Shelvey bids to fill Suarez’s boots

Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey accepts he can never replace top scorer Luis Suarez but he is ready to fill in for him on a temporary basis, starting this weekend.

The Uruguay international, who has 10 Barclays Premier League goals this season, is suspended for tomorrow’s trip to West Ham after incurring five bookings this season. It leaves Liverpool without a recognised senior striker as Fabio Borini is still working his way back to fitness.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has used the Europa League to try to work out an alternative and although reserve team striker Adam Morgan has been given a run out, his most likely option at Upton Park will be Shelvey.

Shelvey, who grew up supporting the Hammers and played for their youth team, said: “I’m excited because it is the team I supported but Luis is not an easy player’s boots to fill.”