Kuyt: Liverpool Can Still Win The League

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt has backed his side to win the Barclay's Premier League this season.

The Merseyside club have lost two of their opening three matches of the campaign but came from behind to beat Bolton last Saturday.

And Kuyt insists Liverpool are ready to put their indifferent start to the season behind them and mount a strong challenge.

In an interview for the official Liverpool website he said: "I still believe we have a great chance. It's early in the season and the main thing is to focus on our own game and look forward to the next game.

"As long as we start winning our own games from this stage I am sure we will be up there."

Kuyt has also backed new signings Glen Johnson and Alberto Aquilani will serve to strengthen the Reds' campaign.

He added: "I think we have two big signings. If you talk about Glen Johnson, last season he was one of the better players in the league.

"We have Aquilani as well. Okay we have to wait a couple of weeks before he starts to play games, but with these two signings we have a great team."

Pepe Reina Calls On Liverpool To Take Risks This Season If They Want To End 20-year Wait For Title

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has told his team-mates they must take risks if they want to win the Barclays Premier League this season.

The Reds' title bid has already suffered an early setback after they lost at Tottenham on the opening day followed by a defeat at home to Aston Villa - and only a 90th minute winner from Steven Gerrard save their skins at Bolton last weekend.

But Reina says unless Rafa Benitez' men start taking games by the scruff of the neck then they will fail to end their 20-year wait to win the League, reports The Daily Mirror.

Liverpool finished just four points behind champions Manchester United last season - 11 draws proving costly compared to Sir Alex Ferguson's side's six.

'One thing that became clear to everyone at the club before the season started was that we must take more risks if we want to win the league,' said Reina.

'Even if that means losing a few more games, particularly at home. In the short-term that may disappoint a few people, but in the long term it's better to cut out the draws.

'In a league where there are three points for a win, for teams trying to win the title it's definitely draws that make it more difficult.

'People say we've lost as many games this season as we did in the whole of last season. But last season our biggest problem was drawing games.

'Those draws meant we could have drawn the two games we lost, went the season unbeaten in the league, but still not won it.

I Had A ‘Flare-Up’ With Rafael Benitez - Liverpool's Albert Riera

Liverpool winger Albert Riera has told Spanish publication AS of a bust-up he had with manager Rafael Benitez and confirmed his anger at failing to start the first three games of the season for the Merseysiders.

"I didn't play the first game because I started training late after the Confederations Cup, like [Pepe] Reina and [Fernando] Torres," he said. "I was angry and had a flare-up at Benitez, but the day I don't get angry for being a substitute I will retire."

After sitting out the defeat to Tottenham, Riera had to be satisfied with a late substitute appearance in the 4-0 win over Stoke City and he was an unused sub in the 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa. However, he earned a starting place in the 3-2 win over Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok last weekend.

Despite not featuring as often as he would have liked so far this season, Riera holds the Liverpool boss in high regard.

"Benitez is a special coach who defends his own. I know he is with me, because he said so," he added.

The former Espanyol man also said that missing out on Spain's Euro 2008 victory was difficult for him.

"It was very hard but I will work to get to the World Cup to compensate for it," he said.

Kuyt Backs Babel's Cause

Dirk Kuyt believes Ryan Babel is happy at Liverpool and is backing him to become a first-team regular.

The Dutch winger was quoted on Wednesday as being open to the prospect of securing a loan switch to former club Ajax during the January transfer window.

The 22-year-old is said to have grown disillusioned at a lack of opportunities at Anfield, with his World Cup aspirations weighing heavy on his mind.

Babel was awarded a starting berth by Rafa Benitez for Liverpool's opening game of the 2009/10 campaign at Tottenham, but has fallen down the pecking order since then.

Fellow Reds forward Kuyt understands his countryman's frustration, but he believes his international team-mate is prepared to fight for a place on Merseyside.

"He loves to play games for Liverpool and he will do everything in his power to come back," Kuyt told Sky Sports News.

