Soccer: Thompson urges Liverpool to win

Phil Thompson is urging his Liverpool players to kick on and win their remaining games if the title is to return to the club for the first time in 12 years.

The Anfield assistant manager is looking for an action replay of last season’s run-in when they eventually won three trophies. Liverpool go into the home match against Charlton today in pole position in the FA Barclaycard Premiership after beating Chelsea at the weekend. Thompson said: ‘‘It is nice to be involved in the title race as it has been a bit dull on that front for quite a while.

"When it comes to Easter and you are still in with a shout with six games to go, you have to go for it.

‘‘We set our minds on winning every game last season whether it was the League or Cup.

‘‘You get out of football what you put in and we finished exceptionally well. That’s what we are doing now but we still have to push on. ‘‘It’s great when you are winning and the trick is to try and keep the players at the peak of their form.’’

Thompson is set to recall Czech Republic international Vladimir Smicer as replacement for Steven Gerrard, who has a groin injury.

However, Gerrard is expected to return for the Champions League game against Bayer

Leverkusen on Wednesday. Portuguese defender Abel Xavier could also miss out tomorrow and because of a hamstring strain. But Thompson believes he has a strong enough group of players to cope with injuries.

‘‘I have belief in our squad,’’ he said. ‘‘Players who come in are able to slot in and those

who have been injured have not been missed.

‘‘That’s why you have big squads to cope with the absence of people like Gerrard, Michael Owen, Emile Heskey and thers.’’

Manager Gerard Houllier, who is recovering from major heart surgery, returned to the training ground today ahead of the Charlton game.

Thompson said: ‘‘Gerard is in most days but we’ve got to be cautious with him and ease him in as you would do a player. ‘‘He’s loving every minute of it and it won’t be long before he is

back in full command.’’

Liverpool clinched their place in the Champions League thanks to a thrilling victory at Charlton on the final day of the season and Thompson is expecting another tough encounter.

‘‘That was an incredible day with such a turnaround in the match,’’ he said.

‘‘Charlton have great team spirit and I don’t think they will be overawed coming to Anfield. ‘‘When you come to away games, you’ve got to show the right attitude and commitment. That’s what they’ve done this season.’’