Thommo blasts Reds' owners as Rafa looks to negate Bent threat

Legend Thommo: Phil Thompson

Former Liverpool assistant manager and player Phil Thompson has criticized Reds owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett for having given only lip-service regarding investment.

The legendary defender sees their involvement in terms of investment as unacceptable and has blamed the owners for making the club-machinery debt laden.

"The club, the stadium and what’s happening on the field just seems to be secondary in the Americans’ minds. They’re all about money and getting the debt down which shouldn’t have been there in the first place."

Meanwhile, Reds' boss Rafael Benítez has spoken of the threat posed by Sunderland's Darren Bent - who has been in sensational form.

The English striker, who has hit the net 20 times in 31 league outings, scored the only goal - albeit a controversial one - during his sides' 1-0 win over the Reds at the Stadium of Light.

No 'Beach'iness: Darren Bent on his way to score the 'Beach ball' goal