[Morrison]

Liverpool players Paul Harrison, Richie Partridge, Jon Otsemobor and Mark Smyth have been released by the club.

Fellow youngsters Daniel O'Donnell, Danny Guthrie, Paul Willis, Ryan Wilkie and James Smith have been offered new deals and will remain at Melwood next season.

Winger Richie Partridge (pictured) made his first team debt over four years ago but has never made a league appearance. A loan move to Coventry went well for the Irish man and a year extension was offered last summer.

Full back Otsemobor made his debut in 2002 and put in some impressive performances but was dropped by Gerard Houllier and has hardly made an appearance since. A loan move to Crewe earlier in the season saw him impress and they look likely to sign him up for free now.

Goalkeeper Harrison spent a month on loan at Leeds in March and will be allowed to leave in the summer. England under-20 midfielder Mark Smyth failed to break into the first team under Benitez.

Experienced midfielder Vladimir Smicer is also set to leave the club in the summer; and with Dietmar Hamann and Igor Biscan also out of contract the signs are Rafa Benitez is beginning to change the playing squad this summer. He said "Next year, our idea is to ensure we have enough quality players to compete for at least the three top competitions."

"It's clear we haven't had the squad available to compete to a high level in four competitions this season."