REDS PAIRED WITH CREWE IN CUP

Liverpool will entertain Crewe Alexandra at Anfield in the third round of this seasons Carling Cup.


The game will take place on either September 23 or 24.

Full Draw for the Carling Cup third round:

Arsenal VS Sheff Utd

Brighton or Man City VS Derby

Burnley v Fulham

Portsmouth v Chelsea

Blackburn v Everton

Rotherham v Southampton

Swansea v Cardiff

Ipswich v Wigan

Stoke v Reading

Leeds v Hartlepool

Watford v West Ham

Manchester United v Middlesbrough

Liverpool v Crewe

Aston Villa v QPR

Sunderland v Northampton

Newcastle v Tottenham

BOSS PLANNING UNITED RETURN FOR STEVIE

Rafael Benitez is confident Steven Gerrard will be fit to return to the Liverpool midfield when Manchester United visit Anfield next month.

The Reds skipper underwent a minor groin operation yesterday, ruling him out of this weekend's clash with Aston Villa and England's double-header with Andorra and Croatia next week. But Benitez is hopeful the club's prompt decision to sort the problem out will be rewarded with Gerrard returning to full fitness in time to take on United on September 13. "Stevie couldn't play at the same level as normal," said Benitez. "We needed to be quick and do the operation as soon as possible. The operations are small and simple, they're not serious. "It will be more or less 15 days out, but maybe as we've done the operations quickly it could be less. "If we'd delayed it, then he might have been out for even longer. You can't keep an injured player playing games. We needed to do the operation now. Steven couldn't play and was struggling with the problem he had and was always in pain. "We spoke to him on Wednesday and said we knew his situation. We knew he needed the operation, so asked him not to think about the pain as it would all be sorted. "He was happy as we gave him a solution, he knew that he could play and could then have the operation. It was impossible to delay the operation any longer."

RAFA HAILS RETURNING MASCHERANO

Rafael Benitez has admitted the return of Javier Macherano to his squad for this weekend's clash at Aston Villa is a timely boost with skipper Steven Gerrard consigned to a spell on the sidelines.

The Reds number 20, who helped Argentina claim the gold medal in Beijing, might have missed out in the UEFA shortlist for best midfielder in the Champions League last season, but Benitez said the player's qualities are not lost on anyone at Anfield. "Our supporters know he is a fantastic player," said Benitez. "He gives us the balance you need when we are attacking and he always does a good job. "It's really important to have him back and also Lucas Leiva and Ryan Babel. We have three players and maybe they will need a little bit of time to get sharp, but they have confidence and more experience. Mascherano was a key player for us last season and he can be the same this year." The Reds boss also revealed his captain Steven Gerrard faces a race against time to be fit for the Anfield clash with Manchester United on September 13. "Everyone knows Steven is a key player for us but he needed to have the operation," added Benitez. "It's not serious but he will be out for about 15 days. "He will be close for the United game but I cannot guarantee he will be available. He will be working really hard with the doctor and the physios and we will have to wait and see."

TORRES EXCITED BY ATLETICO RETURN

Fernando Torres is hoping both Liverpool and Atletico Madrid can qualify from Champions League Group D and progress to the knock-out stages of the competition.

The Reds' striker is already relishing his return to the Vicente Calderon after Thursday's draw paired Liverpool with his former club, but he also knows PSV and Marseille will provide tough opposition as the group games develop. "It's a complicated group, very difficult and every game will be a final," he told his official website. "Olympique Marseille made life hard for us last year, beating us at Anfield and leaving us no option but to win at their ground to guarantee our qualification from the group. PSV Eindhoven are a hard working side, and Atletico will be looking to impress on their return to European football. There can be no question though, my wish is that both Liverpool and Atletico make the last sixteen.” "It will be a very special occasion for me [to go back to Atletico] and I am sure that I am going to enjoy the experience. I hope that the fans give me a warm welcome, because Atletico gave me many things, but I also gave a lot to Atletico; though I will understand that as soon as the ball starts to roll, the fans will see me as a rival… but I will never be able to forget all the years I spent at the club. "It's going to be an amazing feeling when I step out onto the Vicente Calderon pitch again and come face to face with old team-mates and friends." Liverpool's Group D fixtures are as follows: September 16 v Marseille (a) October 1 v PSV Eindhoven (h) October 22 v Atletico Madrid (a) November 4 v Atletico Madrid (h) November 26 v Marseille (h) December 9 v PSV Eindhoven (a)

STRIKER EXTENDS LOAN DEAL

	Craig Lindfield's loan deal with League Two outfit Bournemouth has been extended until December 31, 2008.
The Liverpool striker initially struck a deal with the Cherries to stay at Dean Court until September 20, but his spell on the south coast will now run until the end of the year. Bournemouth currently lie in the relegation places in League Two and travel to the Potteries to take on Port Vale this afternoon.

