More bad luck for Mellor

Mellor has recently returned to Anfield after an unsuccessful loan spell at West Ham. He was expecting to play for the reserves and try and force his way into the first team squad.

However, the Football League will not sanction the termination of his loan spell with the Hammers which means technically he remains a West Ham player until the end of the season.

Liverpool have appealed against the ruling with the backing of both West Ham and the Premier League.

"We would like to have Neil available for at least the reserves, but the matter is in the hands of the Football League," manager Gerard Houllier said today.

"The Premier League and Football League officials are meeting to try and sort the situation out."