Monday Fulham Stuff (09.05.11)

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http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/hughes-praise-for-dalglish-as-fulham-face-a-tough-task-to-stall-liverpool-2281207.html


Hughes praise for Dalglish as Fulham face a tough task to stall Liverpool

By Jack Pitt-Brooke


Monday, 9 May 2011


Liverpool play at Fulham this evening, hoping to maintain their upward momentum in the Premier League. One of the form teams of recent months, Liverpool have moved within one point of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, from a nadir of 13th place in January. The Fulham manager, Mark Hughes, admits that his team, despite their own good form, will face a "difficult challenge" tonight.

The arrival of Kenny Dalglish in January has led to a radical improvement in Liverpool's form. They have won nine of their past 13 league games, including victories over Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City. An unlikely combination of results could still lead to their finishing fourth, although a successful pursuit of fifth, and Europa League qualification, is more likely.

"Liverpool are playing exceptionally well," Hughes said of Liverpool. "It'll be a difficult challenge for us but, from our point of view, we could say exactly the same. We're playing well, we're playing with confidence, so it's going to be a good match-up. We went to Anfield early in Kenny's tenure and played exceptionally well. We were beaten on the day but we were extremely disappointed that we didn't get anything out of that game."

Hughes put the recent successes at Anfield down to the return of Dalglish. "They seem to be enjoying what is presented in front of them and they're responding to Kenny at the moment and getting good results as a consequence."

Hughes went on to praise Liverpool's January transfer dealings, where they sold Fernando Torres to fund the purchases of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll. "Given the way it's panned out for Fernando Torres," he said, "you'd argue at this moment in time it's the better deal, only because the two guys that have gone in at Liverpool seem to have very quickly struck up a partnership and that seems to be working well for Liverpool. There's signs that there's the possibility Carroll and Suarez will obviously continue in the same vein and be a very strong partnership for Liverpool for years to come."

Fulham winger Damien Duff will miss the game after surgery. Clint Dempsey and Brede Hangeland are both expected to return.

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http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/05/red_alert.php


Red Alert


Posted by Phil Mison 11 hours, 7 minutes ago


Fulham can go 8th with another home win Monday night over Liverpool. Both sides show a marked improvement in form since Christmas - could be a cracker for the sell out crowd.

The demands of TV have pushed our return with Liverpool onto Monday night. Never a popular move for the Fulham diaspora who travel into London for matches. Many have to sprint away from the ground to grab late trains back to the Home Counties. Looking to the bright side, we get the chance to remind a global audience Fulham stand comparison with the best in the Prem, and there's a unique atmosphere generated by the Cottage mid-week under lights that often gets away sides on the back foot.


© Getty Images

Let's by no means underestimate Liverpool. They are however fragile on the road this season and for the new American investors still very much a work in progress. Dalglish is yet to be confirmed in the job, the board are paying down the debt inherited from the previous muddled regime ahead of buying players, and man for man I reckon our starting eleven is every bit as strong as theirs. Neither manager will need reminding we were unlucky not to take at least a point from our game up there in January.

In case you've forgotten, last season Liverpool had their trousers pulled down by the river 3-1, and of course there's no Stevie Gerrard available at present. In 9 previous home meetings in the Prem we've won four, they've won 5, and there's never been a draw. A tenner on 2-2 might be a smart bet...

Hang on, what am I saying? Brede's well again, Schwarzer has been back to his best in recent weeks and Fulham just don't look like conceding goals at home. A win would make it 7 wins out of 8 since January, and in that run only two rather streaky goals by Blackburn have found the net. Both clubs can afford to play without shackles, being well clear of relegation, both are only looking up and aiming to make the Europa Cup again next season. A maximum return from this and the Arsenal fixture (now even more winnable after their surrender at Stoke) will make for a real champagne end to the campaign, justifying Hughes consistent claim that Fulham are a top ten side.

In recent games we've certainly looked the part, playing some of our best football of the season. Deuce returned to training last week and looks to have shaken off a tight hamstring, so competiton for a starting place is fierce. Simon Davies has come in and more than compensated for the absent Duff, now sidelined till the summer after an operation on his ankle. As for Bobby, he's just been a beast since getting back to fitness. I'm not going to guess the line-up. Hughes in recent weeks has wrong-footed us all from his Friday pressers by keeping quiet about strains and niggles picked up in training. Let's hope after a 9 day lay-up everyone's recharged their batteries for the last three games.

Clint will always be affectionately remembered when it comes to games with Liverpool. His first ever goal for the club must forever remain his most important - that is until he pops up with the winner in the European Cup final. Coming off the bench four months into his Fulham career Dempsey's finish at the Hammy End past Reina on May 5 2007 kept us in the top flight. It really was the £10 million pound goal. That 1-0 win was only our 2nd three pointer of a miserable 2007 run-in as Coleman and Kean lost their grip on the team. We stayed up with 39 points, Sheffield United went down. It scarred Warnock for years. The Blades suffered with both our outrageous luck in seeing Liverpool field nine changes in our game with a European Cup Final pending, and - even worse - seeing West Ham let off a points deduction for playing the ineligible Carlos Tevez. So, at last - welcome back Neil!

Fulham were quite awful from December onwards in 06/07, dodgy fill-in Czech keeper for the injured Niemi, lumbering centre-halves, Rosenior and Quedrue at full-back(!), Michael Brown charging around midfield, Helguson and McBride labouring up front with no real playmaker or winger in the side. 10 bookings each that season for both Brown and Helguson - good job there was no Fair Play league back then...

That reminds me to offer congratulations to our near neighbours QPR on their promotion. I await with great interest Warnock's moves in the summer transfer market. That Hoops squad - yes, Helguson, Routledge et al hasn't a prayer next season from what I saw on TV v Leeds. They looked poor. At least we'll have their two local derbies to replace the ones we lose with West Ham. As to who else falls through the trapdoor...it's still in the lap of the gods.

All I really want this week is another resounding home win for the Mighty Whites! A hat-trick from Clint would be a great way to achieve it.

