United baptism of fire for new Reds striker Morientes

FERNANDO MORIENTES is in line to make his debut against Manchester United tomorrow after completing his move from Real Madrid to Liverpool last night.

The Spanish striker passed a medical earlier yesterday the clubs having agreed a £6.3m fee on Wednesday and signed a three-and-a-half year contract just before 5pm.

"Fernando Morientes is now officially a Liverpool player and will be unveiled at a press conference [today]," club spokesman Ian Cotton said.

Benitez is thrilled to have finally secured the services of the 28-year-old striker.

"He is important to us. He is good in the air, he is a good finisher and can shoot with both feet," he said.

"We need a target man with experience for the supporters, for the team and for the players.

"He is not the quickest but he can play with (Milan) Baros and they could form a good partnership because one is good in the air and the other is quick.

"He also has the mentality to go straight into a game like Saturday's if necessary."

Fellow striker Baros believes Morientes has similar attributes to his Czech Republic team-mate Jan Koller.

"The deal is great news," Baros said.

"Fernando is world class and I'm delighted he is coming to Anfield.

"I'm looking forward to establishing our partnership on the pitch.

"Fernando is terrific in the air, just like Jan Koller.

"Jan and I have been superb for the Czechs and I believe Fernando and I can prove just as successful in English football.

"He is so strong and so talented that I'm certain he will help us climb towards the very top of the Premiership.

"Obviously, the timing of the deal is very important too. Djibril Cisse is out with a long-term injury and I've had my difficulties with injuries recently as well."

Morientes, who was the leading scorer in last year's Champions League, said: "I want to play and I had several offers, but I think the best for me and my family was Liverpool's.

"I am happy for that reason, but sad because it has been eight years at Madrid and I will never forget them. This is a new stage in my life and I am excited about it.

"I am grateful the club (Madrid) have accepted my wishes to go to Liverpool rather than other better offers they could have had.

"All I can say is thanks to all the clubs who were interested.

"One of them was Lyon, but when their offer came in I had given my word to Liverpool. The Lyon offer came later and I had made my decision. I wanted to go to England."

Former Valencia defender Mauricio Pellegrino marked his first outing for a Liverpool XI by scoring in a 3-0 victory against Chester reserves. Baros and Igor Biscan also featured in the game.