Rafa Benitez's guarantee of a top four spot for Liverpool proved to be hollow but I have my own three-point plan for long-term success at Anfield - which I guarantee WILL work.

Point one has happened after the club's hapless US owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have finally confirmed they are willing to sell up.

They have had enough and are going, and thank God for that.

Point two would be Liverpool winning the Europa League this season, which would then lead into point three.

With the trophy clinched, Liverpool could parade it in front of their fans in Hamburg’s stadium.

Boss Benitez could then lift the trophy and walk down the tunnel and out of the club with a fond farewell and his head held high.

The new owners could then come in and recruit Jose ­Mourinho from Inter Milan and give him £100million for new players.

I have been banging a drum for Mourinho to come to Anfield since last season because I believe Rafa is simply not the man to end the club’s wait for a League title.

But there is no disguising the fact the season has been very poor - even if they end up winning in Europe.

They could finally win the championship again with ­Mourinho in charge, and battling it out in the later stages of cup competitions is what the club deserves.

If my plan is delivered I can guarantee that - unlike Rafa.

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Ledley King illustrated his class when he helped Spurs defeat Arsenal last week and I really hope Fabio Capello takes him to the World Cup.

There has been a lot of talk about a wild-card striker making the final cut but the one important ingredient England are going to need is a talented mobile, central defender.

Rio Ferdinand ticks all the boxes, but I am not so sure about John Terry or Matthew Upson.

I really rate Tottenham stopper King, despite knee problems which mean he cannot train properly.

I would take him to South Africa and not bother using him in the group games.

I think King could afford to sit them out and be saved for the knockout rounds. Why? Because he is the most naturally gifted central defender in England. He is worth that cotton-wool treatment.

The biggest compliment I can pay him regarding his performance against Arsenal was it was like watching a top-quality foreign defender.

So he has to go to the World Cup and I am keeping my fingers crossed.