Match Preview: Everton vs Liverpool

Everton and Liverpool meet at Goodison Park as part of Super Sunday for the 219th Merseyside derby.

The two clubs are famously separated by less than a mile across Stanley Park and have long been fierce rivals.

This season's first meeting promises to be no different and hosts Everton are arguably enjoying the unusual experience of going into the game as favourites.

David Moyes' team sits fourth in the Premier League after making an uncharacteristically good start to the campaign, taking 15 points from eight games.

In contrast, Brendan Rodgers has been frustrated by the start of his Liverpool reign after collecting just nine points from eight matches to leave them in 12th position.

Everton do have the local bragging rights after finishing higher than Liverpool for only the second time in the last 25 seasons but they lost all three derbies, including an FA Cup semi-final in 2011/12.

Whatever happens at Goodison Park on Sunday, it seems certain to be another fiery encounter as the derby has seen more red cards - 20 - than any other fixture in Premier League history.

Steven Pienaar is suspended after being sent off for two bookings in last weekend's draw at Queens Park Rangers.

Marouane Fellaini missed the game at Loftus Road with the knee injury which also forced him to pull out of Belgium's squad for their recent World Cup qualifiers.

Tony Hibbert has missed the last five matches with a calf injury, while Darron Gibson has been absent for the previous six games with a thigh problem, although he has returned to training.

Jose Reina missed last weekend's win over Reading and Thursday's Europa League victory over Anzhi Makhachkala and it remains to be seen if the goalkeeper recovers from his hamstring injury.

Fabio Borini was ruled out for three months with a broken right foot earlier in October, while Glen Johnson was substituted at half-time against Anzhi with a muscle spasm.

Martin Kelly was sidelined for six months after suffering cruciate knee ligament injury in the September defeat by Manchester United and midfielder Lucas Leiva is another long-term absentee.

Rodgers Urges Ref To Stay Calm

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has warned referee Andre Marriner that he has a big part to play in this weekend's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

There have been 14 dismissals in the fixture, always one of the feistiest in the Premier League, over the last decade - and Rodgers has urged Marriner not to be too card-happy on Sunday.

"I have seen it over the years - the real firecrackers of games, full of intensity and passion, which they should be because that is what derbies are about," Rodgers said.

"But it is also important to stay calm, and I think the referee has a big part to play in it as well because I have also seen over the games some of the challenges. I think the history of this game shows there have been a lot of red cards.

"I would hope this weekend that we might get a decision that goes our way for once.

"The Merseyside derby is a terrific game full of passion and quality, and I just hope the referee in Andre can really ensure that everything is in control and that the football is what is talked about."

Liverpool will enter the fixture with momentum behind them, having beaten Russian side Anzhi impressively in the Europa League on Thursday.

Rodgers Waiting On Reina

Brendan Rodgers will assess the progress of Pepe Reina before deciding whether or not to include him in the Liverpool squad for Sunday’s Merseyside derby.

Reina suffered a minor hamstring strain while on international duty with Spain and was forced to sit out last weekend’s 1-0 win over Reading at the victory against Anzhi Makhachkala in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

He has returned to training but Rodgers is not sure if he will be ready for the trip to Goodison Park and will wait for as long as possible before making a call on his fitness.

“Pepe is back in training,” Rodgers told his pre-match press conference at Melwood. “So that’s good news. He’s working well and we’ll assess him over the next 12 hours.”

Brad Jones has covered for Reina in his absence and he is on standby to continue in the role should the Spain international be ruled out.

“Brad’s been excellent. The goalkeepers join in a lot of our work in training. They get involved in a lot of the possession work. Brad’s temperament has been excellent. I think he has come in and looked a real presence in the goal,” Rodgers went on.

“The nature of his game has been good and when he has been asked to make a save he has. So I’ve been really pleased with Brad since he has come in and played a number of our Europa League games and done very well.

“You need that competition with goalkeepers.”

Liverpool Bid £5m For Ilicic

The reports of Liverpool’s interest in Palermo midfielder Josip Ilicic continue to gather pace with a £5m offer on the table.

