Kenny Dalglish 'to present ex-Liverpool striker Luis Suarez with Golden Shoe'

Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish will fly to Spain to present Barcelona striker Luis Suarez with his Golden Shoe award next Wednesday, according to reports.

Suarez, 27, is to share the award -- handed to the leading scorer in Europe's top divisions -- with Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo after both players hit 31 goals last season.

The Uruguay international scored his goals in the Premier League with Liverpool before completing a 75 million-pound move to Barcelona on July 16.

Dalglish, who won eight league titles and three European Cups as player and then manager at Liverpool between 1977 and 1991, returned for a 16-month second spell as boss in Jan. 2011, signing Suarez from Ajax shortly after his reappointment.

Suarez is reported to have asked Dalglish, a non-executive director at Anfield, to attend the Golden Shoe presentation ceremony in Barcelona, although it will not be as a piece of official Liverpool club business.

The reports originated in Spanish newspaper Marca, part of the European Sports Media group, which organises the Golden Shoe award.

Suarez's tally of 31 goals last season came despite the fact that he missed Liverpool's opening five league matches as he completed a 10-match domestic ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during a match at Anfield in April 2013.

He set a new club record for the most Premier League goals by a Liverpool player in one season, previously held by Robbie Fowler, who scored 28 times during the 1995-96 season.

Suarez is currently serving a four-month suspension imposed for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during a World Cup match in Brazil on June 24.

His ban, which initially covered all football-related activity, was amended on appeal to cover only competitive matches, meaning that he was available to play in a friendly for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Friday.

He will be available to make his Barcelona debut against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu Stadium on Oct. 25.

Annakar Hallelujah's Blog: Annakar Hallelujah's blog is back to stay!

Annakar Hallelujah's Blog: Annakar Hallelujah's blog is back to stay!

Annakar Hallelujah's blog is back to stay!

Casillas and journalist girlfriend Carbonero celebrate the birth of a baby boy

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has become a father after journalist Sara Carbonero gave birth to a baby boy.

'I want to share with you the most
important and moving moment of
my life: the birth of my son' Casillas said on his website
ikercasillasworld.com.

The football club announced on its
website that the couple has named
their son Martin Casillas Carbonero.

Francesco Totti: Juventus Get Help To Win But Roma Are Better

Francesco Totti has stoked the fire in the build up to Juventus-Roma on Sunday by stating that the Bianconeri always seem to get a bit of help if they need to win.

Totti told Il Messaggero that he believes the Giallorossi are the better team going into the game, but they will have to be wary of Juventus' effect on the match officials.

"We are stronger than the Bianconeri. A draw doesn't interest us, we want to win", he insisted.

 "Singularly, if you take us one by one, we are better. They, however, are stronger as a group. The difference between us and Juve is that they have known each other for some time, then they win and victories help you to grow.

 

"It doesn't matter who comes to Juventus, they know that they have to win. And they know that, one way or another, they'll win. They've always had a bit of help, the evidence is there and there's nothing to be done about it. Once I said that against Juventus you always play with 11 men against 14 and I got suspended.

 

"I hope it's accidental, but after one, two, ten times you always have to be careful".

 

Totti also had a few words to say about the title race, and he believes that Roma need to keep right on Juventus' tail to keep the pressure on as if the gap gets too big, the task will be too much for the Giallorossi.

 

"It's too early to talk about it, we've still got the whole of the second half of the season to go. It's normal that if we're only two or three points behind in March or April then we'll need to think about it, we can't hide ourselves from it.

 

"I hoped that we could stay in front of Juventus but if there's only one game in it then that's ok - they still have to come to the Olimpico. If the gap becomes at least eight points though, then it becomes all the more difficult because Juventus are a steamroller. It's difficult when you drop points.

 

"But they will also have to start playing in the Europa League. If we win we'll give an important signal for ourselves in the championship because it will be us and Juventus, not Napoli, right until the end playing for the scudetto".

Ronaldo to be honored by Portuguese president

The 28-year-old Real Madrid forward, who is already an Officer of the Order of Prince Henry, will now be made Grand Officer for his services to the country and the example he sets to its young people.

The award is just two steps away from the highest-ranked accolade achievable under the system, the Grand Collar, which is reserved for heads of state and those whose achievements are of an "extraordinary and special nature".

