Riera to be offered chance

Albert Riera will be offered the chance to revive his Liverpool career.

New manager Roy Hodgson has pledged to give every player the opportunity to prove they have a future at the club.

The controversial winger was thought to be surplus to requirements after a spectacular fall-out with former manager Rafa Benitez last season.

Frustrated by a lack of first team opportunities, the Spain international criticised Benitez's management style and labelled the club a 'sinking ship'.

Riera's incredible outburst saw him suspended and fined two weeks wages after which he was frozen out at Liverpool before also missing out on Spain's World Cup squad.

"Whenever a new manager comes in, players who have been on the periphery start to see it and maybe think 'This may be my chance, I'll have a go," said Hodgson "You'd be foolish as a manager not to give them that chance."

A minor knee injury prevented Riera from reporting back for the start of pre-season training last week.

Instead he was given Thursday and Friday off by the club and is expected at Melwood today where he will meet manager Hodgson.

The Reds boss will probably have to offload players before he can start to shape his own squad.

Although chairman Martin Broughton has claimed the Anfield club do not need to raise money from player sales to alleviate the club's debts, Hodgson will begin his tenure with a modest transfer kitty of around £12m.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.