Liverpool's pursuit of RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita has been dealt a blow after the Bundesliga side effectively warned off the Reds.

Stoke boss Mark Hughes believes Stephen Ireland’s match-winning performance against Tranmere was just a tantalising glimpse of what he is capable of.

Stephen Ireland has been praised after scoring his first goal since December 2011 to help his new side Stoke into the fourth round of the Capital One Cup last night.

FAI chief executive John Delaney has claimed the protracted process now inevitable in the search for Ireland’s next manager always formed part of the association’s original plans.

Daniel Sturridge scored twice as Liverpool survived a major scare against Notts County at Anfield to book their place in the third round of the Capital One Cup, winning 4-2 after extra-time.

Alex Ferguson will summon Sean McGinty for crunch talks at Manchester United this week after Tranmere Rovers cut short the Irish U21 defender’s loan stay for disciplinary reasons.

Wolves striker Kevin Doyle has shaken off a bout of illness which forced him to miss the FA Cup third round win over Tranmere at Prenton Park, and is included in the squad to face Wigan on Saturday.

WOLVES midfielder Matt Jarvis atoned for missing an open goal by scoring the winner in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over League One Tranmere at Prenton Park last night.

FT: Tranmere 0 Wolves 1

ITALY international Alberto Aquilani is relishing the prospect of making his first-team debut Liverpool’s Carling Cup trip to Arsenal tonight.

Alberto Aquilani's first appearance in a Liverpool shirt last night finally gave Rafael Benitez something to be pleased about after a nightmare week that has seen his management at Anfield openly questioned.

Tranmere today sacked manager John Barnes and his assistant Jason McAteer.

Junior Stanislas struck a late double to give West Ham Carling Cup victory over London rivals Millwall in a tempestuous tie ravaged by crowd trouble and pitch invasions.

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez was delighted his captain Steven Gerrard could now “focus on football” after being cleared of affray yesterday.

Tranmere 2 Liverpool XI 2

North Queensland Fury striker Robbie Fowler has denied a report he is set to reunite with former Liverpool team-mate John Barnes at Tranmere and insists his future remains in Australia.

John Barnes has been confirmed as manager of Coca-Cola League One outfit Tranmere.

John Barnes is poised to return to English football as manager of Coca-Cola League One side Tranmere, according to the Jamaica Football Federation.

Daniel Agger has revealed he was made “no promises” about his first-team place from Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez when he agreed to sign a new contract.

UNLUCKY defender Daniel Agger believes he has got to start his Liverpool career all over again after almost 10 months of injury anguish.

Unlucky defender Daniel Agger believes he has got to start his Liverpool career all over again after almost 10 months of injury anguish.

Rafael Benitez insists he will successfully complete some major Liverpool signings in the coming weeks.

Tranmere 0 Liverpool 1

GEORGE O’CALLAGHAN is set to make a dream debut with Tranmere Rovers in a televised Merseyside derby friendly with Liverpool today just two days after completing his switch from Cork City.

RAFAEL BENITEZ will give his supporting cast the chance to shine today in Liverpool’s first pre-season friendly.

Rafael Benitez has called for Liverpool fans to “trust him” as he works in the transfer market to improve the Anfield squad.

Tranmere 0 Bolton 1

FORMER Republic of Ireland midfield star Jason McAteer is poised to take over as manger of Division One side Tranmere Rovers, with current boss Brian Little expected to be given the sack by the Birkenhead club.

Robbie Fowler has been ruled out of Manchester City’s FA Premier League Asia Trophy campaign with a back injury.

Tranmere 2 Hartlepool 0 (2-2 on aggregate, Hartlepool win 6-5 on penalties)

COCA-COLA League One leaders Luton left it late again to secure victory.

Manchester City and Jon Macken went on a scoring spree, winning 7-1 against League One Barnsley in the Carling Cup second round tonight.

Tranmere have completed the signing of former Sunderland midfielder Jason McAteer on a two-year contract.

Nigel Worthington has been named Nationwide Division One manager of the month for April after steering Norwich back into the Barclaycard Premiership.

Tranmere 1 Millwall 2

Tranmere 1 Millwall 2

England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson did himself few favours at today’s FA Cup semi-final draw.

ARSENAL will have history and a psychological edge on their side when they face London rivals Chelsea in the FA Cup next month.

FA Cup holders Arsenal will face London rivals Chelsea next month in the stand-out tie of the fifth round.

Bolton 1 Tranmere 2

Former AC Milan midfielder Ibrahim Ba has failed to agree terms with Bolton over a new contract.

EDDIE GRAY faces his latest headache as Leeds caretaker manager on Sunday: how best to approach the third round tie with FA Cup holders Arsenal at Elland Road.

Eddie Gray faces his latest headache as Leeds caretaker manager on Sunday - how best to approach the third round tie with FA Cup holders Arsenal at Elland Road.

THE fighting spirit that inspired Tranmere to so many cup upsets during John Aldridge’s Prenton Park reign came from his days with Jack Charlton’s Green Army. It’s a spirit he hopes to use once again at national level.