BENITEZ WARY OF ATLETICO THREAT

Rafael Benitez has identified Atletico Madrid as the main threat to Liverpool's Champions League dream.

The Reds boss believes his side have been handed a tough draw for the Group Stage of the competition and feels Fernando Torres' former team will be the dark horses in a pool that also contains familiar opposition in Marseille and PSV Eindhoven. "It will be really difficult," he said. "A year ago people were thinking it was an easy group but we ended up having to win our last three games to progress. "Now we know PSV, we know Marseille and we also know Atletico Madrid really well and that is the reason we are well aware of how difficult it will be. "Atletico Madrid are the kind of team that are most similar to Liverpool because of the fans. "The fans are really good, always backing the team and offering support. So it will be a tough game when we go to play in the Vicente Calderon. "For me it is the most difficult group." Liverpool face a double header against the Spanish outfit - beginning with the away clash on October 22 - and Benitez is expecting a special atmosphere when his side go head-to head with old boys Florent Sinama Pongolle and Luis Garcia. "They have players with quality like Luis Garcia and Florent Sinama Pongolle who we know well," he said. "They know us well and it will be a special atmosphere when Torres returns there. I think it will be a really good game as well." The Reds needed extra-time to secure their place in yesterday's draw for Europe's elite competition after a tense qualifier with Standard Liege, but Benitez is confident they will be well over any fatigue in time for Sunday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa. "The players are okay," he said. "Today some are little bit tired but tomorrow they will be okay and we also have Lucas Leiva and Mascherano coming back, so I think we have enough energy in our ranks to play against Aston Villa. "In terms of performance we know we are not playing at the level that we did in pre-season. But now we have all the team available again I am sure that little by little start to see quality of the players. "If we can play better, then good. If we cannot but we are still winning it will be a good solution." The Reds boss has no new injury concerns ahead of the match at Villa Park but did admit that he had enjoyed positive discussions with England boss Fabio Capello, following the news of Steven Gerrard's groin operation. "We have some knocks that we will have to check tomorrow," he said. "The only serious one is Gerrard who had his operation today and will have another one tomorrow. It's not serious and normally it will be around 15 days. "He will not be available for the internationals and he will be very close for the game against United. "I was talking with Capello this morning. It was a good conversation and was very positive. I was explaining to him the timescale and he understands the situation. "There's another international break in a few weeks too so we had to act. The player had problems and we went ahead and did it because I think it was the best solution for everyone." The skipper's injury means he will miss Liverpool's trip to Villa, a side Benitez feels could be an outside bet to put pressure on the so-called big four. "I think they are a very good team and have some good players," he said. "They have spent big money in the last few years, so I think they have a very good team."

HIGHLIGHTS OF ALL THE LATEST GAMES

Liverpool VS Standard Liege Part 1




Liverpool VS Standard Liege Part 2

RAFA: RIERA DEAL CLOSE

Rafael Benitez has today revealed that Liverpool are on the verge of signing Espanyol winger Albert Riera.

The Reds boss admitted the Spain international was close to sealing a dream move to Anfield after his club issued a statement on their website claiming he was on his way to England for a medical. "We are very,very close," Rafa told journalists at this afternoon's press conference. "The player is coming here. Everybody knows because Espanyol have put on their website that he is coming for a medical. We are very,very close but he has not signed yet. "He has experience in the Premier League and that is really important. If everything is okay we can talk about his qualities, but for now we will just say he is the option we are looking for."

REDS CONFIRM NEW LFC STADIUM DELAY

Liverpool Football Club have today confirmed that the building of their new stadium will be subject to delay.

