Luis Suarez spares Pepe Reina's Europa League blushes

James Pearce, Liverpool Echo

ONE packed his bags, the other spared their blushes – it was a contrasting night for the most expensive striking double act in Liverpool FC’s history.

For a long time the only drama came off the pitch as news of Andy Carroll’s departure on a season-long loan spell to West Ham filtered through to the Anfield crowd.

Having finally given up hope of offloading their £35million record signing on a permanent basis, Liverpool bit the bullet and accepted the Hammers’ offer.

It may only be a temporary stay but Carroll won’t be back. His Reds career is over after 11 goals and 58 appearances.

Having dealt with one of the most glaring mistakes made in the club’s past, manager Brendan Rodgers was forced to witness some present day bloopers as well.

Liverpool should have cruised into the group stage of the Europa League against a spirited Hearts side but a succession of missed chances gave the Scots hope.

A lack of a ruthless streak cost the Reds dear last season and it’s a problem Rodgers is still clearly trying to find a solution to. Another striker before the window shuts tonight is a must.

It looked like that lack of firepower would matter little last night with Hearts rarely threatening.

However, when Pepe Reina somehow allowed David Templeton’s shot to slip through his hands with six minutes remaining extra time was looming.

It was a shocking blunder from the Spaniard but thankfully the response from those in red was swift as Luis Suarez belatedly discovered his scoring touch to convert an 88th minute equaliser which secured the Reds’ passage 2-1 on aggregate.

Rodgers had vowed to field a strong line-up and was true to his word as Suarez, Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel all started after being rested for the first leg.

It was a proud night for Academy graduate Adam Morgan. Having made his first team debut late on at Tynecastle, the 18-year-old striker from Halewood was handed his first start. The boss also carried on where he left off a week earlier by playing Stewart Downing at left-back having informed the England international that’s where he believes his talents could be best utilised.

Considering the fate which has befallen Carroll and Adam this summer, Downing can count himself fortunate he hasn’t also been pointed in the direction of the exit door considering the lack of a return Liverpool have had on their £20million investment.

Being dropped to accommodate a 17-year-old Raheem Sterling against Manchester City last weekend have should acted as a wake-up call.

No passengers will be allowed at Anfield this season. Shirts will be handed out on performance rather than reputation.

In fairness Downing’s response was positive. Solid defensively, his pace coming from deep was a useful attacking threat. He almost created an opening goal for the Reds inside nine minutes but his tempting cross somehow eluded Morgan in the middle.

Gerrard latched on to the loose ball to tee up the youngster but he opted to take a touch and the chance went begging.

Morgan grew in confidence as the first half wore on and continued to be in the thick of it. From another enticing Downing cross, he headed unselfishly back across goal. Suarez nodded it goalwards but visiting skipper Marius Zaliukas hacked off the line.

It was Hearts’ first ever visit to Anfield for a competitive fixture and their 3,000-strong travelling support were determined to make the most of it.

They had their moments with Callum Paterson’s dipping volley flying wide and then Mehdi Taouil scuffing a shot straight at Reina.

Paterson had pleas for a spot-kick waved away after theatrically tumbling in the box following a challenge from Jamie Carragher.

At the other end Morgan cut inside menacingly off the right flank and unleashed a low 25-yarder which Jamie MacDonald gathered at the second attempt.

Gerrard is only one goal away from equalling Michael Owen’s club record of 12 goals in the competition and he went close to achieving that in style on the half hour mark.

The skipper’s rampaging run into the box left Ryan McGowan and Andy Webster trailing but MacDonald was out to block.

Twelve minutes before the break Morgan was in dreamland when he turned home Suarez’s cross. However, his celebrations were curtailed by the assistant’s flag with the ball having gone out of play before the Uruguayan pulled it back. Jonjo Shelvey went close from long range early in the second half but all for Liverpool’s endeavour there was no punch in the final third.

Just past the hour Rodgers introduced Raheem Sterling with Morgan departing to a deserved standing ovation.

The introduction of the young winger had the desired impact but the Reds’ wastefulness in the final third kept the tie alive.

Suarez looked destined to score when he burst clear and went around the keeper but he opted to take another touch and saw McGowan deflect his shot on to the post.

Just seconds later Suarez spurned another golden opportunity created courtesy of Shelvey’s perseverance as he blazed wide with the net gaping.

The Reds could hardly be criticised for sitting back on their slender lead in the tie as they continued to press with Gerrard brilliantly thwarted by MacDonald.

However, they were rocked six minutes from time when David Templeton’s speculative 25-yarder was inexplicably spilled over the line by Reina.

As the away fans rejoiced, Liverpool finally silenced them. Suarez left Zaliukas and from a tight angle clinically fired past the keeper. Relief engulfed Anfield. Embarrassment had been avoided.

LIVERPOOL: Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Downing, Allen, Shelvey, Gerrard, Henderson (Borini 76), Suarez, Morgan (Sterling 61). Not used: Jones, Johnson, Enrique, Agger, Coates.

HEARTS: MacDonald, R McGowan, Webster, Zaliukas, Grainger, Novikovas (Carrick 76), Barr, Taouil, Paterson, Templeton, Sutton (Driver 66). Not used: Hamilton, Robinson, Holt, D McGowan, McHattie. Bookings: Bar, Grainger.

REFEREE: Vladislav Bezborodov (Russia).

ATTENDANCE: 44, 361.