Fenway Sports Group Demands Explanation From Kenny Dalglish

Kenny Dalglish, the Liverpool manager, will be required to provide a full written report to the club’s American owners at the end of the season to explain an unacceptable league slump.

As part of a wide-ranging review into what has gone wrong during an appalling Premier League run, Dalglish, director of football Damien Comolli and assistant manager Steve Clarke will be called upon to dispatch a thorough debrief across the Atlantic. They are under no illusions that the current position is considered far below the expectations of the club’s owner, Fenway Sports Group.

Each senior figure will be required to provide their insight into why a season that began with aspirations to qualify for the Champions League has rapidly deteriorated.

Most significantly, the trio will be asked to provide details of how they intend to rectify the problems that have led to the alarming dip in form in the past few months. Their proposed solutions will be just as important.

The pressure has intensified on Dalglish in recent weeks, with the team’s results since winning the Carling Cup undermining the feelgood factor the club’s first trophy in six seasons was meant to provide.

Defeat by Newcastle on Sunday was the most recent in a series of low points in the league. Liverpool have lost six of their past seven league games, during which time they have gone from top-four contenders to falling below rivals Everton.

FSG recognises the situation needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. There is no immediate threat to Dalglish’s position, but the imminent FA Cup semi-final with Everton, their league form and his response in the season review could decide whether the Anfield icon retains the trust of his board.

It is not the fact Liverpool have failed to qualify for the top four that is causing the greatest concern, but the perceived underperformance — particularly given the investment in the side last summer.

Privately, there is acknowledgement in Boston that aiming for the top four in Dalglish’s first season might have been too ambitious – there was a gulf between Liverpool and the Champions League clubs.

Liverpool’s home defeat by Arsenal a week after winning the Carling Cup was seen as the moment that top-four hopes vanished. But the disappointment was countered by consolation in knowing that the team was at least pushing hard to regain their top-four spot and were playing a better brand of football.

That optimism and tolerance has since evaporated owing to terrible results and erratic performances. The manner of the defeat against Newcastle, when the players appeared to give up the fight after going a goal behind, has been noted as much as the result itself.

FSG considers explanations such as bad luck and tiredness to be invalid.

Dalglish was appointed on a wave of popularity in Jan 2011. The club then said the decision to give him a three-year deal last May was a “no brainer” after he had transformed the form of the team and the mood at the training ground.

However, it was telling when the club’s principal owner, John W Henry, admitted that Dalglish was not FSG’s first choice. Combined with him having to wait for a permanent deal revealed concerns about giving him the job full time.

This season seemed to be going to plan following the Carling Cup win, even though there was ground to make up to the top four. Broadly speaking, there was satisfaction because the team had improved on last year.

Recent results and performances have dented that faith, but the damage is still considered reparable, especially with another trip to Wembley imminent.

FSG finds itself having to re-evaluate all aspects of the Merseyside branch of their operation. Comolli has spoken about putting in place foundations, creating a new scouting network and reviving the club’s academy, but such changes will take time before they yield results. Until then, there is no evidence that the acclaimed work behind the scenes is making any difference.

What can be judged is the impact of last summer’s signings and investment in the team, which has so far led to a worse league position. That is the most serious threat to Dalglish’s restoration plans.

For his part, Dalglish will want more investment in the squad to assist a fresh assault on the top four next season and is promising his signings will improve in their second year.

Unless he can reverse the terrible sequence of results, he will need to be at his most persuasive to convince the club’s owner that his confidence is not misplaced and he deserves more time.

Liverpool’s FA Cup Tie Against Everton Key For Dalglish

Kenny Dalglish could be dethroned when Liverpool take on arch rivals Everton in their FA Cup semi-final on 14 April.

It was only a few months ago that his followers were chanting “Long live the King”, but it is league championships and Champions League football the Kop crave, not the Carling Cup and Europa League qualification.

But with an acrimonious defeat by Newcastle United on Sunday, Dalglish’s side have now lost six of their last seven Premier League games, leaving the Scot’s credibility and authority in tatters.

Even the most ardent Reds supporters must admit, if Roy Hodgson was at the helm right now, there would be a clamour for his swift departure.

