Joe Cole - I want to prove myself at LFC

Unwanted Liverpool ace keen on making it work at Anfield

A year is a long time in football, ask former England international Joe Cole. While the rest of his former teammates get ready for the European Championships next month, Cole is leaving Lille after an excellent season long loan spell that has helped him regain both fitness and confidence.

The 30-year old midfielder was a cult hero at West Ham United, and had many eventful years in the Blue of Chelsea before signing for Liverpool a couple of seasons ago on a free transfer. His Liverpool career though never really took off. He was sent off on debut against Arsenal, and in an effort to reduce the wage bill around the club and shift focus towards signing young talent, Kenny Dalglish banished Cole to France for a year.

With Kenny having been sacked though, Cole returns to Merseyside full of hope. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Joe said, “There is still a part of me that would really love to make it work there and I don’t want to have a bad spell at Anfield on my CV. But it is out of my hands now…We have got to speak to Liverpool and see what happens there.”

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Craig gives us so much quality

Martin Skrtel has hailed the influence to Liverpool of Craig Bellamy after the Welsh international’s two-goal display against Newcastle United in the final game of 2011 on Friday night.

Liverpool's No.39 was a constant menace to his old side and the Slovakian was quick to mention just how important a figure he is for Kenny Dalglish's side.

"Craig put in a really good performance and we were delighted for him to get two goals against his old club. He showed again what a great footballer he is," Skrtel told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"Everybody knows how much quality he has and he shows that in every single game he plays. He's a great player and we are delighted to have him on our side.

"It was a very important win for us, especially after not winning the previous two games, so we got the three points and we are really happy with that."

The No.37 was also full of praise for skipper Steven Gerrard after he netted the Reds final goal of the calendar year against Newcastle.

He added:  "Stevie is special. He has been out for a while but he scored and showed how very important a player he is for Liverpool.

"He has given everyone a lot of confidence. We have a lot of games to play, just in January alone, and his return is a big boost to us. We are all happy to see him back."

Skrtel also made a key contribution during the win over Alan Pardew's side when he made a fantastic goal saving clearance from Demba Ba with the score at 2-1.

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'Craig gives us so much quality'

He said: "I just tried to do my best to clear the ball.

"It was going in and I was happy to help the team and clear the ball."

Dalglish's charges now turn their attentions to the first of three meetings in January with Manchester City.

With the two legged Carling Cup semi-final to follow, the Reds will head into Tuesday's clash at the Etihad Stadium full of confidence.

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Skrtel on amazing clearance

"We played really well at Anfield against them and showed we can compete against them," added Skrtel.

"If we can repeat that performance on Tuesday then we are certainly capable of getting a good result against them.

"We are looking forward to it and we will give our best.

"These are going to be special games as in a short period we play them three times so we hope to be successful."

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Gerrard thanks 'magnificent' fans

Steven Gerrard today issued a heartfelt thank you to Liverpool fans for the support they've given him in 2011 as he prepares to continue his comeback against Newcastle United this evening.

The 31-year-old returned to action as a second-half substitute against Blackburn Rovers on Boxing Day following an ankle infection that had kept him out of action since late October.

The problem followed on from a groin injury that had ruled Gerrard out from March until September.

However, while he acknowledges the injuries have been a great source of frustration, the club captain is keen to pay tribute to the Reds fans who helped keep his spirits up - and he's eager to repay them.

"It's just great to be back involved again and be back with my teammates," said Gerrard.

"The last eight weeks have been really long. It was a freak injury and coming so soon after being out for so long with my groin it's been absolute torture.

"I've just had to work so hard to get back again and now I'm looking forward to playing games.

"Coming on against Blackburn was special. The reception I got when I came on was really touching and it meant a lot to me.

"There have been a lot of lonely days in the gym this year when you struggle to motivate yourself. But moments like that on Monday night make it all worthwhile.

"The support I've had from the supporters throughout has been magnificent and I want to thank them for that."

He added: "I have worked my socks off over the past eight weeks and I feel really good.

"I'm feeling in great condition and all I need now is minutes under my belt to get the sharpness back.

"Kenny knows me inside out and he will know when the time is right for me to come in from the start. He will make the decision and I will just follow his lead.

"Hopefully I'll play some part in the game against Newcastle and we all want to finish 2011 on a high."

In total, Gerrard has played just 12 times for Kenny Dalglish since the Anfield legend was restored to the managerial hotseat last January - but he's now looking forward to putting together a regular run in the side over the remainder of the campaign.

He said: "Without doubt I'll be glad to see the back of 2011. It's been tough but that's all in the past now.

"We have got a massive game against Newcastle and we need to take care of that and finish this year on a high before we start thinking about next year.

"But I'm looking forward to 2012. There's still so much to play for this season.

"If I can just get a bit of luck and stay fit hopefully I can really enjoy the final five months of the season."

