Rafa Benitez could be prepared to bring back Daniel Agger from his long-term injury slightly ahead of schedule if Sami Hyypia doesn’t pass a late fitness test for Sunday’s Premier League match at Manchester City.

Agger has been out since injuring a metatarsal in September, with Sami Hyypia filling in for him alongside Jamie Carragher in central defence since. But an ankle problem looks set to rule Hyypia out of Sunday’s 4pm kick-off.

Rafael Benitez revealed, “It will be difficult for Sami. He is working hard with the physios and we are waiting to see whether he will be available. We will have to wait and see.

“If Sami doesn’t play then we can think about using Daniel. He is training and is very close now.”

It seems to be the in-thing to do, but yet again today couldn’t go by without someone in the world of football praising our skipper.

Ahead of Liverpool’s trip to the City of Manchester stadium on Sunday, it was their manager and former England coach Sven Goren Eriksson singing the praises of Steven Gerrard today.

“Steven is one of the best players you can find. He has everything,” said Eriksson.

“He can defend. He can tackle incredibly well. He has vision, he is an extremely good passer. He can shoot, score goals and has the energy to get up and down the pitch.

“It is very difficult to say who is the best player in the country but Steven is certainly one of them - and has been for a long time now.

Tell us something we don’t know!

Pepe Reina has rubbished speculation linking him with a move to Athletico Madrid, insisting he is very happy at Liverpool.

Reina admits that he is a big fan of Athletico, but this will not tempt him to leave Anfield right now. He said today, “Athletico are a club that I love. In addition to other things it is for family reasons.

“For me it is flattering to be linked with Atletico. But right now it is not one of my goals to change.

“It is a club which I have a special love for, I cannot deny it. My father played there and I have many friends at Atletico. I have a fondness and Madrid is a great city.

“I like Atletico, but I have a contract with Liverpool and I am very happy at this club. Right now there is no reason for change.”

Liverpool have captured the signing of highly-rated 16-year-old Ross county winger Alex Cooper for £100,000.

The Scottish midfielder chose Liverpool after hearing offers from several other clubs including Chelsea. He has signed a contract at Anfield until 2011.

His father, Neale Cooper, the former Aberdeen star, said on the move, “He could have gone to one or two other clubs but he just loved the way he was treated by Liverpool when he was there.”