COYW - Twitter@fulhamphil

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http://www.cleansheetsallround.co.uk/2011/05/fulham-ready-to-take-on-arsenal-misfit



Fulham ready to take on Arsenal misfit


Published on May 8, 2011 by Matthew Wood   




Fulham are ready to offer Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner a way out of the Emirates, according to the Daily Mail.

Bendtner, 23, has eight goals this season but hasn't scored in the league since December in a 2-2 draw with Wigan Athletic.

However, the Dane has had limited opportunities with Arsenal throughout the whole of the campaign and has only started three Premier League matches.

Fulham have had injury problems with both Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora this year and may be keen on bringing in another centre forward to bolster their options for next season.

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Europe must still be the main goal for Liverpool insists Dalglish


By Dominic King


Last updated at 2:53 AM on 9th May 2011


Kenny Dalglish has urged Liverpool's players to give themselves a headache next season by taking another step towards European football at Fulham.

Liverpool have resurrected their season to such an extent under the caretaker manager that the prospect of qualifying for the Europa League is now more probable than not, particularly as their main rivals Tottenham are faltering.


Having a ball: Liverpool's caretaker manager Dalglish sets his sights on Europe

But while Harry Redknapp has expressed misgivings over the demands that the Europa League place on a squad, Dalglish would embrace the prospect of playing on a Thursday then a Sunday and wants to juggle that problem.

'People crave for European success, then get in it and don't really take it as an achievement,' said Dalglish.

'I don't know what UEFA can do about it. I can't see how they can play the games at any other time as they aren't going to undermine the Champions League.

'I can't see the Europa League being moved from any day other than Monday. There's not enough room in the calendar to play every other week.'

The revival under Dalglish has been all the more eye-catching as Liverpool have been without injured captain Steven Gerrard for so long, which has forced others to raise their game in his absence.



Dirk Kuyt, Maxi Rodriguez and Luis Suarez have all been match-winners in the captain's absence and Dalglish said: 'In any team you are going to have players who shine more than others.

'Successful teams are the ones with the greatest number of options going forward.

'Everyone has come on. It's great credit to them and the confidence and belief they have in themselves.

'They have built up that confidence themselves with their results. Where you get your ammunition from doesn't really matter but the more choices you have, stronger you are going to be.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1384895/Europe-main-goal-Liverpool-insists-Kenny-Dalglish.html#ixzz1LpVCdMA0

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/may/09/kenny-dalglish-liverpool-fulham?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29

Kenny Dalglish: Liverpool are no longer a two-man team

• Liverpool manager is pleased with attacking options

• Reds have taken 16 points from the last seven games

Tim Rich The Guardian, Monday 9 May 2011


Kenny Dalglish takes his side to Fulham knowing victory will move Liverpool closer to European qualification. Photograph: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Kenny Dalglish insists Liverpool are no longer reliant on two players to carry the rest of the team, as they hope to take a decisive step towards European qualification at Fulham on Monday night.

In their past two seasons most of their opponents operated on the principle that, if you stopped Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, you stopped Liverpool. The pairing was responsible for 39% of their league goals in 2008-09 and 44% last season.

Torres's contribution to Dalglish's regime was minimal before the Spaniard was sold while Gerrard has missed most of the second half of the season through injury. Liverpool have flourished in their absence and, should they overcome Fulham at Craven Cottage and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield next Sunday, a side that were 12th when Dalglish succeeded Roy Hodgson in January would be on the verge of securing European football.

"The more attacking options you have the better it is for everyone," said Dalglish. "Successful teams are the ones with the greatest number of options going forward and no team has been successful without a good dressing room."

Raul Meireles, Maxi Rodríguez and Dirk Kuyt have contributed 24 goals while, since losing 3-1 at West Ham, Liverpool have taken 16 points from seven games to put them on course to qualify for the Europa League. Perhaps because of their European traditions, Liverpool appear more unequivocally in favour of an arduous and financially relatively unrewarding competition than Tottenham.

"The two teams who are going to the final must love it. People crave European success then get in it and don't take it as an achievement," said Dalglish who denied that the prospect of European football had galvanised his team.

"They have pride in the football club they play for," he said. "That is more important than anything else. They have had nothing to play for, other than their pride and reputation, for many weeks. They aren't using anything else now."

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Dalglish's shrewd business impresses Fulham boss Hughes

By Sportsmail Reporter


Last updated at 6:40 PM on 8th May 2011

My Stories Share Fulham manager Mark Hughes believes Liverpool pulled off of a coup by replacing Fernando Torres with Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.

Torres left Anfield for Chelsea in January for a British transfer record fee of £50 million and boss Kenny Dalglish acted swiftly to bring in reinforcements.

 
  Respect: Mark Hughes (right) likes the way Kenny Dalglish (right) is managing Liverpool with a smile

Uruguay international Suarez was drafted in from Ajax for £23 million, before Dalglish completed the signing of 22-year-old Newcastle striker Carroll on transfer deadline day.

The inflated £35 million-plus price tag raised more than a few eyebrows but Hughes believes Liverpool have done some shrewd business.

'I think the view is that they've done good business in terms of the two players they've got in with the money they've got for Torres,' he said.

'Given the way it's panned out for Fernando Torres, you'd argue at this moment in time it's the better deal, only because the two guys that have gone in at Liverpool seem to have very quickly struck up a partnership and that seems to be working well for Liverpool.

'Right through the history of football, there's great partnerships and there's always examples of where one player triggers off the good, positive parts of another player.

'And there's signs that there's the possibility Carroll and Suarez will obviously continue in the same vein and be a very strong partnership for Liverpool for years to come.'

 
  Deadly duo: Andy Carroll (left) and Luis Suarez (right) have struck up a fruitful striking partnership at Anfield

Carroll and Suarez have looked like they could become a lethal partnership for the Reds, who have enjoyed a resurgence since Dalglish returned.

Liverpool were playing poorly and languished 12th in the Barclays Premier League when their former boss returned yet now they sit in sixth place and could still qualify for Europe.