"He is happy at Liverpool but every player wants to play and that is his only concern, before the World Cup, that he has to play games.

"I'm sure that he wants to play for Liverpool and that he wants to play in games as soon as possible.

"We have a big squad, with many players who can play in his position, so he has to work hard and I believe he is doing that at Liverpool and with the Dutch team."

Yossi Benayoun's Praise For Liverpool FC Goalkeeper Pepe Reina

Yossi Benayoun believes Pepe Reina's form so far this season has reaffirmed his status as the Premier League's top goalkeeper.

The Spanish shot-stopper has been one of the Reds' standout performers in their opening four matches.

Reina, who has won the Golden Gloves award three times in the past four years, has pulled off a string of excellent saves.

Defensive frailties have seen the Reds leak seven goals already but Benayoun admits no blame can be attached to the 27-year-old.

"Ever since I’ve been at the club Pepe has played at a really high level," Benayoun said.

"He is one of our main players and he has been excellent for us again in the opening weeks of the season.

"He made a vital save to deny Matt Taylor at Bolton and he has done the same in the other matches. It’s just great to have him as a team-mate.

"In my opinion he is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League.

"He never lets us down and we know we can trust him all the time."

Benayoun is busy preparing for a crunch World Cup qualifying double-header.

Israel, who are four points adrift of Group Two pace-setters Greece and Switzerland, host Latvia on Saturday before entertaining Luxembourg next Wednesday night.

The midfielder is desperate to keep his World Cup dream alive before returning to Anfield to ensure the Reds build on their dramatic 3-2 win at Bolton.

"It was so important to get the three points before the international break," he said.

"Having lost two games already, we knew we couldn't afford to slip up again.

"It was a hard game. Bolton are a physical side and we were relieved to win but hopefully now we can play with more confidence.

"Against Aston Villa we had one of those nights when everything went against us but at Bolton it was much better.

"I'm looking forward to doing my best for the national team and then I'll come back and hopefully help Liverpool climb up the table."

Benayoun's impressive cameo display in the opening weekend defeat at Spurs earned him a starting spot against Stoke and Villa but he was back on the bench at the Reebok Stadium.

Albert Riera, Ryan Babel and Benayoun are all competing for that left wing role but the Israeli is up for the fight.

"Like every player I want to start every game," he added.

"It's up to the manager to decide but all I can do is give my best and hopefully that will be enough.

"There is always competition for places at a club like Liverpool.

"I felt really good in the games against Tottenham and Stoke. I need to keep playing at that level."

Meanwhile, Reina believes Liverpool will have to take more risks if they are going to challenge for the title this season.

The Reds were hampered last season by 11 draws, including 14 dropped points at home.

"People say we have lost as many games this season as we did in the whole of last season. But last season our biggest problem was drawing games," he said.

"Those draws meant that we could have drawn the two games we lost, went the season unbeaten in the league, but still not won it.

"I would rather have lost six of those 11 games and won the other five.

"People can point to defeats, but I feel its the draws that make it more difficult.

"It's better to cut out the draws."

I Play For The Biggest Club In Europe – Liverpool’s Albert Riera

Albert Riera has dismissed talk that he could have joined Barcelona in the summer, insisting that he wanted to stay at "the biggest club in Europe".

The Catalan winger was linked with a move to Camp Nou as the Blaugrana sought a player to compete with Thierry Henry down the left, but nothing materialised.

Since then, stories have suggested that Riera has not started for Liverpool this term because he secretly expressed a desire to leave, rumours he finds ridiculous.

"I cannot believe I have not played because of that. I will not deny that there was something that interested me. This is true," he told reporters in Spain.

"But I play for Liverpool, which is the biggest club in Europe. Benitez is a special coach who defends his own.

"I know he supports me because he told me."

Steven Gerrard Likely To Be England Captain In John Terry's Absence

John Terry remains a big doubt because of his groin problem for Saturday’s friendly with Slovenia at Wembley, with Steven Gerrard poised to be captain.

Terry trained at Arsenal’s London Colney complex on Thursday, but Fabio Capello is unlikely to risk him ahead of Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against Croatia, also at Wembley. A win in that could confirm England’s place at next summer’s finals in South Africa.

England confirmed that their entire squad trained “to some extent”, with Bolton defender Gary Cahill joining in after his call-up as cover for Terry.

Terry’s usual partner in the centre of England’s defence, Rio Ferdinand, has already been ruled out of the games with a thigh problem.

Tottenham’s Ledley King is also unavailable because of injury. Matthew Upson and Joleon Lescott are likely to face Slovenia if Terry misses out. It will be the first time they have started together.

Wes Brown’s prospects of challenging Glen Johnson at right-back looked brighter yesterday; he sat out Wednesday’s training because of a small muscle problem.

Leading England out will be a fillip for Gerrard, who had a troubled summer. He looked back to his best in Saturday’s 3-2 win at Bolton, scoring a late winner.

Liverpool's New Stanley Park Stadium On Hold Until Recession Is Over

Liverpool's new stadium will not be built until the global recession is over and credit becomes available to finance the $800 million project.

The 60,000-seat replacement for Liverpool's historic but crumbling Anfield was due to have opened next year, but the economic downturn forced co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr. to halt building work last August.

The American owners had said it would be a "short-term delay," but they are still not able to put a date on building work resuming.

"Construction on the stadium will begin when the current contraction in the banking industry ends and the global financial markets re-establish their equilibrium," Liverpool's new managing director Christian Purslow said.

Purslow hopes the stadium on the adjacent Stanley Park will be ready in time for 2018 to stage World Cup matches should England's bid to stage the showcase event prove successful.

"The centerpiece is to deliver a world-class football ground that everyone can be proud of, a new home for the club with a stadium of at least 60,000 seats, giving the best possible match experience," Purslow said.

Liverpool has been financially hamstrung by the economics of 45,000-capacity Anfield, where there are just 34 luxury suites and few amenities to generate extra funding to enhance the squad.

Manchester United's Old Trafford can welcome 76,000 fans and Arsenal moved from 38,000-seat Highbury into 60,000-seat Emirates Stadium in July 2006.

Liverpool vice-captain Jamie Carragher has said he is embarrassed and irritated by the delays in replacing the stadium.

Millions of pounds were written-off when existing plans to replace Anfield were ditched after Liverpool was bought by the Hicks and Gillett in 2007 so architects from Hicks' native Texas could design a more spectacular stadium.

Ex-Liverpool Star John Barnes Says Reds Shouldn't Be Written Off In Title Race

Despite the club's inability to give themselves a strong launching pad at the start of the season, Liverpool legend John Barnes has pointed to Manchester United's early campaign blips in past years as evidence of how Rafael Benitez's Reds needn't be written off so soon.

Liverpool lost to Tottenham Hotspur and also to Aston Villa, but beat Stoke City emphatically, and also showed good character to overturn a losing position against Bolton Wanderers and win 3-2.

"It's ridiculous to write off Liverpool," Barnes informed the club's official website. "Look at the start Manchester United had last season and they went on to win it. Both the Liverpool players and fans should have a belief that they can be competitive and can go all the way.

"They went very close last season, and although that doesn't mean they're going to do it this year, it will give them belief that they can win it - regardless of the start they've had."

Barnes continued, "I think maybe two years ago a start like this would have knocked Liverpool, but they now have real belief. If they stick together, have the right spirit, desire and discipline - as they do - and a togetherness, then they'll be there or thereabouts come the end of the season."

Daniel Ayala Determined To Earn More First-Team Chances With Liverpool

Liverpool starlet Daniel Ayala has spoken of his delight at breaking into the Reds’ first-team squad and is eager to get more playing time as soon as possible.

