Mellor makes his mark

The burly forward plundered his fifth goal in just two second-string outings since returning from a nightmare spell with West Ham as Hugh McAuley's men eased to a 2-0 success at Sunderland.

The 21-year-old, enjoying an exciting partnership with fellow Anfield starlet Florent Sinama-Pongolle, gave Liverpool an early second-half lead before departing soon after with a back strain.

Another Red prodigy, young Scot Robbie Foy, showed why is viewed by many as a future star of the senior side by sealing the points with a neat finish with just 17 minutes remaining.