You'll Never Walk Alone

Liverpool cemented their hold on top spot in the Premier League with a 5-1 thumping of Newcastle at St James' Park.

It was a statement of intent from Rafael Benitez's side, who continue to strengthen their credentials as genuine title contenders and will top the table at the end of 2008.

A brace from Steven Gerrard and goals from Sami Hyypia, Ryan Babel and a Xabi Alonso penalty helped the Reds to a score-line that frankly flattered a disjointed and listless Toon, whose token reply came from David Edgar.

Liverpool utterly dominated the match but were denied a rugby score by some incredible goalkeeping by Shay Given.

The Irishman made world-class stops from Dirk Kuyt, Hyypia and twice apiece from Gerrard and Lucas Leiva, while Charles N'Zogbia cleared one corner off the line.

One of Given's saves from Brazilian midfielder Lucas defied physics as he managed to change direction while diving the wrong way to somehow get a one-handed, strong-arm parry on his point-blank header from a corner.

Given could do little about any of the goals though.

By the time Liverpool opened the scoring they had seen 10 opportunities spurned or saved by Given. Just after the half-hour mark Jamie Carragher found space on the overlap and cut the ball back to Javier Mascherano, who freed Yossi Benayoun on the right.

The Israeli could have shot at the near post but he spotted an unmarked Gerrard just inside the box and cut the ball back to the Liverpool captain, who rifled an unstoppable finish in off the post.

Hyypia doubled the lead five minutes later. Slack marking at a corner allowed the Finnish stopper to power an unchallenged header past the stranded Given, who should have received more help from N'Zogbia guarding the post.

Despite Liverpool's stranglehold on the match, Newcastle pulled one back and could even have been level at the break.

Michael Owen had a 33rd-minute goal incorrectly disallowed when Damien Duff was adjudged to have been offside while he raced on to Jonas Gutierrez's perfect through-ball.

They did pull one back though, just before the half-time whistle, when young Canadian defender Edgar beat Carragher to a Danny Guthrie corner and headed in to the right of Pepe Reina's goal just after Steven Taylor had gone close with a similar effort.

Newcastle were more than happy to press the self-destruct button though.

The second half started promisingly for the hosts, with substitute Shola Ameobi threatening down the right on two occasions.

But any hopes of a dramatic Toon comeback were dashed at a 50th-minute corner when comical defending from Fabricio Coloccini in particular handed Ryan Babel the freedom of the penalty area to finish past the hapless Given.

Substitute Geremi almost have the hosts some hope when he rattled a long-range free-kick off the top of the crossbar on the hour mark, but Liverpool put the result beyond doubt when Gerrard raced on to a perfectly-weighted diagonal pass from Lucas and lifted the finish over the onrushing Given.

It was a great injustice that Given conceded five goals as his performance barely warranted a single strike. Again he had little say in the matter when Edgar scythed down Babel in the box and Alonso - who had only recently come on for Gerrard - despatched the penalty with aplomb.

Liverpool almost got a late sixth but Given again was on hand to deny Lucas with a far-post header that was destined for the top right.

Newcastle had a couple of chances to reduce arrears, with Guthrie and Ameobi forcing smart stops from Reina, but any consolation would have been scant as Liverpool cut second-placed Chelsea's goal-difference and the Magpies found themselves right back in a relegation scrap.

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is "sure" his side will overcome Real Madrid to book a place in the last eight of the Champions League.Torres faced European heartbreak last season as Liverpool were knocked out in the semi-finals by Chelsea.

The Reds are unbeaten in this year's competition but now face a tricky test against the reigning La Liga champions.

However, Torres believes his team will book their place in the quarter-finals.

"We all realise that it is going to be a tough tie against Real Madrid," he wrote on his personal site.

"I don't like talking about a possible favourite, but I am sure that we are going to qualify for the next round."

However, the former Atletico Madrid player admitted he has not had much luck against the Spanish giants previously.

He said: "When I was playing my football in Spain, I used to score a lot against Barcelona, but found it harder when playing versus Real Madrid."

Torres also looked back on a fantastic first season for Liverpool and is hoping for more of the same in the new year.

It has been a mixed start to this campaign for the 24-year-old who has been blighted by injury.

However, Torres will have been buoyed to see his team sitting pretty at the top of the table and the Euro 2008 winner admits that the Premier League remains Liverpool's priority.

"I'm a bit sad to be coming to the end of this year," he wrote.