A spokesman for the club said: "Our commitment to building a new world class LFC stadium is undiminished. Like many other major development projects in the UK and overseas we are affected by global market conditions and as such work on the project will be delayed in the short term. We will use this period productively and progress the proposals for the stadium to increase its capacity to 73,000 seats."

MASCH: I'LL REPAY RAFA WITH SILVERWARE

Javier Macherano has vowed to outdo his Olympic heroics by helping Liverpool win a major honour during 2008-09.

In an exclusive interview with the club's official website ahead of his return to domestic action this weekend, the 24-year-old admitted he owed a debt of gratitude to Rafa Benitez for allowing his dream of winning a second gold medal to come true. And despite travelling half way around the world from Beijing earlier in the week, Mascherano revealed he felt 100 per cent ready to start repaying that debt at Villa Park on Sunday. "I am feeling really good. Obviously I still need to adapt to the training again because it's totally different to how you train with an international team," said the Argentine. "I feel ready for Aston Villa but it depends on what Rafa thinks. "I won the gold not just for me but for all the Liverpool fans, my teammates who were here working hard, and for Rafa as well. Rafa and the club gave me the chance to win this gold medal – they could have told me I couldn't go. "I have to say 'thank-you' to everyone here at the club and also the fans for understanding. I will now try to do my best to help bring some titles to Liverpool. "I don't know how a Premier League or Champions League win would compare to an Olympic medal because I haven't won them, but I know the Olympics are maybe a step down from the Champions League - even though it was very important for me because of the history and for my country." Mascherano is the first Argentinean footballer to win two Olympic gold medals – not that you'll find him bragging around Melwood. He explained: "Some of the physios and the doctor asked me if they could see the gold medal but I don't like to do that. The Olympic Games has gone. "But of course I am very happy. It's a great feeling for me and my country. "It's amazing to think I am the first Argentinean to win two gold medals like this. As the years pass, I'll tell my daughter and children about it. The medals are in Liverpool but as soon as I get the chance to go back to Argentina I will take them with me." The tournament saw Mascherano go head to head against clubmates Ryan Babel and Lucas in the quarter- and semi-finals respectively. He added: "I could enjoy the situation for my country, but it's not easy when you beat some of your teammates who you spend the whole year with in the same city. "Maybe Lucas and Ryan wanted to win the gold medals as well, so it's a difficult moment. Okay, I was happy to beat Brazil but Lucas was very sad, so I obviously tried to be respectful. "But this is football. There are no hard feelings and now we'll work together to help Liverpool. We have forgotten about it." Despite being a bona fide history-maker, there is no chance of Mascherano resting on his laurels for either club or country. Asked if he'd like to go for a third Olympic gold when the London games come round in four years time, the midfielder replied: "It would be a great opportunity for me because I live in England. We will see but it would be fantastic to play in an Olympics in London."

VILLA V LFC: THE LAST FIVE

Liverpool travel to Villa Park on Sunday hoping to maintain their 100 per cent start to the league season. The Reds have yet to hit top gear in their opening two fixtures but will have to be on the ball against Martin O'Neill's men in what promises to be their biggest test to date.

Here's what happened the last five times we visited Villa Park:


Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool
Barclays Premier League - August 2007

The Reds made an impressive start to this opening day encounter and deservedly took the lead on the half-hour mark when Martin Laursen turned Dirk Kuyt's cut back into his own net. However, despite dominating, Rafa Benitez's men failed to make their superiority count and were punished with six minutes remaining when Gareth Barry fired home an equaliser from the penalty spot. It looked like the Reds would once again have to settle for a point until Steven Gerrard popped up with a sensational last-gasp free-kick to stun the hosts and record Liverpool's first opening day victory for five years.

Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool
Premiership – March 2007

Martin O'Neill described this ugly encounter as a chess match, though even Gary Kasparov would have been hard pushed to enjoy it. Rafa was even more blunt after his side failed to break down a stubborn Villa backline: "I think the only positive is that we got a point. It's clear that it wasn't a good game and we weren't able to create chances."