It has been rumoured for several weeks that Liverpool are tracking the Slovenian international and British media stepped up a gear today.

There are suggestions that the Reds are prepared to pay £5m for the creative midfielder, although they face competition in Serie A from Roma and Inter.

The 24-year-old has been in Sicily since 2010 when he made the move from Maribor.

Europe League: Liverpool 1 - 0 Anzhi Makhachkala

A superb strike from Stewart Downing saw Liverpool claim victory over Anzhi Makhachkala and move into top spot in Group A.

Downing cracked home an unstoppable effort from outside the box in the 53rd minute after coming in from the left flank.

The win was no less than the Reds deserved having been the better side for much of the contest, and they now lead the group with six points from three games.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers fielded a strong side including the likes of Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez, resisting the temptation to rest a host of players ahead of Sunday's Barclays Premier League derby at Everton and making only three changes from the win over Reading on Saturday.

It was clear Rodgers was not about to underestimate nouveaux riche Anzhi, who lead the Russian top-flight, and are overseen by one-time Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink and had former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o up front.

The Reds were looking to bounce back from a 3-2 home defeat to Udinese in their previous Europa League outing and made a positive start without fashioning anything to really trouble visiting goalkeeper Vladimir Gabulov.

He easily collected a shot from Suarez in the 12th minute and then pushed away an effort by Glen Johnson before Jonjo Shelvey - scorer of three goals in the previous two group games - ballooned an attempt over the bar from the edge of the box.

Eto'o had been relatively quiet, miscontrolling on the occasion when the ball had come to him in a useful position in the area, and Liverpool continued to carve out half-chances, with Oussama Assaidi seeing Gabulov get behind his strike to the near post and then catching his free-kick.

Johnson found himself through on goal in the 35th minute, but failed to get a shot in and took a tumble under the attentions of Kamil Agalarov, with the referee waving the Reds defender's penalty claims away.

Nuri Sahin headed a corner over and Daniel Agger was next to make a foray forward from defence, trying his luck from distance with an effort that curled high and wide.

Anzhi registered an attempt on goal in first-half stoppage-time when Fedor Smolov fizzed the ball across Brad Jones and wide.

Rodgers added new impetus to his attack at the interval by introducing Raheem Sterling for Johnson, and there were encouraging signs for Liverpool soon after the break, with Martin Skrtel's powerful drive bringing a save out of Gabulov before Gerrard headed Shelvey's cross wide.

The Reds kept up the pressure and moments later they made the breakthrough as Downing, who had been shifted to left-back, cut in from out wide and smashed the ball into the net.

Suarez almost swiftly added another with a strike that went just the wrong side of the post, and Shelvey then sent a shot into Gabulov's arms.

With the lead still only at 1-0, though, Liverpool could not afford to switch off at the back and they survived a scare in the 70th minute when defensive sloppiness saw the ball come to Eto'o, whose effort was saved by Jones.

Assaidi and Suarez went down in the box in separate tussles with the referee only being moved to book the latter for protesting, before Mbark Boussoufa saw a shot deflect wide of Jones' goal.

Agger thought he had doubled Liverpool's advantage when he headed the ball from Gabulov's hand and lashed in, but he also only picked up a booking.

Anzhi issued further warnings, with Skrtel making a goal-line clearance to deny Mehdi Carcela and substitute Lacina Traore striking wide.

Gerrard then fired over and Carcela struck wide at the other end before the full-time whistle confirmed Liverpool's win.

Downing Praised By Liverpool Manager

Stuart Downing has been praised by manager Brendan Rodgers after scoring the winning goal in Liverpool's 1-0 win against Anzhi Makhachkala on Thursday night.

It has not been plain sailing for Downing following his estimated £20 million transfer from Aston Villa in 2011, and has dipped in and out of the team starting just one Premier League game under Rodgers.

Rodgers admitted Downing had been having a "rough ride" but seems to be impressed by the 28-year-olds latest performance.

