Valencia tipped for centre role

Valencia, along with Palacios and Cattermole , nullified the threat of Mascherano and's Gerrard until his 75th minute sending off signalled a sterling Liverpool comeback with Dirk Kuyt netting his second goal of the game late on.

That means Valencia misses Sunday's home game against Aston Villa but will be back in contention for the away clash with Fulham.

And despite Daniel De Ridder expected to start in his place this weekend Valencia could find himself challenging for a spot in the centre of midfield. Black told the Wigan Evening Post:: "A central midfield player is ultimately what Antonio will be I think, it allows him to go left and right on the pitch.

"When he plays out on the right, he can only go one way - he's restricted by the touchline.

"Antonio strikes the ball really well and is a very good footballer - if you asked him to play right-back next week he would be decent.

"He's looking the part in the centre. Wilson Palacios, Lee Cattermole and him made a tight-looking three."

Meanwhile Emile Heskey is rumoured to be demanding £80,000 from a new club while he sits out the final year of his current contract. Dream on.