Aston Villa 0-2 Liverpool
Premiership –November 2005

The Villa fans afforded a warm welcome to Peter Crouch on a return to his old stomping ground, but the England striker was in no mood for pleasantries as he inspired his new club to victory. Crouchy was on fire when he came off the bench in the second half: first being hauled down by Liam Ridgewell to earn a penalty which Steven Gerrard converted on his 300th appearance; then playing a part in Xabi Alonso 's winner two minutes from time.

Aston Villa 1-1 Liverpool
Premiership – December 2004

Harry Kewell broke his 33-game scoring duck but the Aussie's joy wasn't shared by Rafa Benitez The Spaniard could only look on in anger as referee Mark Halsey awarded the hosts a free-kick on the edge of the box after former Everton player Gavin McCann went down without being touched. Chris Kirkland, who could easily have enjoyed a Bovril with the traveling supporters for most of the first half, could do nothing about the resulting strike from Nol Solano.

Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool
Premiership –August 2003

A first point of the season for the Reds following an opening-day defeat to Chelsea. It could have been more had Harry Kewell an empty net instead of the stands on nine minutes Liverpool would go on to finish fourth, four points ahead of David O'Leary's side in sixth, in what was Gerard Houllier's last season at the club.

VILLA V LIVERPOOL: STAT ATTACK

Here are all the important pre-match stats and facts ahead of our trip to Aston Villa.

Overall Record (League): Liverpool 78 wins, Aston Villa 51 wins, 37 Draws. At Villa Park: Liverpool 26 wins, Aston Villa 37 wins, 20 Draws. Last season, Liverpool won 2-1 at Villa Park on the opening day. Martin Laursen's own goal gave Liverpool a first half lead. Gareth Barry equalised from the penalty spot five minutes from time but there was still time for Steven Gerrard's free kick to win all three points. In the return at Anfield the sides drew 2-2 gave Liverpool the lead before Marlon Harewood Yossi Benayoun and Fabio Aurelio(o.g.), within the space of three minutes, gave the visitors the lead. Peter Crouch equalised with two minutes to go. Since the inception of the Premier League, Liverpool have won 17, Villa eight with seven draws. Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 10 League visits to Villa Park. Their last defeat here came in February 1998 when, despite Michael Owen scoring an early penalty, they lost 2-1 with ex-Red Stan Collymore scoring twice. That is the last time Villa scored more than once against the Reds at Villa Park. Liverpool have lost only one of the last 19 meetings with Villa in all competitions। That defeat was in September 2001 when the Midlanders won 3-1 at Anfield. Since then Villa have failed to win any of the last 14 meetings (13 in the league). Fernando Torres, Andriy Voronin and Ryan Babel made their Liverpool debuts here last August. Martin Skrtel made his Liverpool debut against Villa at Anfield last January Liverpool's biggest ever win at Villa Park came in January 1925 when they won 4-1. They have won 3-0 on four occasions since - all since March 1966. Seven years later they suffered their heaviest loss when they were beaten 6-1. They have also lost 5-0 four times. The last Liverpool player to score a hat-trick against Villa was Michael Owen who hit three first half goals in the 3-1 win at Anfield in September 2000. Only two Liverpool players have scored a League hat-trick at Villa Park - Ian Rush in January 1984 and Robbie Fowler in November 1998. Two others have achieved the feat at Anfield - Bobby Graham (1964) and Owen in 2000. The last Villa player to score a hat-trick against the Reds was George Brown in January 1932 when he scored four in his side's 6-1 win Jamie Carragher's first goal for Liverpool was scored against Villa at Anfield in January 1997 It came just 10 days short of his 19th birthday. This is Liverpool's favourite away ground in the Premier League. They have won seven of the 16 contests. The Reds have scored 21 Premier League goals on this ground. That is their second best tally - one behind St James Park. Liverpool have won more Premier League points against Aston Villa (58) than against any other team. Liverpool are one of only two clubs in the Premier League (Chelsea being the other), and seven in all four divisions to have a 100 per cent record in league games so far this season. Should Liverpool record a victory in this game it will be the first time since 1994-95 that they have won the opening three games of a league campaign. The Reds are unbeaten in their last nine league games since losing to Manchester United in March and have been beaten in just two of the last 24 Premier League meetings. Liverpool have yet to play in a game this season that has seen a goal scored before the 70th minute. They have not scored a first half goal in any of their last eight games. The last was a 43rd minute strike from Dirk Kuyt against Chelsea in the Champions League at Anfield back in April. The Reds have kept a clean sheet in each of their last three away games in all competitions. Liverpool's next goal will be the 400th scored under Rafa Benitez. This is Aston Villa's 98th season of top-flight football. They are one of six founder members of the Football League competing in the top-flight this season. The others are Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Everton, Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion. Villa have scored just five goals in their last nine home games against Liverpool with only three coming in the last eight. Last season Villa finished 6th - their highest position in four years. As a result they are playing European football for the first time in seven years. Liverpool were one of six teams to win at Villa Park last season in the Premiership. Manchester United and Arsenal also won though Chelsea lost. Gabriel Agbonlahor became the first player in 11 years to score a hat-trick on the opening day of the season when he netted three in Villa's 4-2 home win over Manchester City. Another former Villa player, Dion Dublin, was the last prior to him. Last season Villa scored 71 league goals. Only Manchester United (80) and Arsenal (74) scored more. Current league standings: Liverpool: Pld 2 W 2 D 0 L 0 Goals For 3 Against 1 Pts 6। Position: 2nd. Aston Villa: Pld 2 W 1 D 0 L 1 Goals For 6 Against 5 Pts 3. Position: 7th. Leading scorers (League in brackets): Liverpool: Carragher 1 (1), Gerrard 1 (1), Kuyt 1 (0), Torres 1 (1). Villa: Agbonlahor 4 (3), Carew 3 (2), Laursen 3 (1), Young 2 (0), Barry 1 (0), Gardner 1 (0). Villa's last six League games: 23/8/08. Stoke 3 Villa 2 (Carew, Laursen) 17/8/08. Villa 4 (Agbonlahor 3, Carew) Manchester City 2. 11/5/08. West Ham 2 Villa 2 (Young, Barry). 3/5/08. Villa 0 Wigan 2. 27/4/08. Everton 2 Villa 2 (Agbonlahor, Carew). 20/4/08. Villa 5 (Young 2, Carew 2, Agbonlahor) Birmingham City 1.

