LFC CHRISTMAS GIFTS

UP THE REDS!

International Reds enjoy succesful night

While skipper Steven Gerrard didn’t take part in England’s 2-1 friendly win in Germany, two fellow Anfield attackers were in action and on target on Wednesday night.

The in-form Dirk Kuyt netted for Holland in their 3-1 win over Sweden, heading home in the final minute.

And Fernando Torres enjoyed a perfect night for Spain to continue his recovery from hamstring injury. Liverpool fans will be pleased to note the striker didn’t start the match but came on as sub and scored in the second goal in a 3-0 win.

Torres also took over the captaincy when he replaced David Villa and spoke of his pride after the match: “It has been an honour to have served as captain for the second time with Spain. This means that although I’m still very young, I’ve already been involved here for a long time.”

Midfielders Xabi Alonso and Albert Riera played the full 90 minutes, Pepe Reina replaced Casillas at half time and full back Alvaro Arbeloa played the last half hour meaning five Liverpool players ended the match.

Torres wasn’t the only Red who acted as captain for their country on Wednesday; Javier Mascherano lead out Argentina at Hampden Park for his first match as skipper of his country in a 1-0 win over Scotland.

Daniel Agger was in action in Denmark’s 1-0 defeat against Wales, former Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy scored the only goal. Yossi Benayoun set-up both of Israel’s goals in their 2-2 draw with the Ivory Coast