Steve Clarke blames Liverpool's ' 'average' start on new players

Liverpool brought in a number of new players of the summer (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool first-team coach Steve Clarke believes the club's "average start" to the season is partly due to the changes taking place within the squad. The Reds have 10 points from six matches having already lost at Stoke and Tottenham.

At a similar stage last season their tally was just six and discontent was growing against manager Roy Hodgson, whose reign lasted just six months when he was finally sacked in January.

As part of the overhaul, financed by owners Fenway Sports Group and undertaken by Kenny Dalglish on his return to take charge of the club, seven players were signed in the summer with numerous others heading in the opposite direction.

Most of those new arrivals have featured in most of the opening few matches and while Liverpool have played well in patches they are still to consistently produce their top form.

"Without getting too carried away or too disappointed it's probably just an average start," said Clarke. "You're probably looking at about a seven out of 10. Some pleasing performances and some not so pleasing, but you'd expect that from a group of players where you've made so many changes and you're trying to bed a few things down."

One of the key factors in picking up three wins has been the form of four-goal striker Luis Suarez, with seven of Liverpool's 10 points coming in matches when he has scored. The 24-year-old was voted fans' man of the match for the fifth time in eight matches this season (he has played in both Carling Cup ties) after receiving more rave reviews following Saturday's win over Wolves.

But it is the Uruguay international's determination to do well – highlighted by his frustration when he was substituted 10 minutes from the end at the weekend – which has equally impressed.

"With any top player the mentality is always that bit stronger. That's what separates them," Clarke told Liverpoolfc.tv. "There are a lot of good players at this level and the really, really top ones have got that mental edge that drives them on all the time and produces the kind of performances that we've had from Luis so far.

"He's very grounded. He comes back in on Monday morning and works as hard as ever in training, he upsets all the defenders, scores a couple of goals and that's what he's all about.

"He trains like he plays – absolutely, every day. He loves to be playing football and that's a great thing."

Suarez's frustration at being substituted on Saturday was in no way lessened by the fact he was replaced by captain Steven Gerrard , making his first Premier League appearance for six months after a groin operation.

But the return of the England midfielder, who added to his 15-minute Carling Cup appearance last Wednesday, is a boost to everyone at Anfield.

He is lacking in match sharpness and this weekend's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park may come just a little too early for him to make his first start of the season.

However, that will not stop the Huyton-born 31-year-old pushing for a place in the line-up. "Steven himself will dictate the pace of his comeback with how he progresses in training," added Clarke.

"We're delighted with the stage he's at, we're delighted with everything he's done for us. We could maybe have got Steven on a little bit earlier [against Wolves] but it didn't work out that way. We've got a full week now and we can use him well in training."

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard believes his side's greater collective experience of Merseyside derbies could work in their favour this weekend. The United States international will play in his 13th match against their nearest of neighbours on Saturday. He is one of a number within the squad who have a wealth of games against the Reds.

By contrast, there could be as many as four derby debutants in Dalglish's side, while the likes of Suarez and Andy Carroll have played only in February's 2-2 draw.

"If you play passionately for a long period of time you start to become part of the fabric of the club just like the fans are and the way the homegrown players are," Howard told evertontv.

"It's not easy to do that and maybe we're not even there yet but you start to feel it little by little. Everyone wants to know when the Liverpool game is, how quickly it comes in the season and whether it is at Anfield or at Goodison Park. We're up for it and it'll be a good one."

Everton defender Shane Duffy is set to extend his loan spell at 16h-placed League One side Scunthorpe for a second month.

"I've spoken to Shane and he is benefiting from playing in someone's first team," Scunthorpe manager Alan Knill is quoted as saying on evertonfc.com.

"It's better he plays in a competitive team that is playing quite well rather than the reserves.

"That's what they sent him to us for, to learn, and that's what he's doing. I think he's getting better."