BENITEZ BACKING REDS TO IMPROVE

Rafael Benitez has vowed Liverpool will soon step up through the gears after watching his side scrape into the group stages of the Champions League.

Despite reeling off consecutive victories over Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Standard Liege since the start of the season Benitez accepts his players are still not firing on all cylinders - but he insists their quality will soon shine through. "We will get better little by little, by the time the group games come around, we will be ready," he said. "It is not easy when you have the pre-season we have had. When sometimes you are missing 10 players for a variety of reasons, internationals or the Olympics. "Then you have two or three players returning one week, then the next week there are more. (Fernando) Torres, (Alvaro) Arbeloa, (Jose) Reina and (Xabi) Alonso all returned late for training because of Euro 2008. Then there were three returning from the Olympics; (Ryan) Babel first, then Lucas, then (Javier) Mascherano. "But now we have seen Mascherano win the gold medal and Liverpool have reached the Champions League group stage. So it has all been very positive in the end. "Now we have the players back and the confidence that we need to be successful this season." He added: "We will continue to improve, we will be completely ready as a team when the group stages start. "Up until now we have been preparing for every game missing four or five players each time. "Now, after a few players have returned, we will improve with each match. Little by little we will improve to be ready for the big matches that will come." And the Reds boss is hopeful he will succeed in strengthening his squad before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month. Benitez says: "We are working to try to improve the squad. It is not easy to bring in too many players at this stage with the window coming to an end. Maybe just the one will be all we can manage. "We have been working and trying to improve the squad, without thinking of the money from the Champions League. "We can progress if we have options, but now with this money maybe it will be easier. "For us it is important to be playing for trophies, but of course the money is important. But if you can win games like this it gives you the opportunity for more money, we understand that."

REDS TO START AT MARSEILLE

Liverpool will kick-off their Champions League Group D campaign at the scene of one of their most impressive European performances of recent years.

