Liverpool FC Second String Ready To Impress - Rafa Benitez

Rafael Benitez believes Liverpool can march into the Carling Cup quarter-finals with a revenge win at Spurs because he has players desperate to prove themselves.

Benitez will make wholesale changes for the fourth-round tie at White Hart Lane, scene of the Reds’ only defeat this season when Spurs fought back to claim a late 2-1 victory.

The bulk of that side will not be on show tomorrow, although Benitez is considering using Fernando Torres from the start.

Torres played for the final 19 minutes of Saturday’s 3-0 win over West Brom after a six-game absence with a hamstring injury.

The likes of Steven Gerrard, Jose Reina, Dirk Kuyt, Javier Mascherano, Daniel Agger and Albert Riera are not expected to figure but Benitez insists Liverpool can force their way into the last eight.

He said: “We have enough players in the squad waiting for their chance to impress, it will be important for them to grab this opportunity.

“And when the team is playing well it is easier to change players and retain the system.

“I believe we can still continue to play well and to keep winning regardless of the players we use.”

Benitez will probably bring in goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri, defenders Sami Hyypia and Andreas Dossena, midfielders Yossi Benayoun, Jermaine Pennant, Lucas, Nabil El Zhar and Ryan Babel.

Robbie Keane may get a chance to play again at his former club, possibly alongside Torres, while youngsters Jay Spearing, David Ngog, Emiliano Insua and Damien Plessis could be involved.

Benitez added: “We want to win every game but this is another competition and we have several players who are tired after some difficult weeks so we rest some and change a few.

“But we have a good squad so we will try to win with different players.

“We may well use Torres from the start. It is a decision I will take on the day after seeing how he has done during training.”

The league defeat at Spurs earlier this month still rankles with Benitez, and he will be looking for his much-changed side to gain revenge.

He said: “We were very much on top and looking a good team, but in football you can play really well and lose while on other occasions you can play badly and still win.

“That was the case last time. We played well and lost. It was more a case that we lost the game rather than them winning it.

“But Spurs have done well. When you are at the bottom and start winning, the confidence comes back. They have good players and finished fifth twice a few years back.”

Israel midfielder Benayoun already has his eyes on a Wembley appearance and a winners’ medal.

He said: “We have a cup game we know we can win and want to win. We want to win all the competitions, do not doubt that.

“We want to win at Spurs, especially having lost there in the league.

“And for the other players in the squad it is a chance to show what we can do.

“We want to win the game and go on to win the Carling Cup, whoever is in the side. It is important for us.

“There’s a little bit of revenge maybe. The league game at Spurs was one of our best performances of the season and we lost at the end.

“We know we are a better team than that and we have a team who can win at Spurs.”

Benayoun admits he is impressed by the job new Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has done, adding: “I have been a little surprised by what Harry Redknapp has done, he changed them almost in a few days.

“He deserves the credit and is a good manager and a good person. I wish him all the best, but only after Wednesday.”

Rush: Fringe Benefits

Liverpool legend Ian Rush feels the performances of Rafael Benitez's fringe players will decide their future in the Carling Cup as they prepare to face holders Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Wednesday.

Rush and former Spurs captain Alan Mullery spoke to Sky Sports News about the fourth round game, and although Liverpool may include Fernando Torres after six matches out with a hamstring injury, Steven Gerrard and Jose Reina are set for a well-earned rest.

That will put pressure on the likes of Diego Cavalleri, Sami Hyypia, Lucas and Ryan Babel, who could do their chances of a run in the first-team plenty of good with a positive display.

Rush explained: "I think Harry (Redknapp) will play his strongest side - he will be looking at it as a chance to that Tottenham can get into Europe. They are the defending champions so I think Tottenham will take it very seriously.

"Apart from the top four, and obviously they have a stronger squad to play certain players in these games, the likes of Tottenham and everyone else will play a strong side.

"I think what Rafa will do is give these fringe players a chance to show what they can do. I think to win the league it's not 11 players that win it, it's 19-20, and what Rafa will be doing now is to say to these players here's your chance to prove you are good enough to play against Premier League opposition.

"I think he'll be looking to them to do that and if they can they give the manager a problem when it comes to league games, it's a great chance for them.

Rush also paid tribute to Robbie Keane after his weekend double against West Brom, although the former Spurs hero is one of Benitez's regulars who will not be in the squad on Wednesday.

He added: "He's a fantastic player. I think his work-rate is unbelievable. He hadn't scored before the weekend, but with Liverpool winning, they were looking at his work-rate.

"It's only when you are losing that people look at the strikers, but I think he's worth every penny Liverpool paid for him and I think he will get better and better."

Mullery feels Harry Redknapp has been little short of a miracle worker so far for Spurs, but wonders if he will get the same sort of luck he enjoyed when the two clubs met 10 days ago, a game in which Liverpool hit the woodwork three times, missed a host of chances, and went on to lose 2-1.

Mullery explained: "If you go back to the Liverpool game in the league, I bumped into Jamie Redknapp and he said to me 'What do you think Alan?' I said 'Do you want the truth? I think we should have been four down at half-time.'

"He said 'I don't agree with you' and I thought there was going to be an argument, but he then said: 'No, it should have been five!'

"We had all the luck that was going, it was absolutely amazing, and also for Pavlyuchenko to come on at half-time and score the winning goal in the 93rd minute was just amazing.

"Liverpool on the day were outstanding, I thought they looked a very very good side and if they'd have scored the goals - and the biggest word in football is if - which they didn't, then Spurs go and get the winning goal.

"I hope Harry doesn't change his side and picks the players he has been using recently, but Liverpool will definitely change their team, there's no doubt about that."

Lucas: Play Me And I'll Be Red Hot

Liverpool's Lucas Leiva wants to show what he can do against Tottenham Hotspur in the midweek Carling Cup showdown.

