Kenny Dalglish: The day I had Sir Alex Ferguson in my pocket!

04 March 2011 00:06
Sir Alex Ferguson has received support from an unexpected source ahead of Manchester United's Premier League showdown at Anfield. [LNB]Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish would love nothing more than to add to his old adversary's week of troubles with a victory on Sunday, but was in nostalgic mood on Thursday. [LNB]More than 40 years have passed since the pair grappled in an Old Firm reserve game - Ferguson was then a forward for Rangers while Dalglish, making his way through the ranks at Celtic, played as a centre half that day - and time has not diluted either man's appetite for victory. [LNB] Subdued: Sir Alex couldn't get the better of a young Dalglish[LNB]When asked what he remembered about their tussle - Ferguson told him beforehand that 'he would need a doctor for this' - Dalglish simply pointed to his pocket and smiled, to leave nobody in any doubt who he felt came out on top. [LNB]'I was a big, bruising centre back and he was up front,' recalled Dalglish. 'I read somewhere that he said he'd scored, but I thought we won 2-0. We definitely beat them. I was only 18 and in defence because of my height and aggression! [LNB]Let battle commence: The two old foes come face to face on Sunday[LNB]'I remember Fergie had gone for a lot of money to Rangers and they'd lost the Cup final to Celtic the year before. [LNB]'I have to say he never gave me a problem. We stayed across the road from Ibrox and we were friendly with a lot of the young Rangers lads. That's why I knew Fergie had cost a big fee, because he had such a big car. He used to give us a lift into town. [LNB]'United are top of the league so they will get the respect they deserve from the position they're in. Have I spoken to him since I came back to Liverpool? We had a drink after the January FA Cup game. Hopefully he'll bring the drink this time. It's my birthday.' [LNB]Dalglish has had a dream about how this clash might go ever since he made striker Andy Carroll the most expensive English footballer in history at ?35million on January 31. [LNB]The dream involves a high ball delivered into Manchester United's penalty area late in the game and Carroll rising majestically to plant a header past Edwin van der Sar in front of the Kop. [LNB]Given that Carroll has not played since his last appearance for Newcastle on December 28 due to injury and only returned to full training on Tuesday, starting him against United looks unlikely. [LNB]Yet the temptation to summon him from the bench is obvious. The 22-year-old looked sharp when playing in a small-sided game after taking part in several training drills and it was significant he and Luis Suarez were working in tandem.  The secrets of King Kenny at 60.. and some pictures for his players to pin up!Dalglish hopeful that ?35m Carroll will make debut against Man United All the latest Liverpool news, features and opinionAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion[LNB]  Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Kenny Dalglish, Edwin Van Der Sar, Andy Carroll Places: Newcastle, Liverpool

Source: Daily_Mail