Having returned to action as a substitute against Brighton on September 21 following a groin complaint, Gerrard had been looking as though he was nearing peak fitness - as demonstrated by an excellent performance and goal in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United in his first start of the campaign.

However, prior to the Reds' trip to West Bromwich Albion a couple of weeks later, the midfielder was diagnosed with an ankle infection and was left facing up to the prospect of eight weeks on the sidelines.

"It was a major blow for me," admits Gerrard. "I had started against United and Norwich and I was just starting to feel really sharp.

"I was back in the groove and feeling good but then I got a freak injury. There was no link whatsoever with the infection I'd had previously in my groin - it was just bad luck.

"I got tackled in training and there was a small wound on my ankle. It wasn't a big gash that needed stitching or anything but it got infected and my ankle really swelled up.

"If I hadn't got it sorted quickly it could have been dangerous. But the treatment I got from the medical staff was absolutely brilliant. Both the medical and coaching staff at the club have managed me superbly.

"I needed to go into hospital to get the infection washed out. After that I was in plaster for a couple of weeks and on crutches for about a month."

He continued: "When the surgeon said I would miss another eight weeks it was really tough to take.

"It took me weeks to get over the news. It absolutely killed me.

"With my groin I could understand it because you expect wear and tear over the years. I could understand that one day that would need fixing. But the ankle injury was just a freak.

"You just have to get over that initial blow as quickly as you can. You have to fight and get on with the rehab.

"The last eight weeks have been really long, especially coming on the back of being out for six months with my groin. It's been tough but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

"I'm really happy with how I handled it. I've worked my socks off to get back and now I'm feeling in great condition. I'm just looking forward to playing games."

Gerrard returns to a Liverpool side who are just three points off a Champions League position and will contest the Carling Cup semi-final with Manchester City next month.

The skipper has been delighted by what he's witnessed from the team while on the sidelines and believes the Reds have much to play for over the course of the next five months.

Gerrard said: "We've been playing some fantastic stuff.

"We're defending really well and creating plenty of chances but we're not getting the rewards we deserve at the moment. We're right on the edge of where we want it.

"We need to keep going and there's no time to feel sorry for ourselves. Hopefully the breaks will start going our way.

"For me, it's just great to be back involved. And the positive thing is that I'm coming back at a time when there are so many massive games coming up.

"It's been frustrating missing so much football but there are tons of big games still to play. The season is just starting to warm up and I'm really excited about playing a part in that. All I can ask for is that I stay fit and healthy."

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Stevie is looking superb says KD

Kenny Dalglish today spoke of his delight that captain Steven Gerrard is back in action and admitted he is looking sharper than the last time he returned.

The Reds skipper returned as a second half substitute during the Boxing Day draw with Blackburn Rovers, and the boss said he will ease him back into the team.

"Steven was back to full fitness before he got a freak injury and that's why he had to recover again, but the two of them weren't related and he is back and looks even better than he did the last time he came back.

"But we are not going to be irresponsible and throw him in and take a chance. We know he's fit and we know he just needs game time in the same way as we monitored him through last time and we'll do the same this time.

"He looks superb at the moment."

Dalglish was also asked how big a lift Gerrard's return has given to the rest of the squad.

He added: "We have got three captains in the dressing room in Stevie, Carra and Pepe so we've always said it's best to have your strongest players, your best players, fit and around the squad, so we've got the three captains in there now and it must make us better and stronger.

"Given a bit of luck in front of goal I think it will make us a lot stronger on the pitch as well."

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KD: Luis emotional and grateful

Kenny Dalglish has revealed Luis Suarez was 'emotional and grateful' for the support he received from his teammates this week.

Liverpool's players issued a statement in support of the Uruguay striker ahead of Wednesday's clash with Wigan and also wore t-shirts in the pre-match warm-up to demonstrate their backing.

Dalglish said: "He was quite emotional and very grateful.

"I don't think it's ever a disappointment when your teammates and the people you work for give you their undivided support. For me, that's the least he deserves."

On when Liverpool will receive further documentation from the Football Association, Dalglish said: "Whenever it's ready. Until everybody gets it and knows the reasons behind the things, I think most people have said what they want to say.

"We've certainly said what we have to say. We'll wait until we get the judgement and take it from there.

"The club have issued a statement, the players have made their statement both visually and verbally. It's best for everybody to wait and see what the written retort is because nobody knows - we don't even know."

Dalglish added: "I don't think right at this moment in time the club are permitted to go into any further detail than what they have done in their statement, which couldn't have caused anyone any trouble. I don't think the players have caused any trouble with the FA either with their statement or the t-shirts, so if we're not in any trouble we'll just leave it at that before we do give ourselves some trouble."

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Reina: Suarez definitely not racist

Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina believes striker Luis Suarez has been "crucified" over his racism charge.

The Uruguay international was given an eight-match ban by the Football Association on Tuesday after being found guilty of misconduct for using insulting words to Patrice Evra which included a reference to the Manchester United defender's colour.