The 18-year-old Spaniard took full advantage of injuries to Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger and came on as a substitute in the opening game of the season against Tottenham Hotspur before starting at Anfield as Rafael Benitez’s men comfortably beat Stoke City 4-0.

Since then, Skrtel has returned and experienced Greece defender Sotiris Kyrgiakos was drafted in from AEK Athens for around £2 million, which means the former Sevilla youngster’s chances of further action in the short-term could be limited.

However, Ayala says he loved being a part of the first-team so much that he wants to keep up the pressure on his more established team-mates and is targetting another chance in the Carling Cup against Leeds United.

“I need to keep working hard and prove myself,” he told the Liverpool Daily Post.

“If I keep training well and playing well for the reserve team then maybe I might get another chance in the Carling Cup later this month.”

Ayala added, “It was a fantastic experience to play in front of such a big crowd against Tottenham and I was very excited.

“Then he [Benitez] told me on the Tuesday that I was going to start the next night against Stoke. I was more nervous than I was at Tottenham because it was to be my first senior start at Anfield.

“I was excited to be playing in front of the Kop and when we came out the noise was incredible.

“It was a very special experience to play my first full first-team game at Anfield, and to keep a clean sheet made me very proud.

“The manager told me well done at the end of the game, and to keep working hard.”

Liverpool Youngster Dani Pacheco Expresses Desire To Play At Anfield

Liverpool youngster Dani Pacheco has declared that the club's pre-season in Bangkok and Singapore left him wanting to make an appearance at Anfield.

"The best thing has been signing for Liverpool and since then the two pre-seasons I have spent with the first team - especially the one just gone," he told the club's official website.

"Playing with all the star names and going to Singapore and Bangkok with all those fanatical people. I knew it would be good, but I didn't expect there to be so many fans."

The 18-year-old striker hopes that he will break into the first-team and make an appearance at Anfield. He also wishes to play at the Santiago Bernabeu, the home ground of Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid.

"I'd like to play at Anfield in the Premier League or Champions League, but apart from that it's the Bernabeu," he said buoyantly.

"When I was a kid I supported Real Madrid.

"I think it's the best stadium in Spain and maybe one of the best in the world. I lived so far away in Malaga and Barcelona so I never went to games, but I've been a few times now."

Pacheco is one of the rising young stars of the Merseyside club, and has represented Spain in the Under-17 category.

The Jury: Liverpool FC Fans On The Club's Lack Of Activity On Transfer Deadline Day

PAUL ANDERSON, Orrell Park

Should anyone out there still actually be backing our American owners surely the moment the transfer window slammed shut on Tuesday was the final insult and enough to make them lower their star-spangled banner.

The most deceptive statistic of the season so far shows that Liverpool were the second biggest spenders in the league. However, the fact is outgoings have been more than recouped in sales.

Benitez has been forced to bring in a bargain bucket centre-half, whilst teams with far less recent success and income are awarded an open cheque book.

After finishing second we should have been in a position to strengthen and add the final piece to the title winning jigsaw, as it is, any hope of glory hangs around the shoulders of a very thin squad.

CHRIS LALLEY, Huyton

Following yet another below-par performance against a Bolton side that will clearly be relegation candidates, there are still a lot of questions to be asked regardless of the fact we managed to pick up maximum points.

It was a win at all costs game for a Liverpool side that at present, look completely out of sorts and the feeling of sheer relief coming away from the Reebok was one that no fan expected to be living so early into the season.

Despite the character shown like so often during Rafa's reign, the reality was that before Bolton were reduced to 10 men we looked anything but a side destined for three points. Reality indicated early, following yet more false promises from the two Americans, that there would always be a lack of activity in the transfer market but this is virtually the same side that towards the back end of last season, looked almost unplayable on occasions and the bar needs to be quickly raised once again.

ANTHONY DUNN, Wavertree

The break has come at a good time. It’s a chance to look at our start and get ready for what’s ahead.