A statement on the Presidency of the Portuguese Republic website read: "The President of the Republic will award Cristiano Ronaldo, football player and captain of the national soccer team, with the grade of Grand Officer of the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator.

"The decision of President Cavaco Silva aims to distinguish this internationally renowned sportsperson who has been a worldwide symbol of Portugal, thus contributing towards the country’s international image, and an example of perseverance for the new generations."

The Order of Prince Henry is awarded to those who "render outstanding services to Portugal" and who contribute to "the expansion of Portuguese culture or knowledge of Portugal, its history and its values".

The ceremony is set to take place on Tuesday at the National Palace of Belem in Lisbon.

Víctor Valdes gets medical all-clear

Today is full of good news for FC Barcelona. After this afternoon’s training session Víctor Valdés was given the green light to return to competitive football. Therefore, he’s available for selection for this Sunday’s league match at the Camp Nou against Elche. 

In fact, keeper talked to the press ahead of the Christmas break and said his goal was to be math fit for the game against Elche. He was seen training alongside Juanjo Brau on Christmas day. 

Valdés has been out of action for 44 days due to an injury he picked up in the international friendly against South Africa. During this time José Manuel Pinto has defended Barça’s goal. Valdés has missed a total of eight matches in all competitions (Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey). Of these, the team have won six and lost two (Ajax and Athletic Club) and conceded eight goals.

Friday Transfer Zone: Arsenal in for £32m Costa, Chelsea's Mourinho insists no Higuain bid - by Jack Wilson

Arsenal are ready to splash out £32m on hotshot Diego Costa.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has a crisis with his forwards after stand-in Nicklas Bendtner sprained an ankle scoring in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Cardiff.

He will be out for at least six weeks and first-choice Olivier Giroud is also missing due to an ankle injury.

However, Wenger has insisted Arsenal aren't about to move for Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov.

Staying at the Emirates, Cesc Fabregas was stunned Arsenal managed to snap up Mesut Ozil but admitted: I'm so glad they got him.

Jose Mourinho has denied that Chelsea lodged a £50m bid for Napoli frontman Gonzalo Higuain.

Mourinho said: "He's a player I know that we cannot get."

The Blues boss also insisted Juan Mata hadn't asked for a move away.

Southampton ace Dani Osvaldo banned for three matches for part played in Newcastle melee

The Italian striker will miss tomorrow's FA Cup match with Championship high-flyers Burnley as well as the Premier League games against West Brom and Sunderland for his part in a touchline altercation with the Newcastle bench.

Osvaldo, who smashed the Saints transfer record with his £15m summer move from Roma, has also been fined £40,000, while Newcastle coach Andy Woodman will have to part with £1,250 after being found guilty of improper conduct.

A FA statement read: "Following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today, Southampton’s Dani Osvaldo has been suspended for three matches with immediate effect and fined £40,000 after a charge of violent conduct against him was found proven.

"Osvaldo was charged by The FA following an incident which occurred in or around the 94th minute of his side’s game at Newcastle United on 14 December 2013.

"Newcastle United coach Andy Woodman, who was sent to the stands following the same incident, has been fined £1,250 and warned as to his future conduct after he admitted a charge of improper conduct."

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers charged by FA over Lee Mason

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has been charged by the Football Association for allegedly questioning the integrity of referee Lee Mason.

In his post-match comments following the Boxing Day defeat at Manchester City, the Northern Irishman appeared to question   whether it was correct to have an official from Greater Manchester in charge of the game.

As a result he has been landed with an FA charge to which he has until 6pm on Wednesday to respond.

"Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has been charged by The FA over post-match media comments he made following his side's game against Manchester City on 26 December 2013," the FA said in a statement.

"It is alleged the comments by Rodgers called into question the integrity of the match referee, and/or implied that the match referee was motivated by bias; and/or brought the game into disrepute; and/or amounted to a failure to act in the best interests of the game."

After the City defeat, Rodgers was particularly angry at the decision to disallow a Raheem Sterling goal for offside, despite the player being at least two yards behind the last defender.

"I thought they were horrendous in terms of performance," he said of the officials at the time.

