Dalglish makes the difference

By Alec Johnson of "The Daily Mirror"

If Watford ask Queens Park Rangers why they found Liverpool such a different proposition from their Milk Cup triumph at Anfield last week they'll get a simple answer ...... Kenny Dalglish.

The Liverpool player-manager was back for revenge after missing the Milk Cup flop with a groin injury.

And he made it pretty plain that he WILL play tomorrow against Watford in their sixth round FA Cup-tie at Anfield.

That is bad news for Watford because the 35-year-old Scot transformed his men from a disorganised bunch of strugglers last week into the same old team of destroyers we know so well.

Former Liverpool player Michael Robinson said simply: "Dalglish made them a super team again. It was like meeting a different side from last week."

Rangers' sporting boss Jim Smith said: "I feared this. Kenny really made them play. We couldn't have had a worse fixture after the Milk Cup success. We were mentally drained."

There was a smile on the face of the Anfield tiger as Dalglish said: "If we had taken all our chances our chances we would have had seven or eight. We played very well and I didn't feel my groin injury at all. I hope to have a full complement of players for the cup-tie."

Dalglish is not only one of the few players in the game with real genius but he also has the ability to inspire those around him. Some of his quick turns and one touch passes were breathtaking and men like Ian Rush, Steve McMahon and Mark Lawrenson responded with verve.

Rangers had the authority to take the lead after only seven minutes with a goal by Leroy Rosenior which looked suspiciously offside. It only served to bring an avalanche upon their heads.

McMahon (19 and 75 mins), Rush (29) and John Wark (43 mins) provided only a hint at Liverpool's crushing superiority.

If Dalglish is out there in front of his men on the field for the rest of the season then there is no knowing how many battles they are capable of winning.

Copyright - The Daily Mirror