Liverpool’s Kuyt Prepared For Reading’s Physical Challenge

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt is prepared for the physical challenge of Reading and is hoping boss Rafa Benitez selects him for Saturday’s away fixture in the Premiership.

The Dutch international saw his team-mate Fernando Torres being dished out a barrage of crunching tackles when the Reds took on the Royals in the Carling Cup in September. But the Spain ace had the last laugh as he scored a fine hat-trick.

Kuyt told Liverpoolfc.tv: "That is what the Premier League is all about. There are quality players but you also have to get used to the physical challenge.

"Fernando did really well. He kept getting kicked but kept getting back up and scored goals – that's always the best answer.

"I like the physical side of the game in England but sometimes you get the feeling defenders get more protection than attackers."

He added: "Rafa didn't pick me for the Carling Cup but hopefully he will on Saturday. I will be ready and hopefully I can go on scoring goals against them."

Rafa Issues Reds Challenge

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has challenged his side to maintain their rich vein of form as they look to keep pace with the leaders at the top of the table.

The Reds have won their last five games, scoring 21 goals and conceding just one in the process.

Liverpool travel to Reading this weekend before vital games against Marseille and Manchester United and Benitez is demanding more from his players.

"I'm really pleased at the moment because we are creating chances, scoring goals, not conceding and we're winning games. There are lots of positives for me to look at right now," Benitez told the club's official website.

"When you've scored 21 goals in five games and only conceded one then it would be easy to say that's enough, but as a manager you always want to improve.

"We have a lot of players still to come back like Fabio Aurelio, Xabi Alonso, Jermaine Pennant, Daniel Agger and Steve Finnan and so when they're all fit and available we can be better still.

"We've a big period coming up and we know that in football one result can change everything.

"Our confidence is high at the moment but we have to keep going and keep winning.

"There are lots of big games to look forward to - starting this weekend at Reading - and we have to show the right mentality in each of them."

Gerrard: Hard Working Torres Makes A 'Big Difference'

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has praised the contribution that Fernando Torres makes to the side - and not only in a goalscoring sense.

Despite the hefty price tag, few could argue against Fernando Torres thus far proving Liverpool's most successful summer signing.

The 23-year-old has already netted 11 times for the Reds even though he has been used sparingly by coach Rafa Benítez.

A firm favourite with the Kop just a few months after moving from Spain, Torres has also earned the respect of Anfield skipper Steven Gerrard.

"Fernando is getting a lot of praise at the moment and rightly so because the way he has settled into English football has been amazing and the way he has played is frightening," Gerrard told the Liverpool Echo.

"It can be difficult for players from abroad to settle into English football but at the moment Fernando looks like he's been playing here for years.

Everyone is talking about the goals he has scored and the way he has scored them but I don't think we should lose sight of all the hard work he is putting in off the ball as well.

He defends from the front and doesn't allow defenders to have a second on the ball. If they even think of dwelling on it he is on to them straight away. He is always looking to help the midfielders and the defenders and that makes a big difference. I've got to be honest, I'm made up to have him in our team."

With the likes of Crouch and Kuyt spearheading the attack for the majority of last season, Liverpool were often criticised for lacking pace up front. Gerrard agrees that Torres' pace and skill in running at defences is a useful weapon.

"It is great to have someone who gives us that different option. Fernando loves running in behind defenders and that gives us the option of hitting him early before defences have even had a chance to react. He's had a great start to his career and long may it continue."

Rush: Liverpool Must Keep Crouch

Liverpool goalscoring legend Ian Rush is convinced that Peter Crouch must stay at Anfield.

Peter Crouch's future at Liverpool is a regular subject of speculation, with manager Rafa Benitez's rotation policy restricting his playing time this season in particular.

But someone with an eye for a goal, and a goalscorer, is one of Liverpool's all-time scoring greats, Ian Rush - and he has no doubt whatsoever that the club must hang on to Crouch.

"He has done nothing wrong," said Rush.

"Every time he has played for Liverpool he has been superb.

"He's a fantastic different option for Liverpool and England and has never let Liverpool down.

"He [Benitez] can't ask Peter Crouch to do anything else. He has done exactly what he's been asked to do but he's got to be patient.

"He has become a better player simply by being at Liverpool Football Club."

Liverpool’s Hobbs Hopeful Of Premiership Start At Reading As Carragher One Yellow Card Away From Suspension

Young Liverpool defender Jack Hobbs is hoping for a Premiership start in Saturday’s game at Reading.

The 19-year-old, who had joined the Reds from Lincoln City in 2005, had come on as a substitute in his Premiership debut in the second half in Sunday’s win over Bolton Wanderers at Anfield as Jamie Carragher was injured with a blow to his ribs.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez has however expressed his confidence that Carragher will be fit for the Madjeski Stadium trip. But the England international is only a yellow card away from making it five for the season if he enters the book against the Royals, which would then see Carragher miss the big clash against Manchester United the following weekend.