"I thought it was throughout the evening. Hopefully we don't have another Greater Manchester referee again on a Liverpool-Manchester game.

"I was surprised we are playing in Manchester and have a referee from Greater Manchester.

"I am sure we won't get (for) Liverpool-Man City someone from the Wirral."

The day after the game Rodgers insisted he was trying to make a valid point and did not intend to slight Mason.

"In terms of geography, I certainly wasn't questioning the integrity of referees," he said.

"It was more than logical (as a comment) in terms of having a referee from that part of the world refereeing a game in Manchester.

"I wouldn't suspect that Mike Dean, from the Wirral, has refereed many games for Liverpool over the years.

"I was only speaking honestly after the game. I think the FA and the Referees' Association know perfectly well I am someone who engages in supporting the referees."

Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/liverpool-boss-brendan-rodgers-charged-2985107#ixzz2pMfJCFq5 

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Leo Messi back to Barcelona, trains with team

Barcelona striker Lionel Messi has returned to training following a hamstring injury.

The 26-year-old has not featured for the club since November 10, when he was forced off in the 4-1 La Liga victory over Real Betis, and has been recovering in his native Argentina. 

However, Barcelona, who return to action after their winter break against Elche on Sunday, confirmed on Thursday that the Argentina international is back training as expected. 

"Messi is back! Training at Ciutat Esportiva," the Spanish champions stated on their official Twitter account.

If Messi does not feature on Sunday, he could make his return in Barca's Copa Del Rey clash with Getafe on Wednesday. 

After the visit of Luis Garcia Plaza's men, the league leaders visit second-place Atletico Madrid, with the sides only separated by goal difference at the turn of the year.

Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/messi-returns-barca-training#p6uM0YXQGuiox2ei.99

Marco Reus ready to stay at Dortmund

The German international, 24, has been a huge success at Dortmund since moving from fellow Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach in 2012 playing a pivotal role in the club's path to the Champions League final in May.

Dortmund's executive Hans-Joachim Watzke confirmed late last year Reus' current contract contains a buy-out clause, believed to be around £29.4m.

Arsenal, City and United have all been weighing up the possibility of launching bids to activate the midfielder's release clause, however Reus revealed he is more than content to remain at the Westfalenstadion.

"I have a contract with Borussia Dortmund and I am happy to be here," he said.

"All I can say is I can not think of a transition. I'm focused on BVB and everything else is something for the future."

News of Reus' stance will come as a huge relief to Watzke, who was desperate for his star man not to follow the same path of Mario Gotze - the midfielder left Dortmund to join Bayern Munich last summer when his release clause was triggered.

However the decision will come as a blow to Arsenal, City and United as they all attempt to bolster their options ahead of the final five months of the campaign.

Ex-Manchester United star Ole Gunnar Solskjaer named Cardiff manager

The former Molde manager attended Wednesday's defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the company of owner Vincent Tan and chairman Mehmet Dalman, and has been Dalman's number one choice to succeed Malky Mackay in the wake of the Scot's sacking last Friday.

The Welsh club posted the news on their website, writing: "Cardiff City Football Club are delighted to announce that Ole Gunnar Solskjær has joined the club as first team manager.

"Following discussions with Tan Sri Vincent Tan and Club Chairman Mehmet Dalman, Ole, joining Cardiff City from Molde FK, today met with his new squad at the Vale training ground and will soon be unveiled to the press at Cardiff City Stadium."

Solskjaer has enjoyed a successful spell in charge of Molde, guiding them to two Norwegian titles and a Norwegian Cup.

And having been named boss, the 40-year-old spoke of his happiness at being back in the Premier League.

He said: "I've always dreamt of being a manager in the Premier League and I'm delighted to get the opportunity.

"It's a fantastic challenge for me. Cardiff City are ready to take the next step up, I hope I can help them."

And Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who is the longest serving manager in the English top flight, sees no reason why Solskjaer cannot make a success of what would be a first major managerial role.

"I have seen him before the game, and they played like they knew he was in the stand," said the Gunners boss following Wednesday's hard-earned victory.

"Cardiff has the basic ingredients to survive in the Premier League.

"You would say if you look at their record they need to add a bit more goals offensively to stay in the league.