The Reds will travel to the south of France to take on Marseille at the Stade Velodrome on September 16 - the scene of their 4-0 victory last December when they sealed their place in the last sixteen of the competition. That fixture is followed by a home game with PSV Eindhoven before a double header with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid. An Anfield clash with Marseille follows with the group campaign ending with a trip to Holland to face PSV. Liverpool's Group D fixtures are as follows: September 16 v Marseille (a) October 1 v PSV Eindhoven (h) October 22 v Atletico Madrid (a) November 4 v Atletico Madrid (h) November 26 v Marseille (h) December 9 v PSV Eindhoven (a)

THOMMO CONFIDENT OF EURO PROGRESS

Phil Thompson is confident Liverpool can see off the challenges of PSV Eindhoven, Marseille and Atletico Madrid and qualify for the knock-out stages of the Champions League.

The Reds will meet familiar opposition in the form of PSV and Marseille, while the clash with Atletico will see both Fernando Torres and Luis Garcia playing against their former clubs. "Atletico are a tough draw, but we've got enough to get through," said Thompson. "We have the know-how and the knowledge to get through this group - I can't see it being a problem. "We know about PSV and Marseille and I can't see a problem there. Atletico, yes, that'll be difficult but we will go through. "The important thing is making a good start. We took one point from the first three games last season and we've got to do better."

CARRA: BRING ON THE BIG BOYS

Jamie Carragher claims Liverpool are not daunted at the prospect of meeting one of Europe's footballing giants in the Champions League group stages.

Today's draw could pit the Reds against Bayern Munich, Roma, Juventus, Porto or Atletico Madrid - all of whom failed to secure top seed status. Carragher told Liverpoolfc.tv: "We're looking forward to the draw. It's always a great occasion to see who you get and we're guaranteed six games now. With our record over the last few years, we're confident that whoever we play we'll get through. "The Champions League is about playing the best teams so I'm not looking to avoid anyone." The Scouser's view is shared by goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who believes Liverpool are guaranteed a tough ride whatever the draw brings. He explained: "Any team will be difficult. Look at Atletico Madrid in the last pot – they are a brilliant team. They, or whoever we play, will be hard, but we are Liverpool and have to have confidence." One team not in the draw is Standard Liege, who kept Liverpool at bay for 208 minutes before suffering the heartbreak of a last-gasp winner from Dirk Kuyt. Carragher admits it was the toughest qualifier he's ever played in. "We seem to play this game every year and it always seems tough, then we seem to relax a bit more as the competition goes on," said the 30-year-old. "We don't always make it easy on ourselves but hopefully over the next few years we won't have to be involved at this stage. "It was a tough game and you have to give credit to them – they are worthy of a Champions League place. "They are one of the toughest teams we've played – not just in qualifying but in the Champions League itself." Kuyt's goal was a ninth in 15 European outings for the Dutchman, who added: "It was hard to find space throughout the game but we finally did. Ryan put in a good cross and I gave everything to get to the ball. "The Champions League is a great competition but I'm just happy to score and be involved in important moments for the club. Hopefully I can be involved in a lot more this season. "We obviously had a hard task to get there, so hopefully we won't be in the qualifiers next year." One man more relieved than most when Kuyt hit the back of the net was Reina, who was preparing himself for yet another penalty shoot-out. The Spanish stopper said: "It was a deep breath moment because we really needed that goal – you never know when it goes to penalties. We are happy because of the result – not the way we played."

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DIRK KUYT: THE MAN FOR THE BIG OCCASION

With Dirk Kuyt's goal securing the Reds a place in this season's Champions League, Liverpoolfc.tv pays a video tribute to the striker who has once again proved himself as the man for the big European occasion.

Kuyt's late strike finally saw off the challenge of Standard Liege at Anfield last night, but it wasn't the first time the Dutchman has delivered on the big stage. With crucial strikes against Inter Milan, Arsenal, Chelsea, Marseille and Porto already to his name even before last night's precious strike against the Belgians, Kuyt has carved out a name for himself as the man the Reds rely on in Europe.

STEVIE: QUALIFICATION WAS IN SAFE HANDS

Steven Gerrard claims Champions League qualification was always in safe hands thanks to Pepe Reina.