He looked promising when he first arrived on Merseyside, but young Lucas Leiva hasn't quite made the first team impact he'd hoped for and is now very much a fringe player. In fact, sections of the Liverpool fanbase are seriously underwhelmed by his progress.

However, the Brazilian is hoping he'll get the nod from boss Rafa Benitez for the Carling Cup clash with holders Tottenham in midweek.

The 21-year-old former Grêmio midfielder has further urged Rafa to let him off the leash so he can fulfil his potential as a goalscoring threat.

"In Brazil I scored goals," he noted, "I got eight in my best season.

"Now? I can't get into the box as much. I didn't last season because I was adapting to the game here, where the pace is so different.

"This season, though, I can get into the box more and hopefully get some goals. The Carling Cup is an opportunity for us to show what we can do.

"It's not as important as the Premier League, but when you play for a club like Liverpool you want to win all the trophies. I want to opportunity to play at Wembley, where some of the Brazil internationals have played."

It'll likely be tough for Lucas to prove himself as a goalscoring midfielder in a team full of prolific midfield marksmen.

Riera: Let's Learn English, Lads

Albert Riera is keen for his Spanish colleagues at Anfield to join him in speaking English in order to help team unity.

Albert Riera's performances have been a nice surprise for Liverpool fans since his summer switch from Espanyol.

The winger failed to make a significant impression two years ago whilst on loan with Manchester City, but has thrived at Anfield thus far.

Undoubtedly, the large Spanish contingent in the present Reds squad has helped the 26-year-old to settle more quickly than he might have elsewhere.

However, Riera isn't wearing Roja tinted glasses and has urged Rafa's Spanish army to brush up on their English skills.

He told Setanta: "We came here, not the opposite. We have to learn here and improve with the football.

"We are not in Spain, we are here. We need to learn here and to speak in English, because we speak in Spanish a lot of time.

He insists, however, that there's no dressing room divide, adding: "It’s true we know each other and, on the pitch, it’s very important.

"However, I think all people can see on the pitch we are as a team. Not only Spanish, I think it's all players and that’s very important."

Rafa: Torres In Contention For Spurs Start

After nursing his way back to match fitness following a hamstring injury, Spanish striker Fernando Torres may feature for Liverpool in Wednesday evening's Carling Cup clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

Fernando Torres' problematic hamstring has kept the Spaniard sidelined since mid October, but he may feature in Liverpool's fourth round Carling Cup tie on Wednesday evening against resurgent lily white side Tottenham Hotspur.

Manager Rafa Benitez confirmed today that his No 9 may even start the fixture.

"He will be in the squad and hopefully he can play. He could start," the Liverpool boss told the club's official website.

The Carling Cup traditionally provides Premier League sides a chance to rest their star players, rotate, and gives members of the top four an opportunity to groom their younger players.

"Gerrard will not be in the squad and neither will Keane," Benitez continued. "It's always difficult to play so many games in a row and you have to change some players depending on the competition. The majority of them can play games in a row but some need to be taken care of.

"Gerrard is one of them at this moment. Dirk Kuyt is another who has played almost every game. Xabi Alonso, Jamie Carragher and Robbie Keane are the same.

"You also have to consider that some of these players have played internationals this season too. I think Keane has played 23 games already," he said.

"We will use players who haven't played every game. I have confidence in them because they are all internationals."

Banks Could Force Sale Of 'Financially Vulnerable' Liverpool

Liverpool, whose American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett stand two months away from the expiry date of loans which could force them to sell up, are the most financially vulnerable club in the land, the Premier League's most experienced football financier declared yesterday.

Keith Harris, of Seymour Harris, who brought Roman Abramovich to Chelsea and is currently seeking buyers for Everton and Newcastle United, said he had doubts about whether Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Wachovia, buffeted by the worldwide financial crisis, were either willing or able to refinance the loans which are currently propping up Liverpool.

Speaking at the International Football Arena conference in Zurich, Harris said of Britain's debt-laden clubs: "The one that worries me is Liverpool. The principal lenders [RBS and Wachovia] are two of those that have suffered. Whether they want to lend it again or not, they may not be able to." Without fresh investment, said Harris, the club's joint owners could be forced to sell players. If neither refinancing, nor new financial stakeholders can be found, the banks must consider whether to repossess the club. "It's a brave banker that would repossess Liverpool Football Club," he said.

By the indicator which bankers judge the financial health of the club – the ratio of operating profit against interest payments due on their debt – Harris is right. Newcastle, one of the clubs routinely cited as financially troubled, have had their debt removed by Mike Ashley, and West Ham, despite Sheffield United's impending legal suit over the Carlos Tevez affair and the damage caused to its owners by the problems of the Icelandic financial system, make almost enough profit to cover their interest twice.

Bankers begin to get uncomfortable when profit is less than twice the interest payments and Liverpool's profit barely covers the huge interest payments with which Hicks and Gillett have saddled the club. "If their's was a normal business they would be financially in the intensive care ward," one financier said yesterday.

Harris' comments comes amid new hints that Hicks and Gillett are looking to sell Liverpool – despite their fantastic start to the season – before the 25 January deadline by which RBS will decide whether to allow them a six-month extension on the refinancing arrangement they struck last January. Gillett steadfastly refused to discuss the sale issue in London two weeks ago during an interview in which he suggested that he was planning new sporting investment in India.

It is believed that a prospective Middle East investor – unrelated to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai – walked away from discussions to buy the club three weeks ago, during which they tabled an offer believed to be no better than the £500m Dubai International Capital (DIC) have bid in the past. Sources suggest that the prospective buyer was told that the club's projected profit for this financial year was £45m. Most informed estimates would put the likely figure at nearer to £30m at best. It is understood that the DIC offer still stands, months after the Americans walked away from it.

