December 31, 1941
Willie Fagan and Len Carney, two of Liverpool’s pre-war stars, return to the team to visit Gigg Lane on Saturday to oppose Bury in the War Cup.
Fagan has made only a few appearances for the Reds this season, and for the most part has been helping Northampton. He plays for Celtic against Rangers in the Glasgow “Derby” tomorrow and then comes south again to link up with his Anfield colleagues.
Carney was unable to play over the Christmas games, but now comes back in all probability to operate at right-half. Kaye will cross again to left-half, as Spicer has returned from leave. Bill Whittaker will again be at centre-half and Cooke stands by as emergency half-back.
Nieuwenhuys, as I mentioned, will be playing again in the attack, and I expect he will continue as leader with Ainsley at inside right as partner to Liddell, and Fagan linking up with McIntosh on the left. Palk will travel as the spare forward.
Manager George Kay has named three backs, it being on the cards that Young, of the Arsenal, will turn out.
Liverpool defeated Bury 4-0 at Anfield last Saturday, and this team looks good enough to ensure that the Reds preserve their unbeaten record at Gigg Lane during the war.
Liverpool (from): Alf Hobson, Roy Guttridge, Ray Lambert, Albert Young, Len Carney, Bill Whittaker, Harry Kaye, Dennis Cooke, Billy Liddell, George Ainsley, Berry Nieuwenhuys, Willie Fagan, Jimmy McIntosh, Stan Palk.
(Evening Express, 31-12-1941)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 