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SATURDAY 3 |
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Peter Perfect feels at home
Hat-trick hero Peter Crouch admits he is beginning to feel
at home in the England set-up, a year into his international
career.
The Liverpool marksman formed a lethal partnership with
Michael Owen in a 6-0 demolition of Jamaica in England's
final World Cup warm-up at Old Trafford - and could have had
four goals if he had converted a late spot-kick instead of
chipping it over the crossbar
"Thankfully I've managed to get hat-trick and it's a really
good win," said the former Southampton striker.
"I've really enjoyed the whole time I've been away with
England. You just hope you can do your best and I've managed
to get a few goals as well.
"It looked like a proper team out there and going to the
World Cup, that's a big plus."
Crouch and Owen did not always hold the ball up as well as
they would have liked, but their goals made up for any
shortcomings, and the gangly hitman believes the partnership
is fulfilling its promise.
"Any time I've played with Michael I've enjoyed it," he
added. "He's a great player and it's a pleasure to play up
there with him.
"I don't know what the manager is thinking but hopefully we
can play up there together (against Paraguay)."
(Sporting Life)
Crouch set for Paraguay start
England striker Peter Crouch is set to start against
Paraguay next week following his hat-trick in the 6-0 rout
of Jamaica at Old Trafford.
Crouch's treble guided England to a resounding victory in
their last warm-up game before the World Cup, with the
Liverpool forward's performance earning him a place in the
starting XI next week.
"I think Peter Crouch will start next Saturday," said
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson. "I think he deserves it."
Crouch's first goal at Old Trafford came via a deflection
off Omar Daley, his second was a tap-in and the third was a
neat side-footed finish. The 25-year-old also missed a
penalty which he chipped over the crossbar.
(TEAMtalk)
Crouch grabs three in England rout
England signed off for the World Cup in perfect fashion as
they tore Jamaica apart to claim a 6-0 victory at Old
Trafford, with Liverpool striker Peter Crouch claiming an
eventful hat-trick.
Sven Goran Eriksson's last game as Three Lions boss on home
turf passed with a great deal more action than the often
mundane friendlies that have characterised his
five-and-a-half year reign, with Frank Lampard and Michael
Owen both also netting - along with an own goal from
Jermaine Taylor.
(Sky Sports)
Kewell scores on comeback
Liverpool winger Harry Kewell scored twice and set-up two
more when making his comeback for the Socceroos.
It's the first time Kewell has played since the FA Cup Final
last month. He played for 85 minutes against Dutch amateur
side VV Kloetinge who were hammered 8-1.
Assistant coach Graham Arnold said: "We were not going to
play him. But we got an 85-minute bonus. At half-time he
felt good and didn't want to come off."
(Kop Talk)
Rafa: Flo still part of my plans
Rafael Benitez has given Florent Sinama-Pongolle hope by
insisting no decision has been made regarding his future and
he could still have a part to play at Liverpool.
The French Under-21 international ended last season on loan
at Blackburn Rovers but Benitez feels he may still have a
part to play at Liverpool.
Sinama-Pongolle was part of the France Under-21 team that
reached the semi-finals of the European Championships and he
was one of the star performers in the defeat by Holland.
"We have not made a decision on Sinama and we're in no hurry
to do so," reflected Benitez.
"I will talk to him when he returns to pre-season training
about the future. Sinama is a very good prospect who's
always done well. He's been a key player for the French
Under-21 side in the European Championships.
"Our scouts have been watching and the reports are very
good. I know there are other clubs watching him, but they
will have to wait because we are not trying to sell Sinama."
(LFC Official Website)
Cardiff want Carson
Cardiff City are hoping to sign Scott Carson on a
season long loan.
Carson earned himself a place in the England squad with some
good performances on loan at Sheff Wed during the second
half of last season.
The Liverpool goalkeeper could be tempted to take a full
season of regular football on loan at Ninian Park to help
his development.
However, any loan deal would be dependant on Liverpool
having adequate cover for Pepe Reina. If Jerzy Dudek decides
to stay at Anfield or David Martin is deemed ready to make
the step up to the first team squad Carson should be allowed
out on loan.
If not, the former Leeds goalie will have to stay at
Anfield.
(LFC Online) |
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FRIDAY 2 |
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Kewell return boosts Hiddink
Australia coach Guus Hiddink remains confident
that he will be able to use Harry Kewell in at least part of
the final warm-up game against Liechtenstein in Ulm on June
7.
The Liverpool player will definitely not feature in this
weekend's match against Holland but Hiddink has been boosted
by Kewell's return to full training.
"I'm very happy he participated the first time now, in
training matches," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"He worked hard. Of course he's not game fit, but I'm happy
to see him now. He must, in the upcoming days, keep up the
same level of work, so he can get more game fit. But the
development is OK.
"We'll see what he can do. If he doesn't have any reaction
from the injury, it might be possible. He must join in for
some part of the game (against Liechtenstein).
"It would be very beneficial for himself because it's in the
games where you get your power."
Kewell suffered a groin strain during Liverpool's FA Cup
final success against West Ham United on May 13 and did not
link up with the Socceroos squad until their training camp
moved to the Netherlands last week.
(Football UK)
Parry: We're delighted Rafa is staying
Rick Parry today spoke of his delight after manager Rafael
Benitez committed his future to the club until 2010.
Benitez today put pen to paper on his new Anfield deal,
finally ending speculation that he could be lured back to
Spain.
Parry is thrilled Rafa is staying with the Reds and is
confident he'll be able to build on his excellent first two
seasons in charge.