"Carra has a week to recover to the Reading game, but if I can fill in and help out I will do," Hobbs said on the club’s official website.

"I'd look forward to it and feel I am ready. I was a little bit nervous when the manager told me to strip off on Sunday. When he called me over I didn't know that Carra was injured, but when I got told I was on I was excited and nervous. I just wanted to get out there and do it.

"It's another step in my career. It's a bit more experience for me and it will make the time easier. I'm glad to have come through it without any mistakes.

"Fingers crossed I can get another chance at Reading. Steve Finnan's injury isn't that bad but I'll keep training this week and see what happens. It depends on injuries how often I play this season, but I will keep training hard and see what happens and if I get a chance, I know I must take it."

He added: "I'm relieved and quite pleased to have finally made my Premier League debut. I'm just glad to have got a run out, really happy.

"I've been on the bench a few times but haven't been part of it in the league, but I was glad to just get out and do my bit for the team.”

Manchester City After Javier Mascherano?

Manchester City are reportedly set to make a £17million move for Javier Mascherano.

The Liverpool midfielder's long-term future remains uncertain as the Reds continue to stall over making his deal permanent and according to Wednesday's papers, City are now in the picture.

Rafa Benitez is reportedly urging Liverpool's American owners to make funds available to keep the Argentina international but with no offer on the table, the door is now open for the Eastlands outfit to make a bold approach.

The Daily Star claims a meeting took place between one of Mascherano's advisors and a close associate of City owner Thaksin Shinawatra last week.

Mascherano is owned by a consortium headed by Kia Joorabchian and the deal which took him from West Ham to Liverpool is due to run out at the end of the season - at which point the Daily Star claims Liverpool would have to cough up £17m to keep him at the club.

But City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has pinpointed the 23-year-old as one of his primary targets and the Eastlands outfit could even attempt to conclude a deal which would see him complete his move in the January transfer window.

According to The Independent Mascherano is also wanted in Italy, although he is thought to prefer a switch to Barcelona in Spain if he does leave the Premier League.

Liverpool Capello Link Is 'Nonsense'

Liverpool were quick to distance themselves from rumours linking Fabio Capello to Anfield.

Fabio Capello, having already expressed an interest in succeeding Steve McLaren as England boss, has been linked with Liverpool this week.

Current boss Rafa Benitez’s public row with Reds co-owners George Gillet and Tom Hicks over the availability of transfer funds was cause for concern at the club. The Americans were said to be aware of Capello’s availability.

However, Benitez has apparently shown remorse after the spat, with the situation unlikely to go any further. The club has acted quickly to quell the rumours.

Spokesman Ian Cotton said: "This story is complete nonsense."

61-year-old Capello is currently out of work since being sacked by Real Madrid after winning the Spanish title last season. Chief Executive Rick Parry was adamant that no talks had taken place.

"It is absolutely, completely and utterly untrue. Capello has not contacted us and we have not contacted him."

Liverpool Unite Around Torres´s Goals

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has become a beacon of light amid a public dispute between Reds manager Rafael Benitez and the club's American owners, George Gillett and Tom Hicks, over transfer policy.

The Spain striker's goal in the 4-0 win over Bolton last weekend was his 11th in 17 matches and left the Reds six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal in third place.

Liverpool haven't been champions of England since winning the last of their record 18 titles in 1990 but hopes are growing at the north-west side that they may be getting themselves into position to mount a sustained challenge.

Meanwhile keeper Jose Reina is just glad to be in the same team as Torres after playing against his compatriot in Spain.

"I was Fernando's favourite goalkeeper back in Spain, he put so many goals past me," Reina said.

"Fernando has been getting better and better over the last few weeks. He has become a very important player for us, he has pace, and he can now finish.

"He has the qualities to play consistently at a very high level, and now he is at that level in England. He is quick, strong and clever. He has great movement and can be aggressive to cope with playing against big defenders.

"He is so important. He can be a target player, but he can play other roles. Let's see how much more he can progress, I believe he will do that."

Torres, who joined Liverpool for more than 20 million pounds (40 million dollars) from Atletico Madrid, has scored four goals in five games.

Steven Gerrard, the Liverpool captain who himself has scored eight in nine, said of the forward: "Getting into double figures before Christmas is great for him and the team. We know if we get him chances, he will score."

However, Benitez added there was plenty of work left for Liverpool to do if they were to be crowned English champions for the first time since the creation of the Premier League.

"We haven't hit the high standards that we are capable of, not just yet. We can improve a lot, we have injuries at the moment and when they are all fit we will have even more players with quality.

"It will mean we can change players during the game and for different matches to give us fresh legs to be able to maintain the level we require.