In the current climate, with Hicks and Gillett too cash-strapped to progress the Stanley Park stadium which is integral to their development plans for Liverpool, it is difficult to see how the pair can afford to offer Rafael Benitez the improved five-year contract which he is seeking. Hicks has told the Liverpool manager that talks can get under way, though one interpretation of his willingness to go public on that fact is that the Americans are looking to establish a sense of stability which would help any sale.

RBS are currently being lobbied by the Spirit of Shankly supporters group not to allow the six-month extension. It is unclear whether their move into public ownership as a result of the credit crunch will affect their willingness to allow an extension. No government would welcome the attention which a refusal to extend would bring.

Harris was equally gloomy about Everton, who, he said, were proving difficult to sell. "There is no progress at all," Harris said "The demographics of Liverpool as an area are not hugely compelling. It is not a very wealthy city and Everton share the city with another club which arguably has been in the vanguard for the last decade.

"They both have a stadium to build, so the economics need a lot of looking at whereas Newcastle is a one-club city with a fabulous stadium."

Never, said Harris, had it been more difficult to find the right buyers. "It's not a question of price negotiation – it's should we? People are wondering if now is the time to spend." Speaking after a private address to football financiers in Zurich, he re-iterated that there were still two genuine offers in the pipeline for Newcastle but refused to name them.

Torres Focused On Winning The League - Not On A Move South

Fernando Torres has said he has no intention of leaving Liverpool for Chelsea or any other European club as the Spain international prepares to return to Rafael Benítez's starting line-up at Tottenham Hotspur tonight.

The £26.5m record signing is scheduled to make his first start since October 5 in the Carling Cup fourth-round tie, and announced his recovery from a hamstring tear yesterday by reaffirming his commitment to Anfield. Torres was a supposed target for Luiz Felipe Scolari when the Brazilian first arrived at Stamford Bridge, although no contact was ever made with Liverpool over the player who has become one of the most coveted in the game.

However, the 24-year-old, who signed a six-year contract when he joined Liverpool from Atlético Madrid last year, said: "I have no plans to go anywhere, not back to Spain, not to Italy, not to another English club. I read a lot of things [about Chelsea in the summer] but I was at the European Championships and I did not want any distractions. I don't know if they spoke with the club or with my agent. But in any case even if there was something in it nothing was ever going to make me abandon Liverpool."

Torres hailed the Liverpool manager, Benítez, as "the best coach I have ever had without doubt" and admitted the priority at Anfield this season has to be winning the league title. He added: "When I arrived at Liverpool, everyone talked about the league. We have won it 19 times and Manchester United 18. If they win it this season then they draw level and the fans don't want that. I think 90% of Liverpool fans would prefer the league."

Benítez yesterday confirmed his compatriot could start at White Hart Lane but travelled to London without Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane. Dirk Kuyt, Jamie Carragher and Xabi Alonso are also expected to be rested. "We have a lot of good players in our first-team squad and a lot of young players too, and they all need games, so I have to decide on which ones," the Liverpool manager said.

Lucas Dreaming Of Wembley

Lucas Leiva admits the prospect of playing at the new Wembley stadium will drive him on when Liverpool face Tottenham in the fourth round of the Carling Cup on Wednesday.

The Reds beat Spurs en route to their last League Cup final in 2005 back when the fixture was staged at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

A repeat performance on Wednesday would put Lucas and co in the quarter-finals, just two ties away from a first trip to Wembley since 1996.

"I have never played at Wembley and hopefully I will get the opportunity, but we are only at the start of the Carling Cup," the Brazilian told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"I know it's a very famous stadium. Some of the Brazil internationals are played there but I have never had the opportunity to play in one of them, so hopefully I can play in the final!"

The Carling Cup third round victory over Crewe provided an opportunity for several fringe players to show Rafa Benitez what they could do.

Lucas grasped the nettle with a fine headed goal to add to Daniel Agger's long-range effort.

The 21-year-old is hoping for more of the same on Wednesday night.

"In Brazil I scored goals. I got eight in my best season," said Lucas. "I couldn't get into the box as much last season because I was adapting to the game here. It's totally different here with the pace of the game. But this season I can get into the box more and hopefully get some goals.

"The Carling Cup is an opportunity for us to show what we can do.

"It's an opportunity not just for me but for all the players and the club. The Carling Cup is not as important as the Premier League, but when you play for a club like Liverpool you want to win all the trophies."

Alonso: Euro Success Inspired Me

Xabi Alonso claims victory in Euro 2008 made him and his fellow Spaniards even hungrier for club success.

The 26-year-old was one of four Liverpool players in the squad as Spain won their first trophy since 1964.

Now back on Merseyside, Alonso insists that he, Fernando Torres, Alvaro Arbeloa and Pepe Reina have no intention of resting on their laurels.

The midfielder told the official LFC Magazine: "I have taken a lot of confidence from our success with Spain in the summer. I might not have started the games because the coach had a pre-defined team in his mind and it worked really well.

"But I was an important substitute and I felt I was able to play my own part in that success. I helped close games out and made some contributions.

"Winning becomes a habit. I never understand the idea that winning trophies can somehow make players less hungry.

"I want more. I listen to Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher talking and they have won more things than I have won. They say it makes them hungrier for more and I am the same.

"I came home and put away my medal in the drawer alongside the FA Cup and Champions League ones, then started thinking immediately about winning trophies and medals with Liverpool."

Alonso notched up three substitute appearances during Euro 2008 and captained Spain in their final group game against Greece.

His form since returning to Anfield has had the Kop purring.

He added: "Personally, I am happy with my present form. But I can improve and that's my focus.

"I am a midfielder. I prefer to be thought of not as a defensive midfielder but as a central midfielder. That means I should be trying to get into more scoring positions and influencing the game higher up the pitch when the chance presents itself.

"You can always improve in football. You can never believe that you can't because pretty soon you will find yourself out of the team."