"It's been a tough time but he's a good guy," explained Rodgers. "He's had a rough ride but he's an important member of our team."

After the victory, Rodgers guided Downing towards the Liverpool faithful to soak up the applause.

"He got a good reception from the Kop," Rodgers said. "He scored a brilliant goal. Stewart is a wonderful technician off either foot. I think the Kop realized that it was a wonderful goal at the end and if you can get a round of applause from them, which would mean a lot to anyone - a player, manager, coach, whatever.

You saw how they reacted accordingly. They gave him a great round of applause and that will hopefully do him good going forward. His commitment was excellent. He had to play in a different position in the second half, but he has got the quality to do that."

Downing seems happy to fight for his place in the team and said, "It was crowded around the box so I just thought hit it. They made it tough for us, so it was off the cuff."

"Football is full of ups and downs," he added. "It's how you react to them and I'm working hard to get back into the team."

His good form is coming at the right time for Liverpool with a visit to Everton on Sunday posing a stern test.

Assaidi Pleased With Progress

Oussama Assaidi believes he is improving all the time and hopes to be given further opportunities to impress at Liverpool.

The 24-year-old summer signing from Heerenveen made his sixth appearance of the season on Thursday as Brendan Rodgers' side edged out Anzhi Makhachkala in the UEFA Europa League.

He produced what was easily his best performance to date against the Russian outfit and hopes that he can now kick on after adjusting to the demands of life in England.

"I am very happy. We played very well and got the win," Assaidi told Liverpool's official website.

"Anzhi are a difficult side, but we did well and everyone is very happy.

"It was an important win to go top of the group. We did a good job and I'm delighted.

"I think I played well. I should have scored a goal, but I missed. I played the 90 minutes and I am very happy to do that and to have been given a chance by the coach.

"I think I am improving. Every day I am getting better and better. I am getting more physical and fitter and fitter. I'm delighted to be a part of this big club."

Wisdom Grateful To Team-Mates

Liverpool teenager Andre Wisdom has praised the club's senior players for helping him make the step up into the first team this season.

Brendan Rodgers' side claimed their first home win of the campaign against Reading last weekend with three teens in the starting line-up.

Winger Raheem Sterling, 17, has attracted most of the attention, and he demonstrated his vast promise again with the winning goal, but also playing a key role were 18-year-old midfielder Suso and 19-year-old full-back Wisdom.

Rodgers was keen Wisdom should not be overlooked in the praise for Sterling and, since making a goalscoring debut in the UEFA Europa League against Young Boys in September, the academy product has been virtually ever-present.

Injuries to Martin Kelly and Jose Enrique gave the teenager his chance in the Premier League, but he has grabbed it with both hands and it would be a surprise if he was not in the team again for the Merseyside derby against Everton on Sunday.

The youngster said: "It's been good making the step up. It's very competitive and hard but I think it's going well.

"With the players around me, the likes of Steven Gerrard, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson, it makes it that little bit easier because they're players with great amounts of experience and they pass it on to the young lads.

"It is difficult but that does really help, and it's important because to play in the Premier League you need more than just quality, you need to be mentally in tune as well.

"And that's hard when you're young because we're used to reserve-team football where you might get 50 people turn up to the game, so to go and play in front of 45,000 is a big shock."

The intensity is certain to be turned up another notch at Goodison Park this weekend, where Everton will be eager to build on their good start to the season with victory over their great rivals.

Wisdom is a Yorkshireman rather than a Liverpudlian but his aunt and uncle are Reds and he has experienced the occasion before, albeit as a spectator.

He said: "I've been to them and I can see the intensity and the fire in everyone's eyes. I've played in many reserve-team and youth-team derbies, and even in those the level of competitiveness is bigger than most games.

"It would be amazing to win. Everton have had a good start to the season but I think we have as well, even though the results haven't always gone our way. We just need to get the breakthrough, as we did last weekend.

"That's given the club a little lift and hopefully we can move forward and continue to keep our home record good as well as the away one.

