Liverpool handed Lallana boost

Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana’s return to training ahead of schedule has given manager Brendan Rodgers a boost as he heads into a potentially season-defining month.

Lallana was expected to be sidelined for a month with a thigh injury sustained against Leicester on New Year’s Day, but he – along with captain Steven Gerrard - will be fit for next week’s Capital One Cup semi-final against Chelsea.