Tuesday’s News Round-up

March 21, 2006
This Is Anfield

CISSE APOLOGISES FOR TAUNTING
Djibril Cisse has made a public apology to Newcastle fans for the immature gestures he was making towards them shortly after scoring Liverpool’s third goal from the spot in the 3-1 victory at St Jameses Park on Sunday. Cisse converted a penalty after Newcastle defender Boumsong pulled down Peter Crouch in the box and duly got sent off. Cisse then revealed a message to his family on a vest under his shirt and emphasised his celebrations aimed towards the Newcastle fans. The French striker told the club’s official website, ‘œI didn’t intend to be rude. I was just really happy to score a goal after such a long time because scoring goals is what I love doing. I want to make it clear I respect the Newcastle supporters and if they thought I was being disrespectful to them, then I obviously apologise for that.’

FOWLER SCORES IN RESERVES WIN
Robbie Fowler continued his impressive determination towards full fitness by playing the first half of the Liverpool Reserves’ 2-0 victory over Wigan Athletic Reserves on Monday night, and scoring the first on the stroke of half time. Fowler pounced on a mistake by Wigan keeper Gary Walsh who had spilled captain Jack Hobbs’ header. Robbie Foy scored the second of the night on sixty-five minutes. The Reserves next take on Aston Villa Reserves on Thursday night, again at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham.

RAFA TO RING CHANGES AT ST ANDREWS
Ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Birmingham City, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez looks set to make several changes to the starting line-up that beat Newcastle United at the weekend after revealing his frustration with the Reds’ hectic fixture schedule this week. Liverpool played a Premiership game on Sunday afternoon and now face a crucial FA Cup quarter final clash at Birmingham just 48 hours later. He said, “There will be some changes against Birmingham and I will need to use my squad. We know Birmingham are a very difficult team to play against and they are a very physical team who work hard for 90 minutes.” Birmingham are the only team in the Premiership Rafael Benitez has not beaten since taking charge of Liverpool in the summer of 2004.