Liverpool buoyed by Mascherano

LIVERPOOL, England: Liverpool's final Champions League game of the season against Fiorentina on Wednesday might now be meaningless but at least Rafa Benitez's side goes into the contest boosted by the news that Javier Mascherano (pictured) is poised to pledge his long-term future to the club.

It promises to be a subdued atmosphere at Anfield to say the least considering Liverpool have failed to qualify for the knock-out stages following some woeful form throughout their Group E campaign.

Yet the mood will be lifted slightly in the wake of Mascherano's decision to discuss a new and improved contract with the Premier League club.