Murphy set to be ready for derby

The 26-year-old missed the Reds 2-0 victory over Fulham after jarring his neck before the match. Murphy's replacement Vladimir Smicer went on to have one of his best games for the Reds, but it is expected that the England player will regain his place in the team for Saturday. Reds assistant Phil Thompson, who confirmed the news, also hinted at a return for Senegal star El-Hadji Diouf.

Thompson said: "Danny is a lot better. We will be monitoring him through the week but we think he will be okay. El-Hadji Diouf will also come back into contention."