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THURSDAY 12 |
Rovers offer Neill improved deal
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes will try to tempt Lucas Neill to
stay by offering the Australia defender an improved deal on
his return from international duty.
Neill, 28, has rejected one offer and reports claim he is
ready to see out the final year of his Rovers' contract.
Hughes said: "As far as I'm concerned things haven't
changed, he's within his rights to keep his options open.
"Sometimes you take comments from great distances with a
pinch of salt and I'd rather speak to Lucas face-to-face."
Neill is stalling on a new deal as he is keen to join a
bigger club, and he saw a proposed summer move to Liverpool
fall through.
Hughes said: "Clearly we want him to stay and we've offered
him an improved contract, which he's not had a chance to
look at.
"Ideally, we'd like Lucas to be signed up for the next three
to four years but that won't happen in the short term.
"We think the right decision would be for him to stay here.
We feel we're a good club, we're going places and he can be
a major player here."
(BBC Sport Online)
Rafa's rotation wins titles
Rafael Benitez insists his rotation policy was the decisive
factor in winning the Spanish title when he was boss at
Valencia.
And he has repeated that he will not change the system now
he is manager at Liverpool, having not fielded the same side
for 94 consecutive matches.
The Anfield chief told the League Managers' Association
website, www.leaguemanagers.com: "In Spain I had the
experience in Valencia when in the first year we won La Liga
after 31 years without winning the league, and against Real
Madrid, Barcelona, Deportivo and Atletico Madrid.
"And why? Because we were changing the team every game. In
January we were eight points behind Real Madrid and we
finished six or seven points ahead.
"Why? Because we were fresh at the end of the season, the
last two or three months we were really, really fresh and we
were playing at another level."
(PA Sport)
Toshack backs Benitez rotation
John Toshack has backed Rafael Benitez's rotation system at
Liverpool and believes Craig Bellamy has now come to terms
with the policy.
Bellamy has returned to Anfield after his first stint as
Wales captain - having finally ended a 20-month goal drought
for his country, in Wednesday's 3-1 win over Cyprus.
And former Anfield great Toshack said: "Craig is a confident
boy.
"His goals problem will not prey too much on his mind. He
has scored for us now - and he was outstanding as captain
over the two matches we've played.
"As for Rafa's rotation policy, Craig understands it. He may
not like it - but he accepts that is what happens at a big
club."
(TEAMtalk)
Don't rule Dirk out
Dirk Kuyt's injury is not as bad as first feared and the
Dutch striker may well make an appearance in Liverpool's
game with Blackburn on Saturday.
"Dirk's injury isn't that bad," confirmed Rafael Benitez.
"We can't say when he will be able to play, but returned on
Tuesday and had more treatment.
"It would have been better if we'd been able to treat him
for another two days straight after his injury, but we will
wait and see how he is before deciding when he can play."
(LFC Online)
Momo may miss out
Mohammed Sissoko could miss Saturday's game with Blackburn
after picking up an ankle injury.
The Liverpool midfielder picked up a knock while on
international duty with Mali this week.
"We have a problem with Momo, who has hurt his ankle," said
Rafael Benitez. "He's not been able to train since he came
back."
(LFC Online)
Carson recall ruled out
Charlton have dismissed reports that on-loan goalkeeper
Scott Carson is set to return to Liverpool as cover for the
suspended Jerzy Dudek.
Dudek was sent off for the reserves in midweek against
Everton and is facing a three-match ban. With Chris Kirkland
also out on loan, Reds boss Rafael Benitez has been left
with only 20-year-old novice David Martin as back-up to Jose
Reina.
However, despite speculation that Carson was ready to be
recalled, the Addicks insist the player cannot leave until
January.
"As we understand, under the terms of the loan, he can be
recalled in the January transfer window but not before," a
club spokeswoman told skysports.com.
(Clubcall Sports)
Agger handed injury blow
Liverpool's Daniel Agger is expected to be in plaster for up
to five weeks after breaking his hand whilst on
international duty.
The 21-year-old suffered the injury during Denmark's 4-0 win
over Liechtenstein in Euro 2008 qualifying.
News of the injury will be a blow to the defender who has
been in impressive form for The Reds this season.
As well as scoring with a thunderbolt strike against West
Ham in August, Agger has kept Sami Hyypia out of Rafa
Benitez's side in the early part of the campaign.
The Reds also lost Dirk Kuyt to an ankle injury sustained on
international duty, and Agger is now a definite absentee for
Saturday's Premiership game against Blackburn Rovers.