Mark Lawrenson: Robbie Keane Will Prove He’s Not Just A Support Star

IN the summer I must admit I had my doubts about Robbie Keane. When he signed from Spurs for £20million I described him as a streaky scorer – one who will get you 10 in 10 but then might go 10 games without getting a sniff of a goal.

I still think that’s a fair description of Keane, because that’s just the way some players – Wayne Rooney included – are and it’s very difficult for them to break that pattern.

However, I honestly feels that doesn’t matter in this current Liverpool team. As long as Keane gets his fair share over the course of the campaign, his overall contribution will make it look like money well spent.

Of course, as a striker, it’s all about goals and I don’t buy any of this nonsense forwards sometimes come out with about not caring if they score or not, as long as the team wins.

Because no matter how many chances you create for others, how high your work-rate is or how slick your link-up play with your with team-mates might be, scoring goals is your job. And you can’t be happy if you’re not doing it.

While Keane can’t be expected to net as many as Fernando Torres, he is at last starting to show that he can give the Spaniard some competition for his place.

And you can only do that by scoring goals. And even if Keane does continue his habit of getting a load all at once before another lean spell, that kind of form usually bags him 20 goals anyway.

And would be an ideal total for a man who will largely used as a supporting act to the main event, especially as Torres is now back in the fold.

I’m not sure if I would have been saying that with as much conviction had he not bagged those two against the Baggies at the weekend, however.

The fact that Keane hadn’t managed a league goal for Liverpool before Saturday and had struggled to complete a full 90 minutes hardly affected his team’s results.

But it doesn’t alter the fact that, despite what he says, he has been a little bit distracted by the burden of trying to get off the mark. He has been under pressure and sometimes it has shown.

One goal, however, and he becomes a different player. Look at his second – he had a similar chance against Atletico Madrid last week but looked a bit ponderous and hesitant. On Saturday he just swept past Scott Carson and fired it into the net without messing about.

That’s what happens when you have confidence – you do it without thinking.

And that’s the key thing. I know Robbie and he is a great lad to have in the dressing room with great leadership qualities.

And now he has his first league goals under his belt, I’m sure his true character will start to emerge.

Steven Gerrard Given The Freedom Of Knowsley Borough

STEVEN Gerrard was last night given the highest honour his home town could bestow – the Freedom of Knowsley Borough.

Liverpool FC’s superstar captain and England regular, dressed in a grey suit, spoke with pride of his upbringing on Huyton’s Bluebell estate during the ceremony at Knowsley Council’s Huyton Suite.

The 28-year-old is only the fourth person to be granted the title of Honorary Freeman.

Speaking briefly at the ceremony, he said: “This is a very special honour for me and even more so as it is awarded so rarely, so I’d like to thank Knowsley Council.

“I’m very proud of the area that I grew up in and proud of the community I came from. Growing up on the streets of Huyton helped me get to where I am today.

“These are the family and friends who have been with me since I dreamt as a boy of being a professional footballer.”

Gerrard follows in the footsteps of former Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson, who was the first to accept the honour in 1977.

Last night’s honour was the first in 20 years and it came in recognition of “his outstanding contribution to national and international football and his position as a role model to young people”.

Gerrard’s stellar career kicked off at Whiston Juniors, before being spotted by a Liverpool scout at age eight. This season he has notched up his 100th goal for the club and he is set to mark 10 years since his first team debut.

Leader of the Council Cllr Ron Round, said: “Steven is one of the greatest individual success stories to come out of Knowsley in recent years. Knowsley has a long and celebrated history of nurturing footballing talent and long may this continue.”

The high-profile crop of players from Huyton includes Everton legend Peter Reid, Craig Hignett and Tony Hibbert.

Neighbouring Kirkby has produced Phil Thompson, Alan Stubbs, Kevin Nolan and Terry McDermott, but Gerrard is the only player to have been granted such an honour.

At the ceremony, Gerrard and 120 guests were treated to the Knowsley Singers and Street Feet street dance group.

Gerrard made his Oath of Allegiance to Knowsley before signing the Roll of Honour.

At the end of the ceremony the Mayor of Knowsley, Cllr Michael Foulkes, presented the 28-year-old star with an Honorary Freeman Medallion and scroll.

Cllr Round said: “He is an excel-lent ambassador for Knowsley and a great role model. His story is one of talent, commitment and passion which has seen him grow into a world-class player.

“It sends a message out to young people everywhere that with hard work and persistence, they too can realise their dreams.”

He aimed his comments at the young footballers at the ceremony who acted as guard of honour.

Opinion: Rafa Benitez Doesn't Deserve A New Liverpool Contract Yet

Liverpool are joint top of the Premier League but I fear that the opening of new contract talks with manager Rafa Benitez is a big mistake.

Spaniard Benitez, 48, has guided my old team to the summit in a bid to end an 18- year title drought but the Liverpool board should wait until the end of the season to negotiate a new deal.

The club won nothing last season, which was totally unacceptable. And Benitez has yet to prove he can satisfy the club's huge craving for a Premier League crown.

Liverpool have finished fifth, third, third and fourth under Benitez, who has 18 months left on his existing contract.

And with 26 games left this term, the Anfield club could easily end up 11 points off the pace again, just like last season.

Premier League success is the benchmark at Liverpool but it's only now that Benitez seems to be appreciating that fact after being preoccupied with the Champions League for so long.

Anfield fans are usually very loyal to their managers but if the board gives Benitez a new four year deal now, only for Liverpool's challenge to peter out, then what?

As someone who wants to see Liverpool triumph in the Premier League in the near future, all I care about is winning, not who is at the helm.

I'd put Benitez on probation until the end of the campaign - then tell him: "Deal or no deal."

Gap Won't Cause Rafa To Gloat

Rafael Benitez has warned Liverpool fans about gloating too soon over the Anfield side's eight-point lead over champions Manchester United.

