Dalglish: Reds must keep cool

Published Sep. 30, 2011 9:15 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Reds have played well in short spells this season but the Scot knows it will require more than that to beat their nearest neighbours and closest rivals at Goodison Park. "The most important thing for us is to be confident, composed and have the belief we can win the game," he said. "It is up to us to get that into our players and get them to believe it. "We know we have to be totally committed to get the result because if we aren't we won't get anything. "You have to earn things you want in this life and if we want three points from Goodison on Saturday then we will need to stand up and be counted because they will make it difficult for us." There has been plenty of speculation about whether Dirk Kuyt, who has been left out of the starting line-up in the last two Premier League matches, could be due for a recall with his experience and work-rate seen as ideal qualities for games such as these. Dalglish has, however, tried to keep changes to a minimum and although some players have been disappointed he is pleased that there is now real competition within the squad. "Dirk works very hard - and so does everybody," added the Reds boss. "We're not going to get anywhere without people working hard in training because it's an important part of preparation for games. "Everybody has been a tremendous credit to themselves in the way they've conducted themselves in training and the effort and commitment they've put into it. "If you want to play, you've got to do that. If you do, then when you're given your opportunity, it's much easier for you to succeed. "We keep saying we've got a stronger squad than last year, so that means the competition will be greater as well. "The better the players play when they're given the opportunity, the greater the competition will be. "We're happy with that and it stands us in good stead to have a strong squad. "I wouldn't say the starting XI is settled and I wouldn't say the competition will die off either. "I don't think there is anybody here who is not competing for a first-team spot, and that's great for us."