(Sky Sports)
Toshack praises skipper Bellamy
John Toshack last night hailed Craig Bellamy after the
Liverpool striker netted for Wales in their 3-1 victory over
Cyprus in Cardiff.
Bellamy was captaining his country for the second time after
Saturday's calamitous defeat to Slovakia and turned in a man
of the match display which was capped with the third goal of
the game in the second half.
Wales boss Toshack said: "Craig produced an outstanding
performance. Everything he did was outstanding and it proves
it was the right decision to make him captain.
"Craig has been excellent. He has grown into the job since
he has been with us, he has understood the extra
responsibilities and it showed on the pitch.
"You could see the positions he was taking up, dropping into
different areas so he could link up better with people."
(LFC Official Website)
England beaten
England were beaten 2-0 by Croatia last night.
Croatia have never lost at home in a competitive
international and that impressive record was never at risk
last night. England switched to 3-5-2 last night which meant
a start for Jamie Carragher but the players looked ill at
ease with the formation and Croatia were able to have the
better of the game.
The first half was all Croatia and it was only thanks to
some good goalkeeping from Paul Robinson that the game was
level at the break.
It was more of the same from the hosts after the interval
with England's only goalscoring chance coming when Wayne
Rooney shot over the bar after a Peter Crouch knock down.
A goal for Croatia was bound to come and it arrived on the
hour mark when Eduardo headed in a Niko Kovac cross. It was
2-0 eight minutes later when Gary Neville, who has never
scored at the right end for England, scored an own goal.
Paul Robinson undid all his excellent earlier work when he
attempted to clear Neville's back pass only to see the ball
hit a divot and bounce over his foot into the net.
(LFC Online)
Hyypia scores for Finns
Sami Hyypia was on the scoresheet as Finland beat Kazakhstan
2-0 last night.
Finland bounced back from Saturday's embarrassing draw with
Armenia by winning in Kazakhstan last night.
Sami Hyypia wrapped the game up early in the second half
when he headed in the second goal after former Liverpool
player Jari Litmanen had given Finland a first half lead.
(LFC Online)
Irish salvage pride
Ireland salvaged a lot of pride with last night's 1-1 draw
with the Czech Republic.
The Irish defence came in for a lot of criticism after
Saturday's 5-2 drubbing by Cyprus but Steve Finnan and his
fellow defenders regained a lot of pride with last night's
result against the Czechs.
Ireland manager Steve Staunton, whose job was under threat
before yesterday's game, was happy with his side's
performance and believed they were worth the win.
"We are disappointed not to have three points tonight," said
the former
Liverpool defender.
(LFC Online)
Bellamy breaks duck
Craig Bellamy scored his first Wales goal for more than 18
months last night.
Bellamy had failed to score for Wales since he got two in
John Toshack's first game in charge back in February 2005.
The Welsh captain finally broke his duck as Toshack's side
beat Cyprus 3-1.
Bellamy was provider before goalscorer as he crossed for Rob
Earnshaw to put Wales 2-0 five minutes before half time.
West Brom's Jason Koumas had given Wales the lead.
On 72 minutes Bellamy finally got the goal he had been
looking for and certainly one his man of the match display
deserved when he wrapped the game up with a cool finish to
make it 3-0.
Cyprus got a consolation goal ten minutes later but it
didn't spoil Bellamy's night.
(LFC Online) |
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WEDNESDAY 11 |
Liverpool to appeal Dudek dismissal
Liverpool are set to appeal the red card goalkeeper Jerzy
Dudek received in the reserves 2-1 defeat to Everton last
night. The Polish custodian was dismissed after a clash with
Blues striker Victor Anichebe, who was only given a yellow
card.
It means that Liverpool are facing something of a
goalkeeping crisis unless their appeal is successful. With
Chris Kirkland and Scott Carson out on loan, it would leave
only Pepe Reina and rookie David Martin as Rafael Benitez's
only two goalkeepers.
Benitez said today: "I've been watching the video again this
morning and it's clear we have to do something. The tackle
on Jerzy was terrible. We will be seeing if we can appeal
this decision because when you see the tackle on Jerzy, it's
clear what happened. The tackle was so bad, and yet the
player only received a yellow card. It's crazy."
The Reds boss also admitted that he will review the terms of
Carson's loan to Charlton Athletic.
"We will have to check on the agreement we have with
Charlton before deciding if we can bring Scott back in this
situation," he said.
If Liverpool do appeal then Dudek will be miss Liverpool's
matches with Reading at Anfield in the Premiership and the
Carling Cup as well as a home fixture with Aston Villa if
the ban is upheld.
