Source: Liverpool_Echo
Liverpool FC boss Roy Hodgson picks from near full strength squad for trip to Birmingham CIty
Roy Hodgson 300[LNB]ROY HODGSON's preparations for Sunday's tough clash at Birmingham have been given a boost as he will have the luxury of picking from a near full strength squad.[LNB]Aside from Joe Cole, who is serving the final game of his three-match ban, and Dirk Kuyt, who damaged his shoulder when away with Holland, the Liverpool boss is set to travel to St Andrews with almost a full complement.[LNB]His biggest selection dilemma will centre around whether Daniel Agger or Martin Skrtel slot in alongside Jamie Carragher at the heart of Liverpool's defence, as both returned from games for Denmark and Slovakia on Tuesday without a hitch.[LNB]With Fabio Aurelio (Achilles tendon) and David Ngog (hamstring) also in contention - and Fernando Torres coming back from Spain's trip to Argentina without a problem - Hodgson should be able to pick a side that is close to his strongest starting line-up.[LNB] One man who will definitely be on from the first whistle is Paul Konchesky; Hodgson has reflected on the piece of business Liverpool did to lure the left-back from Fulham and insisted he will show from the beginning why he was so keen to sign him.[LNB]'It was difficult because Fulham were anxious to keep him and very much against letting him go,' said Hodgson.[LNB]'Our good fortune was the fact he was in the last year of his contract and he made it clear to Fulham that if they didn't let him go, he wouldn't sign a new contract.