Hughes was quick to praise the work Dalglish has done in his second spell at the helm but is hoping Fulham can pick up a result when the pair do battle tomorrow.
'Liverpool are playing exceptionally well,' he said.

'From the outside looking in, I think it seems that they're a group that are playing with a smile on their faces, they seem to be enjoying their work - for whatever reason.


Bringing back the good times: Suarez (left) and Carroll (right) with manager Kenny Dalglish

'It's probably the personality of the manager, I would suggest, because he always played with a smile on his face.

'At times, he'd moan and groan as a player. But, certainly, when you see him with a big smile, that filters through to the group he's working with, I'm sure.

'They seem to be enjoying what is presented in front of them and they're responding to Kenny at the moment and getting good results as a consequence.

'It'll be a difficult challenge for us but, from our point of view, we could say exactly the same.

'We're playing well, we're playing with confidence, so it's going to be a good match-up.

'We went to Anfield early in Kenny's tenure and played exceptionally well.

'We were beaten on the day but we were extremely disappointed that we didn't get anything out of that game.

'If we play as well as we did on that day then we'll go close.

'But we would argue that we have the potential to play even better, given that we're the home side this time.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1384849/Kenny-Dalglishs-shrewd-business-transfer-market-impresses-Fulham-boss-Mark-Hughes.html#ixzz1LpWVfMem

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http://www.kopsource.com/match-preview-fulham-vs-liverpool/

Match Preview: Fulham vs Liverpool

Posted on 08. May, 2011


by Simon Furnivall in Match Reports, News


Liverpool have the opportunity to stake a huge claim for 5th place and Europa League football next season when they visit Fulham on Monday evening. Spurs' draw against Blackpool means that the Reds can open up a two point gap ahead of the clash between the two sides at Anfield next weekend. Taking all three points from Craven Cottage will be a tough challenge, however, as Fulham have lost only three times in seventeen games at home this season.

Overview

The upwards trend of Liverpool under Kenny Dalglish has surpassed the expectations of even the most optimistic fan and the Reds can now consider themselves to be in the box seat in the race for 5th place. Seven points from their remaining three games would all but ensure Europa League football at Anfield in 2011-12, and with Spurs still to travel to Anfield and Eastlands, the Reds' may not even need that many points should Harry Redknapp's team be unable to reverse their current form.

Liverpool go into the match 2nd in the form table, behind only Chelsea, having collected 13 points from the last six games, though their two away trips in April yielded only one point with the last gasp draw at Arsenal having been preceded by the disappointing defeat at the Hawthorns.

After a shaky first half of the season, which saw them drop briefly into the relegation zone after a 1-0 loss at White Hart Lane on New Year's Day, Fulham have climbed their way up the table and currently sit in 10th place. Indeed, they have not lost at Craven Cottage since their Boxing Day game against West Ham. The return of Bobby Zamora, who suffered a broken leg early in the season, seems to have been key to their revival, and leaving west London with three points securely won will be no easy task.

When the two sides last met, back at the end of January, a 52nd minute John Pantsil own goal gave Dalglish his first Anfield win since returning to the job and propelled the Reds up to seventh place in the table. A repeat of that score line would be greatly appreciated by all at Liverpool.

Team News

Liverpool are likely to welcome Andy Carroll back into the starting line up after the knee injury suffered against Arsenal kept him out of the visit of Birmingham and restricted him to a substitute appearance against Newcastle. Fábio Aurélio, likewise injured against Arsenal, and Milan Jovanovic, who has been suffering with a knee injury, have both returned to training, but neither is likely to be drafted straight into the starting line up.

Should Carroll be deemed fit enough to start, Maxi Rodríguez, fresh from having scored four goals in two games, will likely drop to the bench with the rest of the side remaining unaltered. That would mean a fifth consecutive start for right back John Flanagan, whose unflappable performances continue to impress.

Fulham are hopeful of being able to call on both Clint Dempsey and Brede Hangeland as they aim for their highest ever Premier League points tally. Steve Sidwell has performed well since joining the club in January and will continue his partnership alongside Danny Murphy in central midfield.

Starting XIs

Fulham (possible)

Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido; Davies, Sidwell, Murphy, Dempsey; Gudjohnsen; Zamora

Liverpool (probable)

Reina; Flanagan, Carragher, Skrtel, Johnsen; Kuyt, Spearing, Lucas, Meireles; Suárez; Carroll

Quotes

"Fulham played very well here earlier on in the season. We beat them 1-0 and were quite fortunate. They're on a good run, so it's going to be difficult for us as every game is. They've had an excellent season and if they hadn't had as many draws as they did at the beginning of the season, they'd be a lot higher up in the league. We know what we're going to face. We know it's going to be difficult as we saw what they can do here." Kenny Dalglish on the tough task awaiting Liverpool at Craven Cottage.

"I think Mark is an excellent manager. He's had an excellent managerial career and he's just carried on that. He's got fantastically supportive and loyal backroom staff that he takes with him wherever he goes, and they are a formidable team off the pitch." Dalglish has praise for his opposite number.

Stats

6 – Fulham have kept 6 clean sheets in their last 7 home league matches. Only Blackburn have breached the Craven Cottage defence since the 3-1 defeat against West Ham on Boxing Day.

150 – Pepe Reina will make his 150th consecutive Premier League appearance for the Reds. The Spaniard last missed a league match on the final day of the 2006-07 season.

0 – Fulham and Liverpool have never played out a draw in the Premier League.

5 – Should Dirk Kuyt score on Monday night, he will become the first Liverpool player to score in 5 consecutive league matches since John Aldridge in 1989.

15 – Liverpool have scored in each of their last 15 league matches.

Prediction

1 – 2

As tough as this encounter will be given Fulham's formidable home record in 2011, I feel that the run of form the Reds are on, the confidence that such a run brings and the extra incentive of a place in European football will carry them through to a sixth win in the last eight league matches.

