Macca: Give Alberto time

Steve McManaman has urged Liverpool fans not to put undue pressure on the shoulders of Alberto Aquilani by expecting too much, too soon from the midfielder.

The Italy international is edging closer to a Reds debut after making good progress in his rehabilitation from an ankle injury, but McManaman believes the 25-year-old should be afforded time to adjust to the demands of the Barclays Premier League.

"We have to be careful here," said the former Anfield winger. "Every single Liverpool fan hopes Aquilani will be the answer and he's got a good reputation. But he's been injured a long time.

"Everybody wants him to hit the ground running and be fantastic from day one, which is going to be very difficult for the lad.

"He's only young. Let's hope he is the wonderful player we all want him to be. But I don't think we should put undue pressure on him.

"Any foreign player coming into this country deserves a little time to gel with their teammates and get used to the new style of football. It's such a tough and aggressive league."