For many Anfield fans, such an advantage over their greatest rivals with the season almost a third over, is cause for celebration.

But boss Benitez said: "I don't think I will be celebrating until the gap is 20 points."

The end product of a weekend of frantic action at the top of the Premier League is that Manchester United sit eight points behind leaders Chelsea and second-placed Liverpool - who have a whopping 14-goal difference deficit to make up on the west Londoners.

Both clubs are on 29 points, with United's defeat away to Arsenal leaving them in fourth spot.

Benitez said: "We were aware before we played West Brom on Saturday that Manchester United had lost, but it was not something that we allowed to affect how we played.

"If you spend the whole time with a calculator considering what others are doing, it will drive you crazy.

"You must concentrate on what you are doing. United may be trailing us, but we are not looking at what they are doing, only ourselves."

Liverpool were top after the 3-0 win over West Brom for just 24 hours before Chelsea regained the leadership after a 2-0 win at Blackburn.

Benitez, who welcomed back striker Fernando Torres after a hamstring injury, said: "Manchester United still have a game in hand and the ability to make up points in just two other games is not that difficult for them.

"When the gap is 20 points, then I will relax. But with just this small difference all I can say is we must keep going all the time and not think about what other teams are doing."

He added: "We have confidence and are playing well, so we know we can be up there at the top. We know it is a long race and must keep going.

"It is still too soon to be thinking in those terms about other teams. There are too many games, in league and cups, and many things can happen.

"But things are very positive. We were top before and we wanted to be top again. The win over West Brom put us back up at the top and we must continue to put pressure on our rivals.

"We are playing well, scoring goals, but it could be better even though we are pleased."

Benitez is expected to rest several senior men for Wednesday's Carling Cup trip to face revitalised Spurs at White Hart Lane.

It seems certain that skipper Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt, Javier Mascherano and keeper Jose Reina will be rested.

Diego Cavalieri, Jermaine Pennant, Lucas, Nabil El Zhar, Andrea Dossena, Ryan Babel, David Ngog and Sami Hyypia are expected to figure in north London.

Benitez will make a late decision on whether Torres continues his comeback with a place in the starting line-up against Harry Redknapp's men.

Benitez said: "He needs games, but we will assess the situation only after a couple more training sessions."

But it is clear that Benitez is keen to re-form the partnership between Torres and Robbie Keane, who scored his first league goals for the club in the win over West Brom.

Whether Keane will be involved from the start against his former club is also debatable, with Babel and Ngog likely to figure up front.

But Benitez said: "It was good to see Keane scoring, and then to have Torres back on the pitch.

"The understanding will be good again, and if they both continue to work hard they will be very dangerous for any opponent."

Rafael Benitez Warns Manchester United Are Still A Threat

Rafael Benitez has warned Liverpool supporters not to get carried away by the club's impressive start to the season or their eight point gap over Manchester United.

The Liverpool manager struck a note of caution after their 3-0 victory over West Bromich Albion took them well clear of the champions who lost 2-1 to Arsenal. However, Benitez says United, who have a game in hand, are far from out of the title race.

"When the gap is 20 points, then I will relax," he said. "But with just this small difference all I can say is we must keep going all the time and not think about what other teams are doing.

"We were aware before we played West Brom on Saturday that Manchester United had lost, but it was not something that we allowed to effect how we played.

"If you spend the whole time with a calculator considering what others are doing, it will drive you crazy. You must concentrate on what you are doing. United may be trailing us, but we are not looking at what they are doing, only ourselves."

Benitez, who welcomed back striker Fernando Torres after a hamstring injury, added. "Manchester United still have a game in hand and the ability to make up points in just two other games is not that difficult for them.

"But with just this small difference all I can say is we must keep going all the time and not think about what other teams are doing."

He added: "We have confidence and are playing well, so we know we can be up there at the top. We know it is a long race and must keep going.

"It is still too soon to be thinking in those terms about other teams. There are too many games, in league and cups, and many things can happen. But things are very positive. We were top before and we wanted to be top again. The win over West Brom put us back up at the top and we must continue to put pressure on our rivals.

"We are playing well, scoring goals, but it could be better even though we are pleased."

Benitez is expected to rest several big name players for Wednesday's Carling Cup trip to face revitalised Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. It seems certain that skipper Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt, Javier Mascherano and keeper Jose Reina will be rested.

Diego Cavalieri, Jermaine Pennant, Lucas, Nabil El Zhar, Andrea Dossena, Ryan Babel, David Ngog and Sami Hyypia are expected to figure in north London.

Benitez will make a late decision on whether Torres continues his comeback with a place in the starting line-up against Harry Redknapp's men.

"He needs games, but we will assess the situation only after a couple more training sessions," Benitez said.

Rafa: A Goal-Scoring Run Beckons For Keane

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez believes that now Robbie Keane has opened his Premier League account, he can go on a goal-scoring run.

Liverpool's 3-0 weekend win over West Bromwich Albion was significant not only because it took the Reds to the top of the table, albeit only for 24 hours, but also because summer signing Robbie Keane opened his Premier League account for his new club.

Keane bagged a first-half brace, and boss Rafa Benitez now feels the floodgates will open for his Republic of Ireland international, enabling him to start justifying his £20 million price tag.

"Robbie was working hard and has been playing well but it is massively important for a striker to score, so it’s both good news for him and for us," Benitez told the Liverpool Daily Post.

"I think you’ll see him get a lot more now. If the team keeps playing well and creating chances there is no reason why he won’t get a lot more. It was just a question of time.

"You could see the difference in Keane as soon as he scored the first goal. It made a massive difference to him," he said.

"I remember talking about Peter Crouch when he first arrived and we were waiting for his first goal. Once he got off the mark, a lot more came and it will be the same with Robbie.

"I spoke to Robbie before the game, he was under pressure to score but I told him that he had to stay calm because he has been playing well for the team.

