Tommy Smith salutes Reina

It's great to hear Pepe Reina come out and emphatically put to bed speculation that he wants to leave.

He shouldn't have to do it but he is clearly furious at the press reports suggesting he has told Roy Hodgson he wants to leave Anfield.

The Spaniard is not just a great goalkeeper - the best in the world I believe - but he comes across as a massive Liverpudlian too these days, one who celebrates and suffers as much as every true Liverpool fan.

Remember his dash towards the Kop end when we beat Manchester United last season?

It's that natural empathy with Reds fans, as well as his terrific ability, which has made him a hero to the Kop. And believe me any player should think very carefully indeed before giving up that hard-won status with supporters, particularly at what for me is still the world's greatest club.

Top players of course deserve to be competing for top honours - and Pepe is a top player. But we've only just got new owners in and I'm certain the future will, before long, become much brighter than some sceptics seem prepared to believe.

NESV can't wave a magic wand and simply make everything right. But with men like Reina making it clear he wants to stay and fight to get Liverpool back to the top, we're heading in the right direction.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.