Smicer takes vital step

Vladmir Smicer finally made his Liverpool comeback after six months out recovering from a knee operation – but the Anfield club are playing down injury doubts over striker Neil Mellor.

Mellor was pulled out of a reserve team match at Aston Villa on Saturday with a knee injury, but it is not believed to be a major problem.

One of the reasons Liverpool would not consider allowing Mellor to leave during the transfer window, either on loan or on a permanent deal, was that they need the youngster as cover for Champions League matches.

New £6million signing Fernando Morientes is cup-tied in the competition, which starts up again next month when Liverpool face Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16. Mellor is expected back in training this week.

The good news for boss Rafael Benitez is that Smicer came through a second half appearance unscathed as substitute in the 4-0 away defeat by Villa reserves.

Smicer’s contract runs out in the summer so he has only a few months to convince Benitez that he is worthy of an extension. But considering Liverpool’s continuing injury problems, the Czech midfielder could get plenty of opportunities to show his worth.

Anthony Le Tallec, who has returned to the club after ending his loan spell at St Etienne, also played in the match.