Liverpool

THE ESSENTIAL

Midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has his sights set on playing a role for Liverpool this month as the Reds bid for FA Cup and Carling Cup success.

Former Liverpool and Everton defender Gary Ablett has died at the age of 46 after a long battle against cancer, the LMA have confirmed.

Jamie Carragher is targeting the Carling Cup final to make his Wembley debut in a Liverpool shirt. The Reds are into the semi-finals after beating Chelsea and will have to beat Manchester City over two legs to get there.

Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has asked to stay on loan at Blackpool for the season after a successful start to his loan spell. Shelvey has scored six times for the Seasiders and said: "Blackpool are a good team with good players and I have asked Liverpool if I can stay here for the season".

Kenny Dalglish has asked for referees to protect Liverpool striker Luis Suarez more adequately. The Reds manager said: "He needs protection and I don't think he got that out there. His integrity has been called into question and I think maybe he is suffering from that at the moment."

Steven Gerrard has said that the time he spent out injured for Liverpool were the "hardest months" of his career, and he even doubted whether he would return from injury.

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has said that he is "upset" following allegations of racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

Everton are to take 'firm action' against any fan who is found guilty of throwing missiles in their derby defeat to Liverpool.

Everton are contesting Jack Rodwell's red card in the Merseyside derby. The midfielder was sent off for a challenge on Liverpool's Luis Suarez in an incident that David Moyes said "ruined the game".

Kenny Dalglish is to consult with the club's owners regarding poor refereeing in their games this season. The Liverpool manager said: "The first four games have had contentious decisions in them and every one has gone against us. We would like to be respectful to referees but more important is having respect for my football club."