Five Things: Liverpool 0 v 0 Bolton Wanderers

1) Adam Bogdan

A strong, commanding performance fron the Hungarain number one who excelled for the 2nd successive cup game. Bogdan made no fewer than 9 saves including 4/5 top class stops and was a key factor in Boltons resilient draw at Anfield.

The Hungarian stopper has seen his first team oppurtunities limited since returning from injury and the speculation around Bogdan's future continues which has perhaps played a part in his battle with Andy Lonergan for the number shirt.

With Bogdan's contract expiring in the summer, he is now free to discuss his future with other clubs and the question of whether to re-install Bogdan as the first choice keeper remains.

For me, if he is leaving we may as well get shut now as it is very unlikely as the weeks progress that one player is going to make much difference to our overall outcome with both the play-offs and relegation both unlikely.

By freeing up Bogdan's wages for 6 months, it could well be the difference in our preparations for next season. Hopefully his performance caught the eye of some would-be suitors.

2) Darren Pratley

What a vital performance Darren Pratley put in for Bolton Wanderers on Saturday. The midfielfer was combative and his ball carrying often allowed the under-pressure Bolton defence to reform and in some cases get the ball to the feet of the frontmen Eidur Gudjohnson or Emile Heskey.

The resurgence of the former Swansea midfielder under Neil Lennon is remarkable although you always sensed it was there with Pratley, it was a case of bringing the best out of. Pratley is an old-fashion, all action, box-to-box midfielder who is incredibly effective away from home.

'Dazza Prazza' or 'Yaya Pratley' seems to really benefit with playing with Emile Heskey and Eidur Gudjohnsen who make themselves available to receive the ball of Pratley constantly. Bogdan deservedly had the headlines on Sunday morning but for me Darren Pratley was the stand-out MOTM on Saturday.

3) Matt Mills

I don't think any centre-half in the country envied the task facing Bolton Wanderers stand-in skipper Matt Mills on saturday. At the centre of the back three, Mills often found himself one-on-one with England starlet Raheem Sterling. Sterling is a rare breed of player, who cn ghost past opponents at pace (just ask former-Wanderer Gary Cahill) and on more than one occasion, Liverpool were able to get the ball to Sterling in his deep-lying forward role.

Mills was exposed on more than one occasion but was able hold up the Liverpool forward and dispossess when the opportunity arose.

It was a top class performance that at times looked untidy with some tackles that looked like they belonged a Rugby pitch rather than Anfield. However it was what was required and as the game wore on the danger posed by Sterling diminished.

So if you reading Gary Cahill (and why wouldn't you) if your struggling with that little nippy bastard, just pull him to the ground, over and over again.

4) Impact off the Bench

Perhaps the real concern that came from yesterday were the options available to Wanderers' boss Neil Lennon as the game began to slowly move against The Trotters.

With a well-reported combined age of 139, it was inevitable that Eidur Gudjohnson and Emile heskey would begin to tire but when you looked at the Wanderers bench, you really could not see where any impetus could come from.

Now don't get me wrong, young striker Connor Wilkinson came on and did well, however the big forwards is perhaps not ready to be leading a line against opponenets like Liverpool. I suppose this gives the immenent addition of Adam Le Fondre so important alongside the return of the injured Craig Davies.

There are a lot of games in The Championship, particulary with some cup games thrown in the mix and we need all the cover we can get in those sorts of areas.

5) A Night at The Macron Stadium

Isn't that something to look forward to!

I've already had messages off people I haven't spoken to in some time looking to make plans for what is likely to be a memorable evening at The Macron.

The draw of the most successful side in English Football is likely to swell the attendance at The Macron and with the possibility of the television cameras at the tie again, it could be a nice little bit of money for our cash-strapped Wanderers.

It really is a just reward for a incredibly resilient performance and I cannot wait for it!