James' heroics keep Liverpool on course

David James produced the heroics in Copenhagen tonight to keep Liverpool on course for the last 16 of the UEFA Cup. Goalkeeper James made two spectacular second-half saves as Danish hopes Brondby threatened to snatch the initiative in their second round first leg clash at the Parken Stadium. Liverpool were also indebted to the perfectly-timed tackles of England defender Mark Wright. Wright, enjoying his best spell for two years after a succession of injuries had reduced him to a shadow role, superbly marshalled his side's rearguard action in the absence of the inspirational Neil Ruddock.

Ruddock was ruled out by suspension after being booked in both first round matches against Vladikavkaz and his second leg availability, coupled with home advantage, augers well for the Merseysiders. Boss Roy Evans decided against the solo striker system he had successfully employed against the Russians -- and he gave Ian Rush the second strike role alongside Robbie Fowler.

Rush, preferred to £8.5 million British record buy Stan Collymore, who was relegated to the bench, came close on one occasion while Fowler almost forced a breakthrough after 69 minutes.

But Liverpool, who had been happy to play a containing game, will recognise the part that James played. He produced a spectacular save on the hour and then flew to the rescue two minutes from time as Brondby finished with a flourish. Those saves showed the capabilities of opponents who were happy for everything to revolve around experienced midfielder Kim Vilfort. Inevitably he was involved on the hour, finding Kim Daugaard whose cross was met by Ebbe Sand. Sand's 10-yard header looked destined for the right hand corner until James flung himself to push the ball around an upright. And it was James to the rescue again after Phil Babb was penalised for a foul on Sand just outside the area -- and directly in front of goal -- towards the end. Substitute Ole Bjur hit the free kick but this time James stretched to his right to touch over the top.

Liverpool, meanwhile, had threatened openings through Jamie Redknapp and Steve McManaman, who was involved in the one big moment of controversy after 57 minutes. McManaman appeared to elbow Allan Jensen and the Dane made the most of it, crashing to the turf in theatrical style. With the crowd screeching, the referee spoke to a linesman who had not witnessed the incident -- and that meant that the only yellow card of the night was that shown to Steve Harkness for a foul after 37 minutes.

By then Wright had already made his first telling interception as dangerman Vilfort surged through the middle after 22 minutes. He left Babb standing but had reckoned without Wright, who made an excellent tackle inside the area. Wright later denied Sand in similar style and Liverpool will be only too well aware that there will be no room for complacency in the second leg at Anfield in a fortnight's time.

Their night in Denmark could have been more productive had defender Dan Eggen not been on hand to divert Fowler's 69th-minute shot over the bar with keeper Mogens Krogh beaten.

Liverpool manager Roy Evans admitted he was satisfied with tonight's goalless draw away to Brondby in the UEFA Cup second round first leg tie. But he warned: "There is no way the tie is over. Brondby played really well. We had to work very hard to contain them and in the end, reluctantly, we were satisfied with 0-0." Clearly he did not regard it as a vintage performance by his side saying: "When we had the ball we didn't pass it too well so we had to battle hard. But at least the lads were prepared to do that and I will settle for no-score."

Brondby coach Ebbe Skovdahl said: "Liverpool looked satisfied with the goalless draw, but we know it will be different in the second leg. It will be like a hurricane and, if we don't get a quick goal, we know we could be blown away."