"If he (Solskjaer) can find that in the final third something clinical like he was, then they will stay in the league because they have the basic quality to do it."
Wenger continued: "It is a chance (for Solskjaer).

"Basically what you want when you are young is a chance and after you have to make the maximum of that chance.

"He has already experience as a manager in Norway, so he has learned his job.

"He was an intelligent player, so he is an intelligent boy as well, and that will help him to be successful."

Best of luck Ole...

What to expect in 2014 - Goal.com

The football world will crown a new best team and a new best player this year but there are more issues that will come to a head in 2014

COMMENT
By Peter Staunton

The World Cup and the Ballon d'Or are looming large over the football horizon heading into the new year. 2014, of course, is the year of Fifa's showpiece event - and from this point until the summer a lot of the talk will be about which team comes out on top in Brazil. 

Spain will attempt to retain the trophy and win an unprecedented fourth major tournament in a row. The Spaniards, however, are not going to the finals as favourites; that tag belongs to the hosts who overcame la Roja in the Confederations Cup final in convincing fashion this year. The speculation, now, is that Vicente del Bosque's side have gone as far as they can. It promises to be a fantastic spectacle - with Germany and Argentina, as well as new forces, Belgium and Colombia vying for supremacy. 

There will be some innovation off the field too with the introduction of goal-line technology at the finals for the first time ever. To reach a stage where Brazil is ready for the World Cup though, a lot of work needs to be done. Over half of the stadiums are incomplete with concerns remaining over the safety of a number of venues. Private contractors, and Fifa itself, are cutting it fine. 

The feud for the world's best player has rarely been covered as intensely as it is now that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are top of the pile and that does not show any signs of abating. November's play-off victory for Portugal was less about the Seleccao qualifying for the World Cup than it was about Ronaldo emerging as the front-running contender for the Fifa Ballon d'Or. That his country, albeit thanks to his goals, defeated a modest Sweden after a poor qualification campaign was as good as irrelevant.  

Next week the Ballon d'Or winner for 2013 will be decided. Predictably it's Ronaldo and Messi who lead the charge with Franck Ribery still in the running after a virtuoso year with Bayern Munich. 2014, though, could herald a new era with talents like Neymar and Luis Suarez now ready to cement legacies of their own. 

No team is better placed to retain the European Cup for the first time since 1990 than Pep Guardiola's relentless Bayern Munich. The last-16 draw of the Champions League has conjured intriguing ties but no other team seems as well equipped as Bayern to go the distance. On the home front, too, the Bavarians have had it all their own way and that will continue with another title in 2014 with Borussia Dortmund running out of gas. 

Elsewhere in Europe things are tighter than they are in Germany. In Spain, Barcelona are now jostling with the two Madrid clubs for the Liga title. In England, any one of about six sides could claim to be in the running for the title, while Lille continue to delay the inevitable Paris Saint-Germain-Monaco Ligue 1 showdown. In Italy, meanwhile, Juventus look set for yet another Scudetto with the implosion of Milan the other major talking point. 

The spectre of match-fixing continues to haunt Europe; not a single league is immune from its clutches and this year will no doubt bring more scandal and convictions. Don't be one of these people waiting for the Champions League final to be fixed before you take notice. It's happening all around us. It is an issue which now needs to be fought hard and head on by Fifa, pertinent governing bodies and police forces all over the world. 

Fifa will have a lot on its plate in 2014, the World Cup aside, with crucial 2015 presidential elections coming into view. Sepp Blatter, who will probably contest against Michel Platini, has little in the way of popular approval but maintains sway with crucial federations. With no term limits and no age limits, Blatter is still relatively in control of his own future at the age of 77, but public exasperation with Fifa has reached all time lows. Recent uproar over worker conditions in 2022 World Cup venue Qatar has brought more disapproving focus on Fifa and its practices, yet again, with more revelations due in 2014. 

It could be Uefa president Michel Platini's time as time races against Blatter. 

The beleaguered Platini has fights of his own on his hands - chief among them now the issue of how his body deals with racism in the stands. 2013 showcased some upsetting episodes and the general perception is that Uefa is not tough enough, yet, on teams and supporters who break the rules. More offences in 2014 in this vein will bring more scrutiny. 

