BR believes in Gerrard longevity

With one half of the side's Scouse heartbeat - Jamie Carragher - bringing his 16-year first-team career to an end in May the focus naturally turns to the other.

However, Rodgers insists Gerrard, two years younger than the 35-year-old Carragher, has plenty still to offer and this season has demonstrated that.

The England captain did not begin the campaign, Rodgers' first at Anfield, particularly well but in the last couple of months has rediscovered the kind of performances which have made him such an inspirational figure in a red shirt.

However, Rodgers pointed to his display in the midweek friendly win over Brazil as an indication there is plenty more to come from the midfielder.

"I think it was difficult for him at the start of the season: a new manager coming in, he'd not long returned from the European Championships which was obviously a disappointment for him and he was straight into the big games," said the Reds boss.

"But you have to give great credit to him because of how he has focused on his game and the areas that we talked about continually improving.

"His standard has always been there but maybe he has not got recognition for that because the team was not quite at the level.

"But he has been instrumental now for a number of months.

"He is adapting and modifying his game but he still has the qualities he has always had.

"He was outstanding (for England) the other night playing in that slightly deeper, controlling role which I think he can play as the years go on.

"He is able to dictate the rhythm of the game and some of the invention and creativity in his passing was brilliant and defensively he was very good.

"This is a guy who has everything in the locker: a wonderful professional, a great man off the field - a real inspiration for any young player - who leads his life the right way.

"You see him on the field, his range of passing, his touc h and his leadership qualities and his influence is getting stronger for me."

At the other end of the scale 22-year-old defender Martin Kelly, currently sidelined with a cruciate knee ligament injury, has just signed a new contract with the club.

"It means everything to me and my family. I've been at Liverpool since I was seven, so it's in my heart and I love the club," he told liverpoolfc.com.

"This shows the faith that the club have in me and that the hard work I have put in since I was young has paid off.

"Hopefully I'll put the injuries behind me. We have excellent medical staff here, who are going to work me and keep me on top of my injury. I'll be coming back even stronger."

Liverpool to assess Daniel Sturridge; West Brom without banned Goran Popov

The England international pulled out of the midweek friendly against Brazil with a thigh problem sustained in last weekend's draw at Manchester City.

Winger Raheem Sterling, who also withdrew from international duty, is fit while new signing Philippe Coutinho has had his first week of training after his move from Inter Milan but may require more time.

West Brom left-back Goran Popov will start a three-match suspension after being sent off for spitting at Tottenham defender Kyle Walker, ruling him out of Monday's clash at Anfield.

Baggies midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu is in contention to return to the starting line-up for the first time since January 1 after returning to training this week following a knee problem.

Head coach Steve Clarke has to decide whether to recall striker Peter Odemwingie, who was left out against Spurs after the collapse of his transfer deadline day move to QPR.

Brendan Rodgers says Jamie Carragher still has a lot to offer Liverpool

The veteran defender announced on Thursday that he would retire at the end of the current campaign, ending a 16-year career at his only professional club.

The 35-year-old has been a first-team regular again since Rodgers took over at Anfield in the summer and the Liverpool boss says he will continue to draw on his vast experience.

"Jamie has been absolutely outstanding for me since I joined the club," he told the club's website.

"He has been a model professional on and off the pitch and has shown an unswerving commitment to our work.

"We still have a lot to play for as we look to finish as high up the Barclays Premier League as possible and continue our progression in the Europa League, a competition we'd like to win.

"He will have a significant role to play for us between now and May and I know his commitment and dedication on the pitch will remain as it has done his entire career at Liverpool.

"When the time is right we, as a team and a club, will give the man the tribute and recognition he deserves. I know the supporters will want to say thank you to someone who has served them with such distinction for so long."

Fabio Borini happy at Liverpool and not looking to move, says agent

Borini only moved to Anfield last summer, with Brendan Rodgers bringing in a player he worked with during a loan spell at Swansea City.

The Italian has not enjoyed the best of starts to life in the Premier League on Merseyside, with injuries having prevented him from making the desired impact.

It has been suggested that he could be tempted to head home at the end of the season, with Fiorentina prepared to offer him a route back to Serie A.

But Borini's representative has moved to rubbish such reports, with the 21-year-old fully focused on being a success in the Premier League and justifying the faith shown in him by Liverpool.

Marco De Marchi told firenzeviola.it: "I have never been contacted by Fiorentina and I have nothing to suggest they are interested.

"Fabio is happy to play for Liverpool, one of the most prestigious clubs in the world, and is happy with his experience in the Premier League.

"A return to Italy? Fabio is 21 years old and has already changed teams five times. He is tied to Liverpool until 2017.

"If the reported interest from Fiorentina is true, then we should thank them as they are a club that has focused on the nurturing of young talent, but I haven't discussed this with Fabio.