"I think we should look forward and hopefully we can kick on by getting a few good results to help us up the table. But we just have to be patient. We're all willing to work hard and we all want the same thing, and that's to win games."

Shelvey Won’t Change His Style

Liverpool’s Jonjo Shelvey has spoken out about his row with Alex Ferguson but insists he won’t change the style of play that saw him given a red card in last month’s clash with Manchester United.

“I'd seen him (Ferguson) in the fourth official's ear after I made the tackle so as I was walking off I said: 'It's your fault I got sent off,” Shelvey told Sky Sports.

"I still stand by my decision that I wasn't going to pull out of that tackle. If I had pulled out I would have hurt myself and the fans would have gone mental."

"I knew I was in the wrong and then afterwards, as I was walking down the tunnel with my mate and his girlfriend, Ferguson was walking towards me. I just pulled him and apologized for what I had done.

"I said I was wrong and frustrated, I'm a young boy and emotions had got the better of me. But I told him I wouldn't have pulled out of the tackle if it was there. He said it was fine, that it takes a man to apologize, it was an emotional game and there are no hard feelings."

"My dad brought me up to respect people but if you have your opinion and feel you're in the right, not to be afraid to say it. I think that counts in all aspects of life. You have to fear no one - except for our manager here.

"It is about wanting to be a winner and a lot of games can be won on who wants it the most. I still stand by my decision that I wasn't going to pull out of that tackle. If I had pulled out I would have hurt myself and the fans would have gone mental."

Match Preview: Liverpool v. Anzhi

Europa League action is back underway, with Liverpool capping off the first round of group play by hosting Russian Premier League leaders Anzhi Makhachkala on Thursday night at Anfield.

A European night at Anfield and a Merseyside derby make for an exciting four-day stretch, and the importance of Thursday's date with Anzhi--joint top with Udinese, one point ahead of Liverpool--hopefully creates an atmosphere of urgency and excitement. We knew coming in that Liverpool were going to be tested in one of the more challenging groups of the competition, and Thursday night kicks off a month that will determine whether or not Liverpool will be playing European football past the first week of December.

Their approach to the competition has been mixed, with periods of droll, listless performances sprinkled among a string of positive results--the terrible twenty minutes in the second half against Udinese condemned Liverpool to their first defeat in the competition, the only time they haven't won aside from the 1-1 draw with Hearts in the second leg of the final qualifying tie. Complete performances from Liverpool have been few and far between this season, but if they can manage to put together the encouraging pieces we've witnessed in their last two outings, there's no reason to believe that they can't wrap up tomorrow in one of the top two spots of Group A.

If they can't manage to produce on Thursday could make for a long evening; Anzhi are the most impressive and successful opponent Liverpool will have faced in the Europa League, entering Thursday night's match with an impressive resume in the competition and a two-point lead in the Russian Premier League. They've only conceded one goal in Europe, an injury time equalizer by Antonio Di Natale in Italy in the first match of group play. Aside from that they've outscored the opposition 17-0, with 11 of those goals coming with Anzhi as the away side. It may be their first-ever appearance in the group stage of a UEFA competition, but on form they're among the strongest teams in the competition.

There's a litany of familiar Premier League faces for Anzhi, starting on the touchline with former Chelsea caretaker Guus Hiddink and extending into the squad with Yuri Zhirkov, Christopher Samba, and Lassana Diarra (who's a doubt with an injury) all starting each of the first two matches in group play. Samuel Eto'o will likely start up top after getting a brace against Young Boys last time out; the Cameroonian striker has seven goals in league and will be supported by Lacina Traore, the tall striker who's scored six of his own in Anzhi's league campaign.

Absentees for Thursday are largely the same as the weekend--Pepe Reina was confirmed as unavailable, and Fabio Borini, Martin Kelly, and Lucas all continue to be ruled out with no concrete return dates. No other concerns emerged from the Reading victory, but with the derby on Sunday it wouldn't be too surprising to see a handful of key names left out.

