Kenny hails defensive duo
Kenny Dalglish today praised the burgeoning partnership that has seen Liverpool secure the best defensive record in the Barclays Premier League.
Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel have both been imperious at the back in recent weeks, developing an understanding that has seen the Reds claim five shut-outs in their last eight matches in all competitions.
The Scot acknowledges that the duo have enhanced their reputations as top-class centre backs and feels they can offer much more to his side than just keeping opponents at bay.
"I don't think they've ever looked a bad pair," Dalglish told reporters.
"They are certainly both playing very well. It's not just about centre backs and full backs defending, it's about everybody.
"As soon as we lose the ball, we start to defend to get it back as soon as we can. When we do, everyone can go forward if they want. I mean, Daniel Agger got forward a few times on Sunday and Martin scored a goal.
"They've been good defensively, but they've been good in an attacking sense as well."
The pair's performances have meant vice-captain Jamie Carragher has been unable to force his way back into the starting line-up after returning from injury.
Dalglish remains convinced the No.23 will continue to push for a return and points to the influence he has had on both Agger and Skrtel's Anfield careers as evidence of his continued importance to the cause.
He said: "Competition is always helpful. It's not as if the two boys are novices, they are both seasoned internationals. Daniel is going to Poland and Ukraine with Denmark. Martin's country haven't qualified but they are both seasoned footballers who know how to play.
"When they first came in Jamie was alongside them and was a big help to them, as he was for a lot of people here. I wouldn't underplay what Jamie has done for them, but they are well capable of standing on their own two feet."
On the subject of Carragher's character and standing at Melwood, he added: "I think when you respect people - and we have the utmost respect for Jamie - it is difficult to leave him out, because of what he has done for the club and what he is here.
"But he's also an intelligent boy and will understand, although he would still love to play."
Meanwhile, Jonjo Shelvey's all-action showing on his first ever Barclays Premier League start at Aston Villa led reporters to quiz the boss about his impact since returning from a loan spell at Blackpool.
Dalglish said: "He did exactly what he has shown before for us. He came on last year as a substitute a few times and picked the pace of the game up very quickly so that he made a contribution.
"Part of his development and his progress was to look for a club that would be suitable for him to let him go out on loan and play regularly at a higher level than what we could give him here.
"So he went out, played at Blackpool and did well. He came back, we let him settle down and then gave him a run out. It was quite fortunate that he got in because Lucas is out, Jay got suspended and Steven was out. It was quite fortunate that the opportunity was there for him. But it was even more fortunate for us with the level of the performance he put in.
"We're just delighted to have him and he has every chance of having a really good career as a professional footballer."
The boss was also asked about comments made by Shelvey following the win at Villa Park, in which the 19-year-old expressed his hunger for more first-team action.
Dalglish said: "There's nobody in the dressing room we'd expect to be doing hand stands if they are on the bench. But it's a fact of life that sometimes it'll happen, especially with the run of games that we've got coming up now. But there has to be realism as well.
"He played really well at Aston Villa, but he's only 19. So let's calm down a wee bit and let him carry on with his career. We'll try and develop him as best as we can here. We've not been afraid to throw youngsters in as we showed with Jack (Robinson) and Flanno last year. If they are good enough they will be given the opportunities."