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Rafa backs Liverpool to kick on

Author: Sir David Smith
Date: 27/10/2009
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Boss Rafa Benitez believes Liverpool can use the confidence gained from the 2-0 victory over Manchester United to bounce back from their disappointing season so far.

Goals from Fernando Torres and substitute David N'Gog ended the Reds' four-match losing run, which had piled the pressure on Benitez's shoulders.

"We needed to win for our confidence and it will be a big boost for the team because the win was against such a good team," said the Spaniard.

"Hopefully that win will now kick-start our season. I am sure we have a team good enough to win many games in a row.

"The players just did not want to lose. They wanted to win, to show character and this was the perfect response from them."

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Burnley have been boosted by the news that the ankle injury suffered by goalkeeper Brian Jensen at the weekend is not as serious as was first feared.

Jensen lasted just 15 minutes of the 3-1 home defeat to Wigan Athletic, but may yet be fit to feature against Hull City next weekend.

Wigan Athletic left-back Maynor Figueroa is facing a lengthy spell out of action after suffering knee ligament damage in the 3-1 victory at Burnley.

The 26-year-old Honduras defender was injured early on at Turf Moor, but managed to last almost half-an-hour before being forced to limp off.

Subsequent tests have shown ligament damage in his left knee.

Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb has backed Gordon Strachan to be a success on Teesside, after revealing that the former Celtic manager will be Gareth Southgate's successor.

Strachan has been without a job since leaving the Bhoys at the end of last season, while Boro dispensed with Southgate's services six days ago.

A delighted Lamb told the Evening Gazette: "We're very pleased with Gordon's appointment. He's an experienced manager and a football person through and through."

Opening batsman Scott Newman has agreed a three-year contract with Middlesex following his departure from Surrey.

Meanwhile, batsman Nick Compton has opted to leave Middlesex despite being offered a new two-year contract at Lord's.

The 26-year-old right-hander scored more than 1,600 first-class runs in the season just ended, but has decided to move on for a fresh challenge.

Gloucestershire have released wicketkeeper Steve Adshead after five years with the county.

The 29-year-old moved to Bristol from Worcestershire in 2004, having earlier had a spell with Leicestershire.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has recalled Sale scrum-half Dwayne Peel to his squad for next month's internationals, although the Sharks star will be unable to play against New Zealand.

Gatland has also retained Ospreys star Ryan Jones as his captain, but there are no places for Eifion Lewis-Roberts, Ben Broster, Ceri Jones, Nicky Robinson, Jamie Robinson, Lee Thomas or Gareth Delve.

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