Diouf grounded as Reds make States trip

While the likes of Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard were joined by all their fellow Euro 2004 participants on the flight to New Jersey, Senegal star Diouf will cut a lonely figure on the Melwood training ground over the coming days.

Liverpool begin their star-studded tour with a mouth-watering clash with Scottish giants Celtic in New Jersey on Monday, with further games against Champions League holders F.C Porto and Serie A outfit Roma to follow in Toronto and New York respectively.

American defender Zak Whitbread is also included on the trip to his native land, alongside more young hopefuls in Stephen Warnock and goalkeeper Paul Harrison.