Kenny: New boys are ready

Bellamy and Coates were two late additions to the Reds' ranks as the transfer window closed last week - and the boss is delighted to have them onboard.

Dalglish told reporters at Melwood: "Sebastian was on Damien's radar for two years. Obviously he would have only been 18 then.

"He came to prominence in the Copa America when he won it with Uruguay and was voted Young Player of the Tournament - and that's not a bad accolade when you consider (Alexis) Sanchez went for 40 million to Barcelona. He must have played well!

"We're happy to have him in. We just need to give him time to settle down and we look forward to it.

"It's the same with Craig. He's really enthusiastic at being back and made a lot of sacrifices to come back, financially and otherwise, because of what the club means to him. We're delighted to have people with that attitude here."

The boss added: "I don't know why I've never signed him before in my managerial career. Maybe I wasn't working when he was available. He's always been somebody that has impressed me.

"He's got pace, quality, he loves this club - which is very important - and he'll be a fantastic asset for us."

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On whether the pair were desperate to face Stoke this weekend, Dalglish said: "I would think so. I would hope so. I think everybody is chomping at the bit to be involved at Stoke."

A total of nine major signings have been completed by Liverpool since January, and Dalglish is more than satisfied with the options he has at his disposal.

Asked how he feels facing up to the prospect of a series of selection headaches, the Scot responded: "We've always had selection problems, but as we've said before I think the quality of the squad we have is better than it was last year.

"It's not a team that wins any trophies, it's a squad - and the stronger our squad is, the better chance we have of coping with the problems that come up throughout the season.

"We're happy with the strength of our squad and the business we've done. We'll see if it's going to stand us in good stead or not, but certainly sitting here right now I think it gives us a better chance."

John Aldridge this week labelled Liverpool's current squad as 'the strongest in 20 years' - it's a view that has been echoed by other former Reds.

"They're entitled to their opinion," said Dalglish. "I can't think that quickly on my feet to say whether it is or not, but if it's as strong as the team that won five trophies in one year (2001) then it's a bit of a compliment. It is a strong squad - I think everybody would agree with that."

Dalglish added: "Damien did a fantastic job. It was hard work on everybody that was involved in it.

"I think since we came in 18 players have gone out. It's not just the transfer window that's been busy for us, there's been a big turnaround in players which has been very important for us.

"Damien has had a few days off which he thoroughly deserved!"

Liverpool's summer transfer dealings have already produced results on the pitch, with the Reds enjoying a flying start to the campaign that has seen them tally seven points from their three Barclays Premier League matches.

"Everybody has produced a high standard so far - and it's up to us to maintain that standard," said the gaffer. "They've worked really hard in training and they've been great professionals.

"Some of the boys that have left the club were fantastic and not a problem whatsoever. They deserve great credit as well and we wish them well.

"I don't know what we can achieve - but I know what we should be trying to achieve and that's to get ourselves right for the next game that's coming up. The more focused we are on taking it one game at a time, the better chance we'll have.

"We've got a strong squad, we're happy with the squad and they've had the rewards for the hard work they've done. They'll just continue to work hard and we'll see what rewards we get in the future."

Like Liverpool, Stoke are also unbeaten from their trio of matches thus far - and Dalglish knows they'll pose a stern test for his charges.

He said: "It's a really difficult place to go and play, Tony Pulis has done a fantastic job and we've got to go there in the right frame of mind.

"We know what we're going to be up against, which isn't a problem as far as I'm concerned. I'm not going to dictate to anybody or preach to anybody how they should play. It's their football club and Tony Pulis runs it brilliantly.

"They've got into Europe this year and they've got a style of play that suits them very well - and it's a great credit to them that they have done so well. It's up to us to compete against them."

Meanwhile, journalists quizzed Dalglish for his thoughts on comments made by English coach Fabio Capello about Andy Carroll earlier this week.

"Andy is very appreciative of advice from anybody that's got a good standing in football," he responded. "I think he appreciates Fabio Capello's advice. He's got great respect for Fabio Capello - and I think Fabio Capello has great respect for Andy Carroll.

"For us, as we've said often enough but it falls on deaf ears, Andy wasn't properly fit last year because of a knee injury.

"We've been very pleased with his level of fitness this year because he's lost that knee injury. I think his fitness now would stand up against anybody's."