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It was a show of strength for which Liverpool FC’s principal owner John W Henry and manager Brendan Rodgers have been rightly applauded.

The Reds’ response to Luis Suarez’s outspoken attack on his employers this week was calculated, smart and emphatic.

The Uruguayan thought he could back Liverpool into a corner as he plotted to secure a move to Arsenal but his outburst backfired spectacularly.

The Reds have stood accused of pandering to Suarez throughout the controversies which have dogged his two and a half years on Merseyside. Not this time.

When Rodgers went on the offensive in Oslo’s Ullevaal Stadium on Wednesday night, it was a breath of fresh air.

Suarez was publicly chastised for his “total lack of respect” towards the club, his team-mates and the supporters who pay his wages.

The manager vowed to take “strong and decisive action” which began with banishing the disgraced striker to train on his own. When Rodgers spoke about the club’s cherished values which Suarez had trampled all over, his words resonated.

Having pulled no punches, what Rodgers needed was unequivocal backing from on high and it arrived within 24 hours with Henry’s defiant comments.

The American confirmed that Suarez was going nowhere. He would rather the 26-year-old spent the season doing laps around the Kirkby Academy than consider the “ludicrous” idea of selling him to the Gunners.

Crucially, Henry also insisted that not even bids from abroad would be considered at this stage as it was too late in the window to secure an adequate replacement. He was crystal clear - there will be no backing down.

The owner’s refusal to give in to player power was refreshing. It also made a mockery of the idea that all Fenway Sports Group (FSG) care about is the bottom line.

If Henry could only see dollar signs then he would have simply ushered Suarez out the door to the highest bidder.

Keeping your prized asset against his will represents a gamble as Suarez’s value could diminish.

Yet it’s one Henry believes Liverpool simply have to take if they are serious about climbing back into Europe’s elite this season.

During a summer when the Reds have encountered the problem of trying to attract star quality when you are outside the Champions League, they can ill afford to lose a world class frontman.

They know that next summer will be different. When Suarez is down to the final two years of his contract, there will be pressure on Liverpool to sell if he still wants out.

But the hope is that by then Anfield will be a more attractive proposition for potential replacements. Suarez has some serious bridges to build before he ever pulls on a red shirt again but both Rodgers and Henry believe there is a way back for him at Anfield.

Liverpool don’t fear the prospect of Suarez doing a Carlos Tevez and disappearing to South America on strike to play golf for four months.

Suarez loves the game too much and anyway he needs to deliver on the pitch if only to put himself in the shop window.

Strangely, the fact he’s suspended for the opening six games of the season actually plays into Liverpool’s hands.

His unavailability until late September means all sides now have time to take stock. The heat will be taken out of the situation.

Suarez has plenty to ponder – not least how badly advised he’s been over that controversial clause in his contract and the wisdom of speaking out to two national newspapers.

He might not like it but he now needs to accept he’s staying put and start out on the long road to repairing the damage he’s done.

Suarez decided he had grown too big for Anfield but this was the week when Liverpool bared their teeth and refused to be bullied.

Spearing can hold his head up high



FOR Jay Spearing the dream is over but he can walk away from Liverpool with his head held high.

When the Academy graduate completed his move to Bolton Wanderers yesterday it ended a 17-year association with his boyhood club.

Spearing was just seven when his dad took him to Melwood for a trial after he was spotted playing for Wallasey junior side Greenleas.

It was a constant battle for the 5ft 6ins midfielder to prove he could make the grade. But the fact he stayed for so long was testament to his attitude and application.

Spearing always gave everything, always made the most of his ability.

“All I’ve ever wanted is to play for this club,” he said.

He achieved that goal in 2008/09 with memorable cameos in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven and Real Madrid. However, with the likes of likes of Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano and Steven Gerrard for competition he was stuck on the periphery.

Spearing enjoyed his best season in 2011/12 under Kenny Dalglish when he clocked up 25 appearances before Brendan Rodgers packed him off on loan to Bolton a year ago.

His hopes of forcing his way into Rodgers’ plans this summer were dashed but it’s no surprise the Trotters were keen to have him back.

The tough-tackling, fierce competitor will be a major asset in the Championship. Spearing lived the dream on 55 occasions and will always be welcomed back at Anfield with open arms.

Fitting occasion to honour Gerrard

STEVEN GERRARD got the testimonial he so richly deserved.

From the match against Olympiacos at Anfield to the black tie gala dinner, which was attended by 1,000 guests at the BT Convention Centre, it was the perfect celebration of a wonderful career.

Gerrard was humbled by the support which helped raise in excess of £1million for his charitable foundation.

Having enjoyed 15 years of inspirational service from the skipper, last Saturday was the chance for fans to show their appreciation and they did that in style.

Sky debut was a classic Carragher performance

IT WAS classic Jamie Carragher . No nonsense and rock solid from start to finish.

The retired Kop legend made an accomplished debut in his new career with Sky Sports this week in their Monday Night Football season preview show.

The format of having Carragher alongside Gary Neville in the studio looks inspired.

There will be no sitting on the fence, mundane waffle from these two pundits. Carragher has never been afraid to speak his mind and clearly isn’t about to change the habits of a lifetime.