"We need to play every game with a very high tempo, and with more players fit and available we will be able to sustain that," the Spanish boss added.

"To win a title it is not just about winning games and staying close.

"It is all about the small details and they can make a big difference. We can play better but we are in a very good position."

Brazilian Star Raves About Liverpool Duo Gerrard & Torres While Barca & Juve Wait On Mascherano

Liverpool's young Brazilian star Lucas Leiva is relishing the chance to play alongside two colleagues he rates among the best in the world.

Lucas has been drafted into Liverpool's midfield in recent games late alongside skipper Steven Gerrard, and with record signing Fernando Torres in front of him.

The 20 year-old, who signed in the summer for £5million from Gremio, is rated in South America as the best Brazilian of his age group and he has adapted to the English game remarkably quickly.

And having Gerrard and Torres around to help him has been a key factor, he claims.

Lucas said: "It is fantastic playing alongside Steven Gerrard, he is among the best in the world. And to have Fernando up front - he too is one of the best in the game - as well is a dream for me."

Lucas has impressed in Liverpool's last two Barclays Premier League games against Newcastle and Bolton.

He said: "Stevie and I are obviously different players. I am younger and I am still learning and he is helping me a lot.

"When I play in midfield with him I have to play more of a holding role because he can go forward, create chances and score goals himself. Hopefully, when I have played more games and got more confidence I can go forward more myself.

"But I am happy just to be playing because I can learn from players like Steven.

"It is fantastic to play alongside him because he is one of the best players in the world.

"Hopefully, one day, I will be as good as he is but that is a long way away."

And Lucas is revelling in the fact that Torres, with 11 goals in 17 games, is proving already to be a success at Anfield.

Lucas added: "Fernando is a fantastic player and he can score a lot of goals. He is a very good striker and he can be the best striker in the world."

Lucas has proved to be a more than adequate understudy for Javier Mascherano, and has recently been given the chance to shine.

Liverpool are still trying desperately to tie down the Argentinian on a permanent contract, but if that proves to be too difficult Lucas could comfortably step into the role.

With that deal on hold until the club's American owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, have their much heralded meeting with boss Rafael Benitez later this month, there are concerns that Mascherano could slip through the net.

Both Barcelona and Juventus are monitoring the situation, and Liverpool know they must come up with £17million to make the loan deal permanent.

Whether the Americans will sanction that deal remains to be seen, and has been one of the main fears for Benitez as he has expressed his concerns about the club's transfer policy.

Lucas could end up as the beneficiary of any delays in that move, or even the loss of the player altogether.

For now he is just happy to be making his mark at his new club.

He said: "We are scoring a lot of goals at the moment and we have to keep that going.

"It is hard to say why it is happening at this time but the team is playing really well and we are creating plenty of chances.

"We have played really well in the last five or six games and the confidence is much better because we are scoring goals and winning but now we have to look forward to the next game."

Results Serve To Further Strengthen Rafa Benitez's Hand

It seems Tom Hicks was right after all. Rafael Benitez should focus on coaching and training his team – because he seems to be doing a pretty good job of it at the moment.

And all in all, this approach will only help Benitez if his simmering confrontation with the Americans boils to the surface again.

The best thing he can do now is to keep quiet and concentrate on getting Liverpool another three points at Reading on Saturday and taking them through to the Champions League knockout stages with victory in Marseille in a week’s time.

All of which would give him not only more points and more progress, but more bargaining tools when Hicks and Gillett make their way over the pond in two weeks’ time.

With the small matter of re-financing the stadium, you can hardly blame the duo for not exactly waving open cheques at Benitez even as January gets ever closer.

But the manager shouldn’t be worrying about this. He needs to put all his energies into getting his side into a position whereby it will be impossible for him not to be backed financially.

Imagine how the conversation will go if Liverpool beat Manchester United at Anfield in a fortnight and really prove how serious they are as title challengers this term.

Would you like to look Benitez in the face and tell him he can’t have what he wants to put the finishing touches to the squad he will need to see out the second half of the season?

No, and neither will Tom Hicks. He will if he has to and he was right to do so when this feud was made public.

But he will be wary that anyone who isn’t fully behind Benitez at Anfield these days is in a pretty lonely place – last week’s march to Anfield before the Porto game proved that. Benitez doesn’t need petty press conferences to make that point. At the moment, the only point he needs to make is through his players and they are doing a fine job of that.

Especially when he picks the right ones, and that was exactly what happened against Bolton on Sunday.

Peter Crouch up front with Fernando Torres works a treat because they are the two Liverpool strikers who give defenders the most problems.

Crouch is one of those forwards that you just have to watch. You can’t afford to take your eyes off him and the way he occupies opponents is perfect for Torres.

