REDS BATTLE NO HELP TO US - HUGHES

Bet on Betnley to join Liverpool next summer...? hahaha

By Carl Markham, PA Sport

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes does not expect the off-field turmoil at Liverpool to manifest itself in the team's performance when he takes his Rovers side to Anfield on Sunday.
The in-fighting at Liverpool reached new levels on Thursday when co-owner Tom Hicks dropped a bombshell by demanding chief executive Rick Parry resigns.
It was bizarre timing from the American - who has had a high-profile falling out with fellow owner George Gillett - as it came just two days after a thrilling victory over Arsenal to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League for the third time in four years.
However, Hughes does not believe the unrest at Anfield will give Rovers an advantage over Rafael Benitez's side come Sunday.
"I'm not sure what effect, if any, turmoil off the field has on the players on it," said Hughes, whose side have lost once at Anfield in their last three visits.
"Sometimes, if they have had a bad game, they can use the turmoil at boardroom level to hide behind.
"But if you are a top player then those issues are beyond your control. You can't influence them so you shouldn't bother about them.
"I rather doubt there is that much effect on the actual team itself, which has been proved this week (with the victory over Arsenal).
"Possibly it is more disruptive for the manager because you have to build a relationship with the people above you.
"You have to manage upwards and if you are not too sure who the actual guy is who is in charge that can cause you a problem.
"But Rafa seems to be coping quite well in that respect at the moment."
The situation at Liverpool contrasts sharply with Hughes' own at Ewood Park, where he has been given the full backing of the board and, as a result, has made Rovers into a consistent top-10 team.
"The continuity that we have I think is key to what we are trying to do here," added the former Wales boss.
Hughes has tried to maintain that continuity by securing striker Benni McCarthy on a new contract.
The South Africa striker was a revelation in his first Barclays Premier League campaign and, although he has struggled this season, Hughes has seen enough quality to want to extend his stay.
"I don't think it is actually signed but I think we are as close as we have ever been," Hughes added.
"It has been a long, drawn-out negotiation but we are very hopeful it will be coming to a conclusion sooner rather than later.
"I think it is important we show to everyone that we are a club that are trying to keep our best players here and Benni is certainly one of those.
"He had an outstanding first season. This season has been a little stop-start for Benni but he has still scored goals.
"The fact Benni will be with us for a number of seasons is very reassuring from my point of view.
"If we can keep all our players, and there is no reason why we can't, then we will continue to progress.
"You can't afford good quality players to go out of your club if you can do something about it.
"We have moved to try to make sure Benni is secure here and he can now focus on his career until the end of his contract."
Striker Jason Roberts faces a fitness test on a groin injury ahead of the trip to Liverpool, while midfielder David Dunn's knee problem will be assessed after he missed last week's 1-1 draw at home to Tottenham.