Yet Dalglish has a free pass at Liverpool. He is a hero and is staunchly loyal to his players – but whether he is beyond the realm of reproach and criticism is now open to debate rather than a slammed-shut question.

Indeed, it is FA Cup or bust. If they fall to Everton, the already wobbling crown perched on Dalglish’s head will fall to the ground quicker than Andy Carroll did on Sunday.

Liverpool are back-pedalling as both Manchester clubs and Newcastle are shooting in the right direction.

If this alarming trend continues, the Reds could be overtaken by a resurgent West Brom – managed by Hodgson – it would be quite the irony!

Dalglish was parachuted in by owner John Henry to replace the ignominy of a decadent empire with the harmony of a flourishing force of nature.

With £133m spent since January 2011, a top-four finish is unlikely, and with only one more season until Uefa’s financial fair play rules come into effect, Dalglish faces a stiff challenge to import quality into his crumbling side.

Eight points from 11 league games in 2012 marks the club’s worst home form since 1953-54 – not to mention a £35m ‘talent’ storming down the tunnel after another goal-less display.

These are turbulent and stormy times at Anfield. The King needs his old guard of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher to bring home FA Cup glory to placate a growing tension.

Dalglish needs the loyalty of his troops now more than ever – or he could be facing a premature end to his reign.

Liverpool were dire and Carroll’s dive was a disgrace, while Pepe Reina was foolish for squaring up like he did but the real villain of Sunday’s clash at St James’ Park was James Perch.

The defender’s behaviour was much worse than embarrassing, it was quite simply shameful.

Gone are the days when we could point the finger at our friends on the continent for their playacting and gamesmanship while mistakenly claiming the moral high ground.

Perch is an Englishman through and through and yet his feigning of injury to get Reina sent off came close to rivalling Rivaldo at the 2002 World Cup in its premeditated and overly dramatic reaction.

The FA must see sense and make an example of Perch and ban him retroactively, this sort of behaviour cannot be tolerated.

In fact, with Carroll’s dive and Perch’s swoon it was a pretty dark day for the Premier League and hopefully their antics won’t be repeated if the FA act.

Reds To Accept Reina Ban

Sky Sports sources understand that Liverpool have decided not to appeal against the red card shown to goalkeeper Pepe Reina for violent conduct at Newcastle.

Reina's frustration boiled over in the 82nd minute of Sunday's match as he pushed his head towards James Perch during an angry confrontation.

Martin Atkinson sent the Spaniard off and he had to give the keeper's jersey to left-back Jose Enrique for the final few minutes as Liverpool had already used all three of their substitutions.

Kenny Dalglish had no complaints after the final whistle and Reina is now set to serve a three-match suspension after Liverpool opted not to contest Atkinson's decision.

The 29-year-old has been Liverpool's No.1 since moving to Anfield in 2005 and it will a major blow for Dalglish to be without such an experienced campaigner for the upcoming period.

Reina will miss the Premier League clashes with Aston Villa and Blackburn, as well as the FA Cup semi-final against Merseyside rivals Everton at Wembley on 14th April.

Glen Johnson Blames James Perch For Pepe Reina's Suspension

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has blamed Newcastle defender James Perch for the dismissal which will keep Pepe Reina out of the FA Cup semi-final.

Perch fell to the floor clutching his face after Reina barged into him. Replays showed minimal contact, although it is thought Liverpool will not appeal against the decision to dismiss Reina for violent conduct.

Johnson led the criticism of that decision however, tweeting: "What have I just seen? Is Perch for real? Joke."

Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool's manager, took a contrasting line to England international Johnson, and admitted Reina deserved to see red.

“It ended up with a lot of frustration and disappointment and I think the frustration and disappointment was a result of the actions that Pepe took,” Dalglish said. “He got a deserved red card.”

Liverpool Put Jones On Standby To Cover For Banned Reina

Liverpool is putting Brad Jones on standby for a first-team call as Kenny Dalglish faces up to a goalkeeping crisis.

The Australian was pulled out of the Anfield side’s reserve team on Monday night and will be in the frame to replace Pepe Reina during the Spaniard's three-game ban.

