Kenny Dalglish praises impact of assistant Steve Clarke and young squad members in Liverpool turnaround

Kenny Daglish

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Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has shared the praise for the club’s turnaround with his assistant Steve Clarke and a host of young squad members.

The Scottish manager took over in January when the club were struggling for form, but since he took over at Anfield they have climbed up the table rapidly.

Since replacing Roy Hodgson, Dalglish has guided Liverpool to 25 points out of a possible 39, but insists his right hand-man has been influential in their success.

“We both came in at the same time and he Clarke has been really influential in what has gone on,” said Dalglish.

“But it is not a one-man band, everyone chips in to make a huge contribution to results.”

Liverpool are missing key midfielder Steven Gerrard at the moment, but the introduction of talented youngsters Jay Spearing, Danny Wilson and Martin Kelly has proved to be a success and Dalgish has been quick to acknowledge that.

He added: “Jay’s been fantastic in the games he’s played for us, and that’s a great lift for everyone at the club – to see someone like that coming through.

“Jonjo Shelvey was doing really well as well until he got injured, but now he’s coming back in. Danny Wilson is the same and Martin Kelly too. They’ve all been really good for us this year.

“But Jay has been the one who’s done as much as anyone.”

He continued: “Any team in the world would be a better team with Steven Gerrard playing in midfield and we’re no different. You feel for players when they’re injured but when they are injured someone else steps up to the plate. It’s to their credit that they’ve all stepped up to the plate. Not just Jay, all of them.”

Liverpool face Birmingham City this coming Saturday, hoping to put pressure on fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.