Our biggest weakness last season has definitely carried over. We are terrible at defending set pieces. When we concede one, why do Pellegrino and his clipboard start gesticulating towards the defence? He needs to have a good look, because the start of this problem coincides with his appointment as defensive coach.

I don’t think the problem is zonal marking. We’d still be suffering if we were going man to man. We are not being strong enough, and our heads have gone. Little Insua is doing well, but he went to bits for Bolton’s opener and Kyrgiakos didn’t know what was going on. We look vulnerable every time.

There are however 15 players in this squad who when fit, can put results together. The whole club must stick together to fight for every single point.

JOHN CRUCES, Kirkby

The win against Bolton was far from pretty, however the most important thing was getting the three points. One thing I took out of the game and hope Rafa did was around the winning goal. If we ever needed any further proof that Steven Gerrard should not take a corner, this should be it.

When Gerrard takes a corner we are effectively taking one of our best attacking options out of the game. He is both good in the air and can obviously hit a shot – so please let someone else take it. Talking of corners, why are so many teams (us included) not leaving an attacker on the halfway when defending one? Leave a man up and you effectively defend better, knowing two or three players will hang back to cover. Don’t even start me on not covering the goalposts!

As for zonal or man-marking, regardless of what method, if you don’t attack the ball you will be punished. Right now our goals against column has to improve sharpish.

Liverpool FC Fans React To Ryan Babel's Outburst Against Rafa Benitez

Liverpool’s Ryan Babel has thrown his Anfield future into question by claiming Reds boss Rafa Benitez has broken promises made to the Dutchman about increased first-team involvement.

Babel has not started a match since a poor performance in the opening day defeat at Spurs and his most recent comments indicate his hope for a loan move back to his previous club Ajax in January as well as his belief he has been let down by Benitez, saying "There have been a lot of things promised, but they haven’t been followed up.”

“I would get to play for more minutes and have more chances, but after the first defeat, I only lost my place.”

Sympathy is in short supply for Babel on our forums however with many fans believing he has had more than enough chances to prove his worth at Anfield.

Woody wrote, "Broken Babel" is quite an accurate headline.

"He, Lucas and Voronin are the weak link in our squad and have been for 2 seasons now.

"Until Rafa does what every Red who plays Fantasy Football, Pro Evo or Fifa (xbox/ps3) did in getting them out, our hopes of a title pin only on others making mistakes worse than our own.

Rednumber9 said, "He should have been shipped out in the summer.

"The most infuriating player to wear the red shirt since Harry Kewell!!

"How many chances do these players want to prove themselves!!

Liverpooldiehard wrote, "I'm sorry Ryan you should be ASHAMED OF YOURSELF if these comments are true, you have performed really bad in a Liverpool shirt after your first year at the club, it seems you are letting the rap life get to you instead of trying to be a star at LFC.

"How many times will Rafa give you games only for you to do NOTHING IN THOSE GAMES TO JUSTIFY GIVING YOU A GAME IN THE NEXT MATCH?

Aljeano's view was, "Liverpool should have sold Babel before the window closed.

"He knows he has had the chances and proved nothing.

"He needs a massive inprovement to even get on the bench.

"Liverpool should not be seen to back down to his demands.

"If is not happy why does he not put in a transfer request.

"He is not good enough at this moment to go to the World Cup - get your game sorted and try 100% harder instead of moaning."

Liverpool FC Reserves 3 - 1 Bolton Wanderers Reserves

Liverpool Reserves enjoyed a winning start to life at Prenton Park as Bolton were swept aside in the Barclays Premier Reserve League North.

Gerardo Bruna, Jordy Brouwer and Alex Kacaniklic were on target as the Reds bounced back from their defeat at Blackburn.

They took the lead after 15 minutes when Nikola Saric was tripped on the edge of the box and Bruna stepped up to slam in the free-kick.

Bolton rarely threatened but on the stroke of half-time Reds keeper Peter Gulacsi produced a stunning save to deny Javlon Campbell.