Liverpool are expected to appeal the punishment and they have 14 days from receiving the independent commission's decision to decide their course of action.

Reina believes the 24-year-old, who was targeted with chants of "racist" and "cheat" in Wednesday night's goalless draw at Wigan, has been treated unfairly.

The Liverpool players issued a statement backing the player before the game and during their warm-up all wore T-shirts depicting an image of Suarez and his name and number seven.

"We are all right behind him. He has our full support," said the Spain international.

"We made a statement earlier and we said what we thought was the truth.

"We were together from the very first minute (of the allegations) and it is the minimum we can do for him.

"He is not racist. I am 100% he is not racist and he has been accused of racism.

"We showed our support to Luis. We want him and everyone to know we are right behind our team-mate because he is a lovely guy and he has been crucified by some people and it is not fair.

"Eight games is not even close to be fair."

Reina said the threat of losing Suarez for an extended period would be a blow, but felt the player was coping well with the situation, which has been on-going since mid-October.

"The most important thing is he is doing his job for the team," added the goalkeeper.

"He played well for the team (against Wigan) and he has to keep playing and help the team as much as he can.

"Obviously we are going to enjoy him as long as we can and then we will see what happens."

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Torres rebukes Liverpool 'lies'

Fernando Torres claims Liverpool were not honest about his departure from the club.

The Chelsea striker left Anfield in January for a British-record £50million fee.

And the Spaniard told Canal+ Liga TV that the version of the story that has been told to the public is not true.

"The Liverpool fans don't know the truth about why I signed for Chelsea," he said

"The fans don't even know half of what happened. They don't know what the people in charge at Liverpool are like - they have a completely different perception of what they are like.

"They made promises that they didn't keep and I left because I realised I didn't have time to be part of a project that would take years.

"I have nothing against the Liverpool fans. I didn't want to leave Liverpool the way I did but the club lied. I was let down and I don't understand why the fans hate me."

And of his current struggles at Chelsea, for whom he has scored just three times in the league since arriving, Torres said: "It's true that Vicente Del Bosque is worried about me and my form for Chelsea. It's up to me to go back to being the striker I was before.

"If I go back to how I was a few years ago, I will again play an important role in the Spanish national team.

"I am going to try to be very humble and get back into the Chelsea starting line-up. My form has not been good but I am world and European champion and I deserve more respect.

"It's hard being on the bench but I respect the players who are playing. I'm going to support the team and get back in."

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Liverpool OFFICIAL Speech of Suarez Incident.

''Liverpool Football Club is very surprised and disappointed with the decision of the Football Association Commission to find Luis Suarez guilty of the charges against him.

We look forward to the publication of the Commission's Judgment. We will study the detailed reasons of the Commission once they become available, but reserve our right to appeal or take any other course of action we feel appropriate with regards to this situation.  

We find it extraordinary that Luis can be found guilty on the word of Patrice Evra alone when no-one else on the field of play - including Evra's own Manchester United teammates and all the match officials - heard the alleged conversation between the two players in a crowded Kop goalmouth while a corner kick was about to be taken.

The Club takes extremely seriously the fight against all forms of discrimination and has a long and successful track record in work relating to anti-racist activity and social inclusion. We remain committed to this ideal and equality for all, irrespective of a person's background.

LFC considers racism in any form to be unacceptable - without compromise. It is our strong held belief, having gone over the facts of the case, that Luis Suarez did not commit any racist act. It is also our opinion that the accusation by this particular player was not credible - certainly no more credible than his prior unfounded accusations.

It is key to note that Patrice Evra himself in his written statement in this case said 'I don't think that Luis Suarez is racist'. The FA in their opening remarks accepted that Luis Suarez was not racist.

Luis himself is of a mixed race family background as his grandfather was black. He has been personally involved since the 2010 World Cup in a charitable project which uses sport to encourage solidarity amongst people of different backgrounds with the central theme that the colour of a person's skin does not matter; they can all play together as a team.

He has played with black players and mixed with their families whilst with the Uruguay national side and was Captain at Ajax Amsterdam of a team with a proud multi-cultural profile, many of whom became good friends.

It seems incredible to us that a player of mixed heritage should be accused and found guilty in the way he has based on the evidence presented. We do not recognise the way in which Luis Suarez has been characterised.

It appears to us that the FA were determined to bring charges against Luis Suarez, even before interviewing him at the beginning of November. Nothing we have heard in the course of the hearing has changed our view that Luis Suarez is innocent of the charges brought against him and we will provide Luis with whatever support he now needs to clear his name.

We would also like to know when the FA intend to charge Patrice Evra with making abusive remarks to an opponent after he admitted himself in his evidence to insulting Luis Suarez in Spanish in the most objectionable of terms. Luis, to his credit, actually told the FA he had not heard the insult.''

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