Carra might be out for long

[King Binny]

Wilson getting his chance.

Those who will definitely start include 18-year-old Wilson, whose only appearance since signing from Rangers this summer came in the League Cup defeat to Northampton.

He will partner Sotirios Kyrgiakos at the back - and the pair are likely to be joined in defence by Fabio Aurelio and Martin Kelly.

Hodgson told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Martin Kelly and Danny Wilson will start against Steaua Bucharest and it's a great opportunity for them to stake a claim to be in the first team.

"Not being able to take the points we deserved against Tottenham has kept us in a mid-table position so the next games coming up are going to be very important.

"I've got to be careful not to risk too many of the players I want out on the field against Aston Villa.

"Torres won't travel. I can leave maybe as many as six or seven players who I expect to start against Aston Villa out of the team.

"It means on paper I'm taking a weakened team, but I believe people like Joe Cole, Ryan Babel, Milan Jovanovic, Danny Wilson, Christian Poulsen and Jonjo Shelvey are more than capable of doing a good job for Liverpool Football Club."

Dani Pacheco is also expected to feature in Bucharest, where a point would ensure we progress to the knockout stages.

 

[Rosco]

[quote author=Gerry_A_Trick link=topic=42963.msg1226532#msg1226532 date=1291122321]
I don't agree with buying a stop gap in January. If someone of good enough quality were available, we should buy, otherwise we'll make do with what we have. It's time to see if Kelly and Wilson are good enough to step up. We won't get a better opportunity.
[/quote]

I wouldn't be in favour of buying in January. I think we should give Kelly and Wilson opportunities to the end of the season then take stock.

 

[localny]

[quote author=the count link=topic=42963.msg1226613#msg1226613 date=1291128223]
I could be wrong but I think Torres often turns away from penalty kicks.
He watches the crowd and gauges the outcome by their reaction.
He certainly did it during the Sunderland match.
I don't think it is a sign of disinterest, quite the contrary actually.
[/quote]

Good stuff. Thanks Count. happy to be wrong

 

[Wilko7]

[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=42963.msg1226596#msg1226596 date=1291126644]
12 weeks is a long time at his age. I hope he manages to come back the same player.
[/quote]

I would prefer him to come back a bit better considering his 90K per week salary.

 

[Wilko7]

Injuries to first team players have launched many careers for Liverpool over the years. There's no reason why Kelly and Wilson can't stake their claim during Carragher's absence.

 

[SummerOnions]

[quote author=Wilko link=topic=42963.msg1226735#msg1226735 date=1291138595]
[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=42963.msg1226596#msg1226596 date=1291126644]
12 weeks is a long time at his age. I hope he manages to come back the same player.
[/quote]

I would prefer him to come back a bit better considering his 90K per week salary.
[/quote]

Yeah, because when looking for central defenders on high wages to complain about, Carra is the first to look at.

Oh wait, that isn't right.

 

[King Binny]

French international Adil Rami, one of a number of Lille players Roy Hodgson has watched, is consistent in France and has a physical strength that suggests he would be cut out for the Premier League, but he will not come cheap.

Lille will want €15m (£12.5m) for the Moroccan-born player, which may be more than proprietors New England Sports Ventures are willing to pay.

In the short term, Liverpool are ready to recall Daniel Ayala from a loan spell at Hull City. Ayala moved to Hull on an initial emergency loan deal in September, but his form was such that the temporary arrangement was extended.