The issue of third-party ownership was brought into sharp focus thanks to the Goal Transfer List. Platini has been accused of being naive to the plight of clubs who have come to rely on the practice in order to sign players. However, it has distorted the competitive balance among teams around the world and it remains one of the big unsolved issues in transfer relations. 

Financial Fair Play continues to weed out offenders though and clubs that cannot use third party investors run a greater risk of getting into debt they cannot handle. The latest batch of bans and sanctions send a message out to clubs who cannot put their houses in order but it will take the catching of a big gun before people sit up widely and take notice. 

Uefa has moved to improve its qualification procedure for the European Championships and 2014 will herald a new dawn for many non-elite national teams as winners, runners-up and third-placed teams will fight for a place among the 24 qualified teams in France 2016. 

Before that, the battle for the title of best player in the world - and the best team. 

Happy New Year.

Cry-baby Moyes slams Howard Webb

David Moyes has labelled a controversial decision by World Cup final referee Howard Webb as "scandalous" following his team's 2-1 home defeat by Tottenham Hotspur.

The Manchester United manager was incensed by a late decision not to award United a penalty kick when Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris challenged home winger Ashley Young and questioned whether England's most respected official should be operating in the Premier League.

Despite television pundits widely backing Webb's decision not to give United the penalty, an award that would surely also have led to the goalkeeper's dismissal, Moyes was adamant that the 42-year-old Yorkshireman should be dealt with by the PGMO, the body who appoint match officials.

"It was a scandal," fumed Moyes. "It's reckless, it's late, it's in the penalty box, I don't know what else you can say. If you follow through on a player anywhere else on the pitch, foot-high, it's a sending off and a penalty kick. Ashley Young gets the ball and he follows through. It's an incredible decision that didn't go our way. It's one of the worst I've seen.

"You only hope the people who put the referees in there look to see if the referees are doing as well as they can. But they keep picking them don't they? The people who employ referees are going to have to look at that."

The United manager's angry mood was not helped by Webb showing a yellow card to United youngster Adnan Januzaj for "simulation" in the second half.

It is not the first time this season the talented winger has been punished for diving but, on this occasion, Moyes believed his player was more sinned against than sinning.

"It was a terrible decision," added Moyes. "Adnan gets bumped, the boy tried to nudge him off the ball. That was a terrible decision."

United have now dropped 26 points in the current campaign, one more than they squandered all of last season in winning the title in Alex Ferguson's farewell term. More alarmingly, they now face the real prospect of becoming only the second defending Premier League champions in history to finish outside the top three the following year.

Barcelona Players' New Year's Resolutions - Luis Mazariegos

It's a New Year, a great time to look at some of the things that went wrong in the past year, vow to improve them, and then forget about it by mid February.

With that in mind, here are what Barcelona players ought to be thinking about improving:

Victor Valdes: 2013 was a success, as Valdes made good on his New Year's promise to stop passing the ball to Real Madrid as much. For 2014, he will focus on winning lots of trophies so Andres Iniesta will stop crying.

Martin Montoya: Get a new agent, one who doesn't want him to play for half the teams in Europe not named Barcelona.

Gerard Pique: Begin something called "defending."

Cesc Fabregas: Stop playing forward. Keep playing midfielder.

Javier Mascherano: Grow about 5 inches taller.

Carles Puyol: Become about 5 years younger.

Dani Alves: Grow 5 inches taller and become 5 years younger.

Pedro Rodriguez: Two trips to Madrid (against Getafe and Rayo Vallecano), two hat tricks. Now do it against Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

Andres Iniesta: Now that he has a new contract, perhaps he will make enough money to not have to work at an electronics store.

Xavi: Win the one trophy that up to this point has escaped him, the one that would truly complete his career.. the Europa League.

Alexis Sanchez: Keep scoring his best goal he ever scored against Real Madrid. Forever.

Lionel Messi: Reinforce his hamstrings with adamantium. Then win a World Cup single-handed, just like Diego Maradona did (ahem.)

Adriano: There is not enough adamantium in the world to help this poor guy. (Actually, there is none but shhh.)

Neymar: His 2013 resolution was to stop diving, and he certainly did better... but he's making it his 2014 resolution as well.

Sergio Busquets: See Neymar.

Jose Manuel Pinto: Play in goal with his hair untied. Use his powerful mane to stop goals.