"The first nine months were unbelievable and at the end, even though I could not play regularly because of injury, there was recognition in the form of awards and nominations, like the PFA's, L'Equipe and being a finalist in the FIFA World Player award.

"I have said before that this has been my best year as a professional footballer.

"I adapted to Liverpool far quicker than expected, and to end the 2007-08 season winning Euro 2008 was a perfect finish.

"I hope that at the end of 2009 we can say the same celebrating another title.

"I hope to avoid injuries and that we win the Premier League title; it is the dream of every 'Red' - fans, coaching staff and players.

"And it would be great to sign off the season lifting the Confederations Cup with Spain in South Africa."

Liverpool stayed one point clear of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League thanks to a 3-0 win over Bolton at Anfield.

A second-half brace from Robbie Keane and a first-half strike by Albert Riera secured the points for the hosts, who had earlier seen both their title rivals, Chelsea and Manchester United, win.

It was the first time in 20 days that any of the top three secured maximum points, although United have two games in hand after Club World Cup duty, and it was fitting that all three should win simultaneously.

Liverpool totally controlled the first half but only had one goal and one good chance to show for 75 per cent possession.

The visitors barely passed the halfway line, while Liverpool's back five were redundant.

Despite this it took a set-piece on 26 minutes to create the first meaningful opportunity, which Riera took with aplomb.

Steven Gerrard's corner was sent near post and, after whisper from Dan Agger, the Spanish winger raced across the area to prod the ball home as Johan Elmander recoiled instead of making a challenge.

Yossi Benayoun went close with a half-volley 11 minutes later but otherwise Liverpool were as toothless as they were dominant.

The second half was a different story as the hosts earned the score-line they deserved through two Keane goals in four minutes.

Keane had been heavily-criticised for a lack of goals in his short Liverpool career but, after his equaliser against Arsenal the previous week, he seems to finally be hitting form - and the back of the net.

On 53 minutes, Gerrard went on a driving run through midfield and spotted Keane move into space just to the left of the area.

Keane raced on to the through-ball and rifled a left-foot drive into the roof of the net past the helpless Jussi Jaaskelainen.

The Irishman's second - which sandwiched a great chance for Kuyt who mis-timed a diving header from Riera's superb cross - came from a similar counter-attack.

Pepe Reina released Xabi Alonso with a quick throw, the Spaniard went wide right to Benayoun and the Israeli pinged a low, first-time ball which Keane finished with ease.

The Reds were cruising and eased off their visitors, and they rested Riera, Gerrard and Kuyt while knocking the ball out with ease.

Substitute Ebi Smolarek almost grabbed a late consolation for Bolton when he fired inches wide after good midfield play by Fabrice Muamba, while Liverpool came close to extending their lead in the closing minutes but had to settle for a succession of corners and a spectacular double-save by Jaaskelainen deep into injury time.

The three-goal win also meant that Liverpool now have the same goal difference as third-placed United, who are seven points off the lead but with a maximum of six in hand.

Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa has hit back at Emmanuel Adebayor after he accused the Spaniard of helping him get sent off.

Adebayor was dismissed for a second bookable offence during Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Liverpool following a clash with Arbeloa.

The Togo striker accused Arbeloa of acting like he "had put a knife in him" after going down under Adebayor's challenge.

Arbeloa has rejected Adebayor's claims that he is a diver and says the Gunners hit-man has no-one to blame but himself for getting sent off.

"Adebayor is a player who uses his arms and elbows when he is playing and usually that means a foul," Arbeloa told the Daily Star.

"I had nothing to do with the sending-off. I don't feel like it was my fault, it was what Adebayor did.

"I am a professional and I would never play-act to get someone sent off.

"I do not want to get involved in any controversy with Arsenal, but I received a blow in the face and a foul and if the ref then shows a yellow card that is not my problem."

Rafael Benitez is close to a return to the Liverpool dugout while striker Fernando Torres is also inching his way towards a comeback.

The Liverpool manager missed another media briefing on Tuesday as he recovers from a kidney stones operation, but he is expected back on the bench for the Boxing Day home clash with Bolton.

That date may well be too soon for Torres' return from a hamstring injury, but assistant boss Sammy Lee revealed the Spanish forward is improving in every training session.

Liverpool go into the Lancashire derby top of the Barclays Premier League, and protecting an unbeaten home league record in 2008.

It is the first time Liverpool have been top at this stage since 1996, and two wins over the holiday period against Bolton first and then at Newcastle on Sunday will give them their best points tally in a calendar year for 19 years.