"He is just back from an injury and his season starts now. His mind is wholly focused on Liverpool."

To find out more about live football on Sky Sports, Click here

Liverpool made approach for Dinamo Moscow winger Balazs Dzsudzsak

The Hungarian winger revealed on Tuesday that he had been the subject of interest from England.

He claimed that the opportunity to make a move to Anfield had been denied him by his current employers.

Dinamo were reluctant to discuss reported interest from Liverpool in January, with the club keen to keep their squad intact.

They have, however, now confirmed that a bid was made from the Premier League side.

Liverpool's offer was knocked back, though, as they were looking to tie up a short-term deal, rather than a permanent transfer.

"We received an offer from Liverpool for a loan deal but not for a permanent deal," said Dinamo's sporting director Dmitry Galyamin.

"Loaning is not an option for us so we finished the discussions immediately."

To find out more about live football on Sky Sports, Click here

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher to retire at end of season

The 35-year-old arrived at Anfield as a trainee in 1994 and has made 723 appearances since making is Reds debut in January 1997.

Full story to follow...

More to follow.

English clubs name squads for latter stages of UEFA Europa League

The France defender, who was signed from Lille during the transfer window, misses out with Newcastle opting to name Moussa Sissoko, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Massadio Haidara as their three additions for the remainder of the competition.

Debuchy is eligible as former club Lille are no longer involved in Europe but each club is only allowed to make three changes and Alan Pardew has opted not to include him ahead of their clash with FC Metalist Kharkiv.

Tottenham have added new signing Lewis Holtby to their squad for the latter stages - starting with their round 32 game against Lyon - following his January arrival from Schalke.

Liverpool, who play Zenit St Petersburg, are unable to call upon new signing Philippe Coutinho, who arrived from Inter Milan, or fellow January signing Daniel Sturridge following his move from Chelsea.

Similarly Chelsea are unable to include former Newcastle striker Demba Ba, who joined Rafa Benitez's team during the tran sfer window from their Europa League rivals, for their clash with Sparta Prague.

But they have called up Yossi Benayoun and Nathan Ake, who captained Holland to last year's European under-17 Championship.

Elsewhere Brazilian Willian has been added to the Anzhi Makhachkala squad following his arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk for a reported 30million.

Transfer news: Mamadou Sakho wants out of Paris St Germain in the summer

The highly-rated defender is a product of PSG's academy system and was considered to be an integral part of their future not all that long ago.

Times have changed at Parc des Princes, though, with the club now in a position to spend big on any player that takes their fancy.

That approach has left Sakho frustrated on the bench and the 22-year-old has made it clear that he is not prepared to stay there.

Numerous Premier League clubs are reported to have expressed an interest in his services in the past, and the France international admits he would welcome the opportunity to turn out in England.

"I will do everything to play at the 2014 World Cup, but I need to be playing week in, week out," said Sakho.

"I cannot accept playing just a few minutes this season and next because this is a decisive moment in my career.

"At the end of the season I will sit down with my agent and club officials and clear up the situation.

"If I have to leave PSG to keep my place in the France national team, then I have no choice but to leave."

On the rumours liking him with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, Sakho added: "I adore the English Premier League."

Transfer news: Emmanuel Emenike paying little attention to Premier League rumours

The Nigeria international has seen his profile rise considerably during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

He has found the target on three occasions at that tournament, helping his country to the semi-final stage.

It is now being suggested that Emenike could be the next Nigerian to grace the Premier League.

Reading, Liverpool and Arsenal are all said to have sent scouts to watch the 25-year-old in action, but he is paying little attention to the speculation at present.

"I am playing in Russia at the moment and I have a contract that I intend to respect," said Emenike.

"But to be linked with the Premier League is a dream come true.

"I would love to play there in my career. There are many great clubs there."

Allen looking to improve form

The 22-year-old midfielder enjoyed an impressive start to life at Anfield after completing his 15million summer move from Swansea.

But a failure to maintain those high standards has seen the Welshman relegated to a place on the bench in recent weeks.

Allen came in for particular criticism from Reds fans after a poor display in the defeat against Manchester United, while earlier in the season Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer accused him of being too "safe" in his approach.

Allen is honest enough to admit some of the flak that has come his way has been justified, but is hoping to bounce back when he wins his 13th cap at the Liberty Stadium.

He said: "Everyone knows my form hasn't been great. That goes without saying. It's been disappointing not to have been involved in every game and play every game.

"But it's up to me now to work hard and get myself back in the team and improve my level of performance.

"It happens to every one in football. We all have highs and lows. But I'm excited and looking forward to turning that around at some stage in the near future.

"I'm delighted to be back with the Wales squad, I am looking forward to hopefully being involved on Wednesday and I will try to put in a good performance if I do play."

