my liverpool fc

XABI ALONSO believes the Anfield wide boys will give the side every chance of filling the obvious gap in the club’s trophy cabinet – a Premiership title – this season.

Rafael Benitez’s men are chasing their first championship since 1990 and the Spanish midfielder feels the extra competition for places down the flanks could prove influential.

“I think we have improved in terms of wingers with Yossi and Ryan, but also if you look at Jermaine – he is in very good shape and playing really well,” Alonso said. “I think maybe this will be an important part of our game this season, out wide.

“Sometimes last year we had players out there who preferred to be in a different position, like Luis Garcia, who liked playing as a second striker. Also, we missed Harry Kewell to injury. If he is fit we are looking very promising in these positions.”

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Liverpool continue their build-up to the new season at a special training camp in Switzerland, with a match against Auxerre schedule for Friday, and Alonso believes the change of scenery from Melwood helps bring the best out of the players.

“It's always good to get away like this because you usually just train in the same place every day,” he said. “But we are trying hard to get fit for the new season and Pako is always working us very hard – not just in pre-season.”

Fowler takes time over eight offers

ROBBIE Fowler has as many as eight offers to consider for his future employment - but is in no rush to agree anything. Although the former Liverpool striker has visited Sydney FC to hear their proposals, agent George Scott says: "To be honest, Robbie is enjoying the little bit of freedom he's got at the moment. He is not in a mood to be rushed. He is considering eight offers, but the phone is always ringing."