These are heady times for Liverpool and Lee was left to hold the reins on Sunday in the 1-1 draw at Arsenal, but is not expecting to be in temporary charge much longer.

Of Benitez's fitness, he said: "Rafa is a lot better, he's on the mend. He has been in a lot of pain but he is improving.

"His presence is always missed, but the organisation he has put in place is such that even though he has not been here this week, the battle plan is still there.

"We know what we have to do, the game plan is there, it is business as usual.

"He is missed and hopefully he will be back with us for the Bolton game."

He added: "He is a hands-on manager, it is hurting him more being away from the training ground really, but he will be back soon.

"The lads will be in training on Christmas Day, we have two very important games in three days coming up and they are very professional and accept that they have to have their Christmas at a different time to everyone else.

"They know the job in hand, they know what preparation is needed to stay at the top of the Premier League."

Lee was less forthcoming over Torres' return, the 24-year-old having now missed five matches after suffering a recurrence of the injury that ruled him out for six games earlier in the campaign.

But having been insistent that Torres would not figure at the Emirates on Sunday, Lee stresses that the situation is improving.

He said: "Fernando's progressed has markedly improved. He is getting better. He improves with every training session and he has worked very hard on his rehabilitation.

"We will put him in when we see fit, that's not evasive but I don't want to start revealing our line-up."

If Torres does not make the holiday programme, Liverpool will stick with the formation of Robbie Keane up front and Steven Gerrard as a support striker.

Keane, fresh from his spectacular equaliser at Arsenal, has the full support of Lee, who said: "A lot of people have said a lot of things about Robbie.

"But we know why we brought him here, we see every day in training how hard he works and what a good player he is. Things have been said outside the club, but there has not been a word from inside.

"He is a very good player, who was bought to score goals. That is what he is and will be doing."

Former Liverpool player Mark Lawrenson has apologised for sparking speculation Robbie Keane is to leave Anfield in January.

Lawrenson, now a media pundit, implied that Steven Gerrard had told him he expected the Irishman to leave once the transfer window opens in the new year.

Liverpool moved quickly to deny that claim, issuing a statement that the comments were an "interpretation of a private chat between the two of them" and that "they do not accurately reflect Steven's opinion of Robbie Keane and they certainly do not tally with Steven's recollection of the conversation itself."

And now Lawrenson has backtracked on his comments.

He told the Liverpool Daily Post: "I'm sorry if it caused any aggravation but it wasn't meant to. Steven Gerrard's name should never have come up in terms of Robbie Keane going in January. It wasn't Steven saying that it was me saying it.

"The only connection I was making between the two was that they have the same agent and I have had a hunch for a while that Keane could go.

"But that is my opinion and nothing whatsoever to do with any conversations I had with Steven Gerrard.

"I happened to mention I spoke to him on Saturday night but I didn't mean for that to come across in the way that it has been interpreted."

Since joining Liverpool for £20.3 million from Tottenham in the summer, Keane has struggled to make an impact, scoring just four goals in all competitions and not even making it off the bench in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Hull.

He has been linked with a move back to his former club Spurs, a rumour Lawrenson's initial comments on an Irish radio station only served to fuel.

Lawrenson told Today FM: "I hate to name drop. But I was having a drink with (Steven) Gerrard on Saturday and we talked about Keane.

"They share the same agent [Struan Marshall] and quite honestly he thinks something is going to happen with Keane in January. Sounds like he could be moved on."

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is to undergo minor surgery after being taken to hospital suffering from kidney stones.

The problem is not serious and the Spaniard is expected to be back at work before the end of the week.

The news comes just days after his Chelsea counterpart Luiz Felipe Scolari revealed he had been suffering from the same complaint.

A Liverpool spokesman said: "Rafa was admitted to hospital last night after suffering problems with a kidney stone.

"He will undergo a minor operation this afternoon and is expected to return to work within two or three days.

"He remains in good spirits and everyone at Liverpool wishes him a very speedy recovery."

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez hopes Fernando Torres will be back in action in a fortnight - but doesn't want to "put pressure on him".The Spanish striker is due for another consultation over his hamstring problem with Spanish specialist Ramon Cugat in Barcelona, and expects the all-clear to resume full training.

Benitez said: "I have been talking to Fernando today, and he is much better. But how long before he returns, I don't know.

"He is in light training. It could be one or two weeks, but I don't want to put pressure on him."

Benitez also revealed his delight with Torres' nomination for the World Player of the Year award.