Of his criticism from former Blackburn striker Shearer back in the autumn, he added: "Alan Shearer's career and Premier League experience was incredible. When he speaks, people listen.

"I think I can use it as a springboard to help improve my game. It's always interesting to see what those players have to say.

"I want to improve all aspects of my game. I'm a perfectionist and maybe that's part of my problem.

"Sometimes I get frustrated and disappointed when things aren't perfect. In terms of what Alan said, I can try and learn from it.

"It's difficult because at the time I thought I was playing well but people can have their own opi nions."

While Allen is hoping to reverse his fortunes, his Wales team-mate Gareth Bale will be hoping for more of the same.

The 23-year-old Tottenham winger has been in sensational form of late, grabbing stunning goals in each of his last two games against Norwich and West Brom.

His scoring exploits have been such that Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas is considering moving Bale up front, with Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor unavailable.

And Wales manager Chris Coleman admits it is an option he is considering, given Bale has scored the only three goals of the former Fulham manager's reign.

"Gareth will not start up front against Austria, but it is something I'm actively considering for the future," said Coleman

"You have to score goals to win matches and it's a role he could perform, without any shadow of a doubt.

"I do think about these things. Can I surprise Scotland or Croatia by playing someone like Gareth out of positi on?

"He could even perform this role of a false nine, so to speak, the system Spain have used, and Barcelona also play that way from time to time with Lionel Messi.

"Could I see Gareth doing that for us, too? Yes I could."

Players urged to blow whistle - PFA

Advisers from the PFA visited every club and the dangers of become involved in such activities were spelled out clearly.

It comes after Liverpool insisted on Tuesday they have had no contact from Europol or any other body in connection with match-fixing allegations against 2009 Champions League opponents Debrecen.

The European law enforcement agency said one Champions League match played in England is under investigation - and according to Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet, Europol sources said they are looking at Hungarian side Debrecen who lost 1-0 to Liverpool at Anfield in 2009.

There is no suggestion that anyone at Liverpool was involved in any wrongdoing.

PFA boss Taylor said the issue of match-fixing was "very high on our agenda".

He said: "At the beginning of the season we had a team going out to all the clubs telling the players there should be no betting on any competition they have any association with, and that any approach es should be reported to the authorities.

"We have had some problems with one or two games in the recent past where players at Accrington Stanley and Bury were charged and sanctioned, so although it is not commonplace in our country we are not complacent or naive.

"We need to be vigilant at all levels of the game."

The Europol investigation is centred on the Debrecen keeper Vukasin Poleksic, according to Ekstra Bladet, who in 2010 was banned for two years by UEFA for failing to report an approach to fix matches for a betting syndicate.

But a Liverpool spokesman said: "We have had no contact from Europol or any other organisation over this."

Debrecen said they will not respond to the allegations.

"Neither DVSC or the player wants to react to this news. Everything on this matter has been dealt with in 2010," said a statement on the Hungarian club's website.

Poleksic failed to report that fixers approached him before playing Fior entina in October 2009 - the Hungarian champions conceded four first-half goals to lose 4-3 - and the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld the ban. It said it could not prove the result was manipulated, but UEFA rules require players and officials to report corruption attempts.

Europol have not detailed exactly which Champions League match in England is under investigation but that it took place "in the last three to four years" and is one of 380 games being studied.

However it emerged on Monday neither the Football Association nor UEFA were aware of any such probe.

Wales manager Chris Coleman said he had been staggered at the number of matches revealed to be under investigation and that it reflected badly on professional sport.

He told a news conference: "I am gutted if I am honest with you, I am disappointed at the level of it. It is staggering, sad.

"When I worked abroad I saw one or two things that made me raise my eyebrows but the ext ent of this is really very sad.

"I have been in football a long, long time and never doubted any referee, opposition players, and certainly not my own. I've seen a ref have a bad game, but never thought it was because of corruption.

"I've worked abroad in two different countries and things have happened on occasions and I have looked and thought that was not quite right, never my own team, but maybe a referee's decision, or something an opposition manager did.

"But when you look at the extent of the allegations it is sad. It is not good.

"It is not just football, we had the thing with rugby a while back when they cheated with blood on the pitch which was disgraceful, and we've had drugs with cycling, Lance Armstrong is an absolute sporting legend and we find out what happened there, now there all these allegations.

"Professional sport is not in a good place, and people are looking at us as role models for kids."

Transfer news: Balazs Dzsudzsak claims Dinamo Moscow blocked move to Liverpool

The Hungarian midfielder only moved to Russia in January 2012, but was open to the prospect of completing another switch 12 months on.

The chance to turn out in the Premier League appealed to him greatly, but Dinamo were unwilling to discuss a deal.

Dzsudzsak is disappointed to have seen one opportunity pass him by, but believes there will be more to come.

He told Nemzeti Sport: "I stay, but it wasn't up to me.

