Veteran defender Sami Hyypia looks set to extend his contract for a further year after this summer and therefore reach ten years for the club after arriving under Gerard Houllier’s reign in 1999.

The 34 year old Finnish international has been in impressive form this season and made 37 appearances (just 5 less than Gerrard), as he has found more opportunities than expected due to the lengthy absence of Daniel Agger.

Undoubtedly one of Houllier’s best signings, Hyypia showed his desire to make it 10 years at Anfield - and possibly win that one elusive trophy to complete his trophy haul with the club - “It would be very nice to get to 10 years at the club but I’m just concentrating on playing well. If we have four centre backs then everyone fights for their place and performances should determine who plays,” he told the official website last month.

Next season the Reds will have Hyypia, Carragher, Skrtel and Agger as their four centre backs.

But one long serving player who probably won’t be at Anfield is left back John Arne Riise who has admitted his frustration at his lack of first team football recently having lost his place to Fabio Aurelio. JAR has been at the club almost 8 years but admits he may have to leave this summer;

“I am not happy with the situation,” he told the Norwegian media.

“I am used to playing in 80 per cent of all the games, but if I don’t get to play as much as I want to I have to make a choice this summer as to whether I should stay or not. It’s frustrating not knowing if you are going to play the next game or not.”

Meanwhile, Javier Mascherano has been charged with improper conduct by the FA after his dismissal at Old Trafford on Sunday and his refusal to leave the field of play immediately. His one match ban could be extended to 4 matches at a hearing on Friday.

The good news today is that Fernando Torres is expected to be fit for the derby clash with Everton on Sunday after he was kicked around by the new England captain Rio Ferdinand and his partner Vidic - not that referee Steve Bennett took any action of course, except of course to book Torres for protesting against their rough treatment.

It’s internationals tonight with several Reds in action so keep your fingers crossed none of the lads pick up any injuries in one of the most pointless and stupidly timed international fixtures of the year.