Alex Song: Be less Alex Song.

Jordi Alba: Be as adorable on the pitch as he is off it.

Marc Bartra: Play really, really good then get called up to the Spanish national team, Wait he did this already?? OK then. Keep doing that.

Sergi Roberto: Make everyone be suddenly OK with Thiago Alcantara leaving. No pressure.

Cristian Tello: Improve in every facet of his game that is not "run fast and shoot."

Jonathan dos Santos: Stop getting injured once he started playing minutes.

Oier Olazabal: Stop getting injured having not played a single minute.

Isaac Cuenca : Become more handsome than Pep Guardiola, and force Pep to say "Isaac is so handsome, I'd want him on my team even if he stays injured forever." On that note, stop getting injured.

Ibrahim Afellay: Finally turn 19 years old, having failed to do so for the past 9 years. (This is why he wears #19.) Also, stop getting injured.

Actually, that's a good resolution for this whole team: STOP GETTING INJURED!

Happy new year everybody!

"Mata is free to leave" - Mou

Speaking at a press conference after his sides 3-0 win away to Southampton, the Chelsea trainer said he will not stand in the Spaniard's way if he chooses to leave the club even though he wouldn't want to lose the two-time Chelsea player of the year.

Questions about Mata's fate arose after the playmaker's angry reaction after being substituted in the game against Southampton, with the game still goalless. The number 10 walked furiously past Mourinho and slammed his seat on the bench, a reaction which the Portuguese claimed had nothing to do with his been substituted  but rather the player's desire to win the match.

"I think his frustration was because of the result," he said. "Because he knew we had to win. If we don't win this game the difference to the leaders is bigger so I think his frustration is about this because after the game everyone, including him, was happy in the dressing room and everyone was celebrating. So, for me, I have to believe that the frustration was because of the result."

When will the Mata saga end?

Spurs win mid-table clash at Old Trafford

Tim Sherwood  continued his unbeaten start in the league as Tottenham manager as he led his side to as 2-1 victory at the Old Trafford on Wednesday evening, Spurs second victory at the Old Trafford in consecutive seasons.

Adebayor continued his fine form since returning to the fold by opening the scoring in the 34th minute as he headed in an Eriksen cross past De Gea.

The visitors later extended their lead after the break in the 66th minute through Eriksen, capping up a brilliant counterattack led by Soldado and Lennon. Their concentration was called into question soon afterwards as United pulled one back seconds after Eriksen's strike as Welbeck nicked the ball over Lloris into the back of the net.

Spurs however ensured that there will be no comeback for the champions as they dept with all what the host threw at them right to the death.

The result places Tottenham  6th on the league table, leapfrogging Manchester United who are 7th and are unlikely to be defending their title in May.

Bendtner fires Arsenal top

Nicklas Bendtner was Arsenal's super sub as they returned to the top of the Premier League with a hard-fought win over Cardiff City.

Having watched Manchester City usurp them at the summit with a 3-2 win in the early kick-off against Swansea City, Arsene Wenger's side looked set to lose their grip on first place as managerless Cardiff frustrated them for long periods.

Watched by prospective new boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - who flanked controversial owner Vincent Tan in the Emirates Stadium directors' box - Cardiff held out until Bendtner slammed home in the 89th minute.

And Theo Walcott added gloss to the scoreline with a chipped finish in stoppage time to hand Wenger’s side a one-point advantage at the top.

Liverpool back to winning

The Merseyside outfit had slipped to fifth in the table with losses at title rivals Manchester City and Chelsea, but returned to winning ways by avenging their 3-1 loss to Steve Bruce's men in the reverse fixture last month.

Liverpool created the better openings of the first half and moved ahead on 36 minutes when Philippe Coutinho's corner was met by the head of stand-in captain Daniel Agger.

Suarez doubled the lead on 50 minutes to notch his 20th Premier League goal of the season with an unstoppable bending free-kick, joining Fernando Torres as only the second Liverpool player to score in eight consecutive Premier League home games.

Coutinho then almost had the final say in injury time as he forced McGregor into a stop from close range after a brilliant solo run, but Liverpool were made to settle for a two-goal winning margin.

The result sees Liverpool sit fourth on the table with 39 points from 20 games.