"Dinamo didn't let me go, not even to Liverpool. I can't say any more because it is not my position to do so.

"I want to say that in Hungary people have written me off, but it seems that some respectable teams still believe in me.

"I am not that disappointed. What I couldn't do during the winter transfer window can be done in the summer. It's also a nice feeling that in Moscow they have faith in me."

Daniel Sturridge to miss England's friendly against Brazil

Sturridge reported for duty at St George's Park on Sunday evening with the remainder of the squad but was unable to take part in training on Monday morning and returned to his club Liverpool for further treatment.

The 23-year-old was injured during the first half of Liverpool's 2-2 draw at Manchester City, shortly after scoring the Reds' opening goal, but was not substituted until the closing stages of the game.

Sturridge's withdrawal leaves England boss Roy Hodgson with only two fit strikers at this stage - Manchester United duo Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck - after Tottenham's Jermain Defoe pulled out with an ankle problem, although Hodgson does also have the option of playing Theo Walcott up front.

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick also dropped out on Sunday with a hip injury.

Only 12 England players trained normally on Monday morning as the remainder who were in action on Sunday did a warm-down session instead.

Pepe Reina says Liverpool can't compete in Premier League title race

The Reds are currently 26 points adrift of leaders United in the Premier League table and remain 17 behind champions City following Sunday's thrilling 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

Brendan Rodgers' side held a 2-1 lead against City going into the closing stages, before Reina's ill-advised rush from his line allowed Sergio Aguero to score a spectacular equaliser.

And the shot-stopper believes that the difference between the financial muscle and squad strength of the Premier League's leading trio and Liverpool has reached a significant point.

Reina told Marca: "Right now we can't compete with the big guns. They have a big edge over us at the moment, both financially and squad-wise.

"There's a reason they are so many points ahead of us, and it's not because of one or two better players."

The Spain international has come under the spotlight personally this term, with his standards having slipped from previous seasons.

R eina admits this has been the most testing campaign for himself and the Reds since he moved to Anfield in July 2005, but defended his displays and insists the club need to be given time under Rodgers.

He added: "It's been a strange season for me because I've missed lots of games with injury.

"Some people say I've had a bad season, but honestly I think I only had three poor matches, at the beginning of the year.

"This has been the most unsettled season, both personally and as a team, since I joined the club.

"Liverpool is going through a transitional period, with new ideas and a different playing philosophy. That takes time. People have to be patient. It's normal for us to be erratic."

Johnson calls for longer bans

Popov was sent off during Albion's home clash with Tottenham yesterday after spitting in the direction of Spurs defender Kyle Walker.

The Macedonian international now faces a three-match ban and Baggies head coach Steve Clarke confirmed the player will face disciplinary action.

But England defender Johnson is calling for a longer ban to apply to any player who acts in such a manner.

"I personally think it should be more," the Liverpool player said. "You see some people receiving a red card for trying to make a genuine tackle.

"You do something like that which is disgusting. No man should be faced with that. Personally I think the ban should be more."

Clarke condemned the behaviour of the on-loan Dynamo Kiev player in the aftermath of Albion's fifth defeat in six matches.

Prem clubs target Amorebieta

Amorebieta seems set to leave Bilbao at the end of the season with the club recently withdrawing their offer of a new contract after failing to agree a new deal with the 27-year-old.

The news has alerted clubs all across Europe to Amorebieta's availability. The likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton, AC Milan and Barcelona have all been credited with an interest in Amorebieta in the past, and they are all thought to be keeping tabs on his situation at San Mames.

Amorebieta has made over 250 appearances for Bilbao during his time at the club and he is regarded as one of the best central defenders in the Primera Liga.

The Venezuela international caught the eye during Bilbao's march to the Europa League final last term, where they beat Manchester United on route to the final and he is bound to be one of the most sought-after Bosman signings in the summer when he sees out his contract at Bilbao.

England gong goes to Gerrard

The Liverpool midfielder received the award from Sir Bobby Charlton at the FA England awards ceremony at St George's Park on Sunday evening.

Gerrard, who had previously lifted the award in 2007, finished ahead of Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck, with Chelsea defender Ashley Cole third.

Gerrard joins Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney in lifting the award twice.

The 32-year-old was one of England's best performers at Euro 2012 when he set up a series of goals with his deadly delivery from set pieces.

The award completes a memorable period for Gerrard, who was handed the England captaincy by manager Roy Hodgson ahead of the finals in Ukraine and Poland.

More than 180,000 votes were cast by supporters on TheFA.com website, a record for the player poll since David Beckham was crowned in 2003.

Left-back Stephanie Houghton was voted England women player of the year.

Houghton w as a star performer for Team GB during the Olympic Games and scored the winner against Brazil.

Other notable award winners included the women's senior team, who were voted Club England team of the year.

The men's under-21 and women's under-23 players of the year awards went to Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson and Toni Duggan respectively.

The evening was part of The FA's 150th anniversary programme and celebrated the work of the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK.

FA chairman David Bernstein said: "Clearly The FA England Awards is about much more than prize-giving and honouring those who have achieved.

"The elite level is the pinnacle of a pyramid that makes English football so special.

"They are the inspiration to over two million people regularly playing football in this country. All involved at every level deserve our recognition and respect."

Bernstein also hailed the new National Football centre at St George's P ark which is where England will prepare for Wednesday's friendly international with Brazil at Wembley.

He said: "Being here at St George's Park, the new home of all 24 England teams, is wonderful and the coming days will show how our development sides train side by side with senior squads on perfect pitches with state-of-the-art facilities.

"For all, whatever the age, it is a great setting for the pursuit of excellence. That, coupled with the togetherness and team spirit fostered by a strong club mentality, will surely be beneficial to helping bring success to England teams in the future."

Bernstein presented England and Team GB blind football star Dave Clarke with the lifetime achievement award and described him as "an inspiration to so many".

His words were echoed by David Beckham in a filmed tribute after the former England captain had previously joined Clarke for a training session.

Beckham said: "I just want to say congratulations. It was a real honour and a pleasure to see what you and the guys get up to and achieve.

"It was an amazing thing for me to see and it is a true honour to meet and have worked with you. Congratulations again on the lifetime achievement award, it is really well deserved."

The evening also saw the Bobby Moore Fund put in the spotlight, with Stephanie Moore presenting three of the youth awards.

This month marks the 20th anniversary since World Cup-winning skipper Moore's death from bowel cancer.

The FA has backed the launch of a new 'Make Bobby Proud' initiative with a 25,000 donation from the FA Community Shield Fund.

The full list of award winners is:

Men's youth player of the year - Nathaniel Chalobah

Women's youth player of the year - Alex Greenwood

Women's Under-23 player of the year - Toni Duggan

Disability player of the year - Imbrahima Diallo

England 'C' player of the year - Jamie Turley

Club Engla nd team of the year - England Women's Team

Men's Under-21 player of the year - Jordan HendersonLifetime achievement award - David Clarke, England and Team GB Blind Team

Senior women's player of the year - Stephanie Houghton

Senior men's player of the year - Steven Gerrard

England duo out, Dan doubtful

Manchester United midfielder Carrick has pulled out of the squad for Wednesday's game, the Football Association has confirmed.

A statement on the FA's official website said Carrick is suffering from a hip injury and will not join Roy Hodgson's squad ahead of the match at Wembley.

Carrick is the second player to pull out of the squad after Tottenham announced on Sunday afternoon that striker Defoe will miss the fixture with an ankle problem.

The FA added that no replacements have been called up for either player at this time.

Carrick played the full 90 minutes of United's 1-0 victory at Fulham on Saturday, while Defoe was substituted in the first half of Spurs' victory at West Brom when he landed awkwardly on his left ankle.

Manager Andre Villas-Boas said Defoe would be sent for a scan to determine how bad the damage is.

"He rolled his ankle," said the Portuguese. "He will have to have a scan to reveal the extent of the injury.

"Hopefully there is not a lot of ligament damage. If there is, he could be out for two to three weeks."

Liverpool striker Sturridge is also a doubt for England after sustaining a thigh injury in Sunday's 2-2 draw at Manchester City.

The 23-year-old, who has just four senior caps, scored a brilliant goal at the Etihad Stadium to make it 1-1 in the first half but then picked up a knock.

He remained on the pitch until he was substituted just before the final whistle but Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is not optimistic about his chances of joining up with England.

"He got a knock just before half-time on his thigh and he wanted to give it a go in the second half," said Rodgers.

"I think he will be a doubt for the game on Wednesday, which is unfortunate because he was terrific today.

"He is just with the medics at the moment and he will have a chat with our doctors and he will speak with the England set-up.

"They might want to hav e a look at it but at the moment he is obviously struggling."

Johnson hails Sturridge ability

Sturridge, who made a switch from Stamford Bridge last month, has made an impressive start to his Reds career with three goals in five games.

And Johnson believes his new team-mate will be a great asset to Brendan Rodgers' side.

Speaking to the club's official website, Johnson said: "Danny Sturridge has settled in well and I think he'll do some fantastic things here at the club.

"He will be a fantastic signing. He will petrify defenders because he's so sharp, quick and unpredictable at times.

"He will always occupy at least two defenders, which gives the rest of us opportunities to make runs around him.

"He will be a great asset for us. I know how Danny felt at City and Chelsea. Every player wants to play in every game.

"I'm sure Danny left Chelsea to get games and show what he can do because he's a fantastic player.

"It's a great challenge to go up against Danny and Luis (Suarez) in training. I can really see the part nership being very good for us.

