Liverpool’s second string give Hodgson a boost

Napoli 0 Liverpool 0. A second-string Liverpool side strengthened Roy Hodgson's hand with a gritty display in Italy that consolidates their position in the Europa League. Now unbeaten in seven matches in the competition, Liverpool head Pool K ahead of Napoli and FC Utrecht.

For Hodgson the valuable point was a vindication of his decision to field an understrength side, resting the likes of  Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres and blooding youngsters such as Jay Spearing and teenager Jonjo Shelvey (above). It was all the bolder considering that Frank Rijkaard – freshly sacked from Turkish club Galatasaray - has let it be known he would jump at the chance to coach Liverpool; he might not have Hodgson's vast managerial experience but Rijkaard is a glamorous name, one that might appeal to Liverpool's new owner John Henry as he looks to transform the fortunes of the Merseyside club.

In truth, however, Napoli didn't look like a side currently lying fourth in Serie A and Liverpool were rarely under pressure in a match that lacked the vim and vigour of the Premiership. A goalline clearance by Paul Konchesky denied Marek Hamsik a goal for the hosts just before half-time but in the second period the two best chances fell to Liverpool. A clever pass from Milan Jovanovic put Ryan Babel clear on 70 minutes but the Dutchman fired his shot straight at the Napoli keeper, and ten minutes later David Ngog's goal-bound strike was blocked by the body of defender Paolo Cannavaro.

It's a sign of the times for Liverpool when a goalless draw can be talked of as a morale-booster, but that's what it was as the Reds prepare for the weekend's crucial clash with Blackburn in the Premier League. "Even before the Everton game there was a new buoyancy and good feeling that we can get a lift," admitted Hodgson. "On Sunday we have an opportunity but Blackburn will have something to say about that, but we've shown against Napoli that we're far from dead as a club and I know all the players who play on Sunday will be champing at the bit to run and work and fight. I just hope the result will go our way to give us a bit of breathing space to move up the table instead of finding ourselves marooned at the bottom of the table."

And as for the stories that he might soon be on his way out of Anfield, Hodgson treated them with the contempt he believes they deserve. "I've heard the ridiculous rumours and can tell you there is not one iota of truth in them. If you want the simple answer, it's I've never considered resigning and I never will." ·