Alonso so so for cup final

LIVERPOOL remain hopeful Xabi Alonso will be fit for Saturday’s FA Cup final after a scan on his ankle injury sustained at Portsmouth on Sunday revealed ligament damage.

The Spain midfielder was carried off on a stretcher in the 3-1 victory at Fratton Park but later returned to the dug-out walking unaided.

Liverpool’s medical staff hope he will make a good enough recovery to face West Ham at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

“We are hopeful he will be available for the FA Cup Final on Saturday,” said Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton.