Football Echo: Carr a refuses to dwell on the past; Blackburn v Liverpool Today, kick-off 5. 15pm (live on Prem Plus) `I won't be thinking of Neill tackle'.

Byline: CHRIS BASCOMBE

LIVERPOOL'S Jamie Carragher heads back to Blackburn today insisting the events of 12 months ago won't play on his mind. The defender lost six months of the season after Lucas Neill's horror tackle a year ago.

But Carragher has since admitted the period he missed actually helped him become a better player.

Since his comeback, his form has won praise from all quarters, with Ron Yeats this week adding his name to the list of admirers of Carragher's new role.

To the Reds centre-half, Neill's presence in the Rovers side is an irrelevance.

``I won't be thinking about the fact I was injured there last season at all, '' said Carragher.

``I know a lot of people will be thinking it's an issue that I'm going back and facing him.

I understand that and it's something you get in the papers, but to me everything's about collecting three points. ''

The Neill tackle caused a storm on Merseyside, provoking a war of words at the time between Graeme Souness and Gerard Houllier.

Both managers have since moved on and the atmosphere is likely to be less hostile as it's been in recent seasons.

That said, after pleading his innocence, a full apology from Blackburn's Aussie defender never arrived.

And the travelling army of Liverpool fans are sure to remind him of their disgust this evening.

``He came into the dressing room after the match and told me he didn't mean it, '' recalls Carragher.

``But he never said sorry to me.

I have to say, after looking at the replays, I beg to differ about his interpretation of the tackle.

``He took his eye off the ball when he did it, and whether it was intentional or not, or he was just protecting himself, it was a bad one. But I've moved on from that now.

I won't be thinking about him, just our team. Tomorrow is about Liverpool winning three points, not Jamie Carragher going to Blackburn. ''

Carragher will be one of several stars who missed the League Cup win at Millwall who'll be instantly recalled.

Xabi Alonso, Sami Hyypia and Chris Kirkland also return. Josemi and Steve Finnan will fight it out for the right back spot.

Luis Garcia briefly returned to Spain yesterday because his wife had a baby boy. But Rafa Benitez expects him back in time to join the squad.

Florent Sinama-Pongolle is the only new injury. He misses the trip with a bruised calf. ``It's important for us to keep winning, '' said Benitez.

``This will help our confidence. Our away form has been better.

The stronger we get, the more games we will win, whether we're home or away.

``When you play teams who you think are going to be easy, it immediately means you are making it more difficult because you're too relaxed.

``Maybe Liverpool supporters expect us to win this game, but I'm sure the Blackburn fans don't think so. We will show them the respect they deserve. ''

Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has backed Liverpool to lead the Mersey title charge this season despite the fact that they currently trail Everton by six points.

The Blues are currently flying high in third place in the Premiership but Wenger is of the opinion that it will be the Reds who'll provide this city's main challenge.

``I feel Chelsea and Manchester United are the main teams -- and Liverpool as well. It will be interesting because everyone has a chance, '' says the Gunners chief.

``I don't think they (Everton and Bolton) will be championship contenders, '' he adds.

``A place in the top-six would be good for them, I think. But you never know. ''

LBLACKBURN

CAPTION(S):

AUSSIE FLYER: Blackburn's Lucas Neill is red carded in the match against Liverpool at Ewood Park last season; BAD BREAKS: Lucas Neill's challenge resulted in Jamie Carragher breaking his leg, while Milan Baros lies in agony after an accidental collision saw his leg broken by Markus Babbel