Recently loaned out Reds goalkeeper Scott Carson helped out his employers by playing his part in Aston Villa’s 2-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.

Carson kept his third clean sheet since going on a season loan to Villa Park and made some crucial saves for Martin O’Neill’s team who won courtesy of goals by Zat Knight and Gabriel Agbonlahor.

The result means Liverpool will remain top of the table throughout the international break for the next fortnight, although Chelsea are on equal points having played a game more. Also on ten points are Arsenal - who beat Portsmouth 3-1 on Sunday - and Merseyside rivals Everton.

The other match on Sunday saw Blackburn defeat Man City 1-0.

Carson, meanwhile, will now head off for duty with England as they face Israel and Russia in two crucial qualifiers.