FAN SCENE: Charles Itandje looks a Brucie bonus

Dec 22 2007

BAR the Champions League qualification, it’s been a poor couple of weeks for the Reds, culminating in the defeat to Chelsea.

That was a game that I thought was eminently winnable despite our poor record at the Bridge and a team composed of squad players.

There were a few pluses though. Hobbs played quite well against a speedy Chelsea attack, Jamie was as committed, strong and intelligent as usual, Xabi made a comeback and El Zhar got some more minutes under his belt as a senior player.

The stand-out for me, though, was Charles Itandje. His positioning was spot on, and bar the second goal, he looked very safe indeed. If Scott Carson does stay at Villa permanently (and let’s be honest, he seems desperate to do so), it does look like we have a decent keeper to challenge Pepe.

I hope the French-man gets a few more games (maybe give him the FA Cup?) because I’d like to see more of him. He reminds me a bit of Brucie Grobbellar, which can’t be a bad thing.

The owners seem to have picked the wrong time to come visiting, but I’m glad that they have patched things up with Rafa.

The scaling down of the stadium is ominous for the transfer kitty, but if the manager can secure Mascherano and get some centre-half cover in, then I’ll be happy.

He may be able to do a bit more if the rumours about a couple of the players leaving in the window are true, so you never know.

A couple of the lads seem to be playing for their future at the club, and sometimes that is no bad thing. The likes of Riise, Sissoko and Kewell all know that they have to start impressing to get new contracts and so far only Harry has responded.

His form before the United game has been excellent, but the other two need to sort themselves out, get their heads down and start producing if they are to retain both the support of the fans and their Liverpool contracts.