Brazilian Doni is expected to step up to face Aston Villa on Saturday after sitting on the bench in recent weeks, but he has never started a game for Liverpool.

Jones’ last taste of first-team action for Liverpool was against Northampton in a disastrous Carling Cup defeat during Roy Hodgson’s reign.

However Jones did play for Derby County on last season and his absence from the second team game brings him back into the fold.

Doni Unsure Of Reds Future

Alexander Doni admits he does not know if he will be at Liverpool next season as he prepares to fill in for Pepe Reina.

Reina is facing a three-game ban following his sending off against Newcastle for violent conduct for an apparent head-butt on James Perch.

Doni, who joined Liverpool from Roma last summer, is expected to start in goal against Aston Villa next weekend in the absence of Reina despite not playing a competitive game for the club as yet.

The Brazilian has been forced to play second fiddle to Reina all season and the 32-year-old has conceded he is unsure of his long-term future

"Next year, I do not know where I will play," Doni told Radio Sport Mana Mana, "Being on the bench is not great.

"Liverpool has changed so much. There have been lots of ups and downs, but I'm learning the language and the experience is beautiful.

"I miss [former club] Roma a lot because it always rains here in Liverpool."

Young Reds Sink Villa

Goals from Nathan Eccleston, Suso, Ryan McLaughlin and Michael Ngoo helped Liverpool Reserves to a brilliant 4-1 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park on Monday night.

Rodolfo Borrell's side gave an outstanding display and thoroughly deserved the victory as they handed Barclays Premier Reserve League South leaders Villa their first home defeat of the season.

Eccleston opened the scoring with a well taken finish after a great pass from Michael Roberts gave him an opening.

The No.9 then played a part in the second goal when his run and deflected shot found Suso at the back post who smashed the ball into the roof of the net.

Northern Ireland youth international McLaughlin made it 3-0 just after the break. He started the move with a brilliant run down the right-wing. He found Eccleston whose effort came back off the post before McLaughlin netted the rebound.

Villa then pulled a goal back from the penalty spot through Daniel Johnson after Conor Coady was harshly judged to have impeded Jack Grealish.

Substitute Michael Ngoo came off the bench to make it 4-1 after a superb break from Raheem Sterling. The winger could have scored himself but unselfishly found Ngoo who slotted home.

Sterling was a constant menace to the Villa defence and was unlucky not to score himself from two great efforts.

A delighted Borrell told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I am proud of the lads and it was a great win against a really good team on a fantastic Villa Park pitch.

"It was pleasing to see us score four goals and we were clinical tonight. We have been creating a lot of chances but struggling a bit to score so it was nice to see four different goalscorers.

"We have three very difficult fixtures left against West Bromwich Albion, Manchester United and Newcastle but we will go into the games with confidence and always give our best."

Police Charge Liverpool Fan Over Alleged Racist Abuse

Police have charged a man over an alleged racist gesture made during Liverpool's FA Cup fourth-round victory over Manchester United.

Phillip Gannon, 58, of Heol Meirion, Barmouth, North Wales, has been charged with a racially aggravated section five public order offence and a section five public order offence, Merseyside Police said.

He has been bailed to appear at the Liverpool Community Justice Centre at 9.45am on April 20.

The alleged incident happened at Anfield on January 28 this year.

Earlier, a television image capturing a Liverpool fan making an alleged racist gesture during the clash was distributed on social networking websites, sparking a number of complaints to the force.

It was the first game between the rivals since the eight-match ban imposed on Liverpool striker Luis Suarez after the FA found him guilty of racially abusing United defender and captain Patrice Evra.

Before the match, in which Liverpool triumphed 2-1, the stadium announcer warned supporters that racist and homophobic behaviour would not be tolerated.

Match Report: Newcastle 2 - 0 Liverpool

Newcastle piled the misery on struggling Liverpool with a 2-0 win at St James' Park to move 11 points clear of the Merseysiders.

Papiss Cisse was the hero for Newcastle as the new Magpies No.9 outshone the returning Andy Carroll with both goals to move the home side level on points with Chelsea.

To compound Liverpool's miserable afternoon Pepe Reina was sent off late on for an apparent headbutt on James Perch following a confrontation between the pair.

