized. German teams are often like this and I'm expecting a very difficult game, just like it was at Anfield.

"They used two players from their first-team set-up in the 1-1 draw last week, so we know what we will be facing."

Liverpool, Wolfsburg and Molde are currently locked in a battle to secure the second qualifying berth after Sporting Lisbon opened up a five point lead at the top of the standings.

Borrell acknowledges that the Portuguese outfit has been a class apart so far and expects the fight for second spot to go to the wire.

He said: "Sporting Lisbon are better than the other sides in the group. I think they must be up there as one of the favourites to win the whole competition. They have massive quality.

"The rest of the group is very tight. The three squads - the Germans, the Norwegians and ourselves - have different characteristics but we are all better and worse in different areas.

"It will be tight. Okay, we beat Molde away but they also beat Wolfsburg who then drew with us at home.

"It will be close but I think it is important for our players to face these different styles. You can only get positives for your club and for your team."

Borrell remains tight-lipped as to who could feature in his starting XI in Germany but insists that whoever puts on the red shirt will only have one objective in mind.

"We have some physical problems with some players but we will have to wait and see," he added.

"Whether we are missing players or not, the lads I send out there will be going out to give a great performance."

Casper Relishing Reds Test

Brighton goalkeeper Casper Ankergren believes Wednesday's Carling Cup clash with Liverpool will show how far they have come.

The ambitious Seagulls welcome Liverpool to the Amex stadium for their third round tie hoping to take another Premier League scalp after dumping out Sunderland in the previous round.

Gus Poyet's side have impressed in the Championship since their promotion from League One and only suffered their first defeat of the season in last weekend's game at Leicester.

Former Leeds keeper Ankergren is relishing pitting his wits against Liverpool and he feels the game will show just how good the Seagulls are.

"It will be a good test that will show whether we can play as we did in League One, in the Championship and also against Sunderland," Ankergren told Bold.dk.

"We'll see how far we have really come with our football.

"We are not given a great chance of winning. It is a class team we are up against."

Ankergren also hopes Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish will field his strongest possible team against Brighton, with Steven Gerrard tipped to make his long-awaited return for the Reds.

"When you meet the team you might as well play against the best, and I also think that Liverpool have some great players," added Ankergren.

"I hope they come with their strongest team."

Coates Relishing Fresh Challenge

Sebastian Coates insists the challenge of adapting to a new country and making a name for himself were the reasons behind his Liverpool switch.

The Uruguay international moved to Anfield before the transfer window closed and he made his debut in Sunday's 4-0 defeat to Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Coates has achieved success in his homeland with Nacional and at international level and wants to replicate that at a new club in unfamiliar surroundings.

The rising star knows the game's biggest players have achieved success wherever they go and he wants to become a crucial player in Liverpool's history.

"The biggest attraction was the challenge: to come to an unfamiliar place - a huge club - and make a name for myself," he told LFC magazine.

"So far in my career, I have been very lucky; to play for Nacional, to play in the Copa Libertadores, to win the Copa America. There has been a lot of success in a short period of time. But I have achieved that in a place where I am most comfortable.

"Now, I am here, in a different country, in a different league, with different team-mates. The best players are successful wherever they go. I am determined to become an important player here at a historical stage of the club's future."

The central defender also admits that some of compatriot Luis Suarez's words had a big influence on his decision to join Liverpool over the summer.

"(Suarez) helped me from a professional point of view," he added.

"I knew about the history; the success and the European Cups, but he also taught me about the nature of the supporters - the way they treat the players.

"When you're wanted by a club that is famous worldwide - by a club with a history like this - it was impossible to go anywhere else."

Steven Gerrard Due For Timely Return To Liverpool Side

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has stressed the imminent return of captain Steven Gerrard will not detract from the work which will have to be done in the wake of their White Hart Lane humiliation.

Even before the Reds had Charlie Adam and Martin Skrtel sent off in Sunday's 4-0 defeat it was apparent they were nowhere near the level Tottenham were playing at.

A second successive defeat, and in particular the first-half performance, will no doubt pose a number of questions but Dalglish stressed they would not be answered by Gerrard's return.

The England midfielder could well end six months on the sidelines after a groin operation in March with an appearance in Wednesday's Carling Cup tie at Brighton.

But bouncing back from the Spurs defeat is more about what the other players do according to the Reds boss.

"It's natural everyone will chase Stevie, especially after we lost 4-0," said Dalglish.

"He has done fantastically well to get where he is. We will monitor his fitness, we will see how it goes, and then we will decide between ourselves when he is fit to play.

"But we have to look at ourselves. We know there is plenty of room for improvement after that [defeat].

"We have to correct the mistakes we made, improve on it and try to make sure it doesn't happen again.

"That is all we are going to concentrate on.

"We have had good days and we will have a lot more coming but that doesn't mean we dismiss a performance like that.

"It doesn't mean we go away and don't correct what we have done and take it for granted.

"When we played well we went out and worked hard to make it better and we'll do exactly the same."

Dalglish found himself having to defend his selection and his tactics in the wake of the defeat.

With injury to Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly still not 100% fit he persisted with central defender Skrtel at right-back and his weakness in that position was exposed by Gareth Bale, the player on whom the Slovakia international committed the fouls which earned him two yellow cards.

A player like Dirk Kuyt, whose renowned tireless industry may have come in useful against a marauding Spurs side, never made it off the bench despite striker Andy Carroll having to adopt an unfamiliar left-sided position after the second sending-off but Dalglish stood by his decisions.

"This is not about a team, it's about a squad and the squad is going to be used throughout the season," he added.

"When there is a victory no comments are made about the team but if it's a defeat then whatever players you use are wrong.

"How we started the game we would have lost the game irrespective of what happened

"The boys are upset and so they should be - if they weren't they wouldn't be here.

"The football club expects more than a 4-0 defeat when you come away from home."

Striker Luis Suarez has cut a frustrated figure in the last two matches against Stoke and Tottenham, often remonstrating with team-mates about his lack of service.

However, the Uruguay international is looking to put the poor performances behind them.

"It is not easy to lose like we lost [against Spurs]," he wrote on Twitter.

"But we have to work hard to improve. I trust my team partners, come on!"

Dalglish is fortunate this is a Carling Cup week as it means both Adam and Skrtel will serve their one-match suspensions on Wednesday and be available for selection at home to Wolves at the weekend.

He may have to wait to discover the extent of Daniel Agger's injury after the Denmark international was forced off with a rib problem in the first half at Tottenham.

"I don't know how bad it is but it obviously was painful," said the manager.

Aldridge: Carling Cup Is Vital Now For Liverpool FC

All of a sudden, the Carling Cup trip to Brighton and Hove Albion looks a great deal more important than it once did.

Liverpool will of course be desperate to stay in the hunt for silverware this season, especially with no European football on offer.

But equally importantly, it is a chance to produce an immediate reaction to two disappointing league results.

They were unlucky at Stoke; they defended well and didn’t get the goal they deserved, but they need massive improvement from the Tottenham game.

It will be interesting to see what team Kenny puts out, and whether he gives a few new faces a chance to impress.

At least he has the squad to make such decisions now. He can shuffle his pack and it won’t have an adverse effect on the team.