The physical confrontation between Carroll and Hangeland should be enjoyable to watch, whilst Fulham will likely drop their midfield deep to try and restrict the space in which Luis Suárez can work. The Uruguayan's movement has proven a match for any defence so far, however, and with Kuyt in the form of his life, Liverpool have plenty of goal threats.

A win would propel them back into 5th place, and whilst Spurs seem to be trying to convince themselves that they'd rather finish 6th than have to deal with the Europa League, Liverpool's players have their sights set on ensuring that they have continental competition next season. If for no other reason than that, I'm backing the Reds to emerge from London victorious.

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http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6921619,00.html

Hughes applauds Reds' business


Carroll and Suarez viewed as perfect replacements for Torrres


Last Updated: May 8, 2011 4:23pm



Fulham manager Mark Hughes believes Liverpool are currently benefiting from replacing Fernando Torres with Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll.

Torres left Anfield for Chelsea in January for a British transfer record fee of £50million and boss Kenny Dalglish acted swiftly to bring in reinforcements.

Uruguay international Suarez was drafted in from Ajax for £23m, before Dalglish completed the signing of 22-year-old striker Carroll from Newcastle on transfer deadline day.

The inflated £35m-plus price tag for Carroll raised more than a few eyebrows, but Hughes believes Liverpool, who travel to Fulham on Monday night, have done some shrewd business.

"I think the view is that they've done good business in terms of the two players they've got in with the money they've got for Torres," he said.

Live on Sky Sports
vs Fulham v Liverpool
May 9, 2011 7:30pm

.Remote Record.."Given the way it's panned out for Fernando Torres, you'd argue at this moment in time it's the better deal, only because the two guys that have gone in at Liverpool seem to have very quickly struck up a partnership and that seems to be working well for Liverpool.

Moan and groan
"Right through the history of football, there's great partnerships and there's always examples of where one player triggers off the good, positive parts of another player.

"And there's signs that there's the possibility Carroll and Suarez will obviously continue in the same vein and be a very strong partnership for Liverpool for years to come."

Hughes was also quick to praise the work Dalglish has done in his second spell at the helm of Liverpool.

"It's probably the personality of the manager, I would suggest, because he always played with a smile on his face," added Hughes.

"At times, he'd moan and groan as a player. But, certainly, when you see him with a big smile, that filters through to the group he's working with, I'm sure."

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http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/05/08/fulham-v-liverpool-preview-andy-carrolls-reds-have-europe-in-s/


Fulham v Liverpool Preview: Andy Carroll's Reds Have Europe in Sight

08/5/2011 9:50 AM GMT By Ian Whittell


PREMIER LEAGUE, CRAVEN COTTAGE, 09 MAY 2011. KICK-OFF 2000 BST

Less than three months ago few would have picked Liverpool for a European spot – or Fulham for a top-ten place in the Premier League.

But thanks to the managers of both teams – plus, in the case of Fulham, the returns from injury of key players – their prospects of finishing on a high are far greater than many would have predicted.

Kenny Dalglish, for all his reticence and reluctance to crack a smile, has led the Reds on a run where they have lost just once in 13 matches – a remarkable feat in anybody's eyes.

Whatever fans' views of the way Roy Hodgson was treated, the club was in trouble under the current West Brom manager.

And in mid-October, when Liverpool were languishing in the bottom three on a dismal run of form, there would have been few that will have predicted they could put themselves in a position to sneak into a Europa League place with three games remaining.

Mark Hughes' record at Fulham is less spectacular but solid enough for the club to be on course for a huge improvement on last season's 14th place – which is quite an achievement considering that just over a month ago they were two points off the relegation zone.

Hughes' men may go into this thinking there is little at stake – but the manager is desperate to make good on his claims that they are worthy of recognition as a top-ten side. If they get something out of Liverpool his claims will more than hold water.

Key match-up: Brede Hangeland v Andy Carroll. Hangeland, who is set to return from illness, is a cultured centre-half – literally, as he enjoys visiting museums in his spare time. He is adept at keeping large, physical strikers such as Carroll at bay. Carroll is finding his feet at his new club and will get little change out of Hangeland.

Form guide: Fulham have won their last three home games, scoring three in each fixture. Liverpool have won all but one of their last four games – but have claimed three points on the road just once since January.

Odds: Fulham 21-10, Draw 9-4, Liverpool 11-8.


FULHAM:
Hughes knows Liverpool have more to play for on Monday, but he is eager for Fulham to pass a milestone of their own.

If Fulham win their remaining three games they will surpass their highest-ever points total in the Premier League, 53, achieved by Hodgson to ensure qualification for the Europa League.

And Hughes said: "That's a challenge for us and that's something that we'll use as a motivation going into these last three games. It could've been easy to switch off after the Bolton result, to be fair, because we were safe as near as damn it.

"But I didn't see any inkling that's what the players were feeling when we went up against Sunderland. In the second half, I thought we were excellent and took the game away from them. So it's more of the same for the games we have remaining."

Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer concurred, adding: "We wish the season was going on a bit longer because we're starting to hit some really good form and we look strong away from home. We want to build on our home form and take it into away games.

"There's a lot of desire within this squad, not to mention a lot of competition for places. We saw that in abundance last Saturday and we have a lot of players trying to stake their claim, which is very healthy."

Strategy: Hughes will continue with his three-pronged attacking line-up, with Andy Johnson at the head, backed up by Mousa Dembele behind him and Clint Dempsey out wide.

Injury update: Hangeland will return to the back four after recovering from illness, but Damien Duff is out for six weeks after Achilles surgery. Dempsey has recovered from a hamstring strain.

LIVERPOOL:
Although he himself will be missing through injury, Liverpool club captain Steven Gerrard has paid tribute to long-time teammate and close friend Jamie Carragher who will reach a personal landmark against Fulham.

The encounter at Craven Cottage will be Carragher's 666th appearance for Liverpool's first-team, one more than Emlyn Hughes and Ray Clemence, and move him into second place in the club's all-time appearance list.

Only Ian Callaghan's 857 appearances stand ahead of him and while another 200 matches will probably be asking to much of the 33-year-old, Gerrard believes Liverpool's fans should salute Carragher for the example he sets at Anfield.