The Spaniard likes to roam free and into slightly wider areas and someone like Crouch up there enables him to do it.

He scored on Sunday and he hit a hat-trick when he played up front with Crouch a Reading in the Carling Cup. No coincidence.

It’s back to the Madejski Stadium again on Saturday and, while Benitez might want to have someone a bit deeper like Kuyt or Voronin away from home, I’d like to see him go for it a bit more.

With two out-and-out centre-forwards like Crouch and Torres you might leave yourself wide open, especially in a 4-4-2. But I think Reading are worth taking the risk against.

Liverpool are safe enough at the back these days and if you are a bit vulnerable the answer is simple. Just outscore them.

It will mean another victory on the pitch and perhaps, more significantly long-term, victory for Benitez in the boardroom.

After all if Liverpool keep winning this week it will only strengthen his hand.

Rafa Hails Torres And Claims: We Will Be Close

Liverpool kept up their push for the title after another stunning show by Fernando Torres.

And boss Rafa Benitez is confident his men will stay in the hunt after crushing Bolton at Anfield yesterday to move up to third in the table.

"In the last three years we were too far behind, this year we are closer and we have a better squad," said Benitez. "I have confidence, but we need to see where we are at the end of January. We'll play a lot of games and we have some problems with injuries. If we don't make mistakes we will be close."

He added: "The team is playing well, we weren't fantastic but it's a good win.

"It's also important we don't have just one striker scoring 20 goals a season - we need others with 15."

Sami Hyypia, Torres, Steven Gerrard and substitute Ryan Babel swept aside Bolton but the win was marred when Jamie Carragher was flattened by Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina for the second time this season.

Carragher went off with damaged ribs after his team-mate clattered into him as they attempted to clear the ball.

A similar incident at Sunderland put Carragher out for three matches with an identical injury.

Benitez must wait to find out if he has cracked ribs but could see the funny side as he said: "I think Pepe is going to kill Carra or finish his career one day."

Liverpool could afford to laugh at the collision as Nicolas Anelka failed to take advantage of the mix-up and somehow contrived to miss an open goal with Bolton just 1-0 down.

Wanderers boss Gary Megson was unhappy with his side's display. "We didn't play well or compete anywhere near the level we did against Manchester United," he said. "We must do that every time and make that game the standard."

We'd Follow Benitez Out The Door, Warns Torres

Liverpool star Fernando Torres has warned the club’s owners that they risk a players’ revolt if their ongoing feud with Rafa Benitez results in the Spaniard’s dismissal.

The Reds faithful have already made their support for the manager very clear both ahead of and during last week’s Champions League triumph against Porto, and now ‘El Nino’ has left no doubt as to where the allegiance of the players lies.

“He cannot leave. The fans have given their verdict and it was clear,” said Torres, who continued his rich vein of form in front of goal with a stylish second during the 4-0 drubbing of Bolton Sunday.

“Benitez has created a team of people who are indebted to him. It’s certain if he goes many players will think about their futures.

“Benitez is not just another manager. He created a team and put his faith in players that owe him a lot.”

The manager himself refused to be drawn out his love-hate relationship with the club’s American owners during the post-match press conference. He did speak out in praise of his young striking sensation, however, while at the same time warning against Torres-dependence.

“Yes, it is great to have a striker who can give you 20 goals a season but it is easier for defenders if he is the only man they have to worry about.

“You also need others who will give you 15 and players who can score important goals — and we have that.

“We scored four today but it could easily have been more.”

Carragher To Be Fit For Reading

Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher is expected to be fit for this weekend's trip to Reading despite picking up a rib injury on Saturday.

The defender was injured in a collision with goalkeeper Pepe Reina against Bolton Wanderers, which resulted in Nicolas Anelka's astonishing miss with the goal at his mercy.

Carragher was substituted early in the second half to be replaced by debutant Jack Hobbs, a product of the Anfield youth system.

But some fans had expressed reservations about the youngster starting in Saturday's Premier League fixture, which might have been necessary due to the Reds' current injury crisis in defence.

However manager Rafael Benitez has confirmed that Carragher is likely to shake off the problem in time for the journey south to Berkshire.

"Carra took a knock in the ribs when he collided with Pepe but I do not think it was that serious," the Spaniard told the club's official website.

"I'd expect him to be fit for the Reading game."

Veteran Sami Hyypia also played in the centre of defence against the Trotters yesterday and may be required to continue in the role with a number of players still on the sidelines.

Daniel Agger is expected to make a comeback in the next few weeks, while full-back Steve Finnan also missed the Bolton game with a calf problem but is likely to return against the Royals.

LiverpooL 4 - 0 Bolton

Liverpool maintained their unbeaten Barclays Premier League record, made it five successive wins and continued to rattle in the goals.