"We are absolutely delighted Rafa has put pen to paper on
this deal today," Parry said.
"The day we shook hands last season was when we really knew
he was committing his future to us and we knew he was a man
of his word and he'd sign the contract this summer.
"This contract is not about financial reward, but about
Rafa's belief he can take the club even further forward.
"We are sure the club is in safe hands under this manager
and we have someone who shares the vision of everyone
connected to Liverpool."
(LFC Official Website)
Benitez: Our boys can play anywhere
Rafa Benitez admits he's 'surprised' his English Liverpool
players are being used out of position in the build-up to
the World Cup.
But the Anfield boss is backing Jamie Carragher and Steven
Gerrard to show their class and fit into whatever formation
is thrust upon them.
Benitez believes Carragher should be in the England side in
his more familiar centre-back role, but he's thrilled his
vice-captain has forced his wayinto Sven Goran Eriksson's
first team plans.
"I now have a new holding midfielder signed for Liverpool
with Jamie Carragher," said Benitez.
"I'm really surprised the best centre-back in the
Premiership was playing in midfield for his country, but I
know Carra can play in many positions.
"Carra has the right attitude and will always try his best.
Wherever he plays, he's always at a very high level.
"Steven Gerrard is the same, so maybe that's why the
Liverpool players are the ones who are used out of position
instead of players from other clubs."
(Liverpool Echo)
Aimar poised for Liverpool transfer
Liverpool have been given the green-light to lodge a bid for
Pablo Aimar.
The skilful Argentine playmaker has been made available for
transfer from Valencia, after being reduced to nothing more
than a bit-part role under coach Quique Flores recently.
(Fans FC)
Liverpool in talks with midfielder
Clubcall understands that Liverpool are in talks with Fulham
midfielder Steed Malbranque over a proposed summer move to
Anfield.
The 26-year-old playmaker has only 12 months remaining on
his current deal and it is believed Fulham are reluctantly
ready to listen to offers for the player.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has been tracking the Belgian
born star for over a year and could test Fulham's resolve
with a bid in the region of £3.5million.
(Clubcall Sports) |
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THURSDAY 1 |
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Marseille in for outbound Cisse
Liverpool are in negotiations with Marseille over Djibril
Cisse, the Liverpool Echo reports. The Reds are hoping to
raise as much as £8m from the sale of the French
international.
Cisse was told by Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez that he is
not in his future plans at the club and Marseille, the club
he supported as a boy, have opened dialogue with the Reds.
(Shankly Gates)
Seville put £12.3m price tag on Alves
The agent of Liverpool target Daniel Alves
believes that Seville are trying to price other clubs out of
a move for the 22-year-old Brazilian.
It's been reported that Liverpool have had an £8.2m bid
rejected for Alves, the man Rafael Benitez has identified as
a solution to the lack of options on the right wing, as
Sevilla president Jose Maria Del Nido has put a price tag of
£12.3m on him.
Alves agent, Rodriguez Baster, said today: "Del Nido has
established a very high price for a right-back but I
understand why because the club does not need to sell."
"I do not remember so much ever having been paid for a
full-back. Abramovich offered 12m euros for Paulo Ferreira
but we all know that Chelsea is in another world."
"Alves has always said that he is happy with the club and
the city where he is, but at the same time like any worker
he is interested in improving."
(Shankly Gates)
O'Driscoll swoops for young pair
Bournemouth boss Sean O'Driscoll has signed midfielder Tareq
Khalil and striker Conal Platt on one-year deals.
Republic of Ireland youth international Platt, 19, had been
with Liverpool's academy since the age of 12, while Khalil,
20, was released by Cardiff.
(BBC Sport Online)
Bent not leaving Charlton
Charlton striker Darren Bent is not leaving the club
according to Charlton chairman Richard Murray. The striker
has been linked with moves to Newcastle United, Liverpool
and Tottenham Hotspur.
"We are determined to keep him - he's been absolutely
great," said Murray.
(Football Issue)
Smicer ruled out of Czech squad
Czech Republic midfielder Vladimir Smicer has been ruled out
of the World Cup because of a leg injury.
Doctors found a blood clot in his thigh muscle after he felt
discomfort at the Czech's pre-cup camp last week.
Rangers midfielder Libor Sionko is likely to be called up to
replace the former
Liverpool star.
(BBC Sport Online)
£9.5million Bent set for Liverpool move?
Just a season after his £3million move to Charlton Athletic
from Ipswich Town, Bent’s value has tripled in the transfer
market due to his debut Premiership season scoring exploits.
The 22-year-old knows he would stand a far better chance
playing for one of the country’s top teams, and will no
doubt be interested to hear of Liverpool’s interest.
Rafael Benitez is eager to sign a top-class striker this
summer as he prepares a bid for the league title, and has
earmarked the Addicks star for a £9.5million move to
Anfield.
(Fans FC)
Wigan want Kirkland
Wigan Athletic want to sign Liverpool outcast Chris
Kirkland.
Kirkland has been told he can leave Liverpool after failing
to impress Rafael Benitez. The goalkeeper spent last season
on loan at West Brom but does not want to sign a permanent
deal at the Hawthorns after they were relegated.
Former Liverpool reserve player Paul Jewell would like to
sign Kirkland for Wigan. However, the Latics would like
Kirkland on a season long loan with an option to buy at the
end of the year while Liverpool would prefer to sell the
goalkeeper.
(LFC Online)
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Thor Zakariassen
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