Dalglish heads to Old Trafford hoping racism row is left behind

Kenny Dalglish is hoping a line has been drawn under the Luis Suarez affair as Liverpool prepare to face Manchester United at Old Trafford tomorrow.

Suarez has served an eight-match ban after being found guilty of racially abusing United defender Patrice Evra earlier this season, and the two are likely to come up against each other again this weekend.

Dalglish has been outspoken in his criticism of the ban handed down to Suarez, but now wants all parties to take a “responsible” approach this weekend.

“Everyone involved, including the media, the supporters and both teams have a responsibility to ensure this weekend is remembered as a cracking game of football between two very good sides, rather than for anything else,” he told liverpoolfc.tv.

“I thought everyone involved in the FA Cup tie at Anfield played their part in making sure that the match was played in the right way, so let’s make sure that happens again this weekend.

“I’m sure people will want to talk about Luis Suarez but he accepted his ban, served his suspension and returned against Spurs on Monday. It’s time for all of us to draw a line under what happened and move forward.”

The Premier League has no plans to skip the pre-match handshake, as happened when QPR hosted Chelsea in the last round of the FA Cup.

A United victory would send them to the top of the Barclays Premier League, at least until Manchester City, who start the weekend two points clear, head to Aston Villa on Sunday.

However, Liverpool have their eyes on fifth place as Newcastle, five points above them, face a tricky match away to Spurs

Striker Craig Bellamy believes the Reds are well placed to kick on to the end of the season.

The Wales international thinks January was a significant period for the Reds and having come through that busy stretch they are still in the hunt for two trophies and a top-four finish.

“It’s been a tough month for us but fortunately we’ve come through it and going into February we’re in good shape,” said the 32-year-old.

“We had eight games in the space of three or four weeks and the squad has been tested.

“Reaching the [Carling Cup] final and getting to Wembley was big for us because going into January we knew the amount of games we had against opposition like Manchester City three times and Manchester United in the FA Cup.

“We’ve got a chance to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals if we beat Brighton, we’re in the final of the League Cup, we’re four points off fourth and have a fully fit squad.

“We have a good chance to up the charge and end the season on a real positive note.”