"We've already seen that, but it's still early days and it's going to improve over time as well. It's looking bright between them."

The Reds will face league champions Manchester City on Sunday, and currently sitting just seven points off fourth place, Johnson is confident his team can challenge for a UEFA Champions League spot.

"The top four is still a realistic aim for us," he added.

"We can only worry about ourselves, but we are giving ourselves a chance and picking up points.

"If we can find some kind of run from now until the end of the season, I'm sure we'll be pretty close.

"There are probably six teams fighting for fourth place this season. It's very open. We know it will be tight."

Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge confident over partnership with Luis Suarez

Sturridge, who joined Liverpool from Chelsea in the January transfer window, has made an immediate impact at Anfield, scoring three goals in five games.

The England international believes the early signs of his partnership with Suarez are promising.

"It's early days but the signs are that we're playing well together," said Sturridge. "I'm sure that will continue.

"As you play with someone more regularly, you do things telepathically, you know where they're going to be and you start playing off the cuff."

Sturridge, who is set to face former club Manchester City this weekend, is happy with the start to his Liverpool career and insists there is more to come from him.

"It's always a weight off your shoulders if you start quite well. It has been a good start," added Sturridge.

"I'm hard on myself and I like to do a lot better than I am doing," he said. "There's a lot more to come from me. I've been performing OK but this is a fraction of what I'm actually able to do. Hopefully I'll be able to show what I'm really capable of doing in the months and years to come, when I'm playing week in, week out and I'm fully fit."

Sam: Diame talk was agent driven

The Senegal international had been linked with a number of clubs, due to a release clause written into his contract when it was penned during the summer.

The likes of Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool were all reportedly interested in Diame, but Allardyce said no club activated the release clause and reckons agents are to blame for all of the deadline-day rumours surrounding the midfielder.

When asked if a bid had been made, Allardyce's bullish reply was: "Agent speak. It is agents trying to create a frenzy by seeing if they can make something out of nothing happen. By the fact nobody has triggered Mo Diame's clause is the reason why he is still here."

The former Blackburn boss said it was impossible to relax during transfer deadline day until 11:05pm, when he could sit with a glass of brandy, knowing he still had Diame in his squad.

Allardyce admitted it was a relief to still have Diame at the club, after the 24-year-old had impressed sinc e completing a free transfer from Wigan before the start of the season.

"It is a massive relief to me," he said. "It wouldn't have mattered how much money we got for him yesterday or the day before. It would have been a crushing blow because we couldn't have done anything with the money we might have got for him - certainly not to the extent of replacing a player at that late stage with the quality you are looking for.

"I am really pleased he is still with us."

With the stipulation in Diame's contract, there is always a worry that a club could return to secure his services at the end of the current campaign.

And Allardyce is aware there is nothing West Ham can do about it.

"No, we have already tried that," Allardyce said, when asked if Diame's contract could be re-negotiated to remove the clause.

"At the end of the day we would wait to see what happens between now and the end of the season. Wait and see where we are and then take a v iew on everything and everybody at the club at that stage."

Diame was one of the Premier League's form players until he suffered a hamstring tear in the 3-2 defeat to Liverpool in December.

That ruled the former Rayo Vallecano midfielder out for over a month, but he is now back in first-team action and Allardyce is hoping he can continue to improve his game to help pull the Hammers clear of trouble.

He only joined us in the summer from Wigan and I think he has now got to continue his growth as a player," he said.

"He has got to continue extracting more and more out of his game because there's still a lot more to come. He's got to get better than he already is.

"You'll never see the best of him yet because he's only 24. He's a really good player but he'll get even better as time goes on, as long as he steers clear of injuries that is.

"He's not at the peak of his career because he's still learning. We see a very talented young man who has got to continue to grow and learn to use his abilities to greater effect."

Liverpool's Jordan Henderson thinks that criticism has made him a better player

Henderson was told by Liverpool that he could look for a new club during the summer, and was heavily linked with a move to Fulham, but the midfielder has enjoyed a rejuvenation in his form during recent months.

After scoring goals in his last two Premier League games, Henderson believes that he is on the road to redemption at Anfield, admitting that the criticism was hard to bear at times.

"I wasn't playing regularly back in August so they gave me the option to go," Henderson told the Daily Mail.

"It wasn't a nice thing to hear. But I just had to take it on the chin. So I said no. I didn't want to go anywhere. I came to Liverpool wanting to stay here for the rest of my career. I certainly didn't want to leave after a year.

"I think I might have needed it, to be honest. I just feel if I keep working hard, and pushing on, I might not get as much criticism in the future.

"You have to go in and straight away try to match their ability. You need to learn to perform like they perform and that is a hard thing to do immediately. It's a step up and a challenge and for a good while I couldn't really do it.