Reina's absence seems to make for a fairly straightforward selection of Brad Jones, even if third-choice Peter Gulacsi has continued to build off his impressive showings in the preseason. In front of goal it's easy enough to pick the central defensive pairing, with Sebastian Coates and Jamie Carragher the back-up pairing for cup competition. On either side we could see the original academy breakthroughs; Jack Robinson might be nudged out in favor of Jose Enrique, who impressed in a brief cameo on Saturday, but there's a good chance he features on the opposite side of Glen Johnson, who likely starts again with Jon Flanagan's fitness status unknown.

Unless Conor Coady ascends the ranks quickly, we're going to see one of Joe Allen, Steven Gerrard, or Nuri Sahin, and Allen seems the most likely. Jonjo Shelvey and Jordan Henderson both got minutes on Saturday, with the former playing a decent chunk of the second half and the latter on to see the match out. Both should start on Thursday and play a large role; this is a midfield three that really excites, and one that was very, very impressive in the first half against Udinese.

Both Stewart Downing and Oussama Assaidi seem in line for a start unless Rodgers opts to go very young, as I would think that Samed Yesil is one of the only options in the middle. Luis Suarez very well could start again, but after a busy international "break" and an active but frustrating 90 minutes over the weekend, a rest should be on the cards, especially with such a busy end to the year on tap. Dani Pacheco, Adam Morgan, and Joe Cole could all be in the mix as well, and Raheem Sterling and Suso could make substitute appearances if needed.

Pascoe: No Derby Distraction

Liverpool assistant boss Colin Pascoe insists the players will not be distracted by the upcoming Merseyside derby as they prepare to face Anzhi Makhachkala on Thursday.

The Reds will slip nine points behind Everton in the Premier League if they are beaten by their local rivals at Goodison Park on Sunday, but firstly they will try to get their Europa League campaign back on track.

Liverpool is third in Group A after the 3-2 defeat by Udinese in their last fixture and Pascoe says the Reds are focusing their efforts on toppling leaders Anzhi at Anfield.

"With the next game, it is always the same," Pascoe said. "The boys are looking forward to Anzhi.

"Everton against Liverpool is a massive game, but it hasn't been talked about and isn't being thought about at the moment.

"We are thinking just purely about the game on Thursday."

The Merseysiders will be without goalkeeper Jose Reina, who is struggling with a hamstring problem, and Pascoe admits it is touch and go whether he will be fit enough to face Everton.

"We are not quite sure at the moment," he said. "Hopefully not too long. He is doing his rehab at the moment and is working hard in training.

"So we will just have to assess him over the weekend and we will see then."

Brad Jones will deputize for Reina and admits the Reds will have to keep a close eye on Anzhi's former Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o.

"Obviously Eto'o is a fantastic player and has been for a number of years, playing at the top," he said.

"You know you are going to have to be on top of your game, but I have to do that every day with the likes of Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard anyway.

"It is just about making sure you concentrate and do the right things."

Liverpool Join The Race For Dutchman

Liverpool has reportedly joined the chase for Dutch forward Klaas Jan Huntelaar, who’s dwindling contract could see him become available at a cut price before January.

The striker is contracted to Bundesliga side Schalke, who will take on Arsenal on Wednesday evening, but continued delays in talks over a new contract have thrown his future at the club in severe doubt, with his current deal set to expire next summer.

Liverpool and any other club who possess an interest in the 29-year-old’s services would be able to begin negotiations regarding a pre-contract agreement as early as January, but Schalke may choose to cut their losses by that point if all hopes of agreeing on a new deal are extinguished, and listen to offers for Huntelaar.

The Daily Star reports that Brendan Rodgers has identified the Dutchman as a viable target. Rodgers is desperate to secure the services of at least one other forward as soon as the January transfer window opens to ease the burden on Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan is the club’s only fit striker following the news that Fabio Borini will be ruled out until the New Year.

Huntelaar carries a reputation as a fearsome goal poacher, particularly as Ajax’s leading man, where he plundered 76 goals in 92 appearances between 2006 and 2009. Subsequent moves to Real Madrid and AC Milan have proven to be less productive, although the Dutch international has rediscovered his scoring touch in the Bundesliga, where he was the league’s top scorer last campaign.

