THERE was further frustration for Liverpool FC supporters this week.

Wigan hasn’t been the happiest of hunting grounds in recent times – even the pies aren’t very good – and the DW Stadium offered up its usual fare of stodgy pastry and dodgy finishing.

There were some reasons for encouragement, however. Not least further evidence Kenny Dalglish has addressed at least one long-term attacking shortcoming – a threat from the full-back positions.

Jose Enrique continues to prove an outstanding purchase, his constant raiding on Wednesday night simply typical of his energetic performances.

But the real revelation this year has been Glen Johnson. Barely 12 months ago, the aftermath of a draw at Wigan left then Anfield manager Roy Hodgson wondering aloud whether Johnson really was an England international.

To be fair, Hodgson was right to question that status. Johnson hadn’t produced, but he wasn’t the only one during the Englishman’s brief but lamentable reign.

Under Dalglish, however, the defender has been revitalised, first as a left-back, and now back in his more accustomed right-back role, good enough to keep Martin Kelly on the sidelines.

Getting inside a player’s head is just as important as work on the training ground. Confidence and self-belief are crucial in a sport where the small details, often make the difference.

Clearly, though, some bosses are more inspirational than others. They are the ones for whom players want to perform, the ones who will protect and fight for their charges, the ones who extol the virtues of their establishment. The ones like Dalglish.

And the ones that aren’t, such as Hodgson at Anfield, often depart pointing the fingers at the players rather than themselves.