"But this season the gaffer told me what he wanted from me, what I needed to improve, and I took it on board. He said I had to be better tactically, for example. He's been brilliant, to be fair, the advice he's given me."

Henderson has five England caps since making his debut against France in November 2010.

Daniel Sturridge says moving to Liverpool was the best decision of his life

The 23-year-old moved to Chelsea - and spent time on loan at Bolton - before returning to the north-west to join Liverpool four weeks ago.

Since moving to Anfield, Sturridge has netted three times in five appearances and on Sunday heads back to the Etihad Stadium to face reigning champions Manchester City.

Sturridge started training with City's first team at the age of 17 before making his debut in February 2007.

However, when the club became one of the wealthiest in world football, City bought a number of top-class strikers leaving Sturridge a long way down the pecking order and his time at club was coming to an end.

Ahead of this weekend's match in east Manchester, he said: "When the new owners (Sheikh Mansour) came in they started spending more money and so for me it was always going to be difficult.

"People said I was greedy to sign for Chelsea and leave City but they (City) are the richest club in the world, so why I am being g reedy going to a club with less money?

"When I moved to Chelsea it was again difficult with (Didier) Drogba and (Nicolas) Anelka there.

"I knew I wouldn't play every week but I knew I would learn from both players.

"I won some trophies with Chelsea, won the Youth Cup with City which will always be with me for the rest for my life.

"I had some great friendships there, so I'd like to thank them for bringing me to where I am today - the Academy people at City were fantastic."

As for Liverpool, he added: "Hopefully this is the club I settle at and stay at for many years to come.

"I have no worries, no stresses. I already have a love for the club and it is growing day-in, day-out and hopefully we can stay in love for the rest of our lives.

"The history of Liverpool means the only team who compares is Man United and you only realise how big this club is when you actually get here. It is a blessing to be here."

Sterling on assault charge

The 18-year-old Liverpool and England winger was summonsed to Liverpool Youth Court on Friday on a charge of common assault.

The Jamaica-born footballer, who lives in Woolton, Liverpool, did not attend the hearing and solicitor Mick Hogan appeared on his behalf.

Police said a 27-year-old woman, who is known to the footballer, suffered "slight" facial injuries during an alleged incident in Toxteth, Liverpool, on November 2.

During the short hearing Mr Hogan told the court that Sterling denies the allegation.

He said the alleged offence took place when the footballer was 17 but, as he turned 18 in December, the matter should be transferred to the adult courts.

Mr Hogan said: "I do have instructions to the effect that Mr Sterling will be pleading not guilty to this charge.

"He is aware of today's hearing and the club are very supportive."

The move to the adult courts was supported by the prosecution and Chairman of the Be nch Brian Upton adjourned the matter to Liverpool Magistrates' Court on February 22.

Sterling made his senior international debut for England last November against Sweden and has earned plaudits for his performances for Liverpool this season.

Liverpool assistant manager Colin Pascoe backs Philippe Coutinho

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers splashed out 8.5million to take Coutinho to Anfield from Serie A giants Inter after the midfielder rejected a late offer from Southampton.

A diminutive playmaker at 5ft 8in, some have suggested the physicality of English football may not be to the Brazilian's liking - but Pascoe is adamant his mentality will help him cope.

Pascoe said of the 20-year-old starlet: "He has played a lot of games from a young age. What we have got there is a young talent who has played a lot for Inter Milan and Espanyol.

"He is a young lad but what we have seen of him he can handle this type of pressure and he will be a good asset for us.

"The young lads who have come through have been absolutely brilliant but he has a lot of experience.

"He plays wide left, he can play as a number 10, and he likes to take defenders on and has a great awareness of his team-mates.

"He has to sort a few things out in Milan but he'll be b ack next week and he'll be ready to start straight away and he will be a great addition to the squad."

A persistent hamstring injury prevents Coutinho from making Liverpool's squad for Sunday's trip to face Premier League champions Manchester City.

Goalkeeper Doni reveals he suffered a heart attack in the summer

The 33-year-old Brazilian, whose last match for the Reds came on the final day of the 2011/12 season in May, has not featured in any squad since.

Liverpool, who refused to comment on Doni's revelation, said it was for personal reasons but, after securing a deadline-day move back to his homeland to join Botafogo, the goalkeeper has explained the circumstances, which began while he was undergoing medical tests at the club.

"I almost... I almost ended up on the other side. I had a heart attack for about 25 seconds," the former Roma player told calciomercato.com in Italy.

"I've been to one of the best doctors in Europe who looked at me carefully. He's asked me to stop for a few months.

"Now I have to stay put until April, then I can return to the field, I want to play in the 2014 Paulista championship."

Doni also told Brazilian broadcaster Globo: "I always had an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and during some tests in Liverpool suffer ed a cardiac arrest.

"I carried out checks across Europe and I had to extend my period of absence from the field."