Carroll was also booked on his first return to St James' Park since his big-money move to Anfield after diving inside the box in an attempt to win a penalty.

The defeat was Liverpool's sixth in seven games and ramps up the pressure on Kenny Dalglish with the Reds now below Everton in the table.

Cisse has now scored seven goals in as many games, one fewer than Carroll had managed in 48 appearances for the Merseyside club.

The Gateshead-born frontman's unhappy return ended with 11 minutes left when he was substituted after he had been serenaded with a resounding chorus of "what a waste of money", while fellow old boy Jose Enrique, who had earlier been taunted over his claims that Newcastle would never again challenge for the top six, spent the final few minutes in goal with manager Dalglish having used all his substitutes.

But it was all smiles for the locals among a sell-out crowd of 52,363 as Alan Pardew celebrated a repeat of his first game in charge with another win over Liverpool.

The game was billed as a significant showdown in the race for sixth place with the Magpies enjoying an eight-point advantage over their big-spending rivals ahead of kick-off.

It was also a homecoming for Carroll and Enrique, both of whom were treated to a hostile reception by fans who mourned their respective departures, but have since found life without them more than bearable.

Carroll's opening 45 minutes did not go as he would have liked as he became involved in a series of physical tussles after being booked for a blatant ninth-minute dive in an attempt to win a penalty.

His fortunes did not improve when he was presented with his first real chance with 28 minutes.

Another former Magpie, Craig Bellamy, caused problems for makeshift left-back Jonas Gutierrez throughout, and although Mike Williamson managed to get to his cross first, the ball looped up nicely for the striker to get to it before keeper Tim Krul, only for him to loop his header over.

By that point, his side was already trailing as a patched-up Newcastle team defended deep and in numbers, but hit the visitors repeatedly on the break.

Krul had tipped a Bellamy cross on to the bar and full-back Danny Simpson bundled the ball off the line after the Dutchman had spilled Steven Gerrard's cross.

But when the home side broke, they did so at pace, and to great effect after 19 minutes.

Hatem Ben Arfa skipped away from Jay Spearing and then Jonjo Shelvey to send the perfect cross to the far post for Cisse to rise and head past Reina.

For all the Reds continued to enjoy more than their fair share of possession, Newcastle created as many openings, and they might have extended their lead 11 minutes before the break when Demba Ba's long-range shot clipped defender Martin Skrtel and wrong-footed Reina, only to drop just wide.

But Cisse should really have made it 2-0 with four minutes of the half remaining when Danny Guthrie crossed from the right and he sent a downward header past Reina, but wide of the post.

The woodwork came to Liverpool's rescue within three minutes of the restart when Williamson climbed highest to head Guthrie's cross against the foot of the post.

But as the half wore on, it was Liverpool who started to gain the upper hand with their host's carelessness in possession hurting them.

Bellamy only just failed to reach Gerrard's inviting 56th-minute cross and Shelvey drilled the ball straight at Krul.

But when the game's second goal arrived, it did so at the other end, and it was Cisse who again did the damage.

Ba stabbed the ball across goal where Ben Arfa helped it on to Cisse, and he calmly stepped inside Reina before firing home.

Luis Suarez might have reduced the deficit within three minutes but his effort was blocked by Perch.

Dalglish's men continued to fight for salvation as the clock ran down, but their efforts grew increasingly laboured.

Carroll was withdrawn to a chorus of boos and went straight down the tunnel, and Liverpool's hopes were finally dashed when Reina senselessly headbutted Perch nine minutes from time and was sent off, although replays showed any contact was minimal.

Liverpool FC Keeper Out Of FA Cup Semi

Pepe Reina has apologized to his Liverpool team-mates for the red card that has ruled him out of the Wembley FA Cup semi-final derby against Everton.

Reina was dismissed eight minutes from time for aiming a headbutt at Newcastle United defender James Perch as two goals from Papiss Cisse sent Kenny Dalglish’s side tumbling to a 2-0 defeat at St James’ Park.

It was a sixth loss in seven league games for the Anfield outfit, their worst such sequence since the 1953-54 season in which they were relegated.

While there was no contact between Reina and Perch, Dalglish had no complaints with the sending-off that leaves the Spaniard facing a three-match ban.