Liverpool doubled their advantage 10 minutes into the second half in bizarre fashion. Brouwer replaced Saric and within seconds of coming on he charged down Bogdan's attempted clearance and it flew in.

Bolton scored on the hour through Adam Blakeman but the Reds responded and Kacaniklic sealed the points with 10 minutes to go.

Liverpool Reserves: Gulacsi, Darby, Irwin, Ayala (Mendy 85), Mavinga, Palsson, Saric (Brouwer 54), Amoo (Kacaniklic 68), Eccleston, Pacheco, Bruna.

Unused subs: Chamberlain, Buchtmann.

Liverpool To Benefit As Tom Hicks Lines Up Buyers

The financial concerns that have dogged English soccer club Liverpool could be a thing of the past if the club's co-owner, Tom Hicks, completes the US$600 million sale of the Texas Rangers, and focuses his interests on the Premier League.

Hicks, who dissolved Hicks Sports Marketing Group earlier this summer, was reportedly forced to depend on US$15 million from Major League Baseball to help pay wages at the franchise in August.

Despite that, he appeared to rethink his decision to sell, announcing, "There is a way [to keep the team], and I'm working on that. So we'll see."

However, sources close to Hicks now insist he will sell. According to Sports Business Journal, the Texas Rangers have received letters from six prospective buyers.

That is good news for Liverpool, where there has been widespread dissatisfaction with Hicks and his co-owner, George Gillett, since their takeover in 2007.

Now, with both men consolidating their interests, it appears that Liverpool will have an increased amount of attention - and financial support - from the two Americans.

"The process is moving forward and we're encouraged by what's happening there," said Bob DuPuy, MLB's president and chief operating officer, to SBJ.

Carra Warning For Critics

Jamie Carragher has hit back at those who have written Liverpool out of the Premier League title race so early on in the season.

The Reds came in for heavy criticism after losing two of their opening three games of the new top flight campaign.

But Rafa Benitez's side showed character to bounce back at the weekend as they twice came from a losing position to beat Bolton Wanderers 3-2.

Defender Carragher concedes Liverpool have made a slow start but has reminded the doubters of his side's ability to mount a comeback time and time again.

He said: "We have taken a bit of criticism and rightly so because we haven't made the best of starts.

"But no one can ever write us off. Ourselves and Manchester United, not just in this league but probably anywhere in the world, are the best at coming back from deficits and winning games.

"At Bolton, the lads showed what great character we have.

"It was so important to get those three points, especially with the international break coming up."

The Merseyside club, who finished second last season, are eyeing a first league title since 1990.

Angry Ryan Babel Desperate To Quit Liverpool

Angry Liverpool winger Ryan Babel is desperate to go out on loan after claiming Rafa Benitez has broken promises made to him.

Babel, 22, has already targeted a move to his former club Ajax in January to salvage his World Cup dream.

The Dutch star has struggled to get any regular first-team football since moving to Anfield two years ago.

Back then Liverpool boss Benitez beat off interest from Arsenal and Spurs to land the highly-rated youngster.

But although the Dutch international started the first game of this season against Spurs, he has since made just one late appearance from the bench in the shock defeat at home to Aston Villa.

He said yesterday: "There have been a lot of things promised, but they haven't been followed up.

"I would get to play for more minutes and have more chances, but after the first defeat, I only lost my place.

Babel believes a loan deal in the January transfer window could be his best hope of making Bert van Marwijk's squad for next summer's World Cup in South Africa.

He added: "I think half a season at Ajax with a view to the World Cup wouldn't be a bad idea. I can add something to the Ajax squad.

"Loaning me out was not an option (in the summer). Now we have agreed to review the situation in January.

"I see the current situation as a signal that I really have to get playing."

Babel's remarks continue a troubled start to the season for Benitez, who has already lost two of opening four Premier League matches.

