Konchesky ready for Reds challenge

Paul Konchesky reflected on his first appearance in a Liverpool shirt and insisted: "I can't wait for the real action to begin."


The Liverpool defender, who completed his transfer from Fulham to Anfield on deadline day last week, enjoyed a second half run-out for the Reds in Jamie Carragher's testimonial on Saturday afternoon as Roy Hodgson's men cruised to a 4-1 victory.


But now he's focusing on the real action which lies ahead - starting next weekend when he could be in line for his full debut at Birmingham.

"I'm 29 and this is my last chance to play at the highest level," said the 29-year-old. "That is what Liverpool are and I am really looking forward to it.

"I'm looking forward to getting a new lease of life and playing at a very high standard.

"I can't wait to pull on a Liverpool shirt in the Premier League, it is a massive club and it is a big step for me. I just want to give it my all and go from there.

"I've had three or four days' training and although there have not been a lot of players there it has been a good week and I am hopefully going to enjoy it soon.

"It was good to be involved in Jamie's testimonial and put a Liverpool shirt on."

He added: "You look at the history they have got behind them it is unbelievable and there are some great players here," he added.

"If we can bring that back to the side this year in something like the Europa League then this team can go a long way.

"The testimonial was a bit slower than the Premier League but it was good for Jamie.

"I'm glad all the players came back for him; they obviously respect him a lot and he is well respected within the team. He looks fit and I think he has a few more years left in him - and hopefully it will be at Liverpool."

Update Photo special: Stars back for JC

Liverpool stars past and present turned out to honour Jamie Carragher at his testimonial on Saturday. Here are the best of our pictures.during and after match

Fixture changes for Reds

Liverpool have confirmed the following Barclays Premier League fixture changes due to their participation in the Europa League.


Our Anfield meeting with Blackpool, originally scheduled for Saturday, October 2, will now be played on Sunday, October 3 at 3pm.

The home game against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, October 23 has been changed to Sunday, October 24 at 3pm.
Supporters should also note our Anfield clash with Aston Villa, scheduled for Saturday, December 4 will also be moved.
The new date, which could be Sunday, December 5, will only be confirmed when the TV companies select their next round of matches for Barclays Premier League coverage at the end of September/early October.
To avoid causing any invonvenience or confusion supporters are advised not to make plans until this game is confirmed

Photo special: Stars back for JC

Liverpool stars past and present turned out to honour Jamie Carragher at his testimonial on Saturday. Here are the best of our pictures.
We'll be uploading pictures throughout the match so keep refreshing this story

Gerrard: Why I owe Carra

Steven Gerrard today said it has a huge debt of football with Jamie Carragher.


On the eve of 32 years, testifies on Saturday, the captain admits to not having nearly as many medals in his personal collection, were it not for the number 23 in Liverpool.

And in this frank and revealing interview on his close friend, Gerrard is reflected in their early life together, and the contribution of Carragher in Istanbul and what the future may hold for the Bootle-born defender.

Do you remember the first time I met Jamie?

Yes, I was a boy, and Jamie was doing his apprenticeship. I do work experience for a couple of weeks and my job was to put his game out and mopping the floors. Obviously I, but the training has to get used to They Were other jobs because the jobs that would be doing when I left school.

How did you do then?

He was a boy down to earth. Obviously, he knew that I was a local boy, so, David Thompson, Jamie Cassidy and the rest of the guys took me under his wing and showed me some jokes. He looked after me.

There are a couple of years with you - saw a lot of them these days?
Not in the early years, no. My companions at that stage were Michael Owen and Stephen Wright - were my age group. Jamie had his friends in their own living, but we met a couple of times. I also went to see a little 'for the reserves and youth teams. I was very aware of who he was and knew it was a good player early.

When she saw him at that moment she felt as if someone were to have a career at Anfield?
Yes, but the first time I looked, there were only 16 or 17 years. Even at this age is difficult to know if someone is going to go through. But of course, made sense in your game. He felt at once that he was a leader and a good organizer. Technically it was good too, but I would be lying if I said that I immediately knew it was going all the way to the top.
Remember his debut in 1997 against Aston Villa - and what did you think when he scored?

Yes, I was at the game because Steve Heighway had given me tickets. Robbie Fowler has been a great hero of mine at the time and I was anxious to see him play. It was not until I got to play I heard another local boy is making his debut. I knew it was Carragher, and from that moment he had spoken with him about Melwood. Seeing his chance was fantastic, not only for himself but for myself, because it showed that the club was giving local kids a chance. When I saw the goal and then his reaction, I just wanted to follow the example and do the same.
And in the years ahead, you agree that perhaps did not get the recognition he deserved?

