Time not on Dalglish´s mind

Kenny Dalglish does not think the unorthodox kick-off time for Liverpool’s Europa League clash with Sparta Prague will affect his side.

The manager took charge of the Reds in Europe for the first time last week when they fought out a goalless draw in the first-leg of this last-32 tie with Czech champions Sparta.

And the now-decisive second-leg clash, for a place in the Europa League last-16, will kick off at Anfield at the unusual time of 1800 (GMT).

Dalglish said: “Anfield has had some memorable evenings. European nights are always special for many clubs, but certainly for this club.”

“It’s obviously an earlier kick-off than what we’re used to and it will take a bit of adjustment from the players and the fans also, but I’m sure that won’t deter them from giving us their full support.”

“We’ve got to get the fans on side early doors. The responsibility is on us to go and win the game, but fortunately for us that’s nothing new – the responsibility has been on us many times to go and win games.”

“Sparta are a difficult side to break down, that was shown last week. I don’t think they will be too different to what they were, but hopefully we will be different.”

Dalglish has a few injury concerns ahead of the clash with captain Steven Gerrard still struggling with a groin problem.

Up front, January signing Andy Carroll – who is still yet to make a debut for the club – will definitely not feature despite upping the intensity of his training.

“Andy has been involved with the lads for parts of the training but there’s no need to get carried away,” Dalglish said.

“There’s not going to be a surprise announcement that he’s playing against Sparta.”

“He has done very well. The first day he signed we said we would be patient with him and we will continue to do that. For us, he has done everything that has been asked of him.”

On Gerrard, the manager added: “He is that close that we might have a decision to make, whether we take a chance or leave him. We’ve not to come to that stage yet, but that could be what we’re faced with tomorrow.”