After demolishing Bolton, they have scored 21 goals in that five-game run to move into third place in the table, a point behind Chelsea with a game in hand.

In a week that has seen boss Rafael Benitez seemingly settle his public dispute with the club's American owners, his side have been in tip-top form.

Four goals against Porto and four against a dispirited Bolton has dispelled any lingering doubts about Benitez's side.

From Besiktas to Bolton over the past weeks there is now a list of people who have learned to their cost that if there is trouble in the corridors of power at Anfield, it ends when the players walk on to the pitch.

Goals from Sami Hyypia and Fernando Torres - his 11th in 17 games - had Liverpool in command at the break and a Steven Gerrard penalty sealed what was a comfortable victory before Ryan Babel tapped in the fourth.

Bolton had gone five games unbeaten under new boss Gary Megson, but despite a initially defiant display, they were eventually brushed aside.

Bolton made four changes from the side that produced their best display of the season in beating Manchester United last weekend. Jlloyd Samuel, Gary Speed, Gavin McCann and Lubomir Michalik all returned in a team that included two former Liverpool strikers, Nicolas Anelka and El-Hadji Diouf.

Bolton started with Kevin Davies, usually a striker, on the right of midfield, but moving in to support Anelka when the Trotters broke out.

And that ploy caused Liverpool more than a few problems.

Initially, Bolton were under pressure as Harry Kewell and Yossi Benayoun ran at their defence. Ricardo Gardner had to kick away from an open goal from Peter Crouch, and then Jussi Jaaskelainen needed to be alert to scoop away a Torres close range effort after Benayoun's run.

Bolton come into their own at set-pieces, and when a Diouf corner was flicked on by Abdoulaye Meite right in front of Jose Reina, the ball was hastily cleared.

Diouf was booked on 11 minutes for a nasty tackle into Alvaro Arbeloa's ankle with the ball long gone. And it was Liverpool who went ahead from a set-piece of their own.

Gerrard's 16th minute free-kick was flicked into the bottom corner by Hyypia.

Crouch, with a header over from Gerrard's corner and then Kewell with a snap shot that flew wide threatened to increase the lead, but generally Bolton were working very hard to stop Liverpool's build-up from the back.

Anelka and Diouf were always capable of causing problems for Liverpool's defence, while Campo, Speed and Gavin McCann battled to regain possession.

Torres saw a cross-shot go wide of the far post, but at the other end Davies got away into space on the right to fire in a fierce low shot that Arbeloa hooked away from a gaping net.

And on 38 minutes, Anelka should have equalised. Reina and Jamie Carragher collided on the edge of the box, and the ball ran for the Frenchman on the right of the six-yard box.

But somehow he managed to miss an open goal from 12 yards, putting his effort into the side netting. And Bolton were to regret that clanger.

A minute from the break, Torres eased Liverpool's tensions with a stunning goal. Gerrard's 35-yard, inch-perfect through ball, sent Torres into the box to clip his 12th goal of the season over Jaaskelainen.

Gerrard surged into the box and saw a fierce drive deflected by Jaaskelainen four minutes into the second-half, and a minute later Carragher was replaced by teenager Jack Hobbs, who made his league debut. Carragher had been hurt in that first-half collision with Reina.

But on 54 minutes Gerrard did beat Jaaskelainen, this time from the spot. Peter Crouch looked to be impeded by both Meite and Michalik as he went for a Gerrard cross.

Referee Steve Bennett pointed to the spot and Gerrard drilled the penalty home.

Reina saved from an Anelka snap-shot on 59 minutes but all hope had gone for the Trotters.

Campo was booked for a foul on Benayoun on the edge of the box and Torres almost scored again when he surged in from the right, beat three men and chipped the ball over the far angle.

Stelios Giannakopoulos replaced Diouf on 65 minutes, and a minute later Babel took over from Kewell for Liverpool.

Dirk Kuyt replaced Torres on 76 minutes, and the Dutchman helped Gerrard set up Babel for the fourth with six minutes left.

Meite headed a Babel effort off the line soon after as Bolton were reduced to praying for the final whistle.

Sheikh Wants Fans Backing

Dubai billionaire Sheikh Mohammed is waiting for the green light from Liverpool fans before trying to buy out US owner Tom Hicks.

As Mirror Sport revealed yesterday, Hicks is considering selling his stake in the club.

And while City sources indicate Hicks has placed a valuation of £1billion on the club, there is interest from Sheikh Mohammed, head of the Dubai International Capital group.

Dic were in £450m takeover talks with Liverpool last year, before pulling out when the board held out for Hicks in a £219m deal.

Now the Sheikh - full name Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum - who is worth £7bn, is interested again and could be welcomed by fans who voiced their support for boss Rafa Benitez and their anger at the owners on websites yesterday.