And asked if the goalkeeper had apologized in the dressing room, the Liverpool manager said: “There was a bit of remorse there, yes.

“We started the game well enough, passed and moved and looked pretty threatening. But it all ended up with a lot of frustration and disappointment.

“The frustration and disappointment led to the actions that Pepe took. He got a deserved red card.”

Reina will also sit out the forthcoming Premier League games against Aston Villa and Blackburn, with Brazilian keeper Doni in line to make his competitive debut for Liverpool.

Andy Carroll was given a hostile reception by the home supporters on his first return to Newcastle since leaving for Liverpool in January 2011, and allowed his frustration to boil over when storming straight down the tunnel after being substituted late on.

Dalglish, though, refused to overly-criticize the striker, and said: “When Andy came off, the way the game had gone for the team and that frustration has taken him up the tunnel and into the dressing room.

“Andy was just frustrated and disappointed with the way the game had panned out. I thought he had played well.

“We don’t have a problem with desperation, frustration and disappointment, but we need to channel it better than we have done.”

Carroll had earlier been booked for diving by referee Martin Atkinson after tumbling over Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul inside the penalty area.

“We have no qualms with when Andy went down with the goalkeeper,” said Dalglish. “I thought it wasn’t a penalty and Andy was losing his balance anyway, even if he’d got past the keeper he’d have fallen over.

“We don’t have a problem with that except the yellow card. I just thought Andy had lost his balance and I don’t think it was him intentionally looking for a penalty kick.”

Liverpool should have been awarded a spot-kick moments before Cisse’s 19th-minute opener when Newcastle defender Danny Simpson cleared off the line with his left arm.

And Dalglish added: “We could have had a penalty in the first half which would have put them down to 10 men, but we never got it.

“We just have to carry on and if we shout louder maybe we will get more decisions.

“There were a lot of times we created openings but we have got to take them and believe in ourselves.”

Lawrenson: Kenny Dalglish Will Not Walk Away

Kenny Dalglish will not quit as Liverpool manager, according to former team-mate Mark Lawrenson.

Liverpool won the Carling Cup and are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, but the 2-0 defeat by Newcastle was their sixth in seven Premier League games.

Lawrenson, the BBC Sport pundit, told BBC Radio 5 live: "I don't think he'd walk away.

"I don't believe he'll be sacked. It's a poor run, but the new owners are not going to make knee-jerk decisions."

Liverpool, who has slipped to eighth in the league, meet city rivals Everton in the last four of the FA Cup at Wembley on 14 April.

Lawrenson added: "They could win the FA Cup this season, which would be two trophies, and that would be a strange thing to be sacked for.

"As a manager in the Premier League, it's a crisis if you lose a couple of games.

"They have [Aston] Villa at home at the weekend and I hate saying it's a must-win, but it is. I think he [Dalglish] will be fine, but at any level, you have to win games."

Lawrenson pointed to the lack of impact made by Andy Carroll, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson, big-money signings brought in by Dalglish for a combined total of almost £85m.

"The biggest problem is Adam, Downing, Carroll and Henderson between them has contributed six league goals," said Lawrenson. "You should be looking at 25-30 goals between them.

"Adam hasn't done it but the four of them haven't. Andy Carroll hasn't been the same player - it's the old 'take the boy out of Newcastle'. He's not been the same."

Speaking on Match of the Day 3, Lawrenson added: "We all thought in the summer that they had added more quality.

"At the moment, they are not defending particularly well. But they are absolutely desperate for a goal-scorer."

No Complaints From Dalglish

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish had no complaints with Pepe Reina's red card or Andy Carroll's petulant reaction to being substituted during the defeat to Newcastle.

The Magpies made it six defeats in seven games for Liverpool with a 2-0 success at St James' Park, thanks to two goals from Papiss Cisse.

To complete a miserable afternoon for the Reds, Reina was sent off late on for an apparent head-butt on Newcastle defender James Perch and Carroll stormed off down the tunnel after he was substituted.

Dalglish felt the turning point of the game was when Danny Simpson appeared to handle the ball on the line with the game still goalless.

