Hyypia to play in reserves

The towering Finnish international was red carded in Liverpool's 4-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United and Gerard Houllier wants his inspirational skipper to keep match-fit while he sits out his suspension.

Hyypia is set to miss the Merseyside derby with local rivals Everton, who are competing for a Champions League slot with their neighbours.

Igor Biscan, who took Hyypia's place at the back for the mauling, is also set to line up for the reserves in what will be a strong team for the game at Chester's Deva Stadium.

The versatile Croatian international could fill in for Hyypia if Stephane Henchoz is not fit in time to play in the Goodison encounter.

The reserve squad also includes several other first-team squad regulars including Salif Diao, Patrik Berger, Bruno Cheyrou and Neil Mellor.