"Both Yanks can XXXX off if they sack Rafa," said one fan, with another adding: "These cowboys have taken a massive loan to buy the club. Where is the bloody investment?"

And a third suggested: "It would have been better if we'd sold to the Dubai consortium."

Duo Fighting For A Future At Anfield

Rafael Benitez wasn’t the only person fighting for his Liverpool future that emerged from Wednesday’s Champions League victory over Porto with their reputation enhanced.

For differing reasons, both Peter Crouch and Harry Kewell have found themselves mainly with their face pressed up against the window of first-team action at Anfield this season.

It has led to speculation they will soon be plying their trade elsewhere, Crouch long touted to be ushered out of the club in next month’s transfer window while Kewell becomes a free agent in the summer.

But the players were given reason for encouragement by Benitez yesterday that their Anfield careers are not so cut and dried.

Crouch is out of contract in 18 months and Liverpool have yet to make a move to offer the striker a new deal.

That has alerted a clutch of potential suitors, with Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson linked with a January bid for the England international.

But Benitez has dismissed the notion Crouch is up for sale and has challenged the forward, who scored the final goal in the midweek 4-1 win, to prove he deserves an extended stay at Anfield.

“Peter knows how to win a new contract,” says the manager. “He has to work really hard, play very well and score a lot of goals. So he has a chance to win a new contract because he can do all of this.

For now, though, we have to win a lot of games and then we will talk about his future later on. He does not play every game, but now with two games every week for some while he will get his chances to impress.”

Benitez adds: “I do not think it will be the situation that he will walk away for nothing in 18 months, that will not happen. For now, though, I just want him to score more goals.

“The key is for him to score, play well and be happy. Then we will have the conversation about a contract.

“We do not want to sell Peter, we are really happy with him. Players in top sides know they cannot play in every game, but you can see how important he is for us.

“Against Porto in midweek he and Harry Kewell were key substitutions that helped us win the game. We do not want to see any transfer movement involving him.

“I want to see Peter score a lot more goals for us, he is not for sale. He is a good professional, he is always ready and waiting for his chance.”

Crouch revealed this week that he will “do everything” to stay at Anfield, but Benitez has reiterated the player must bide his time as he jostles with Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Andriy Voronin for a place up front.

“In a top side you need good players, but they cannot play every game, that is impossible,” he says.

“Crouch is a key player for us, we do not want to sell him. But when someone is not playing every game other clubs ask about them. They will be trying to get close to the player. But we do not want to sell him, we want him here to help us win the title.

“Manchester City have done well this season, and they have some money to spend. But they will not have Peter Crouch.”

Crouch is hopeful of a start tomorrow for the visit of Bolton Wanderers, who have lost just one of seven games since Gary Megson replaced the sacked Sammy Lee last month.

The Trotters haven’t won at Anfield in the league since January 1954, but will be buoyed by their 1-0 defeat of champions Manchester United last Saturday.

And Crouch says: “Bolton will come into the game on the back of a great result against Manchester United. Not a lot of teams will beat United and they will be in confident mood.

“It’s always a tough game against Bolton and we know that we will have to be at 100% to get the job done.”

Kewell, meanwhile, is also in contention for a recall to the starting line-up as he continues his quest for fitness.

He played 55 minutes on his first league start in more than 18 months in the 3-0 win at Newcastle United last weekend and made a telling contribution as a substitute in midweek, creating the decisive second goal for Fernando Torres.

Benitez has revealed that any decision over Kewell’s future will not be made until next year at the earliest, a time by which the winger can open talks with clubs from abroad over a transfer.

But the Anfield manager reckons the Australian wants to remain in England and preferably at Liverpool – and will give him every chance to ensure that.

“The key for us is to keep Harry fit,” says Benitez. “If he is fit he is player who can beat players, create chances and score goals. He is important for us. We have nine games in December and we need all of our players.

“I don’t know when we will talk about his future. I’m not thinking about that. It’s important to see him training and ready for every game.

“We will have time and he knows that we will need to talk. But it will not be until after January or February, we will see, we aren’t exactly sure when.

“He’s not yet ready to pay a full game. I would sooner have Harry for 55 minutes at 100% than 90 minutes at 50%. He is training hard and trying to be ready but with our busy schedule he will get more games now.

“He is close to playing 90 minutes now, every week he is physically getting much better.

“I think Harry will be happy to continue here in England and especially at Liverpool.”

Boots Hold Key To Daniel Agger's Recovery

Daniel Agger could make his long-awaited return for Liverpool next week – thanks to a special pair of football boots.

The Denmark international has not played since the goalless draw at Portsmouth on September 15 after breaking a metatarsal in his right foot.

Agger was thought close to a comeback earlier this month only to complain of further discomfort in the same area.

However, the 22-year-old will train next week in a specially-commissioned pair of boots designed to protect the metatarsal.

And if Agger comes through training with no problems, he could be considered for next Saturday’s Premier League visit to Reading.

“I was talking with him this morning,” said Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez yesterday. “He is comfortable training in trainers but has had some problems with his boots. They are producing some news boots for him and I’m sure they will help him.

“It will be impossible for him to be fit for this week, but he may be back for next week if he is comfortable with the new boots.

“We don’t want to put a date on it. We just want to see how he progresses.

“But I don’t think he’ll be out for weeks. He can run and can kick the ball, but with the boots he felt something. He is training and doing more or less everything in terms of physical.”

Mascherano Holds Key To Rafa Benitez's Future

As Liverpool's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett marvelled at Fernando Torres' goalscoring skills against Porto on Wednesday night, or more likely, pondered why a man costing £26.5 million could only beat the goalkeeper twice, it is unlikely that their eyes ever wandered to the stocky little Argentine furiously chopping the midfield wood, name of Javier Mascherano. To be fair, their £417 million investment in the club does not require them to appreciate the finer points of "soccer" nor to realise, which they apparently failed to do, that the 8-0 win over Besiktas last month represented anything special.

But if someone could have explained to them why Mascherano is as important to Liverpool as Torres and captain Steven Gerrard, even though he does his best work in their shadows, Hicks and Gillett might have a better understanding of the public attack on them by manager Rafa Benitez.

The owners, having allowed Benitez to pick their pockets for the best part of 100 million greenbacks in the summer, may regard him as cheekier than Oliver Twist for coming back for more so soon afterwards. Yet Benitez's call for new signings was really a singular plea for the permanent signature of Mascherano, who has blossomed from West Ham ugly duckling to Liverpool swan.

Benitez has a particular affinity for Mascherano, having spent four hours wooing him in January when he was on the point of signing for Juventus, which is why Rafa has pushed his luck to the point of losing his job. And though he now says he wants to kiss and make up with Hicks and Gillett, he is still a long way from being sure of staying as manager, even though fans from Norway and Ireland joined Scousers in singing his name in midweek.

Supporters regard Benitez as their most popular manager since Bob Paisley, though his outspoken attacks on Hicks, in particular, plus his veiled assaults on chief executive Rick Parry, have more a ring of Bill Shankly, who said: "There's a holy trinity of the players, manager and the supporters. Directors don't come into it. They are only there to sign the cheques."

Benitez seems to share that opinion, a dangerous one because football has changed irrevocably since then and the men who pay such fortunes to the piper call the tune and the key in which it is played. Rumours that Hicks is already so disillusioned that he wants out can probably be discounted. "It's been a big misunderstanding blown very much out of proportion," Hicks said yesterday. "George and I are happy to see that it has settled back down.

"I am not selling any of my shares to anybody," Hicks added, emphatically denying a British media report on Friday that suggested he was planning to offload his stake.

Both he and Gillett, though, are entitled to ask why there is such a rush to sign Mascherano, who is under contract until May when Liverpool have first option to buy him for £17 million.

Mascherano himself says: "It's not my problem and it's not causing me a problem. But I think they [Benitez and the owners] have to be there trying to solve their differences because it's more important than my situation. I hope I will stay here but it's very important Rafa stays as the manager. I think he will stay. I don't think he and the owners have too big a problem."

In his apparently new conciliatory mode, Benitez wants talks with Gillett and Hicks before the scheduled meeting on Dec 16 after Liverpool's Premier League game against Manchester United at Anfield. One can understand his reasoning, not wanting the owners to make a decision on his future after what promises to be a critical six days of the club's season. Before the United game, Liverpool play their final Champions League group fixture in Marseille, where only victory will guarantee their place in the knockout stages and where defeat could see them miss out even on the UEFA Cup.

That would not encourage any loosening of the purse strings by owners who talk a good game about being in it for the glory and understanding the Liverpool tradition yet are not so old-fashioned that they do not want a return on their investment. Such is the pressure on Liverpool managers to succeed that Paisley, the most successful in their history, once said: "I was there during the bad times, too. We finished second one season." He actually finished second twice, something Liverpool have managed on only two occasions in the 17 seasons since they last won the title. Although second place now brings with it automatic entry into the Champions League, it has never been viewed at Liverpool as anything but something nasty you occasionally step into.

Benitez has funds of goodwill with the fans because of the 2005 Champions League win and last season's place in the final. He will ultimately be judged, however, on whether he can construct a side to win the Premier League.

Striker Peter Crouch, restricted to cameo appearances this season, can certainly not be described as the manager's pet but says: "It's starting to come good now. We are confident at the moment, so I am sure we will have a strong second half to the season." That is assuming he is still at the club for the second half.

