Aquilani ready for Anfield bow

IT HAS taken three months longer than any Liverpool fan would have wanted, but tonight the Kop will finally have the chance to welcome Alberto Aquilani to Anfield.

The Italy international, signed in August, has been recovering from a knee operation ever since. Now, having also overcome a recent virus, the 25-year-old seems certain to make his Premier League debut for the club against Birmingham.

The fans have waited so long to see the man bought to replace Xabi Alonso, he is almost guaranteed a hero’s reception. Certainly his appearance in the squad will give Liverpool’s worried support something to cheer with fitness doubts surrounding Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.