Chelsea has also been linked with a move for the Schalke striker in recent weeks, as his contract negotiations with the German club have continued to falter. Aside from Daniel Sturridge, who also looks to be eager to leave Stamford Bridge, the club are short on cover should Fernando Torres struggle with fitness.

Liverpool Eye Up Finland Under 21 Striker

Liverpool has got their eyes on HJK Helsinki’s Joel Pohjanpalo to solve their striking crisis.

Fabio Borini is out for three months and Andy Carroll is on-loan at West Ham United, making Luis Suarez their only fit first-team striker.

Pohjanpalo is only 18-years-old but has been tipped for a bright future outside of his home country.

He has also attracted interest from Borussia Monchengladbach of the Bundesliga following impressive performances in Finland’s top flight.

The Finland Under-21 international first appeared in Helsinki’s reserve ranks as a 16-year-old where he scored a record-breaking 33 league goals in 21 appearances.

He earned a new contract in December 2011 keeping him in the Finnish capital until 2015.

Brendan Rodgers tried to sign Pohjanpalo in the summer but the striker turned down a three-year contract with the Merseyside club.

Liverpool has also failed in their bid to sign Hamburg striker Son Heung-min.

No Liverpool Contact For Lens

PSV Eindhoven striker Jeremain Lens' agent has played down talk linking him with a possible move to Liverpool.

Reports have suggested Lens is on Liverpool's list of targets as they plan to bolster their attacking options when the transfer window reopens in January.

The 24-year-old recently admitted that he would be interested in a move to a major league to take the next step in his career.

Juventus have also been credited with an interest in the Dutch international, but the player's agent, Kees-Ploegsma, claims he has had no contact with either club and has ruled out a move for the player in January.

"Juventus and Liverpool interested in Lens? I have had no type of contact with them, but I cannot know if they have spoken directly with PSV," Ploegsma told calciomercato.com.

"Lens still has a three-year contract with PSV and I think it is not intended to leave in January, but in football anything can happen.

"At this time he is a 100 per cent a PSV player, with which he'll play also the second part of the season. Then in June we'll see".

Carroll: I Didn't Get Chance

On-loan West Ham striker Andy Carroll believes he was never given a 'fair chance' to prove himself at Liverpool.

The England international struggled to make an impact at Anfield after his £35m move from Newcastle in January 2011.

Carroll was loaned out to West Ham following the arrival of Brendan Rodgers as Reds boss in the summer but feels he could have altered his game to adhere to the manager's style of play.

"I haven't really had a fair chance at Liverpool," the 23-year-old told the Daily Mirror.

"I was really told that I should move on to keep playing regular football, and obviously then Sam wanted me here and told me I would be playing regular games.

"So, for me it was a no-brainer coming here and to play.

"Obviously, I didn't really get a chance there. A new manager came in and I wasn't part of his plans. For me to play football, that was my chance to do that. That is why I am here at Upton Park.

"I think I could fit into every system. I believe in what I can do. Obviously he [Rodgers] has his beliefs and he didn't think that.

"But for me, obviously, it was better to move on instead of waiting for my chance - which he told me might not come."

Carroll added: "Coming here, I have got a great chance to start games and score goals, which I haven't really had many of last season.

"I don't think I have got a point to prove, that is the wrong way to put it.

"I know what I can do and the ability I have got. I know what I am capable of.

"If other people don't believe it, that is fine. I just get on with it.

"But at the end of the day, I know what I can do."

Reina Hails Agger And Skrtel

Pepe Reina believes that Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel can be compared to the best defensive pairings in Liverpool's history.

The pair have committed their long-term futures to the club by signing new contracts since the start of the season.

As well as making favourable comparisons with Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia, Reina feels that the duo is at the top of their trade in the Premier League.

"It's good they've signed contracts because it's a fact that they are one of the best centre-back couples in the Premier League," Reina told the official Liverpool website.