As for Mascherano, he says: "I'm very close to signing for Liverpool and I want to play for them. It's possible in the next month there will be a meeting and everything will be resolved." If he were playing in the States, where players have so many consonant-riddled names that clubs spell them phonetically in their programmes, he would appear as MAS-KER-R-NO. But his hopes of remaining a Liverpool player will depend on whether Hicks and Gillett believe Benitez has spelt out his own message too forcefully for their liking.

Outlook Is Brighter For Benitez As Hicks Speaks Up To Heal The Rift

Liverpoool owner Tom Hicks last night broke his silence on the civil war at Anfield to give under-pressure manager Rafa Benitez a vital peace offering.

Hicks insisted he 'got along just fine' with Benitez and described speculation that the Liverpool manager might be sacked as 'unfair'.

The Texan's comments will be a huge relief to Benitez, who has cut an isolated figure in the last couple of weeks despite Liverpool going into today's match against Bolton unbeaten in the Premier League.

It will also delight thousands of fans who demonstrated their support for Benitez during the midweek Champions League win against Porto.

Hicks confirmed that he and fellow owner George Gillett will fly to England in 11 days — 48 hours after Liverpool's decisive European qualifier against Marseille — to discuss plans with Benitez.

On the agenda will be the fate of Javier Mascherano and Peter Crouch. Benitez wants to tie up a £17million deal for Mascherano as soon as possible while the owners would prefer to wait until the summer when the Argentinian's loan deal ends.

Benitez is also keen to resist a £12m bid from Manchester City for Crouch but may have to convince the money men, who are aware that the England striker has only 18 months left on his contract and his value will fall if he is not sold in January. Hicks was incensed by Benitez's petulant behaviour at a press conference 10 days ago when the Liverpool manager sulkily repeated he would be 'focusing on coaching and training'.

Benitez has since tried to mend the situation and last night it appeared his tactic had worked, with the straight-talking Hicks suggesting they could continue to work together.

'We get along just fine with Rafa,' said Hicks. 'A small difference escalated into a huge issue, which was unfair to Rafa.

'He has the team playing very well now. It has been a big misunderstanding blown out of proportion. I'm glad things have settled down.'

Crouch Wants To Stay AT Anfield

If Peter Crouch feels like a misfit, it is probably because the forward has to prove himself again. From being released by Tottenham Hotspur, to being unfancied at Aston Villa, to recent speculation that Rafael Benítez, the Liverpool manager, has been willing to sell him, to doubts about his international credentials, Crouch has sometimes been a target in more ways than one.

The margins between success and failure are so small that he might have been England’s hero with an equalising goal against Croatia in the European Championship ten days ago. Instead, he has to ensure that preconceived ideas about his height of 6ft 7in are not adopted by the next head coach of England, as well as Liverpool if they part company with Benítez.

Crouch has faced criticism from opposition players and fans and even DJ Spoony, the BBC Radio 5 Live presenter, made fun of his lanky frame this week. “When things are bad you have to get out there and prove people wrong,” Crouch said. “When they’re going right you have to stay on top of it, not become lax or to let your standards slip. I’m stronger now and know what my role is, whereas before I was maybe trying to do too much.

“I didn’t fit in at Aston Villa under David O’Leary, so I had to move on. Hopefully my form for England [14 goals in 24 appearances] will count for something. When the new [England] manager comes in, the challenge is to impress in training. He will have his own philosophy and there will be change — new faces. But we have enough quality now, maybe we just haven’t shown it.”

Crouch has started only two Barclays Premier League and four Champions League matches this season, scoring four times, prompting speculation about a move. Benítez said yesterday that Crouch was not for sale after Thaksin Shinawatra, the Manchester City owner, said that Sven-Göran Eriksson, the club’s manager, was interested in the forward.

“At the start of the season I was frustrated that I was not in the squad,” Crouch, who was speaking at the launch of Gameloft’s Real Football 2008, said. “I wondered whether he [Benitez] fancied me. Within a few weeks I was playing. He chops and changes, never lets on what he’s thinking. It is hard to read the manager. If I knuckle down I will get a number of matches to justify my place.

“I literally have no idea whether I am playing — unlike every other manager I have worked for. He usually tells us an hour and a half before kick-off if we are playing. In training the day before he’ll sort out a team shape with two sets of players and then swap things around. We know the system, just not the players.”

Still only 26, Crouch has played for seven clubs and has accrued transfer fees of £15.5 million “I feel settled in my prime,” he said. “I do want to stay at Liverpool, but every now and then there is speculation and you realise that a big club are interested in you. Moving abroad is not something that I would be afraid to do — but we have the best league in the world.”

Had his goal ensured England qualified for Euro 2008, he might have become established. “I thought that was my defining goal and moment,” he said. “But it didn’t mean anything. That’s how fine the line is — between taking your nation to the European Championships and just scoring another goal.”