"I am pleased he has been nominated for the World Player of the Year award - it is well deserved. To score 33 goals in your first season in England and then to win the European title with Spain shows his quality.

"There are some very good players also nominated, but I feel Fernando has a good chance.

"Of course, Cristiano Ronaldo is also nominated - and he is a very good player, too. It could be him; it could be Torres - but I will always support Fernando.

"It is very positive for him and for us. He was doing very well, and his record last season is a massive achievement."

Benitez has again dismissed claims that Daniel Agger could be going to AC Milan, while explaining the midweek revelation of Ajax's interest in Ryan Babel.

He said: "It is more difficult for the players who are not playing. Ryan Babel has been linked with a move away, but it was Ajax who approached me.

"They were selling (Klaas Jan) Hunterlaar and wanted Ryan on loan, and I said no. He will stay with us; he can be a very important player for the rest of the season.

"The problem Babel has is the form of Albert Riera. If it was the other way around, Riera would have a problem. But that is what it is like at the very top."

Liverpool's big guns will return for Saturday's home game with Hull after being rested for the midweek Champions League win in Eindhoven.Skipper Steven Gerrard, midfielder Xabi Alonso, goalkeeper Jose Reina and forward Dirk Kuyt are all expected to face the Yorkshire club.

Liverpool hope that Fernando Torres will be back in a fortnight as he progresses with rehabilitation for a hamstring injury.

Full-back Fabio Aurelio is back in training after missing three games with a calf problem, but will not be involved on Saturday.

Reds (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Dossena, Babel, Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Lucas, Alonso, Riera, Kuyt, Keane, Ngog, Cavalieri, Insua, El Zhar.

Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has said he is "not interested" in becoming Sunderland's new boss.

The Frenchman is one of several high-profile candidates to have been linked with the job since Roy Keane's resignation last week.

But the current technical director of the French Football Federation has confirmed he is not looking to return to the Premier League.

He also revealed he had not been contacted by Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn about the Stadium of Light vacancy.

Houllier told Canal Plus: "No, I'm not interested. And I haven't been contacted directly."

Houllier was second-favourite with the bookmakers to succeed Keane, with Sam Allardyce the leading contender.

Allardyce has expressed an interest in taking on the role, although Phil Brown and former manager Peter Reid have ruled out the job.

Ricky Sbragia is currently the caretaker manager and will hope to end a run of three straight defeats against fellow strugglers West Brom on Saturday.

Robbie Keane has left no-one in any doubt that he intends to prove himself at Liverpool.

The £20million Irish striker went into Liverpool's final Champions League group match with a huge question mark over his future at the club amid reports he could return to Tottenham in the January transfer window.

And boss Rafael Benitez found himself having to tell the player that he would not be sold in the new year after a difficult few months trying to acclimatise himself at Anfield.

But after a much-improved performance in the comfortable 3-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the Philips stadion on Tuesday, Keane was significantly only prepared to discuss his long-term aims at the club.

He said: "I am happy with my own performance, I was delighted to play in a position that I like, just off the striker.

"It meant that I was always involved, and I got an assist with the third goal. Yes, I like scoring, but I always like helping others get their goals too.

"My confidence has not been affected by things that have been said about me, things like that never get me down.

"I am confident that I will score a lot of goals for this club, I am not worried about the way things have gone, there is a lot more to come from me.

"Some players would let their heads go down and they would be crying, but I am too strong for that.

"I have only been here a few months, and it takes time to settle, so it is too early to judge me now.

"I am always confident in own ability, I have scored a lot of goals in the past, and that ability doesn't go away just like that.

"But I accept that at club like Liverpool, as a striker you are judged on the goals you score. I love scoring goals, but I also love being involved.

"I am just as pleased with assists so I will carry on doing that and it will be fine."

Liverpool won Group D of the Champions League with a 3-1 victory at PSV Eindhoven thanks to goals from Ryan Babel, Albert Riera and David N'Gog.

The under-strength Premier League side had already qualified for the last 16 but their win and Atletico Madrid's goalless draw at Marseille ensured top seeding for the knockout phase.

Marseille qualify for the last 32 of the UEFA Cup after their point condemned PSV to bottom slot.

Rafael Benitez's team controlled the match with PSV's 36th-minute opener coming against the run of play.

The Reds levelled just before the break and the pulled away in the second half to give them a two-point advantage over Atletico, who had also previously sealed their passage.

While the English visitors were more dangerous, the two best chances of the first half did fall to the Dutch side.

The first opportunity saw Timmy Simons force a nervous parry from Diego Cavalieri with a 15th-minute long-range shot, and the second went in 21 minutes later.

PSV were awarded a corner that Liverpool disputed and Javier Mascherano made a mess of his defensive header, which bounced off the chest of Carlos Salcido and dropped to Danko Lazovic to finish from close range.

The opener was against the run of play but Liverpool - despite having nothing of note to play for - continued to push forward.

Their positive attitude reaped dividends deep into first-half injury time.

First the unmarked N'Gog headed straight at Andreas Isaksson and next the hosts switched off to allow a Lucas Leiva free-kick to find Babel, who glanced a header in off the outstretched palm of Isaksson for 1-1.

The second half was Liverpool's, with Robbie Keane impressive with his movement and link-up play but unlucky not to be given the service that he afforded the wasteful Babel, Lucas and N'Gog.

Eventually the pressure told when Riera smashed an unstoppable effort from outside the area that left Isaksson floundering midway through the second 45.

N'Gog ended PSV's hopes of UEFA Cup football soon afterwards when he raced onto an excellent Keane through ball and fired low under the Sweden keeper to extend the lead.

Lucas, N'Gog and Keane had further chances to rub salt into the home side's wounds but it finished 3-1.

Marseille 0-0 Atletico Madrid

Marseille sealed their passage into the last 32 of the UEFA Cup with a goalless draw against Atletico Madrid at Stade Velodrome.

The match was dominated by non-football matters after Marseille fan Santos Mirasierra was sentenced to three and a half years' prison by a Spanish court for his part in crowd trouble in the reverse fixture in Madrid.

Home fans showed their support for Mirasierra with banners and t-shirts but there were no reports of violence.

The hosts had the better chances but were unable to beat Atletico's French goalkeeper Gregory Coupet, who denied Ronald Zubar, Hatem Ben Arfa, Karim Ziani, Taye Taiwo and Boudewijn Zenden.

L'OM had the greater need to win but that diminished when news of Liverpool's controlled display over PSV came through and they were content to play out a goalless draw.

Robbie Keane is set to be recalled for Liverpool's final Champions League Group D clash at PSV Eindhoven.

The Irishman has struggled for form since his big-money summer move to Anfield and was left on the bench for the Reds' weekend win over Blackburn.

But the £20 million man was included in the party of 18 that travelled to Holland and is likely to get the nod to start with Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt having stayed at home.

Torres is still sidelined with a hamstring problem while Kuyt was left behind in Liverpool to enjoy some rest.

Fabio Aurelio (calf) is also out while Sami Hyypia is not registered with UEFA for the group matches.

PSV boss Huub Stevens has a doubt over Danny Koevermans (hamstring) while midfielder Ibrahim Afellay is struggling with an ankle injury.

LONDON (AFP) - Liverpool remained in pole position in the English Premier League as the top four in the table all won on Saturday.

The Reds' 3-1 victory away to struggling Blackburn Rovers kept them a point ahead of Chelsea after the Londoners beat Bolton Wanderers 2-0.

Chelsea's win saw them surpass Tottenham Hotspur's English record of 10 successive top-flight away victories set in 1960.

Reigning champions Manchester United remained six points behind Liverpool in third place although it needed Nemanja Vidic's stoppage-time goal to secure a 1-0 win over managerless Sunderland at Old Trafford.

Arsenal stayed in the top four with a 1-0 win at home to Wigan secured by a goal from Emmanuel Adebayor.

Elsewhere, Newcastle, on course for victory after Michael Owen scored twice, were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Stoke while Hull came from behind to beat Middlesbrough 2-1.

Earlier, Fulham and Manchester City shared the points in a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was pleased by his side's return to winning ways after their goalless draw on Monday against lowly West Ham.

"Clearly it was an important three points for us," the Spaniard said. "We are in a very good position and we want to stay there."

Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins, a former Blues captain, praised his team's attitude as well as their skill.

"I thought the spirit and commitment the guys showed was absolutely first-class, coupled with some extremely good passing of the ball as well."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who saw Vidic shoot into an unguarded net after after Michael Carrick's deflected strike hit the post, said: "We deserved to win simply because we were the team that wanted to win and Sunderland, understandably, to survive."

Ferguson refused to criticise the relegation-threatened visitors' defensive approach in what was their first match since former United captain Roy Keane resigned as their manager.

