ROY HODGSON has brushed off claims Kenny Dalglish is trying to steal his job.
Speculation has been rife the club's new American owners will turn to the Kop legend unless Hodgson can reverse a poor start.
But instead of a threat, Hodgson believes Dalglish is a trusted ally.
And he says he's elevated King Kenny to a key position in his scouting team after the ex-boss endured an uneasy relationship with Rafa Benitez.
"I'm not prepared to pass up on quality people who can help because of a fear the day may come the club decides they want Kenny as manager," said Hodgson.
"That wasn't the case in the summer, but that's not to say it won't be the case forever. I don't know.
"I have no fears in that respect because I know my qualities and I'm not a political person.
"When it was mooted the club wanted me for the job I made it clear to Kenny I wanted him on board and it wouldn't be like it was with Benitez where you are here in name but never allowed to set foot into Melwood and we don't want anything to do with you.
"We wanted to tap into what he can bring, not least his legendary and iconic status, but also on a practical, day-to-day basis when there is scouting to be done.
"He can do that because he has a good eye and knows what we are looking for. He can give us good information as to whether he likes the look of a player."
It was ex-boss Benitez who sanctioned Dalglish's return to Anfield as a club ambassador and Academy liaison two years ago.
But Hodgson says his appointment has allowed one of The Kop's greatest sons to enjoy what should become "a job for life".
He said: "He is doing a great job alongside us and we involve him in our scouting while he still works at The Academy and plays an ambassadorial role. That's what he's good at. You cannot find a better person for that than Kenny Dalglish.
"I told him I was disappointed he went for the manager's job because for me he should be working for Liverpool on a permanent basis, long after I leave and for years to come.
"He should be assisting all future Liverpool managers. He's at a different, higher level. I've never asked him, 'do you want my job', but we've laughed the rumours off, really.
"He rang me last week and asked if I was going to Wigan and if I minded if he came with me. I was delighted he did that, and he insisted on driving, too."
Dalglish was sent on a key scouting mission to Lille last week to watch highly rated midfielder Eden Hazard.
Liverpool also want Aston Villa's Ashley Young in January, while Udinese midfielder Gokhan Inler is another in Hodgson's sights.
Hodgson is likely to try a more advanced midfield pairing of Raul Meireles and Steven Gerrard for the trip to Bolton today. He is also likely tp favour Brazilian Lucas for the holding role ahead of Christian Poulsen.