He told the Daily Mirror: "Carra is unbelievable, and I am one of his biggest fans. I have seen his attitude for more than a decade and I don't believe he gets enough credit for it.

"What some people don't appreciate with Carra is he puts his body on the line. Week in week out, he will push through the pain barrier for himself and the club.

"He's breaking records right at the highest level of the game because of his attitude. He's an absolute credit to himself.

"Some of the youngsters at our club will get the opportunity to progress, but they will only achieve that if they listen to the people that count, experienced players like Jamie Carragher."

Strategy: Liverpool have scored eight and conceded none in their last two encounters and Dalglish will be hopeful of more of the same against Fulham. Luis Suarez and Dirk Kuyt have been in stunning form of late while Maxi Rodriguez and Carroll will both be looking to make an impact as Carragher and Martin Skrtel keep things steady at the back.

Injury Update: Liverpool have no new concerns to report with Martin Kelly (hamstring), Gerrard (groin), Fabio Aurelio (thigh) and Daniel Agger (knee) all missing out.

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http://paisleygates.com/?p=3476


It Doesn't Matter If You're Red or White


Posted: 8th May 2011


by steven. in Match Preview, Premier League


I've never met a honest to goodness Fulham fan before. With all the teams floating around London, I've met supporters of at least half of them and that's no small feat when you come from a small town in Canada. But Fulham? Never once. Gooners, Headhunters, Spurs, QPR, Leyton Orient and the list goes on and on but never once a Cottager. I'll tell you what though, when I do run into a fan of the Lilly Whites, I'm going to shake their hand for continuing to support a team that's won sweet FA and for having a ground that plays host to a statue of the deposed King of Pop. That is quite the combination...

Though most of us have never seen Michael in the flesh, those of you making a trip down the M-15 for our Monday night clash with Fulham are likely going to see the jheri-curled one and weather permitting a little bit of the football as well. I wouldn't blame you if you just wanted to hang out with Mike though, matches at the Cottage haven't been that much fun for the opposition lately.

With Fulham turning in their best form in recent memory since the turn of the year, they're only 1 win off of equaling a club best 4 Premier League wins on the trot but come up against a Liverpool side that has refused to lie down and just die already. With both Tottenham and City losing today, Red's have been frantically crunching the numbers to see what it would take to guarantee us European football next season. With trips to the continent and all that delicious foreign food on the line, motivation is at an all time high.

News that Fulham nuisance and perpetually injured winger Damien Duff will miss this one, as well as the remainder of the season, with a achilles injury is welcome if your not a member of the home faithful. When the Cottager's last made their way to Anfield, they put in a performance that deserved at least point only for the home team to scrape out an ugly 1-0 win. Mark Hughes felt a bit hard done by after we ran away with all his points so throwing a wrench in our spokes will be high on his list of priorities. Hard to blame him for that, considering it's his job to win. He used to play for Manchester United as well which makes it even worse. Not only that, his nickname is "Sparky". Odd, no?

Since this whole post has been somewhat odd due to spending the entire day in the yard doing the gardening1 I'm going to go ahead and say that not only does Jay Spearing have an inverted jheri-curl but he signed himself a nice new contract ahead of the match after turning in another impressive performance last time out. Good for Jay and good for us. Now score against the Cottagers already.

Ta-ra for now!

-steven.

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http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/prev/fm_preview_fulham_v_liverpool_09_may_2011_676248/index.shtml


FM Preview: Fulham v Liverpool 09 May 2011

By Footymad


Updated Sunday, 8th May 2011

The game between Fulham and Liverpool in the Premier League on 9th May 2011 at 20:00 takes centre stage for FootyMad's preview analysis.

History of the Fulham v Liverpool fixture

Fulham prepare to entertain Liverpool at Craven Cottage on Monday evening, needing to improve on a poor record between the sides. The visitors have won 13 of the 30 previous games, with the Cottagers winning just 10.

The most recent encounter between these two sides at Craven Cottage was just last season, in October 2009, with Fulham running out comfortable 3-1 winners in a Premier League match.

Recent encounters between the teams

Season Date Team Result Team Comp
2010/2011 Wed 26 Jan Liverpool 1 - 0 Fulham Premier League
2009/2010 Sun 11 Apr Liverpool 0 - 0 Fulham Premier League
2009/2010 Sat 31 Oct Fulham 3-1 Liverpool Premier League
2008/2009 Sat 04 Apr Fulham 0 - 1 Liverpool Premier League
2008/2009 Sat 22 Nov Liverpool 0 - 0 Fulham Premier League
2007/2008 Sat 19 Apr Fulham 0 - 2 Liverpool Premier League
2007/2008 Sat 10 Nov Liverpool 2 - 0 Fulham Premier League

For a detailed analysis of the complete head-to-head record between the two sides, click here

Recent respective form guides

Fulham have lost just once in their last six home games, winning four and drawing the other one. The Cottagers have scored 10 and conceded 3 during this period.

In complete contrast to Fulham, Liverpool are having a torrid time on their travels, seeing them win just 1 and draw 2 of the last six. Only 5 goals have been registered in this time, with 7 leaked at the wrong end.

Fulham lie just outside the playoff positions in the Barclays Premier League, picking up 45 points from their 35 games so far.

Liverpool's total of 55 points from their 35 games sees them sitting in the playoff places in Barclays Premier League.

Current overall team form

Team P W D L F A P
Fulham 6 3 1 2 11 5 10
Liverpool 6 4 1 1 15 3 13

For a detailed analysis of current team form guides in this or any division, click here

FootyMad's prediction ...

Its been a distinctly poor show from Fulham at home in recent games, and, though we cannot see a run starting here, we do think the Cottagers will at least gain a draw. No-score draw

Sequence statistics

Team Sequences
Fulham Won 3 successive home games.
5 games since last home draw.
Unbeaten run of 3 matches.

Liverpool Not won in previous 2 away matches.
5 games since last defeat.