Yes, certainly. For too long the first time, broke into the team that was underrated. People really do not appreciate the work he was doing. Maybe it was because he was transferred from one hand position-wise. But since its debut until now, no one can criticize the attitude of Carra, effort and commitment to this football club.

What was the turning point in your opinion? Why suddenly become a Kop hero?
The Liverpool fans, the first thing they want is if someone is giving 100 percent and the shirt with pride. Over time, Jamie has done this and proved as a legend in the club. But for me, I trained with him every day. I have seen first hand and perhaps enjoy a bit 'faster.

Liverpool have won many titles in the last 10 years or so - Jamie How was crucial in all this?
Without going into the top, certainly would not have the collection of medals that I have not played the role of Jamie. The trophies we have won together was the first triple in 2001. He played a huge role in that, because the team was based on a strong defense under Gerard Houllier. Obviously, then played a huge role in the Champions League final and certainly would not win the trophy without him. Together we helped each other a lot and played an important role in the trophies that we have collected so much

Raul will be a revelation

Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz is tipping Raul Meireles to be a revelation at Anfield.

The former Porto midfielder was unveiled as a Liverpool player ahead of the 1-0 win over West Brom and Queiroz feels he has all the attributes to be a success in L4.
"I think Raul Meireles is a fantastic player in the national team," said Queiroz.

"He's one of the pillars of the Portugal team. He's a great player and an excellent professional. He has all the conditions to be a success in English football at Liverpool.

"They have just signed the services of a player who stands out for his application, his professional dedication, his technical and footballing quality, and will be very successful for the Liverpool team.

"He's a box-to-box midfielder, he's hard-working, creative, is a good finisher, he's consistent, very solid, a great team player. He's a great person who is serious, he's a player who has a lot of capacity to communicate. He'll be a great reinforcement for the Liverpool team."

First words with our new boys

It's been a busy summer of transfer activity for Liverpool Football Club with 11 new arrivals sweeping through the Melwood entrance.
For many, the chance to wear a liverbird upon their chest is quite literally a dream come true and an opportunity to make a name for themselves with one of the biggest clubs in world football.
Here we look at some of our new recruits and recall what they said in their first interview with the club's official website.

Jonjo Shelvey - arrived from Charlton in May, 2010
"Being at Liverpool is what every kid dreams of. When I was in school and in the playground I used to pretend to be players like Steven Gerrard, so it's unreal to think I'll be training with these players day in and day out."
Milan Jovanovic - arrived from Standard Liege in July, 2010

"Liverpool was always my biggest wish and to be here is a great day in my career and in my life. I knew they were following my games for Standard Liege and also the Serbian national side and when they first made contact with me I was very happy. Liverpool was my only choice and I'm pleased the negotiations were successful."

Joe Cole - arrived from Chelsea in July, 2010

"This is a massive club. I tried to take everything out of the equation, take the financial and location side out and just thought in football terms. I thought about the semi-final of the Champions League in 2005 when I ran onto the field and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I was thinking about playing in that atmosphere every week and that swung it for me."

Danny Wilson - arrived from Rangers in July, 2010

"This is a massive challenge for me. This is one of the best leagues in the world and I will be playing for one of the biggest teams in the world. Coming here from Scotland, people may say I might not be ready for this, but that is a challenge I want to put on myself and that's the reason I came here.

Fabio Aurelio - Re-signed in July, 2010

"It was a strange situation. I didn't really want to leave but it just happened that my contract finished and that was it. So when the opportunity came around to sign again, I was absolutely delighted.


Christian Poulsen - arrived from Juventus in August, 2010
"Roy (Hodgson) didn't have to say that much because Liverpool Football Club is known all around the world, and for people in Denmark, Liverpool are the biggest club in England."

Brad Jones - arrived from Middlesbrough in August, 2010"Obviously rumours fly around but I heard of the interest a couple of weeks ago. Growing up with a mum who's a Scouser, Liverpool was drilled into me and Liverpool's my team. It didn't take too long to think coming here through!"

Raul Meireles - arrived from FC Porto in August, 2010


"Liverpool are an historic club and I am happy for the move. Roy Hodgson was key because he worked so hard to get me. I hope the fans will one day remember me for my success at Liverpool. It has been a long time coming but finally I have achieved my dream of playing in England."

Paul Konchesky - arrived from Fulham in August, 2010

"Danny Murphy spoke very highly of this club. He told me how well it's run, how good it is and how special it is to play for. He told me I am going to love every minute of it."