"The understanding between them is great and they've been really solid lately. In the last year and a half or so they have been brilliant for us.

"It's great for the club and I'm happy for them that they've got new deals.

"If I am not mistaken they are similar ages to each other, so they have five or six years still to play their best football.

"I don't see any reason why they can't do the same as Carra and Sami did, though they were one of the greatest centre-back couples this club has ever had."

Enrique: We Have Not Been Getting What We Deserve

Liverpool full back Jose Enrique feels that their performances this season have deserved a better reward.

The 26 year old has been on the sidelines for much of this season with a recurring knee injury, but spending much of his time in the stands has allowed him to see just how Brendan Rodgers wants to get Liverpool playing.

"Brendan Rodgers' style of play suits me," Enrique explained to the Liverpool Echo. "His formation and tactics are the type of football I like to be involved in.

"It's probably different to the way most football teams in this country normally play. It's a style that is more like the way football is played in Spain or by the Spanish national team.

"All of our training is done with the ball and it's a very enjoyable way to work. We are trying to play a different way under the manager and it's worked at times.

"The way we've played so far this season has probably deserved better results, especially at home when we've dominated but not taken the points."

Rogers will be looking forward to having Enrique available for selection again after he made his comeback against Reading on Saturday.

The Spaniard continued. It's been difficult as every footballer just wants to play. I tried to but was getting a lot of pain in my knee and because of that I couldn't perform at my true level.

"I got injured in training when I tried a shot. I twisted something and it didn't feel right. It took a few weeks to recover but now it finally seems to be okay again."

While Enrique has been sidelined, the likes of Andre Wisdom have grasped their opportunity to stake a first-team claim - something which has pleased the left-back.

"It's really great to see youngsters doing a good job for the team and I hope that continues," added the defender, who also described midfielder Jonjo Shelvey as 'an amazing player'.

"It's clear that the lads who have come in are really good players. They also have lots of confidence because they know that the manager believes in them."

Pepe Reina A Doubt For Merseyside Derby

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is facing a battle for fitness ahead of Sunday’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

The 30-year-old shot stopper returned from international duty with a hamstring injury he picked up in the build up to Spain’s 1-1 draw last Tuesday, which ruled him out of Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Reading on Saturday afternoon.

The Spaniard will also miss Thursday’s Europa League clash at home to Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkal, with Brad Jones set to deputize once again.

Sky Sports report that the Spaniard to did not take part in training at Liverpool’s Melwood training ground this morning, throwing the goalkeeper’s chances of taking on Everton on Sunday into doubt.

Colin Pascoe, Liverpool’s assistant manager has since revealed that the club will have to wait and see on Reina’s progress leading up to the derby.

We are not quite sure at the moment,” Pascoe told Sky Sports.

"Hopefully, it won't be too long. He is doing his rehab at the moment and is working hard in training.

"So we will just have to assess him over the weekend and we will see then."

NFL Mogul Reveals He Held Liverpool Talks

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has revealed he came close to buying Liverpool before the ill-fated reign of George Gillett and Tom Hicks, and is glad he rejected the opportunity to follow up his interest in the Anfield club.

Gillett and Hicks bought Liverpool for £435 million in 2007 amid great interest in the five-time European champions, and Kraft says he was among the interested parties at the time.

Kraft even went so far as to meet then Anfield chairman David Moores to discuss a potential deal for Liverpool, but the Patriots chief allowed his head to rule his heart and pulled out of a proposed move.

“Do you know I came close to buying Liverpool, right before George Gillett and Tom Hicks bought it? I met David Moores, a wonderful man, and it was quite an interesting episode because I love the game of soccer, too," Kraft told the Evening Standard.

He added: “My heart wanted to do it but my head told me, no.”

“I am relieved I didn’t buy Liverpool. Sometimes the best deals you do are the ones you don’t do.”

Kraft says his reasons for not making a formal offer for Liverpool were based around the salary structure in English football, with no wages cap in place unlike in many American sports.