"We had chances and we were unfortunate not to get a penalty, and that would have left us playing against 10 men," Dalglish told Sky Sports News.

"Then they got the goal, which from our point of view was disappointing, and the boys showed frustration and maybe started feeling sorry for themselves.

"Pepe got frustrated and got himself a red card and Andy marched up the tunnel (after being substituted), he was frustrated and disappointed for himself and at the result.

"We don't have a problem with people showing their disappointment or frustration, but we need to channel it better than we have done.

"There's no problem with the red card for Pepe but there is a problem that we never had a penalty kick."

Carroll was booked for diving on is first return to Newcastle since his big-money to Liverpool after tumbling over Tim Krul when the keeper challenged him in the penalty area.

Dalglish admitted it was not a penalty, but felt it was harsh to book Carroll, feeling the big striker had lost his balance resulting in him falling over.

"I don't think it was a penalty but neither did I think Andy was trying to get a penalty," added Dalglish.

"The decision not to give a penalty was correct but it was harsh to show him a yellow card, he was always struggling to keep his balance."

Chase On For Holmes

Sky Sports understands a host of clubs are chasing the signature of highly-rated Tranmere defender Danny Holmes.

Holmes has impressed for Tranmere this season and his performances have not gone unnoticed among clubs higher up the football pyramid.

The 23-year-old is out of contract this summer and a number of sides are waiting in the wings to land the full-back on a free transfer.

Rangers had lined up a deal for Holmes, but the move has stalled because of the club's well-documented financial problems.

Old Firm rivals Celtic and Liverpool have also shown an interest in Holmes, but the player's agent, Jonathan Hope, admits the player might be best served to move elsewhere to ensure he is playing regular first-team football before making the step up to the Premier League in the future.

"I am currently exploring options for Danny and it's a massive shame that Glasgow Rangers went into crisis or he would have been there in my opinion next season," Hope told skysports.com.

"Tranmere Rovers wouldn't stand in his way to step up a level to improve his career as he has been having an absolute cracking season and thanks has to go to them for that.

"I had a call from Glasgow Celtic in regards to Danny's availability and Liverpool have not ruled out a move for the youngster.

"I have to be realistic and put Danny at the right level so he is guaranteed game time.

"There is no point in putting him up in the Premier League when he is still developing.

"I have now opened talks with three Championship clubs and a top League One.

"It's just initial talks at the minute so what I'll do is wait till something further develops before going public.

"Danny Holmes will eventually play in the Premier League, as he is developing at a very fast rate through true professionalism.

"We speak every day on his future and I would love to have seen him in a Rangers shirt next year, but unless the crisis is over at Ibrox then that won't be the case.

"Danny has supported Tranmere all his life but I don't believe the fans would complain about a boy furthering his career."

Liverpool Flop Chased By Espanyol

Former Liverpool midfielder Christian Poulsen is wanted by Spanish side Espanyol after rediscovering his best form for in France after a nightmare spell on Merseyside.

The Denmark international was signed by Roy Hodgson in the summer of 2010 but struggled to make an impact in the Liverpool first team and was eventually sold by Kenny Dalglish.

Poulsen eventually joined Ligue 1 side Evian on a one-year contract and has rediscovered the type of form that first attracted the interest of Liverpool.

The 32-year-old has been a regular starter for the French side this season and has helped the side steer well clear of relegation as they currently sit 10th in the league.

His impressive form has caught the eye of Espanyol who are hoping to be able to pick the midfielder up on a free transfer at the end of the season.

"It's correct that there have been some enquiries from clubs from the biggest leagues in Europe," Poulsen's agent Jorn Bonnesen told Sporten.dk, as reported on Sky Sports.

"They have noticed that Christian is close to his former level and a very important player for Evian. We will, of course, talk to Evian before we talk to other clubs."

Poulsen has vast experience having played in all of the major European leagues and was previously a hit in Spain when he was a member of the Sevilla side that won the Copa Del Rey and UEFA Cup in 2007.

Hyypia Makes Management Move

Liverpool legend Sami Hyypia has been appointed interim manager of Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, following the sacking of Robin Dutt on Sunday.

Dutt's departure comes after less than a season in command at the BayArena and with Leverkusen facing the prospect of missing out on European competition next season.