"There have been better teams that have come here and played just the same with one-up and five across the middle of the park," said the Scot. "When you are down the bottom, you can understand the desperation to get a point."

Sunderland caretaker boss Ricky Sbragia said: "The players are disappointed but they gave us everything."

Spain international Xabi Alonso broke the deadlock at Ewood Park in the 69th minute when he sidefooted in Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard's cross.

Then, 10 minutes later, Yossi Benayoun went past Stephen Warnock before shooting beyond Paul Robinson in the Rovers goal.

Roque Santa Cruz pulled a goal back four minutes from time before Gerrard wrapped up the three points with an injury-time effort.

The defeat increased the pressure on Blackburn boss Paul Ince, the former Liverpool midfielder, with Rovers still rooted in the relegation zone after a fifth successive defeat.

Former Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka headed Chelsea into a ninth-minute at the Reebok Stadium.

The Blues made it 2-0 in spectacular fashion through Portugal midfielder Deco's acrobatic 'bicycle-kick' in the 21st minute.

All the goals at Hull's KC Stadium came in a frantic final 11 minutes.

Boro went ahead through Turkey international Tuncay Sanli only for Hull to equalise three minutes later when Bernard Mendy's shot eventually went in off goalkeeper Ross Turnbull for an own-goal.

Hull, fifth in the table, then went ahead through Marlon King's 85th minute penalty, with Boro's David Wheater sent-off for the foul on Geovanni that led to the spot-kick.

At St James' Park, Owen gave Newcastle the lead when he turned in an eighth-minute cross from Jonas Gutierrez before making it 2-0 in the 24th minute after good work by Obafemi Martins.

Stoke though pulled a goal back on the hour mark when Mamady Sidibe scored from close range.

And they were level in the dying seconds when Abdoulaye Faye scored against his former club, although the draw still left promoted Stoke searching for their first away league win this season.

Aston Villa will have a chance to go fifth when they face Everton on Sunday while Portsmouth will look to recover from the disappointment of their UEFA Cup exit away to bottom-of-the-table West Brom.

Tottenham travel to London rivals West Ham on Monday, a match that sees Spurs' former Hammers boss Harry Redknapp returning to Upton Park.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has declared that striker Fernando Torres's hamstring injury is not worse than first believed.

The Spain international injured his hamstring in the Champions League clash with Marseille at Anfield and was said to be out for between two and three weeks.

It has since been rumoured that the 24-year-old will now be out for longer than expected after he visited a specialist in his native Spain.

The injury is a reoccurrence of the hamstring tear Torres picked up while on international duty with Spain earlier in the season and Benitez insists they want the problem sorted for good.

"Fernando is progressing and improving so hopefully he will be back sooner rather than later," the former Valencia boss told the club's official website.

"It's just a question of waiting and not pressuring the player. I was with him today and he was okay.

"He has a lot of confidence now, and when you have confidence, you can be fitter sooner.

"Everything is going well and I think it will be more or less the time we said before, maybe less"

Benitez insists that Torres' trip to see a specialist in Spain was beneficial and confirmed what the club had already agreed.

"It was just to confirm our diagnosis was right and that is the case. The injury was a relapse of the one he had before.

"The specialist has known Torres for a long time and he also has a good relationship with our physios who are working hard with him.

"We are really pleased because we know the problem and now we can find a solution. We know we have to work hard on it and I think he'll be okay."

It's nearly Christmas, Roque Santa Cruz is being linked with a move from Blackburn, and the headline writes itself.

For what says 'Christmas spirit' like, well, several litres of Christmas spirits, a 24-pack of Stella and granny's alarmingly sweet sherry?

Certainly not some red-suited bloke in a Dorset 'theme park' desperately trying to find the sellotape to re-attach the cotton wool to his chin.

Santa Cruz himself is a model professional, of course, which is just one of the reasons why Rafa Benitez wants to bring him to Anfield and send Jermaine Pennant in the opposite direction.

Benitez intends to return to the good old days of squad rotation to reduce the load on Fernando Torres's prima donna-ish hamstrings.

With Robbie Keane presently unable to finish his dinner and Dirk Kuyt thriving on the wing, Benitez wants an extra body up front.

Something in the region of £8m plus Pennant could persuade Paul Ince to do business as Rovers look to whack the loot on a decent defender or two.

It hardly needs saying but Gossip Shop will say it anyway - Liverpool face competition from Manchester City for Santa Cruz's signature.

It is probably fair to assume that Herita Ilunga won't make his loan move to West Ham permanent.