(Shankly Gates)
Riise makes case for the defence
John Arne Riise has admitted Liverpool’s back four must
rediscover the art of keeping clean sheets – but claims
winning is all that really matters.
The left-back spoke out after The Reds conceded in nine of
their opening 12 fixtures.
"I think people analyse it too much,” said Riise, part of
the record-breaking defence which kept 33 clean sheets last
season.
"What happened last year was incredible and almost
impossible to repeat. Now if we concede people are saying
our defence isn't as good.
“But we are more concerned with winning games. Yes we would
like to keep a clean sheet but if we have to win 3-2 every
time we'll take it. The victory and getting all three points
are more important.”
Riise also backed keeper Pepe Reina to make the critics eat
their words.
The Norway international has seen stoppers come and go in
his five years at Anfield but believes Liverpool now have
one of the best in the world.
He said: "Everybody knows how good Pepe is. Anyone can make
a mistake, every player does. But for goalkeepers the
consequences are usually worse.
“The players have no doubt that Pepe is one of the best
'keepers around and the fans know that too.”
(LFC Official Website)
Kick off times changed
Liverpool have had two more games put back to the stupid
time of 12.45pm.
The Reds have already played more early kick offs than
anyone with this Saturday's game with Blackburn their first
3pm kick off of the season. Today Sky announced they are
moving two of Liverpool's January games to 12.45pm starts.
The visit of Bolton on New Years Day is now a 12.45pm kick
off as is the Reds' trip to Watford on January 13th.
(LFC Online) |
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TUESDAY 10 |
Mini-derby: El Zhar scores but Dudek faces
suspension
Liverpool's second choice goalkeeper was sent off in
tonight's mini-derby at Everton's home reserve ground, the
Halton Stadium. Liverpool lost the game 2-1.
According to reports the sending off was rather harsh,
coming after Jerzy ran out of patience with Everton's Victor
Anichebe. The final straw seems to have been when Anichebe
flew at Dudek with studs showing and Dudek and Anichebe
"squared up" to each other. Anichebe was merely booked, with
Dudek given a straight red.
The most unfortunate side to this sending off is that Jerzy
will now be suspended for three games for the first team,
meaning fourth-choice keeper David Martin will have to take
his place on the bench for the games against Blackburn,
Manchester United and Aston Villa.
Jerzy's rival for the role of second-choice keeper is Scott
Carson who's out on loan at the moment to gain some valuable
first-team experience. It's unclear how easy it would be to
recall Carson in light of Dudek's potential absence. We say
potential because there's a possibility that the Reds will
appeal against the red card.
Summer signing Gabriel Paletta played the full game, with
Fabio Aurelio playing the first half. There was a full
90-minute run-out for both Zenden and Warnock.
Liverpool team: Dudek, Smith, Warnock, Antwi, Paletta,
Mannix, Flynn (Martin, 60), Zenden, El Zhar, Guthrie,
Aurelio (Threlfall, 45)
Unused subs: Hobbs, Roque, Darby.
(Anfield Road.com)
Rafa: Clubs should be compensated
Rafael Benitez today insisted clubs should be
fully compensated by national associations if their players
are injured while on international duty.
The Reds are likely to be without Dirk Kuyt for this
weekend's Premiership clash with Blackburn after the striker
injured his ankle representing his country in Bulgaria at
the weekend.
The Liverpool manager is angry that the Reds aren't
compensated when players pick up injuries on international
duty and has demanded a radical rethink over the
relationship between clubs and the national sides.
"It's crazy and something has to be done," said the Reds'
boss. "In my view it's clear what needs to happen.
"If players go away on international duty then the
federations should pay 50 per cent of the players' wages and
if the players are injured then 100 per cent of their wages
should be paid. At this moment we don't receive any money.
"We can't go on like this, losing players all the time and
it always being the case that the club pays.
"I am sure the other Premiership managers agree because we
all face the same problems. It's a crazy situation and it
must change."
(LFC Official Website)
Fowler eyes Blackburn return
Robbie Fowler hopes to emerge from Anfield's shadows and
stake his claim for a recall against Blackburn following
Dirk Kuyt's injury.
As the only Liverpool striker not on international duty for
the last fortnight, Fowler's chances of a return to senior
action have been enhanced.
The 31-year-old hasn't featured in a first team fixture
since the Merseyside derby, another fixture which followed
an international break.
But the Kop idol will be desperate to force his way back
into Rafa Benitez's plans having sat out the last five
games.
With Liverpool reserves in mini derby action tonight, Fowler
may be handed an opportunity to improve his sharpness,
although he's also been nursing a slight injury.
