Tommy Smith on Liverpool FC: I sense one last twist on season’s final day

May 21 2011 Liverpool Echo

OUR fate may no longer be in our own hands regarding Europa League qualification now - but for me there’s every chance we can yet make it.

Firstly we’ve got to go to Villa and get all three points.

I’d like to see Kuyt and Suarez paired up front. Not because I don’t rate Andy Carroll but because for me the lad is clearly struggling for full fitness. Not much seemed to go right for him last week, though to his credit his effort was faultless.

It’s a tricky one for the manager because with Meireles likely to be out too, the option might be to play Jonjo Shelvey in midfield from the start and the youngster hasn’t had too much experience of that yet.

But we lost our way against Spurs and we do need to get it back again tomorrow, so I’d keep Andy on the bench as an option if needed.

After all his injury troubles, he clearly needs a long summer break so he can come back firing and really get his Anfield career going then. That’s why it would be unfair to him - and to Liverpool - for him to be involved in the England Under 21s.

If we can do the business there is definitely a chance Spurs could slip up. Birmingham are fighting for their lives and until last week, Spurs haven’t been on good form.

So let’s hope last week was just a blip and that there’ll yet be a happy ending to our season of two halves.