Should such a measure be adopted, says Kraft, he would consider investing in a Premier League club again.

“I didn’t like the fact there was no salary cap," Kraft explained. "If English clubs ever had a salary cap then I would look at buying a Premier League club.”

Following the disastrous spell of Gillett and Hicks in charge at Anfield, Liverpool were bought by another American company - Fenway Sports Group - in 2010, whom Kraft hails as 'smart people'.

FSG have come for some criticism for their dealings in the transfer market since their takeover of the club, but have pleased the majority with their decision to redevelop Anfield rather than build a new stadium.

Match Report: Liverpool 1 - 0 Reading

Forward Raheem Sterling scored his first Liverpool goal to give manager Brendan Rodgers his maiden home league win against former club Reading.

The England Under-21 international, at 17 years and 317 days old, as a result became the club's second-youngest Premier League goalscorer behind Michael Owen.

His strike should not have been the Reds' sole effort but such are their problems up front this season - prior to kick-off only Sunderland (two) and bottom club QPR (one) had scored fewer at home - win-less Reading remained in the game right up until the final whistle.

The first half was virtually one-way traffic but the hosts lacked a cutting edge, too often over-complicating matters with one pass too many in and around the penalty area.

Sterling found himself in the best attacking positions on several occasions but managed to get a shot off on target just once and Alex McCarthy easily held.

Auxiliary left-back Glen Johnson was also enjoying a lot of possession in the final third but he looked more threatening when cutting inside on his right foot.

During an injury break for Jem Karacan, who was eventually forced off by the effect of Steven Gerrard's block tackle, Rodgers took the opportunity to pass on some advice to Sterling.

Whatever he said appeared to have the desired effect as in the 29th minute the England Under-21 international finally made the breakthrough.

Suarez's delicate flick-on was seized by the teenager who raced through the inside-right channel and fired a shot across McCarthy and into the far corner of the net.

There were two main talking points prior to the game and both duly cropped up.

Firstly, Reading substitute Jason Roberts carried out his vow not to wear a Kick It Out T-shirt in the warm-up in protest at his perceived lack of action in combating racism in football.

While the rest of his team-mates - and all their Liverpool opponents except goalkeeper Brad Jones - donned the tops for the pre-match drills the 34-year-old went without, although Garath McCleary and Karacan removed theirs soon after entering the field.

Second hot topic, which has become a regular theme this season, of the week was whether Suarez dives or not.

The Uruguay international had seen one challenge by Kaspars Gorkss go unpunished, from which the striker curled a shot onto the roof of the net, and another given - prompting a sarcastic standing ovation from Anfield before he drilled the free-kick into the wall.

But the third instance, just before half-time, was the most contentious with Suarez going to ground under a challenge from his Latvian marker close to the byline.

Referee Roger East waved play on and then was soon waving away protests from a cluster of Liverpool players as he whistled for the interval.

Suarez, accompanied by the club doctor, gingerly hobbled off well after both teams had left the pitch but returned for the second half, which was less than a minute old when Sterling should have made it 2-0 having turned smartly in the penalty area but fired straight at the goalkeeper.

The South American did not appear to show any ill-effects with only his vision apparently affected as he opted to shoot at McCarthy when he should have squared to the unmarked Nuri Sahin.

Liverpool were almost caught by a swift counter-attack with substitute McCleary forcing an immediate save from Jones, on his first league start for the club in the absence of the injured Jose Reina, who also punched away a Jobi McAnuff shot.

The home side redoubled their efforts as Martin Skrtel flashed a header wide, substitute Jonjo Shelvey, caught in two minds, mis-controlled Suarez's cross and Gerrard saw a narrow-angle shot squeeze through McCarthy's fingers but wide of the post.

Further chances fell to Johnson, Suarez, who missed the target from 10 yards, and Gerrard but needless to say none were created.

Rodgers said he felt his side would "fly" once they secured their first home win.

They will need to as next weekend they make the short trip to near-neighbours Everton, who even after this win are still five points ahead with a match in hand.