He scored on his last reserve outing against Newcastle a
week ago.
Benitez will be anxiously monitoring the performances and
fitness of Peter Crouch and Craig Bellamy tomorrow night,
but he's traditionally rested as many of his international
contingent as possible on their return.
His team's performance following the last round of Euro
qualifiers - when Benitez later admitted he used too many
stars who'd played the previous midweek - ensures the
remaining players at Melwood this week have more likelihood
of facing Blackburn.
They include Fowler, Jermaine Pennant, Fabio Aurelio,
Stephen Warnock and, fortunately, Steven Gerrard, who is
back on Merseyside due to his England suspension.
(Liverpool Echo)
Carra set for England recall
Jamie Carragher is in line for an England recall against
Croatia tomorrow.
The Liverpool defender is expected to replace Ledley King,
who hasn't recovered from a knee injury.
Carragher is likely to feature in a 3-5-2 formation.
The belated call-up will come as some consolation to the
Anfield centre-back, who was controversially overlooked for
the Euro 2008 qualifiying clash with Macedonia
on Saturday.
(Liverpool Echo)
Diao's a done deal for City
Stoke City have completed the loan signing of
Liverpool midfielder Salif Diao.
The Senegal international has agreed to a three-month spell
at The Britannia Stadium after struggling to establish
himself at Anfield since Rafa Benitez took over at the helm.
Injuries and new arrivals have hampered his progress, and as
a result he has had loans with Premiership clubs Birmingham
City and Portsmouth over the course of the last two seasons.
With the 29-year-old's contract set to expire this summer,
Potters boss Tony Pulis has revealed that he has long been
keen to add to his squad's experience at the top level.
"We've been monitoring Salif for a while now and have had
very good reports about the kid," Pulis told the club's
website.
"He played 40 games in his first season at Liverpool, he's
still only 29 and he's desperate to play football."
The Britannia Stadium outfit have had too many draws in The
Championship so far this season and currently hover
perilously above the drop zone.
Potters fans will be hoping Diao can improve the side's
killer instinct ahead of the tough trip to Leeds United on
Saturday.
(Sky Sports)
Bellamy trial postponed
Craig Bellamy's assault trial has been postponed, allowing
him to take part in Wales' game against Cyprus on Wednesday
night.
The Liverpool striker has been accused of common assault
against two women at the Number 10 nightclub in Cardiff on
5th Feb this year.
The case has been adjourned after medical evidence relating
to one of the complainants came to light last week and a new
date for the trial will be set on Friday.
(LFC Online)
Kuyt ruled out for two matches
Dirk Kuyt will miss Liverpool’s next two games with an ankle
injury sustained playing for The Netherlands at the weekend.
Although a scan has revealed the injury is not as serious as
first thought, strained ankle ligaments will keep him out of
the home game with Blackburn on Saturday and next
Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Bordeaux.
Liverpool hope Kuyt may recover in time to face Manchester
United at Old Trafford
on October 22.
(BreakingNews.ie)
Friedel fit for Rovers
Mark Hughes expects Brad Friedel to be fit for Blackburn
Rovers' game with Liverpool, much to the disappointment of
Jason Brown.
Friedel was forced out of Rovers' last game against Wigan
Athletic at half time with a minor groin injury.
Summer signing Brown came on for his Blackburn debut and
impressed as Hughes' men registered a 2-1 victory.
But Brown's stay between the posts is likely to be
short-lived, with Friedel winning his quest to be fit for
Saturday's meeting with Liverpool.
Rovers boss Hughes accepts Brown will be upset to still be
on the bench, but is optimistic of having his number one
available.
"Brad felt a tweak when he was kicking the ball, so he
couldn't have continued," said Hughes.
"But he is very hopeful of being fit for Liverpool, much to
the disappointment of Jason."
(Sky Sports)
Young Reds trio star for England
A Craig Lindfield brace and one from Paul
Anderson rescued a point for England under-19s in a
thrilling clash with Austria on the second matchday of the
UEFA Preparatory tournament on Monday.
The young Lions were trailing 2-0 after just 18 minutes but
a quick-fire Lindfield double drew them level. Another
Austrian goal shortly before the break left them trailing
again and it took a second-half strike from Anderson to seal
the draw.
Anderson, who didn't figure in England's first game of the
tournament, completed the full 90 minutes. Lindfield,
despite his two-goal show, was substituted at half-time,
while Liverpool's third representative, Adam Hammill, came
off the bench in the 63rd.
(LFC Official Website)
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Thor Zakariassen
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