Diouf handed number nine

Summer-signing El Hadji Diouf has been handed the number nine shirt in Liverpool's 2002/2003 squad.

The number nine shirt, made famous by the likes of Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler, was last worn by Nicolas Anelka.

Fellow newcomers Bruno Cheyrou and Alou Diarra have been handed 28 and 31 respectively.

The rest of the squad have retained the numbers they wore last year, except for Jerzy Dudek - who has changed from 12 to one - and Richie Partridge (28 to 26).

Liverpool have also handed first-team numbers to former reserve team players John Welsh (32), Neil Mellor (33), Stephen Warnock (35), Jon Ostembor (36).

Ireland's Michael Foley was handed squad number 38.

There are just three squad numbers left unallocated - 11, the number Lee Bowyer wears at Leeds, 12 and 21.

With Salif Diao due to arrive around Christmas time and Bowyer set to sign, that leaves just one number unallocated - adding to the speculation which followed Gerard Houllier's recent comments that he hasn't finished with his dealings in the transfer market.