Following defeat to Aston Villa last Monday Benitez risked alienating senior players Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher and it is understood both unhappy players made their feelings known in a team meeting a few days later.

Alonso Says He Decided To Leave Liverpool Last Summer

Xabi Alonso has revealed that he first came to the conclusion he was ready to leave Liverpool when the club tried to sell him last summer.

The Spaniard spent five successful seasons at Anfield before leaving for Real Madrid in a £30m move this summer. However the Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez tried to offload the 27-year-old 12 months ago to raise money for prospective signings, in particular Gareth Barry.

At the time the former Real Sociedad midfielder had struggled for form, making just 16 Premier League starts in 2007-08, but an outstanding campaign last season saw Real lodge their interest. Despite handing in a transfer request in July, Alonso admits that he had decided to leave the club after they had tried to sell him against his wishes a year earlier.

"It was a very difficult decision for me to make," he told Sky Sports News. "After five years I have experienced wonderful nights at Anfield, to have experienced the support of probably the best fans in the world.

"That's why I have always been very grateful and I will always have them in my mind and it has been a pleasure. Last summer the club [told] me that I might have to be sold to find funds for new players. It was a difficult decision or difficult moment to accept that. I accepted that as a professional and that moment probably changed my mind."

Alonso has since admitted that his relationship with Benítez deteriorated when he demanded to leave, but that it remained a professional one. "There have been a lot of rumours but I have always said that it has been simply a professional relationship," he added. "I have always tried to do what he asked [me] to do. What he asked of me on the pitch, to do the talking on the pitch, and that's that."

Lee Warned Over Discipline

Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee has been warned about his future conduct by the Football Association's Regulatory Commission.

Lee admitted improper conduct after being charged over his conduct towards fourth official Stuart Attwell during the club's defeat to Tottenham on the opening day of the season.

Lee protested with Atwell after two penalty appeals were rejected in a tense finale and was sent to the stands by referee Phil Dowd.

The commission opted against a stiffer penalty having taken into account the former Bolton boss' "exemplary" disciplinary record.

Alberto Aquilani Will Be Worth The Wait - Rafa Benitez

Rafa Benitez insists he is happy with the progress Alberto Aquilani is making as he plots his return to action.

The Italian midfielder made the switch to Anfield in a £20million deal from Roma last month.

Aquilani has spent the past three weeks continuing his rehabilitation at Melwood following the ankle surgery he underwent back in May.

The 25-year-old is unlikely to make his debut before the start of October but Benitez is confident he will be worth the wait.

“Alberto is improving,” Benitez revealed. “We were talking before about six to eight weeks and after a few weeks his ankle is much better but he will need time.

“He’s in the swimming pool and in the gym and working with the physios but he’s not jogging yet.

“We cannot put a date on things and it’s important to just see how he progresses.

“We are checking on him regularly and he had a scan in the past week which showed he is much better.

“It’s just a case of keeping an eye on him every day. When he does start to play everyone will see what a clever player he is.”

Aquilani was signed as a replacement for Xabi Alonso, who joined Real Madrid in a £30m deal.

The departure of Alonso has been blamed for the Reds’ mixed start to the season but Benitez insists his side can cope without the Spaniard.

“We won a lot of games last season without Xabi,” Benitez said.

“Xabi is a good player but he decided to go. He’s not here so we have to concentrate on those players who are here.

“Gerrard, Mascherano, Lucas and Plessis are our midfielders now and Aquilani when he’s fit.

“We have to support these players and not talk about one player who decided to go.”

The international break means Liverpool are without a game until they entertain Burnley on September 12.

By that time Benitez expects to have left-back Fabio Aurelio back in his squad following the knee problem which has forced him to miss the start of the campaign.

“Fabio is back training and playing football,” Benitez said.

“After the end of the international break I don’t think he will have any problems and he will be able to be involved in normal training sessions and be in the squad.

“Daniel Agger is walking again after his back operation and Nabil El Zhar’s knee injury is also improving so that is very positive.”