KD: Suarez in contention

The striker made a belated return to Melwood following his heroics at the Copa America but the boss admitted he could yet be involved against the Black Cats after impressing on the training pitch.

Dalglish told his pre-match press conference: "He's trained and has no problem. We'll wait and see how he is tomorrow. We'll also see how Glen Johnson is in the morning.

"Obviously Steven (Gerrard) and Martin Skrtel aren't there and they are the only two. Everyone has come back from the international matches fine."

The Reds announced that they had sealed their fifth new signing of the summer in the shape of Newcastle full-back Jose Enrique earlier today.

It is the latest transfer activity in a busy window for Liverpool but the boss refused to be drawn on whether there would be any further additions.

He said: "The most honest answer is I don't know because we don't know if there is going to be movement in or out. Other factors will decide that.

"We are delighted with who we have brought in we think it helps the squad and the supporters look forward to it a bit more. We had to improve the squad that we had and that's the important thing.

"I think we've improved the squad and I think people would have been disappointed if we hadn't.

"We are happy with the business we have done and look forward to the start of the season like everybody else.

"Every club is exactly the same as us and has high expectation before a ball has been kicked. We just hope we can fulfil the expectation. But at the same time we will try to remain realistic and concentrate on one game at a time and see where that takes us."

The influx of new signings has led to comparisons with 1987 when Dalglish brought in a notable quartet that helped inspire the side to a memorable title triumph.

However, the boss insisted that he was only focusing on the future rather than dwelling on past success.

He said: "I can't stop people making comparisons but the new lads won't be judged against anyone else.

"They will be judged upon their performances and that's it. Whatever the comparisons are, it is something they enjoy doing in the pubs.

"There's no doubt that the team with Barnes, Beardsley, Houghton and Aldridge gave fantastic satisfaction to millions of Liverpool fans."

The Reds kick off the new season against Sunderland at Anfield on Saturday afternoon with Dalglish hoping to make it seven straight opening day wins as Liverpool boss.

He admits he can't wait to get started and is relishing the prospect of his first full campaign in charge, second time around.

He said: "We are all excited. Everybody looks forward to it. I suppose it's a wee bit like Christmas day for the kids isn't it?

"Everyone is looking forward to it - the clubs that have been promoted - everybody. We are no different and it will be the same for every other manager.

"The players have trained hard for five weeks to get here. It's an exciting time for everybody at the football club. "

He added: "You always look forward to it in the same way. You look to get victories on the board. It's the same every year. It's a wee bit different if you are involved with a football club, but if you are a supporter you are anticipating and hoping for the best. We are no different really."

Earlier in the week Liverpool issued a statement calling for calm in the aftermath of the recent trouble in the city and Dalglish acknowledged that football could play its role in the healing process.

Dalglish added: "Football always plays its part in this community. We won't sit here and get involved in political issues or pass comment on rights or wrongs. But football has always been huge for Liverpool and Everton and always will be."

Click on the image below to watch the press conference in full