Hodgson avoids more interrogation

Liverpool spared under-pressure manager Roy Hodgson another testing examination by the media by cancelling his pre-match press conference.

The 63-year-old was due to give his weekly briefing at the club's Melwood training ground at 1.30pm on Friday ahead of Sunday's FA Cup third round tie at Manchester United.

However, less than an hour and 45 minutes before his scheduled appearance the club announced Hodgson would not be speaking to the media.

It spared the Reds boss having to answer what would have been a string of questions about his future, which has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks, and very few about the game against United.

Hodgson's position has come under increasing scrutiny after two defeats to Wolves and Blackburn in their last three Barclays Premier League matches.

After Wednesday's embarrassing 3-1 defeat to Rovers Hodgson's post-match press conference was cut short after just over two minutes and three questions.

On that occasion he was asked just one question about his future but faced the prospect of numerous enquiries on the subject at Melwood on Friday afternoon.

With the club keen to focus on football matters and keep a lid on speculation about the manager's future the decision was made to cancel his press conference.

It is unlikely, however, to prevent further conjecture about the Reds boss in the coming days.

Liverpool's owners New England Sports Ventures have reportedly been looking at their possible options for a managerial change for over a week now.