Liverpool's man between the sticks had to pull off a string of world-class saves across the two legs against Standard Liege. Despite a few nervous moments, Gerrard insists he is never too worried when Reina is on the pitch. "We expect that from Pepe because he is one of the best keepers in the world," said the 28-year-old. "You can always rely on him if you're under the cosh and he's done well for us again tonight. "The main feeling when the goal went in was relief because you don't want to go to penalties because it's a bit of a lottery, although you know you've always got a chance with Pepe. "It was a great ball by Ryan and a great finish by Dirk." Though far from perfect, Gerrard believes the performance against Liege showed signs of improvement from our other early season displays. He explained: "I think there was a slight improvement on our previous games. Like I've said, the tempo was a bit better and we'll certainly take that as a positive. "It was all about qualification tonight. We've done it the hard way but we're in the draw and that's the main thing. "I think we showed good character. We know there will be times during the season when things aren't going to be rosy and we're not going to play great all the time. "When this does happen it's all about sticking in there, working hard for each other and getting the result, and thankfully we've managed to do that tonight. "It's also important to remember that we've still got players to come back who will make the squad stronger in the coming weeks. Hopefully we will get a few more players in before the transfer window shuts. "But when it comes down to it, if you'd asked me a couple of weeks ago if I'd be happy with two wins out of two in the league and making it through to the Champions League, I would obviously have taken it." Gerrard will now undergo a groin operation which will keep him out for 10-15 days. The club captain added: "I'm struggling with that at the moment but I hope to find out more in the next couple of days."

LFC 1-0 STANDARD LIEGE: IN PICTURES

Click on the image for a larger version.

BENITEZ HAILS 'AMAZING' KUYT

Rafael Benitez hailed the 'amazing' energy of Dirk Kuyt after the forward marked his 100th game for the Reds with the winner against Standard Liege.

The Dutchman was on hand to fire home Ryan Babel's deep cross with just two minutes of extra-time remaining to secure a 1-0 win and book Liverpool's place in the lucrative Group Stage of the Champions League. It was a strike that ended the Belgian champions' brave resistance and the Reds boss admitted he was relieved that his side's efforts were eventually rewarded. "I was really pleased because Kuyt scored the winning goal," said Rafa. "His effort is amazing every game. I'm also really pleased because Nabil played well again. "We knew it could be difficult. From the first minute they played well and we knew they would play well on the counter attack so we had to work really hard until the end. "For me the most positive thing is that we played a little bit better against a good team who are sharp and we scored at the end. That means that the team are working really hard." Benitez felt the overriding factor behind his side's late winner was their ability in the wide areas and was pleased that they kept going, despite suffering an evening full of frustration. "The goal came from a good cross from Ryan Babel and Nabil also played well," he said. "You play with wingers because it gives you space for penetrating passes. "It's important to have balance in defence but also in attack so that you have pace and quality in the wide areas, with Torres and Keane in the middle. "We had confidence and we kept pushing. We knew from the first game they are really good and today they also played well. They were always a threat because you know you can concede from a free-kick or a corner but we were going forward well and controlling the game but we were missing the final pass to make the difference." In an end to end first-half the Reds were twice grateful to Pepe Reina for producing two fantastic saves and while Benitez was delighted with his stopper's display he refused to heap too much praise on individual performances. "Pepe was the key player in the first game but today it is not about just one player, it is about all of them," he said. "You could see how hard they were working against a good team. When you play this kind of game you know the other team is training and playing thinking about just this game. "We had the international break the other day and a lot of players weren't ready, so it was important to make sure we got through and we can now start work again with the group." Benitez and co can now look forward to tomorrow's group stage draw safe in the knowledge they have once again boosted both the Anfield coffers and their chances of more silverware come May. "To have the possibility to play for trophies is amazing and really important and also in terms of money," he added. "We know it is important. If you play at this level you will have more chances of winning trophies and money."

Squad

1 Cavalieri • 2 Dossena • 3 Finnan • 4 Hyypia • 5 Agger • 7 Keane • 8 Gerrard • 9 Torres • 10 Voronin • 12 Aurelio • 14 Alonso • 15 Benayoun • 16 Pennant • 17 Arbeloa • 18 Kuyt • 19 Babel • 20 Masherano • 21 Lucas • 22 Insua • 23 Carragher • 24 N'Gog • 25 Reina • 26 Spearing • 27 Degen • 28 Plessis • 29 Nemeth • 30Itandje • 31 El Zhar • 32 Darby • 34 Kelly • 35 Flynn • 36 Irwin • 37 Skrtel • 39 Eccleston • 41 Hansen • Manager: Benitez

GERRARD: LET'S NOT BLOW OUR ROME DREAM

Steven Gerrard has urged his teammates not to blow the chance to play in a fairytale final in Rome next May.