"He told me that he was fine, that he had no problems, but you know a striker is always thinking about scoring goals and so it was very important for him to get his first in the league for us," he added.

"Hopefully we will see him scoring a lot more every week now. I wanted to reassure him because it has been difficult for him."

A Carling Cup clash against his former club Tottenham Hotspur is next for Keane and Liverpool, before Premier League business resumes on Saturday as the Reds introduce the weekend fixtures with a Saturday lunchtime kick-off against Greater Manchester side Bolton Wanderers.

Aston Villa’s Barry & Liverpool’s Alonso Long-Term Future In Doubt?

Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry and Liverpool’s Xabi Alonso are back in news with regards to their long-term futures.

England international Barry was keen to move to Anfield in the summer, but the Reds did not meet the asking price reported to be around £18m and the midfielder stayed back at Martin O’Neill’s side.

Latest reports claim that the 27-year-old may buy out his contract on the lines of Webster ruling, to fulfil his dream of playing Champions League football with the Reds and Arsenal having showed interest in the summer.

“I really do not know enough about the Webster situation,” said Villa boss O’Neill. “I don’t know where we stand politically in all that. All I do know is that if he doesn’t sign his contract, he has one year definitely left to run by the time we get to next June or July time.”

On Reds midfielder Alonso, who looked set to leave the Merseysiders in close season but boss Rafa Benitez did not get the offer of £16m that he was looking for; reports in Italy claim that Juventus are still interested in the Spain international.

The Serie A giants had been put off by the asking price in the summer, but are said to be hoping that they may get the 26-year-old for a lesser fee.

Gerrard Rested For Spurs Tie

Steven Gerrard will miss Liverpool's Carling Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane tomorrow night after Rafael Benítez confirmed that his captain needs to be spared for the club's pursuit of the title.

The Liverpool midfielder has appeared in every Premier League and Champions League game for his club when fit this season, missing only the goalless draw at Aston Villa due to a groin problem that hindered his pre-season programme, but will head a cast of senior players Benítez is expected to leave out of the fourth-round contest.

"Stevie needs a bit of rest," said the Liverpool manager, who has to decide whether to field Fernando Torres against Spurs following his return from a hamstring injury. "He was injured during the international break and it is important to try and keep players fit all the time."

Benítez has also insisted Liverpool's eight-point advantage over Manchester United with a third of the title race gone is not a cause for premature celebration. The Spaniard said: "I don't think I will be celebrating until the gap is 20 points. If you spend the whole time with a calculator considering what others are doing, it will drive you crazy. You must concentrate on what you are doing. United still have a game in hand and the ability to make up points in just two other games is not that difficult for them."

He added: "We have confidence and are playing well, so we know we can be up there at the top. We know it is a long race and must keep going. It is still too soon to be thinking in those terms about other teams. There are too many games, in league and cups, and many things can happen.

"But things are very positive. We were top before and we wanted to be top again. The win over West Brom put us back up at the top and we must continue to put pressure on our rivals. We are playing well, scoring goals, but it could be better even though we are pleased."

Liverpool Midfielder Mascherano Agrees To Become Maradona's New Captain

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has agreed to captain Argentina under new coach Diego Maradona.

The 24-year-old initially told Maradona he was unsure about taking on the responsibility of leading his country but was persuaded after the Argentina legend visited him last week.

'I've convinced him,' Maradona told Argentinian press after returning from his six-day trip to Europe, during which he visited a number of his top players, including Manchester United's Carlos Tevez and Barcelona's Lionel Messi.

'I explained to him what I thought about him and told him what I thought he could give the team,' the former Napoli and Barcelona star added.

Mascherano's first game as captain will most likely be against Scotland next Wednesday at Hampden Park.

The Liverpool midfielder has always matured earlier than expected on the international stage, making his debut for the national team before he had even played a game at club level.

Rafa Still Sees Improvement

Rafael Benitez has warned Liverpool's Premier League title rivals that his star players will only improve as the season gathers pace.

The Reds are only separated from first-placed Chelsea by goal difference after a 3-0 victory over West Brom on Saturday.

Robbie Keane netted a brace in the Anfield win, his first league goals of the campaign, while star striker Fernando Torres made his return from injury.

And Benitez believes that the best is yet to come from his attacking duo, while the Spaniard also insists captain Steven Gerrard has more to offer.

"Gerrard can improve, Torres will improve with fitness, Daniel Agger and Javier Mascherano can all improve," Benitez said in the Daily Express.

"Keane's goals were important and you will see him score a lot more now."

Robbie Keane: I Never Doubted Myself

The Liverpool striker has revealed he was never worried despite taking 12 games to open his Premier League account for his new club.

The £20 million striker grabbed his first league goals for Liverpool in their 3-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion yesterday.

However, according to football365.com, Keane claims he always knew the goals would come.

“The manager always had confidence in me, and I always knew the goals would come,” said the former Spurs man, “It has taken me longer than I had hoped, but with every game I am getting more confident. The evidence was there for everyone to see.”

Keane was denied a hat-trick after being substituted in the second half but admitted being taken off had not been a problem.

“I was looking for the hat-trick, but it is not about me. I'd got two goals and would always like more, but seeing the board go up with my number was not an issue for me,” said the striker, “People are trying to make a big deal out of it, which is not the case. Things like that do not matter - because this is a team.”

The result propelled Liverpool back to the summit of the Premier League and Keane claims that the win was most important that his goals. He said: “The most important thing was that we keep winning, and that I am part of that winning side.”

Despite scoring two goals yesterday, Keane was quick to pay tribute to his team mates, whom he praised for their excellent service, in particular skipper Steven Gerrard.

“I am getting great service. I have Stevie, Xabi (Alonso) and (Javier) Mascherano behind me - and they can all see a pass for me,” admitted Keane.

