ROY HODGSON says he has discovered Liverpool's answer to John Terry - and it is Sotirios Kyrgiakos.
The under-fire Anfield chief says the Greek defender can head the ball as well as Chelsea ace JT plus legends Tony Adams and Jack Charlton.
But Reds supporters will be left scratching their heads as to why he has started only THREE Premier League games if he is that good.
Kyrgiakos, 31, headed in Steven Gerrard's corner in the 2-1 win over Blackburn last Sunday and was also on target in the home defeat to Blackpool.
That puts him level with Fernando Torres and one behind Kop top scorer Gerrard.
And Hodgson said: "You can see that Soto really wants to get his head on it.
"He is like the way Tony Adams used to be and, before that, Jackie Charlton or how John Terry is now.
"It's not that they have got clever movement or they jump higher.
"They just want to get there. He is making our corner kicks look a hell of a lot better - but we should really be doing much better at corners because we have got one of the best deliverers of a ball around in Steven Gerrard.
"Soto's very dangerous in the opposing team's area and defends well in ours.
"Against teams who try to get you to submit to their aerial bombardment you do need players who are good in the air.
"You need players who are brave and strong and prepared to put their head on the ball.
"We knew he was good at doing that in our area - but this season he's been doing it in the opposing area too."
And Hodgson has backed Raul Meireles to open his account for his new club following his £11.5million move from Porto in the summer.
The Reds chief said: "He is a good striker of the ball.
"I'm sure his first goal for the club won't be too far away.
"Meireles is the type of player we need to bring more of to this club in the future."
is roy