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Hughes boards the Dalglish for Liverpool bandwagon

Published 23:00 08/05/11


By Darren Lewis





Mark Hughes has added his voice to the calls for Kenny Dalglish to be handed the permanent Liverpool job.

Only Chelsea (35) have taken more Premier League points than the Reds (30), since Dalglish succeeded Roy Hodgson in early January.

The Welshman (right), whose Fulham team host Liverpool tonight, said: "You'd argue he couldn't do anything more to be perfectly honest.

"There seems to be a delay in making the decision, but I think everyone would be surprised if he didn't get it.

"They've got a great squad, but for whatever reason Roy found it difficult to get them pulling in the same direction.

"They are enjoying their football now, which is a credit to the impact Kenny has been able to have on the group."



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-s-Mark-Hughes-believes-Kenny-Dalglish-should-be-given-Liverpool-job-permantly-article733722.html#ixzz1LpZYU48m

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http://fulham.theoffside.com/match-preview/match-preview-liverpool-a.html

Match Preview: Liverpool (a)

By: Sam | May 8th, 2011


Tomorrow's match follows the drama of a weekend where teams fought in a relegation battle and one team effectively clinched the league title. It will be a game after the party. Two teams will meet; not for the sake of trophies, survival or qualifying for Europe but for the simple reason that each play football and each are part of a league.

The 'lost' invite to the weekend's party was due to re-scheduling. Maybe a good thing, sometimes parties can get pretty messy. But it's also quite a nuisance. Fans must rearrange and fans from different time zones to that of GMT must readjust sleeping patterns. It also means you get pretty bored over the weekend while everyone else enjoys the football.

Back to this actual game. Liverpool are second in the form table with five wins in their last eight games. Kenny Daglish has turned the fortunes of Liverpool and are certainly looking up. It would have been interesting for Woy to be part of a welcome return to the Cottage with Liverpool. But Hodgson's strict tactically astute defenseive approach to the game didn't suit Liverpool. Which allowed Daglish to take charge and bring a fluid attacking approach to the game that looks successful as they sit sixth.

Fulham are also looking up, too. Mark Hughes' methods are starting to reap their rewards. Back-to-back 3-0 wins home and away means Fulham are fifth in the form table, being beaten only once in the last eight games – and that was against soon to be crowned champions Man United.

More positive news for Fulham will be the likely return of Clint Dempsey and Brede Hangeland to the line-up. After missing the win over Sunderland, they will hopefully be fresh, fit and ready to take on Liverpool. Apart from Damien Duff and Zoltan Gera sidelined, there are no other new injury concerns.

With each team at full force the tactical battle will be integral. One tactic which Fulham could exploit is Liverpool's lack of width. Their midfield consists of no wide players, yet continue to play 4-4-2.* Fulham, on the other hand, have Simon Davies and Gael Kakuta in a 4-4-2. Each showed against Sunderland that they are on exceptional form out wide. Behind them, they have Carlos Salcido and Chris Baird who are equally adept at running down the flanks.

A win for either team will not greatly effect the rest of the league table nor the expectations of each club. Liverpool needed to find form – and eventually done so. Fulham are where Hughes wants them to be – in the top ten and look set to stay there. So, job done for each team.

Well, is it? With Stoke's 3-1 home win over Arsenal this weekend, Stoke currently sit eighth. If there are any contenders for Fulham's arch-nemisis this season, Stoke would be the man with the maniacal laugh. After that tackle on Dembele and after some words off the pitch from Captain Murphy, Fulham and Stoke are engaged in a footballing rivalry for the forseeable future. A win against Liverpool on Monday would send Fulham into eighth to thwart the FA Cup finalists.

* = A Jonathan Wilson (who else?) observation for an article in World Soccer

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Fulham v Liverpool: Hughes hopes to topple the King



Posted by Colin Illingworth at 07:00 AM 


If only the Liverpool owners listened to the fans at the start of the season. They were desperate to have King Kenny back in the dugout, not Roy Hodgson, and you only have to look at the marked improvement in the team since the King returned. Had Dalglish been appointed sooner, Liverpool would now be in a great position to pip Manchester City and Spurs to fourth spot. After this weekend's results it could still happen, but first they must beat Fulham at the Cottage.

Craven Cottage has been a difficult place for Liverpool in the past decade. They have left west London with maximum points on five occasions but the Cottagers have won four meetings of their own, including last season's emphatic 3-1 win.

Fulham go into tonight's game in a rich vein of form. They have lost one of their past five outings, haven't lost at home in the league in 2011 and Blackburn are the only visiting team to have score against them during that period. Mark Hughes has transformed the club since Christmas and look to finish the campaign with a flourish. The former Manchester United and Everton marksman would love nothing better than stopping the Liverpool juggernaut.

At Anfield, Liverpool have been unbeatable, but it's a different story away from home. They have won only three times on their travels during 2011 and Dalglish will have to rectify that if they are to sneak fourth place. With the likes of Carroll, Suarez and Kuyt, Liverpool will always threaten the opposition, but can they beat Mark Schwarzer and keep Bobby Zamora and Clint Dempsey quiet? Liverpool fans will certainly hope so.

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/8501382/Fulham-v-Liverpool-excellent-run-proves-we-are-no-longer-a-two-man-team-says-Kenny-Dalglish.html


Fulham v Liverpool: excellent run proves we are no longer a two-man team, says Kenny Dalglish



Kenny Dalglish believes Liverpool's revival from mid-table mediocrity to the cusp of a European place since his appointment in January has laid to rest the idea that the Anfield side had become a two-man team.



New blood: Kenny Dalglish with new signing Luis Suarez Photo: PA By Rory Smith 7:15AM BST 09 May 2011
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Dalglish's side travel to Fulham on Monday night knowing that a victory would take them above Tottenham Hotspur into fifth place, just four points shy of Manchester City in the final Champions League slot.

Though catching Roberto Mancini's team is highly unlikely, such proximity to rejoining Europe's elite was unthinkable when Dalglish replaced Roy Hodgson, with Liverpool languishing in 13th place.