The Toulouse man has employed classic 'no disrespect, but...' tactics to diss the Hammers, saying: "Without being derogatory, West Ham are a second-rate club.

"Let's not kid ourselves - we are not an Arsenal, Manchester United or Chelsea.

"Once I have proved myself in a team such this, I can hope to make the step up to another club."

Without being derogatory, Ilunga is out of his mind if he thinks he can hold a candle to Gael Clichy, Patrice Evra or Cheryl Cole's WAG.

Wigan have slapped a £10m price tag on a 30-year-old striker who scores five goals a season and has six months left on his contract.

The reason? Steve Bruce reckons Emile Heskey could be the only thing standing between the Latics and the costly business that is releagation.

Freddy Adu has said it is "one of my dreams" to play for Tottenham. One of Gossip Shop's dreams is being chased through the streets of Bratislava by masked agents before waking up in a cold but strangely euphoric sweat. If a sweat can be euphoric.

Sulley Muntari strongly recommends that Michael Essien ditches Chelsea for Internazionale just as soon as he comes back from that knee injury.

Essien sleeps 14 hours a day, and they have very good mattresses in Italy.

Centre-back Alex is another man being lured away from Stamford Bridge by a Chelsea old boy.

This time it is Henk Ten Cate, who wants the Brazilian to move to Panathinaikos on loan.

Alex has fallen behind Branislav Ivanovic - who plays every match in an Albert Ferrer-themed wig - in Big Phil's defensive pecking order.

Finally, two stories that have little in common but are dull enough to merit lumping together.

Fulham will bid £6m to sign Kevin Doyle from Reading, while West Ham could flog Valon Behrami to Palermo as their money troubles continue. Have they not heard of Ocean Finance?

Liverpool have revealed that the hamstring injury suffered by star striker Fernando Torres is worse than first feared.

Torres had been expected to be out of action for two weeks with the injury he suffered during the Champions League victory against Marseille at Anfield on November 26.

However, the Spaniard has now been told by specialists that he will be out for at least four weeks - although Liverpool are refusing to put a timescale on his return to action.

"We first said two to three weeks but do not want to put a time on it now," said Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.

"He will come back when he is ready. We will not rush him back.

"We want to resolve this problem once and for all and we will make sure we do that."

Torres has already missed five weeks of the campaign with a similar complaint, although the Reds have coped superbly in his previous absences, recording victories over Manchester United and Chelsea.

It is the fifth hamstring injury Torres has suffered in the 16 months since his arrival at Anfield from Atletico Madrid, having been hit by three similar injuries on international duty and two now with his club.

Liverpool are currently top of the Premier League but have drawn their last two home games without scoring a goal, with new signing Robbie Keane still finding his form since his £20 million move from Tottenham in the summer.

The FA will not take any action against Liverpool after their players wore T-shirts with a message of support for a fan who was jailed in 2005.Liverpool players wore the T-shirts in the warm-up for the Premier League match against West Ham on Monday.

Michael Shields was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of the attempted murder of Bulgarian waiter Martin Georgiev in Bulgaria on a holiday taken after seeing his side win the Champions League final in Istanbul.

Liverpool's players were seen wearing 'Free Michael now' T-shirts while warming up ahead of Monday's televised 0-0 draw with West Ham at Anfield.

Despite another man confessing to the attack, Shields was locked up and his sentence was reduced to 10 years on appeal. He was transferred to the UK to serve the remainder of his sentence, but his supporters have never halted their campaign to prove his innocence.

An FA spokesman said: "We have spoken to Liverpool Football Club about this matter. We understand that Michael Shields' case is a very emotive issue and one that many Liverpool players and fans feel strongly about.

"Having heard the club's explanation we will not be taking any formal action, and we are satisfied that they understand the sensitivities around football matches being used as a platform for political messages."

A judge at London's High Court decided last month that Shields' case should be heard in full by three judges and a judicial review hearing is due to begin on Thursday.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez insists Robbie Keane "is a better player" than his current form suggests - and believes the goals will soon flow.The £20million summer signing was substituted for the 15th time this season as Liverpool were held 0-0 at home by West Ham on Monday night.

They did take over at the top of the Premier League, but it was anything but convincing and yet another occasion when the Reds have wasted a genuine opportunity to put clear water between themselves and their title rivals.

Keane looked a frustrated figure as he trudged off the Anfield pitch, to be replaced by rookie French striker David Ngog as Liverpool were battling to break down a determined West Ham rearguard.