Liverpool tonight bid to qualify for a Champions League which reaches its finale in the stadium where Emlyn Hughes lifted our first European Cup back in 1977. After a goalless draw in Liege two weeks ago, Gerrard isn't taking entry into the group stages for granted - but the skipper hopes the prospect of a dream final in nine months' time will inspire the Reds into the competition proper and beyond. "We want to go one further than last year and we're confident we can do it," Gerrard told Liverpoolfc.tv. "They were the better team on the night two weeks ago and you have to give them credit. It was a massive wake-up call that they can't be underestimated. They have some big, physical boys who can also play a bit. "We need to make sure we improve from Saturday and see that we're on it – if not, we'll come unstuck. "It's a massive game and we need to play very well. But we know we're at home and we're at a better level than two weeks ago, so we're very confident we'll win the game. "The squad's even stronger this year and we know how good we can be in Europe over two legs. To go to Rome and get to another final would be an unbelievable achievement but that's the target we've set for ourselves." Defeat or a score draw tonight would see Liverpool fail to qualify for the Champions League for the first time under Rafa Benitez. Despite his confidence, Gerrard knows the pressure is on. "An away goal would throw a spanner in the works so we have to defend properly," he added. "But we're capable of keeping clean sheets and we know we have match winners in the team. "There certainly is respect for the opposition. We can't afford to start slowly and go a goal down – that would be a disaster. "There is a bit of pressure but we have to play our own game. A first goal will help us settle but, you know, on paper we should win this game. "It's easy to say that, though; now we've got to go out there and do it on the pitch." Gerrard admits Liverpool have yet to leave "second gear" this season, but with six Barclays Premier League points already on the board, the 28-year-old is concentrating on the positives. He explained: "It looked like we were going to lose points at home but now it's very nice to see six points on the board already. But we're not happy with how we're playing at the minute – we need to raise it a bit. "When we were losing 1-0 we'd have taken a point because Middlesbrough were defending well and we weren't playing well at all. If you look at our games last season, that's where we came unstuck – drawing and losing at home. "To win the league you need to win when you're playing badly and that's what happened on Saturday. "The pleasing thing at the moment is that we've won two out of two and yet we're still in second gear. We know we can step it up." The remarkable comeback against Middlesbrough was secured thanks to an injury-time hit from Gerrard five minutes after Jamie Carragher equalised with a deflected strike which some credited as an Emanuel Pogatetz own goal. Ever a good friend, the club captain is adamant the leveller should go down as Carra's fifth career goal. He said: "You've got to give him it. If he hadn't had a shot from there then we wouldn't have got the goal. He deserves the credit and deserves the goal."

KEANE CONFIDENT OF EURO PROGRESS

Robbie Keane believes Liverpool will make home advantage count when they look to book their place in the group stages of the Champions League against Standard Liege this evening.

The third round qualifying tie remains in the balance following a goalless draw between the sides in Belgium a fortnight ago, but even though Keane accepts a tough test lies ahead tonight he is confident the home fans will be celebrating a place in tomorrow's draw come the final whistle. "We know what a big game this is but then every game is a must win when you are at a club like Liverpool," he said. "It was difficult when we played Liege away and we certainly weren't at our best that night but we know how important this game is because Liverpool need to be in the Champions League and I'm sure the lads will be right up for the game and looking forward to it. "It was a tough game away. They played well and made things difficult for us but luckily Pepe Reina saved us when he saved a penalty and now we have to look to make the most of that by taking advantage of the fact that this time it's us who are at home. "We know the fans will be right behind us because they are always fantastic, particularly on European nights, and hopefully we will give them something to enjoy tonight." Keane is still looking to open his goalscoring account for the Reds following his summer switch from Spurs - but he insists his front-line partnership with Fernando Torres is improving by the match. He said: "Fernando and myself managed to link up quite a few times against Middlesbrough on Saturday, so there are definitely a few signs there that the partnership is developing. "It would obviously have been nicer if one of us would have scored but it doesn't really matter who gets the goals as long as someone does and the results follow, that's the most important thing."