That Liverpool's fortunes have improved so markedly in the past five months is all the more impressive given that the team's two totems have been either wholly or largely absent.

Fernando Torres was sold to Chelsea on transfer deadline day for £50million, while captain Steven Gerrard has not played since March because of a groin injury.

In their stead, Liverpool have looked to a host of sources of attacking inspiration, from Raul Meireles, Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll to the consistent Dirk Kuyt and even Maxi Rodriguez, who has now scored four goals in his past two games.

As he plans for a summer overhaul, Dalglish knows his side are in a much stronger position than in previous years, when the perception was that if either Gerrard or Torres did not play, neither did Liverpool.

"The more options you have, the better it is for everyone," he said. "In any team, you are going to have players who shine more than others. Successful teams are the ones with the greatest number of options going forward.

"Everyone has come on. It is great credit to them and the confidence and belief they have in themselves. The more choices you have, the stronger you are going to be."

Fulham manager Mark Hughes has called on Liverpool's owners to put the club's fans at ease by confirming Dalglish as full-time manager.

"They've got a great squad but for whatever reason Roy [Hodgson, the previous manager] found it difficult to get the group pulling in the same direction," said Hughes.

"Kenny was able to address that very quickly and straight away everyone was on board. They just seem to be enjoying their work and getting as high as they can in the Premier League.

"That's a credit to the impact Kenny has been able to have on the group.

"You would think they should give him the job now. Goodness me, you'd argue he couldn't do anything more. Liverpool are playing exceptionally well and from the outside it seems that they are a group that are playing with a smile on face."

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http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6922742,00.html


Hughes happy at Fulham


Former Chelsea striker not listening to speculation



Last Updated: May 9, 2011 7:59am



Mark Hughes insists he is happy in his job as Fulham manager after being mooted as a contender to take charge at Chelsea.

The former Manchester United striker is enjoying his first season at the Fulham helm and has the club on course for a top-10 finish in the Premier League.

His work at Craven Cottage, coupled with his efforts at previous clubs Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City, has seen the Welshman put forward as a contender for the Chelsea position.

Reports suggest current Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti is likely to be replaced at the end of the season following the failure to win a trophy this term.

Live on Sky Sports
vs Fulham v Liverpool
May 9, 2011 7:30pm

Remote Record..However, Hughes is not being distracted by talk of a potential switch to Fulham's local rivals and is focused on his present post.

Very happy

"I've still got another year left (on my contract)," said Hughes, who spent three years as a player at Stamford Bridge after leaving United and has also been linked with Aston Villa.

"I'm very happy here and I'd like to think I project that.

"I'm very happy with the job I have and the group of players I have and we can be successful here."

He added: "That [speculation is] not coming from me or from the people who purport to represent me.

"It's just out there as a consequence of what we do. But I'm very happy here and really enjoying my time."

[White Noise]

Jamie Carragher ready to make Liverpool FC history while banishing Fulham memories

by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo


May 9 2011


JAMIE CARRAGHER is on a mission to ensure he celebrates a special landmark in style tonight as he looks to banish the memory of last season's miserable trip to Craven Cottage.

The defender will move into second place in Liverpool's all-time appearance list when he plays his 666th game for the club against Fulham.

Carragher was sent off in a 3-1 defeat when the sides last met in the capital in October 2009 and wants to ensure he remembers tonight's clash for all the right reasons.

"It's going to be a proud night for me but the most important thing is getting three points," he said.

"The last time we went to Fulham we didn't play well and me getting sent off just capped a bad day.

"There are always little things in the back of your mind you use for motivation and that's one of them. Hopefully I can redeem myself.

"The previous season Yossi Benayoun scored the winner in the last minute so it's not been that long since we won there. It's a massive game for us."


Tottenham's failure to beat Blackpool on Saturday means the Reds only need a point to reclaim fifth spot tonight.

Spurs travel to Anfield next Sunday but Carragher insists Liverpool must focus on Fulham.

Mark Hughes' ninth placed side have hit a rich vein of form and are unbeaten at home since December.

"This is probably even more difficult than the Spurs game," he said.

"Fulham are playing really well at the moment and at home they are always good.

"They are very solid and well organised. The pitch at Craven Cottage is very tight so it's difficult to break them down

"But we are in good form ourselves so it should be a great game."

Carragher, who will move above Emlyn Hughes and Ray Clemence in the Reds' all-time appearance list, is guaranteed a warm ovation from the travelling fans when he leads Liverpool out tonight.

Their support means a great deal to the stand-in skipper who knows no player gets judged more harshly than one who has progressed through the ranks.


"The supporters have been fantastic to me," he said.

"They probably see me as like them. I'm a supporter and I feel the results like them. When you lose you take it home with you.

"Towards the end under Gerard Houllier when we weren't doing well I maybe got a bit of stick but I was playing full-back and that wasn't my position.

"I ended up playing for England there so I obviously did a good job but a modern full-back flies up the wing and that wasn't me. I'm just glad I ended up going back to centre-back. In football you have critics and you have ups and downs. It can be tough for local lads.

"Everyone is delighted for the young lads coming through at the moment. But if they are here for a long time they will have critics, don't worry about that. They will have to come through that.

"It can easily change from one week to the next."


Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2011/05/09/jamie-carragher-ready-to-make-liverpool-fc-history-while-banishing-fulham-memories-100252-28658884/#ixzz1LqSXqWiy

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http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/the-view-from-fulham-1


The view from Fulham

9th May 2011 - Latest News



Fulham fan and the Daily Telegraph's online Olympics Editor Nick Pearce provides the view from Craven Cottage ahead of Liverpool's trip to London.

How are Fulham fans feeling about our visit?

Both sides are enjoying something of a purple patch, with early season worries long forgotten. Our home form is excellent though so I'm very confident of a result. I think we all would have preferred to have hosted LFC without Suarez and Carroll on your books though.

You've got nothing to play for really, have you?

