Alonso: Confident over future

GRAND SLAM SUNDAY

Watch the Premier League title race unfold live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1 on 23rd March.

First up Manchester United entertain Liverpool, kick-off 1.30pm, followed at 4pm by Arsenal's trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.

Coverage of Grand Slam Sunday gets underway at 1pm.

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• Xabi Alonso

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Xabi Alonso believes his decision to miss Liverpool's UEFA Champions League trip to Internazionale in order to be present at the birth of his son has been 'forgotten'.

The Spanish midfielder was absent for Liverpool's 1-0 victory over Inter at the Giuseppe Meazza in the last 16 of Europe's premier club competition on 11th March.

Alonso offered to fly to Italy on the morning of the game, but Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez told him to stay away and it was suggested the former Real Sociedad player, who has struggled to secure a place in the first XI at Anfield this season, faced an uncertain future with the Reds.

However, Alonso insists the matter is now in the past and the 26-year-old is looking forward to his future on Merseyside.

Priority

"I will always accept the orders of my coach and I don't think that anyone can question my professionalism," Alonso told the Daily Mail.

"But there are occasions in life when some things take priority over sport and that was definitely one of them.

"I know I was criticised but it's over. For me that is forgotten now. I have a contract until 2012 and I'm quite satisfied about my future."

Liverpool, who have won seven consecutive games in all competitions since their FA Cup defeat to Barnsley in February, travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United on Grand Slam Sunday and Alonso is confident the Reds can record another victory.

Champions

"Now we are entering the decisive moments of the season," Alonso added.

"To be champions is difficult but not impossible. We are developing a sensational run and we have not given up on anything.

"Our match against United is key. A victory at Old Trafford would open up our chances for the end of season and it would be a big blow in the Premier League for United.

"Our objective is to go to Manchester and win and it would not surprise me if we did. We are playing our best football of the season."