Bayer suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to struggling Freiburg on Saturday, and is now 11 points adrift of fourth placed Borussia Monchengladbach.

Hyypia ended his playing career with Bayer last season, and will take joint control of first-team affairs until the end of the current campaign.

The former Liverpool captain has been named as 'team chief' while under-19 coach Sascha Lewandowski will share responsibilities.

Hyypia made 460 appearances for Liverpool during ten seasons at Anfield, while he scored 35 goals for the Merseyside club.

The ex-Finland international was a member of two FA Cup winning sides, while he also has a Champions League winners' medal following the dramatic triumph in Istanbul against AC Milan almost seven years ago.

Borrell On Progress & Villa

Rodolfo Borrell is hoping his young side can rise to the occasion and show their quality when they take on Barclays Premier Reserve League South leaders Aston Villa at Villa Park tonight.

With four games to go in the league, Borrell knows his starlets face a tough test against a Villa side managed by former Anfield double winner Kevin MacDonald.

Villa haven't lost on home turf this season, winning nine games and drawing just one, and are clear favourites to pip Arsenal to the Southern League title.

Manchester United lie in pole position in Liverpool's Northern section but the Reds can go second in the table if they can get three points at Villa.

"Villa is the best team out of both groups because they have the most points, 40, so far and haven't lost at home, so we will have to give a great performance if we are to get a good result," Borrell told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"They are a strong side with a good mix of some young and more experienced players.

"It is good for the lads that the game is at Villa Park and we hope to give our best and put on a good performance.

"What I would like between now and the end of the season is for the lads to keep working hard, perform at a good level and give our best.

"We have got some difficult games left but we have to give the right approach and show that the season has been positive from the beginning to the end.

"The lads have done well this season and we are pleased with their progress."

The squad go into the game full of confidence after last weekend's impressive 2-0 win over Marseille saw them finish third in the NextGen Series - a performance that delighted Borrell.

He added: "We needed to bounce back after that harsh result against Ajax and we wanted to finish with a good feeling in the NextGen Series, and we got that against Marseille.

"For us to finish third out of 16 teams was really good as there are some really good teams in the tournament playing at a good level.

"The lads did a great job and to finish third in this competition is not easy.

"Next season many other strong teams will be playing in the NextGen Series and it will be another test for us and a great experience for our lads to face these kind of teams."

Match Preview: Newcastle vs Liverpool

Newcastle will welcome a number of familiar faces back to St James' Park on Sunday when fellow top-six chasers Liverpool arrive in the North East.

Kenny Dalglish, Andy Carroll and Jose Enrique are all set to take in a Premier League fixture on Tyneside for the first time since severing their respective ties with the Magpies.

Their presence will add extra spice to an occasion which already has plenty riding on it.

Newcastle head into the game sat level on points with fifth-placed Chelsea and only five adrift of the UEFA Champions League places.

Alan Pardew has been quick to play down talk of a top-four finish, but the Magpies have returned to form over recent weeks and remain very much in contention.

Their home form has helped to keep them among the frontrunners, with a six-match unbeaten run in front of their own supporters bringing four victories and two draws.

While the Magpies are flying high, Liverpool will be desperate to get their league campaign back on track this weekend.

Only rock-bottom Wolves (five) have picked up fewer points than the Reds (eight) in 2012.

They have lost five of their last six top flight fixtures, dropping them out of the race for a top-four finish, and have come unstuck in their last three on the road.

Liverpool have, however, won six of their last seven Premier League games with Newcastle and in Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard boast two goal-getters who relish playing against the Magpies - with Kuyt having netted five times in seven starts and Gerrard five times in his last five appearances against the North East outfit.

Ryan Taylor and Cheick Tiote are to make welcome returns to the Newcastle side on Sunday after shaking off knocks.

Taylor has been missing for two weeks with a calf complaint, while Tiote sat out last weekend's victory over West Brom with a hamstring problem.

Club captain Fabricio Coloccini misses out, though, as he picked up a hamstring injury at The Hawthorns.

Peter Lovenkrands (thigh), Leon Best (knee), Steven Taylor (Achilles) and Sylvain Marveaux (groin) remain on the sidelines.

Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam will miss the trip to Tyneside as he must wait a fortnight for further assessment of a knee problem.

Dalglish is hopeful some of his other players will be fit to return, however, with defenders Glen Johnson (calf), Martin Kelly (ankle) and Daniel Agger (rib) all missing for last weekend's defeat to Wigan.

Midfielder Maxi Rodriguez has recovered from the illness which kept him out of the last game but forward Craig Bellamy (calf) has missed four successive matches.

Possible starting XIs

Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, Perch, Williamson, Santon, Ben Arfa, Tiote, Cabaye, Gutierrez, Cisse, Ba.

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Enrique, Henderson, Gerrard, Spearing, Downing, Carroll, Suarez.

Pardew Relishing Reds Test

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew is expecting 'fireworks' ahead of another epic battle with Liverpool on Sunday.

The 50-year-old began his rein at St James' Park with a 3-1 victory over the Reds in December 2010 but has also been on the receiving end of some painful results against the Merseyside club.

The FA Cup alone has provided a famous semi-final win over Liverpool as a Crystal Palace player as well as a heart-breaking final defeat as West Ham manager.

Newcastle and Liverpool are now set to battle it out in a crunch Premier League clash on Sunday.

"Liverpool brings out no middle ground for me," Pardew said.

"I have been beaten by them 9-0, I won a semi-final when they probably had the strongest team they have ever had and we should never have won.

"I was winning with 90 minutes on the clock in the FA Cup final and I was denied, and we should have won in extra-time, so that was another massive low.

"Then obviously, my first game here was a massive win, very, very important for my tenure and everything else that has gone on since.

"There is no middle ground, so expect fireworks either really negatively or really positively."

Newcastle go into the game eight points clear of the Merseyside club knowing a draw would be enough to cement sixth place.

Pardew admits though that his side has a long way to go before they can match Liverpool for silverware.

"They are a club steeped in a tradition of winning trophies, and they have won another one this year.

"We haven't got that tradition, unfortunately, and we need to try to gain it.

"But we have had a great season in the Premier League and we are trying to continue that on Sunday against what is a very talented team."

Pardew: Enrique Missed Bigger Picture

Alan Pardew says Jose Enrique failed to see the "bigger picture" when he left Newcastle for Liverpool last summer.

The defender made the move to what he felt was a bigger club, but finds himself returning to St James' Park on Sunday with Liverpool trailing the Magpies by eight points in the Premier League table.

Pardew says the Spaniard's exit was very different to that of Andy Carroll who also made the move to Anfield, albeit one transfer window before Enrique.

"When a player looks you in the eye and says he wants to go like Andy did, and the fee was what it was, there is no going back," the Magpies boss told Journal Live.

"Jose was different. I had many conversations with him and we couldn't even get down to finance.

"The scars of the previous regime were deep and he definitely wanted to go. Jonas (Gutierrez) and Colo (Fabricio Coloccini, Enrique's closest friends in the dressing room) have signed since and perhaps they weren't secure at the time.

"Maybe Jose felt it was all falling apart but sometimes there is a bigger picture. Sometimes players can't see that. Jose couldn't see it."

Liverpool Set To Beat Tottenham To Emmanuel Adebayor Deal

Tottenham look likely to end an impressive season on a miserable note by losing star striker Emmanuel Adebayor to Liverpool.

The Togo hitman has been on loan from Manchester City this season and has spearheaded a Spurs attack that has fired the club to within touching distance of a Champions League spot.

Spurs are keen to keep him at White Hart Lane on a permanent basis but, according to Caught Offside, may be about to pull out of a deal because of the player's excessive wage demands.

With Roberto Mancini blessed with an abundance of attacking talent at the Etihad Stadium, which will leave Adebayor looking for a new club.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is known to be a fan and is ready to splash out on another striker this summer, to add to existing big-money purchases Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.

Adebayor has scored 11 times in 26 Premier League appearances for Spurs and offers a proven record of hitting the net – something the Anfield outfit have struggled to do during the current campaign.

Dalglish is also becoming increasingly concerned over Carroll and Suarez's inability to gel as a partnership and could turn to another player to bring a new dimension to the Liverpool attack.