I don't really agree that we've got nothing to play for. If Fulham get maximum points from their last three games then it will be our highest ever points total in the league. While qualification to the Europa League - a tournament we're very fond of in South-West London - is a very real prospect via the Fair Play. Finishing as high as possible can only help us. As for results? Three out of our last five games have been 3-0 wins!

How would you assess your season?

I must admit that at the beginning of the Mark Hughes era I was incredibly sceptical about the club. Too many tedious draws in games we should have won. And we've only just been able to say 'we're safe'. The low would definitely be the 3-1 home defeat to West Ham on Boxing Day - a video nasty from my dad's telly in the West Country. No spirit and no answer - that's when my calls for Hughes' head were at their loudest. The high for me was the 4-0 FA Cup win over Spurs. We played to the best of our abilities and stuffed a noisy London rival in the process - perfect.

You been enjoying the Jacko statue?

Yeah definitely. I'm not a fan of the man but I like the quirkiness of it all. Have a sense of humour and enjoy it! I also go running past the ground a lot and it always makes me chuckle when I see it. It's also brought a lot of sight-seers to the ground and maybe they'll check out a match so they can get a closer look?

Can you recommend somewhere for LFC fans to get a drink or something to eat before the game?

I believe the 'Eight Bells' right by Putney Bridge tube station is run by a Red. In fact I know it is - I've watched an MUFC game and heard the banter!

Which players make Fulham tick?

I think every Fulham fan feels safe when they see Brede Hangeland's name on the teamsheet. He loves to pass it out from the back, in fitting with our style, and he's a rock in defence capable of chipping in with the odd goal. Clint Dempsey has just become our leading Premier League scorer too so when he's on the field at the Cottage you know we'll threaten the away side's goal.

Who do you rate on our side?

I mentioned them earlier but Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll are top-class strikers. Our last three games against Sunderland, Bolton and Wolves has not been especially challenging for our defence but Monday will be a completely different kettle of fish. Elsewhere Lucas and Meireles have done a great job in galvanising your midfield.

Fulham weaknesses?

We are prone to occasional lapses in defence - and we really can't afford that against Liverpool. And we are probably a bit guilty of being too reliant on a small group of players for goals.

Best and worst memories of playing us at your place?

My best memory would have to be in 2002 when Facundo Sava - he of the Zorro mask celebration - scored a brace and we won 3-2. His celebration was class and it was one of our first proper Premier League scalps. Worst memory? Take your pick - but the 4-2 defeat in '04 having been 2-0 up at half-time is probably the worst.

Score prediction?

I'm feeling confident about this one. 2-1 Fulham.

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http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_1_7557_club-focus-âÃ,€Ã,Â"-liverpool-âÃ,€Ã,Â"-reds-continue-march-towards-europa-league-spot-after-season-to-forget.html


Club Focus – Liverpool – Reds continue march towards Europa League spot after season to forget

By Mushtaq Quraishi


Monday 09 May 2011


In-form Liverpool face Fulham on Monday night knowing that a draw would take them back into the top five ahead of Champions League quarter-finalists Tottenham Hotspur. Prior to their last game against the Cottagers, Liverpool were sat in a disappointing tenth spot, with a meagre 29 points from 23 games. However, a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mark Hughes' stubborn side back in January allowed the Merseysiders to climb up to a respectable seventh place in the Premier League, and they have not slipped below that position since.

Although Reds fans did not know it back then, that clash against Fulham was to be quite significant, for it was Fernando Torres' final game in a Liverpool shirt before the striker secured a big-money move to champions Chelsea. Many consider Torres' departure as a key turning point in the fortunes of the club. Although he was considered a Kop idol back then, out went the sulky Spaniard – who so clearly no longer felt at home on Merseyside –and in came the skilful Luis Suarez and target man Andy Carroll. The rest, as they say, is history.

The team that faced Fulham at Anfield earlier in the season was quite different to the one which will be named tonight; Daniel Agger, Steven Gerrard and Martin Kelly will not feature at Craven Cottage, while Christian Poulsen is extremely unlikely to play. Instead, Jamie Carragher, John Flanagan, Jay Spearing, Lucas and Suarez are all expected to take part. Although Kenny Dalglish has been forced to make considerable changes over the last few months, this does not seem to have affected his team too badly. After all, Liverpool have lost just twice since their last meeting with Fulham.

One key factor in Liverpool's remarkable resurgence has been the fact that the team are no longer under any real pressure and are playing with freedom. When Roy Hodgson left, the Reds were in twelfth place and could not realistically be performing more badly than they had been at that point. Now, thanks to Dalglish, they are chasing a European place. The fans simply cannot complain with the position the club are in considering where they were at the end of 2010. If Liverpool finish fifth and secure Europa League football, the supporters will be delighted. If they don't, the fans will still be happy. For Dalglish, it's a win-win situation.

Some might suggest that the performances of the team over the final few weeks of the season will determine Dalglish's future, but that seems unlikely. It appears that the Scot has already impressed the board enough to secure his own position and although no concrete decision has been made just yet, it would be bizarre and inexplicable if John Henry and co. were to dump the Liverpool legend at the end of the campaign. The team are currently playing for pride; it will be next season when they will be expected to challenge for trophies.

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http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6922822,00.html

Kamara open to Foxes return

Striker feels two goals in seven games during loan spell not good enough


Last Updated: May 9, 2011 8:37am



Diomansy Kamara admits it is possible that he could return to Leicester City despite being disappointed with his contribution during his loan spell.

The striker spent the closing few weeks of the season on loan at the Walkers Stadium from Fulham and scored twice in seven appearances.

Kamara's contract at Fulham expires in the summer and he is planning to look for a new club after becoming resigned to leaving Craven Cottage.

The 30-year-old has not ruled out a permanent move to Leicester and has vowed to contribute more if he does rejoin Sven Goran Eriksson's side.

"I'm unhappy we didn't get to the play-offs, we have a great team," said Kamara.

"And I'm bitterly disappointed with my own performance. I honestly know I can do much better.

"Two goals in seven games wasn't good enough - if I can come back I'll try to do much better.

"Returning is possible. We can have a strong squad next term and can go up."