And Keane's latest withdrawal from the fray by Benitez brought to a head an increasingly worrying situation for the Irishman.

Benitez said: "Robbie is a better player than the one we are seeing now."

Keane has managed just four goals this term, and only completed 90 minutes on three occasions in 22 appearances. He has come on as a substitute four times and been substituted 15 times.

Those statistics underline the problem for Benitez, with Keane struggling for form and confidence.

He is also suffering from the scenario that afflicted Craig Bellamy in his one season at Anfield.

With most teams opting to defend deep and in numbers at Anfield, there is little space for a quick striker to utilise his speed, and in that respect, Bellamy and Keane are very similar.

Benitez said: "We know what kind of player Robbie Keane is. He needs people around him to pass the ball well.

"I believe he will be okay, he will score more if we create chances for him.

"But if that does not happen we have to use players with different qualities to open up the game.

"Robbie does get disappointed when things are not going his way. He is a worker, but he can improve.

"It is a question of confidence. If we score first in this type of game then we will grow and win. Some players may be lacking in confidence, but if we keep creating chances we will be okay.

"Robbie, when he came off, was disappointed. But players always want to be out on the pitch for 90 minutes, but we were thinking of different solutions and Ngog did well when he came on, holding the ball up."

Benitez did his best to remain upbeat, but he knew only too well that two more points had been squandered from a winnable home game, just like Liverpool did against Stoke and Fulham.

He said: "It could have been three more points and top of the league. Clearly we are frustrated, but we are one point clear of Chelsea, and that is positive.

"Hopefully we will not be looking back at these three games, Stoke, Fulham and now West Ham, as points that would have counted. I hope we will look at the end of the season as this point being decisive.

"But we have lost two points again. We know that. But we were attacking and we were playing better than before, but we have to be disappointed."

Defender Jamie Carragher did not shy away from the issue. He said: "It is disappointing when you are not winning your home games because that is always what you want to do.

"But the positive thing is we have had three home games on the run and we have been poor in each one of them, but still qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League and we are top of the league.

"Normally when you are not playing well things go the other way, but in this case we have actually gone up the league which is a positive for us to take.

"We are probably going through a bit of a bad spell at the moment but we are delighted to be top. The performances are not as good as what we are

Liverpool went top of the Premier League but failed to open up a three-point gap as they were held to a 0-0 draw by West Ham at Anfield.

Rafael Benitez's side recorded their second consecutive goalless draw at home that sees them go just one point above Chelsea, while the Hammers move up to 13th.

The final whistle was greeted by a chorus of boos from the home support, who saw their team miss several good opportunities to open the scoring.

Chelsea's home defeat at the hands of Arsenal give Rafael Benitez's side the chance to go clear at the top of the table, at a time of year when - in recent times - their title hopes have already been quashed.

They had all of the first-half possession against a West Ham side that looked set on playing for a goalless draw right from the kick-off, but could not take any of the chances they created.

Big centre-back Sami Hyypia headed one clear header from a corner over the bar, and had another headed effort blocked on the line by Carlton Cole.

They had another goal-bound shot cleared when goalkeeper Robert Green's one-handed punch fell to Albert Riera, but the Spanish winger's first-time strike was blocked by Matthew Upson.

Playing without the injured Fernando Torres alongside him, lone Liverpool frontman Robbie Keane did not see much of the ball, due in equal part to his team's lack of width and the excellent defensive job done by the two West Ham centre-backs, Upson and James Collins.

The Irishman had one clear opportunity, but his strike from a tight angle was blocked by Collins.

West Ham had former Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy in their attack, and the Welshman almost opened the scoring against the run of play with a quick break only to see his long-range strike crash off the inside of the post with Pepe Reina beaten at full stretch.

Green played his part in keeping the scores level after the break when he tipped Yossi Benayoun's strike over bar, before saving Dirk Kuyt's near post strike in the closing stages.

Hyypia saw another headed chance glanced wide as Liverpool became more desperate to score, with young forward David N'Gog and then Ryan Babel coming on for Keane and Riera respectively.

As Liverpool chased the game, West Ham enjoyed more chances, with Cole heading wide from a corner before late substitute Luis Boa Morte blasted a shot into the crowd and Cole saw a shot saved after being wrongly flagged for offside in stoppage time.

Even Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard could not find his range, seeing several shots blocked, mis-kicked or fired off target from the edge of the box as Gianfranco Zola's side held on for a point that leaves them unbeaten in three matches.