He continued, “Stevie's pass was excellent. But over the years he has been fantastic, and it is something I have noticed. Now I am on the end of those passes, which is fantastic for me.”

After netting his first league goals for his new side Keane appears confident the goals will continue to flow. He concluded: “My aim is to keep doing my job, and I know the goals will happen.”

Rafael Benitez Still Ready To Rotate As Robbie Keane Keeps Liverpool The Charge

It is still a strange feeling for those at Anfield to genuinely still be 'in amongst it' even in November but Benitez demonstrated in the victory over West Bromwich Albion that he is unlikely to change his ways despite these heady times.

Firstly Robbie Keane was the player he chose to withdraw when he wanted to bring on Fernando Torres with just under 20 minutes remaining. That Keane, who has now been substituted 13 times and has completed just two games this season, had scored his first two Premier League goals and was enjoying his best display since arriving from Tottenham in a £20.3 million deal in the summer was considered an irrelevance.

The Spaniard bristles at the word "rotation", insisting that when other top managers do what he does, it is simply termed "making changes" but that will not dissuade him from resting Gerrard, who underwent surgery on a groin problem in August, in the coming weeks.

Such stubbornness is likely to serve Benitez well when he opens contract negotiations this week and he said: "I think Gerrard's level will improve with Torres available. It is clear that Stevie is a bit tired at the moment, but with Torres he will have another player that can benefit from the accuracy of his passing.

"I think Gerrard can improve, Torres will improve with fitness, and Fabio Aurelio, Daniel Agger and Javier Mascherano can all improve. We are in a very good position and we have enough quality in the squad to be there for a long time. Stevie needs a bit of rest. He was injured during the international break and it is important to try and keep players fit all the time."

Playing two in attack was seen as the antidote to the issues Liverpool have had at times at Anfield, where they have been held by Stoke and Atletico Madrid and have had to come from behind against Middlesbrough, Manchester United and Wigan this season, but teams rarely come to Anfield in a mood like the positive frame of mind adopted by Tony Mowbray's West Brom.

Actual chances were a rarity but in the opening half an hour they enjoyed long spells of possession in the Liverpool half, with Keane passing up the best early opportunity when he failed to make a decent contact with a shot after Mascherano won the ball on the edge of the area.

But just after the half-hour, Keane put Liverpool in front with a trademark bending run on the 18-yard line. Aurelio found Gerrard, who spotted Keane's clever movement that gave the Irishman a couple of yards of space in front of Jonas Olsson and he lifted over Scott Carson to open the scoring.

Just before half-time, Keane again benefited from a defensive lapse as Olsson played him onside as he chased Aurelio's long ball down the left flank. Keane's first touch took him around Carson and he slipped the ball into an empty net.

West Brom continued to press but their best opportunities were hopeful efforts from Robert Koren before Alvaro Arbeloa's second Liverpool goal, a curling shot in added time, completed the scoring.

With 10 goals and 11 points from West Brom's opening 12 games, Mowbray acknowledges that a failure to make the most of spells of dominance is his team's current downfall, although he concedes that he will not have the kind of money to buy a player that guarantees goals in the new year.

He said: "It's very difficult to find someone with a proven goal-scoring record a club like ours can afford. Come January we will hopefully make additions, but proven goal scorers at this level are not going to be available."

Torres Will Lift Gerrard, Says Rafa

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has hinted that Fernando Torres' return to action will spur Steven Gerrard to new heights of excellence.

With Torres missing three weeks due to a torn hamstring, the pressure was heaped back upon Gerrard to be Liverpool's main man. It is a role he is used, and one he has performed brilliantly throughout his career, but itse physical toll has been evident over the last month.

But 'El Nino' is back in action, having returned as a susbstitute against West Bromwich Albion at the weekend, meaning the skipper has his partner-in-crime by his side - or, more accurately, just ahead of him - once more.

"It is clear to me that Gerrard's level will improve now Torres is available again," Benitez said in the Daily Mail.

"You can see Stevie is a bit tired after putting so much in over the past few weeks but having Torres around will help him.

"Apart from all the things Torres brings to the side on his own he will be another outlet for Stevie, another target who will benefit from the accuracy of his passing."

However, with Robbie Keane hitting form and Xabi Alonso performing so consistently in midfield, there is the possibility that Gerrard could be afforded a recuperative spell on the sidelines.

Benitez added: "Ideally, Stevie could do with a bit of a rest but maybe it will be easier to do that with Fernando back."

Reina - Reds Lack Experience

Jose Reina admits that inexperience in Premier League title chases will work against Liverpool.

The Reds sit level on points with Chelsea at the top of the table after suffering only one defeat this season.

But Reina fears that the Blues, and fellow title rivals Manchester United, will possess greater know-how when the going gets tough.

Liverpool have not won the league since 1990 and Spanish goalkeeper Reina recognises that a title tilt would be a new encounter.

Reina said in the Daily Star Sunday: "We haven't won the league in 18 years and it's going to take the effort of every player to change that.

"United and Chelsea have the experience because they have won the title before - and recently.

"They know what winning the title is all about and that is something which we don't have."

Robbie Keane: Liverpool Can Win The Premier League

Liverpool striker Robbie Keane scored his first league goals for the club - then claimed the Merseysiders have the confidence to go for their first Premier League title.

The Irishman netted twice in today’s 3-0 win over West Brom as Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League following last week’s defeat at Tottenham.

And, asked if Rafael Benitez’s side can maintain their challenge where they have faltered in previous seasons, Keane told Setanta Sports: “I can’t comment on the past because I haven’t been here but confidence is high.

“Even though we lost at Tottenham last week, we’ve bounced back.”

Keane - who also has two Champions League strikes to his name - was delighted with his double in his 12th league outing for Liverpool.

“It’s been a while coming but I think you’ve seen Robbie Keane back to his best,” he said.

“Each game I feel like I’m getting better and better. Luckily enough for me, I got my goals but it’s not about Robbie Keane, it’s about getting three points.”

