Reds blood Crouch in Lithuania
Liverpool are without full-backs Steve Finnan (illness) and Djimi Traore (thigh strain) for tonight’s Champions League second qualifying round first leg match in Lithuania, but gave a competitive debut to new boy Peter Crouch.
Boss Rafael Benitez named a strong side including skipper Steven Gerrard, scotching rumours the England midfielder had suffered a training injury.
Milan Baros was again not on the bench to avoid him being cup tied for any prospective buyer.
Josemi filled in at right-back, John Arne Riise was on the left of defence, while Bolo Zenden took a wide midfield role.
With the third qualifying draw being held in Switzerland on Friday – the second leg of this tie being next Wednesday at Anfield – Liverpool wanted a decent lead from this match to take the tension out of the champions’ quest to reach the group stages.