Transfer news: Luis Suarez shrugs off rumours linking him with Bayern Munich

It has been suggested that the Uruguayan frontman will be a top target for Pep Guardiola when he inherits the managerial reins at Bayern Munich at the end of the season.

Suarez has endured a controversial spell at Anfield, with his antics often making headlines for all of the wrong reasons.

It was speculated that he could be tempted to cut short his time in England and start afresh elsewhere, but the 26-year-old insists he will continue to pay little attention to transfer gossip until he is put in a position where a decision has to be made.

"We all know how important Guardiola is and the many things he won at Barcelona. He must know a thing or two about football," he told Uruguayan radio station Sport 890.

"But if I'm being honest, I don't ever stop to read what is being said about me in the press - it would drive me mad as I'm linked to so many clubs.

"The day a concrete offer comes for me to the club, we will sit down and do what's best for everyone.

"But I'm happy here. The Premier League is the best league there is.

"I watch a lot of football in my spare time but the most attractive for me is English football - I want to stay here. I'm very happy here."

Premier League: Manchester City take on Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium

City are again without captain Vincent Kompany for Sunday's clash at the Etihad Stadium as he remains sidelined by a calf injury.

The champions are hopeful Matija Nastasic (knee), who could only make the bench at QPR in midweek, will be fit to start, otherwise midfielder Javi Garcia may again have to deputise.

Right-back Maicon (knee) is back in training and could soon be available while fellow defender Micah Richards (knee) hopes to return this month. Midfielder Yaya Toure and defender Kolo Toure are still on international duty, while Mario Balotelli has departed for AC Milan.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers must decide whether to thrust new signing Philippe Coutinho into the fray for the meeting with the champions.

Coutinho completed his move to Anfield from Inter Milan in midweek but is likely to be given more time to acclimatise to life in his new surroundings.

Pepe Reina, Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique all returned from injury fo r the midweek draw at Emirates Stadium and can expect to be involved again this weekend.

Lucas welcomes Coutinho capture

The 20-year-old Brazilian became manager Brendan Rodgers' second signing of the January transfer window after finalising the details of his medical and work permit in an 8.5million switch from Inter Milan.

Defender Lucas revealed he advised both Rodgers and the player ahead of a deal which the Brazilian believes can prove an all-round winner.

"The manager spoke with me, not asking me about his talent, because he was sure about his talent, it was just about how he was as a person," said Lucas.

"I spoke to him (Coutinho) a few times, not trying to convince him to sign, just telling him about the club, how things work here. He just felt it was a great opportunity for him to come to the Premier League and we are happy to have him here.

"Coutinho is a very talented player, with a lot of experience for someone so young.

"He is a proper Brazilian with a lot of skill, he likes to play with the ball.

"He had a very good spell with Esp anyol and I think he will be a great player in the future for us."

Coutinho is on his fourth club - all in different countries - in three years, but Lucas is confident he will quickly adapt to life in the English top flight and his transition to Merseyside helped by the Reds' South American contingent.

"In Italy, it is a different game, but he has experience in La Liga as well. But I think he will be able to cope, I just hope he settles very quickly," said Lucas.

"We have Luis (Suarez) and (Sebastian) Coates, and myself, so we will all try to make him feel really comfortable and help.

"He is a young lad so we just need to make sure he settles very quickly, like Luis and Coates have, then he will be able to feel comfortable, show his qualities and start to play really well."

There was movement out of Anfield on deadline day when Liverpool confirmed goalkeeper Alexander Doni has left the club to join Brazilian side Botafogo.

Doni joine d the Reds from Roma in 2011 but made just four first-team appearances, his last involvement coming on the last day of last season at Swansea.

The 33-year-old Brazilian did not feature in the current campaign and slipped further out of the picture when Brad Jones was favoured as a replacement for the injured Jose Reina.

Liverpool, meanwhile, will be aiming to build some momentum with a positive result at Manchester City on Sunday after their midweek draw at Arsenal.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers recalled his first-team regulars, having been criticised for his team selection in the FA Cup fourth-round defeat at Oldham.

For an hour, everything was going to plan as Jordan Henderson added to Luis Suarez's early goal to give the visitors a commanding 2-0 lead.

However, the Gunners suddenly kicked into life to make up for their defensive shortcomings as two quick goals saw them level through Olivier Giroud and a blistering strike by England forward T heo Walcott.

Brazilian Lucas feels even if they could not see the game through, Liverpool can now head into Sunday's showdown with City at the Etihad Stadium all set to produce another determined display.

"We were responding very well from the FA Cup tie. We showed a lot of attitude and the right mentality at Arsenal, we just have to keep going to get the points against Manchester City," the defender said.

"We didn't win at Arsenal, but we showed we are capable of fighting against and beating the top teams.

"This weekend we will have another opportunity to get a good result against a top team."