Benitez said: “This year we have showed character in a lot of games.”

On Keane, the manager added he had not been worried about the Republic of Ireland international’s struggles to score.

The Spaniard said: “He was playing well, working so hard for the team. Two goals, and there could have been another one, will relax him.”

West Brom manager Tony Mowbray admitted the better team had won but, although his side have to play Chelsea next, he is confident they will avoid an immediate return to the Championship.

He told Setanta Sports: “We’ll win enough football matches to make sure we’re still here next year.”

He added: “We aren’t going to get judged on these games, we try to take the positives.

“We want to come here and play football and try to score a goal, and next week we’ll do the same.

“I thought we gave a good account of ourselves but at this level, if you have a sloppy 10 minutes, you could be out of the game.”

Rafa Benitez: Why I Subbed Two-Goal Robbie Keane

Rafael Benitez believes Robbie Keane can follow the example of Peter Crouch and go on a goal-scoring spree after opening his Barclays Premier League account for Liverpool.

Keane netted twice as the Anfield outfit kept pace with Chelsea at the top of the table with a comfortable 3-0 home win over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

Having already scored in the Champions League this season, it had taken the striker 12 games to register in domestic competition after his near £20million move from Tottenham Hotspur during the summer.

Crouch famously suffered a similar barren league run when he arrived from Portsmouth three seasons ago before rediscovering his goal-scoring touch.

And Benitez reckons Keane is capable of now embarking on a profitable run of his own.

“Robbie was working hard and has been playing well but it is massively important for a striker to score so it’s both good news for him and for us,” said the Liverpool manager.

“I think you’ll see him get a lot more now. If the team keeps playing well and creating chances there is no reason why he won’t get a lot more. It was just a question of time.

“You could see the difference in Keane as soon as he scored the first goal. It made a massive difference to him.

“I remember talking about Peter Crouch when he first arrived and we were waiting for his first goal. Once he got off the mark, a lot more came and it will be the same with Robbie.”

Benitez added: “I spoke to Robbie before the game, he was under pressure to score but I told him that he had to stay calm because he has been playing well for the team.

“He told me that he was fine, that he had no problems, but you know a striker is always thinking about scoring goals and so it was very important for him to get his first in the league for us.

“Hopefully we will see him scoring a lot more every week now. I wanted to reassure him because it has been difficult for him.”

Keane was denied the chance of completing a hat-trick when he was replaced 18 minutes from time by Fernando Torres, who was making his comeback after missing the previous six games with a hamstring problem.

It’s the 13th time in 15 starts the Irishman has been substituted this season and Benitez said: “I also spoke to Robbie about the substitutions before the game. I said ‘I know I am changing you a lot but it is only because we need a different kind of player at certain stages of the game’.

“I didn’t want to do it again against West Bromwich because, after his two goals, I was expecting the hat-trick. But we had to win the game, that was the most important thing, and Torres had to play too.

“I’m sure he was thinking ‘Why me? Leave me on the pitch’, but I wanted to use the pace of Torres. They were playing high up the pitch.

“I didn’t get to speak to him after the game, apart from saying ‘congratulations’ when he came off, because he was getting his man-of-the-match award.

“You can have sentiment as a manager sometimes but at 2-0 you have to be careful because one goal for them and it becomes very nervous at the end.”

Keane was partnered by Dirk Kuyt on Saturday with Steven Gerrard reverting to a central midfield role.

And Benitez said: “I had been using Robbie and Stevie up front and he is different type of player to Torres.

“Torres has the pace to run behind defenders and Keane has good movement.

“For Gerrard, it was more difficult to find the pass to Robbie and more difficult for Robbie to find the run behind defenders but, with two strikers, I knew he would have more chances and it would make things easier for him.

“The only thing is you lose some of the balance of the team playing that way but we were better than them.

“Sometimes we’ll play with two strikers and other times we’ll just go with one.

“Going with two strikers helped Robbie in this game but it will be a good problem for me to have Torres fit again, Gerrard and everyone else fit.”

Alvaro Arbeloa scored his second career goal for Liverpool by sealing the victory with a well-taken strike in injury time. However, the Spanish full-back also picked up his fifth league booking of the season and will miss Saturday’s trip to Bolton.

Rafa Benitez: Robbie Keane Is Worth Every Penny Of £20million

Rafael Benitez insisted he had no doubts Robbie Keane would start banging in the goals despite an 11-match barren spell in the Barclays Premier League.

The £20million striker finally got off the mark in the league for Liverpool with two first-half goals that sent West Brom to defeat at Anfield and the Merseysiders back to the top of the table.

Alvaro Arbeloa added a third in the final minute to secure a 3-0 victory.

But it was Keane’s contribution that pleased Benitez. The Reds boss said: “I have always wanted to support Robbie, he has been playing and contributing to our victories.

“I have had no doubts that he would start to score regularly for us. Robbie has told me he has got a monkey off his back, not an expression I had heard before but I understand what he meant.

“Robbie has game intelligence and he is always a threat to defenders. It was only a matter of time before he scored in the league.

“He is quick and can punish any mistakes that defenders make, and that is what he did.”

Keane, a former Wolves player, clearly enjoys games against their Black Country rivals. He has now scored eight in his last six starts against Albion.

Benitez also explained his reasons for not leaving Keane on the pitch in the final stages to try to complete his hat-trick.

He said: “We needed to get Fernando Torres into the game, we needed his pace to complete the victory and maybe get the third.

“Fernando is not match-fit, but we needed to get him into the action. We had some tired players out there, Robbie was trying hard but Fernando was important to us in the final stages.”

It was Torres’ first game after missing six matches with a hamstring injury.

Albion boss Tony Mowbray considered his side had done their best. He said: “We intended to be positive, to ask Liverpool some questions and go for it.

“We intended to be attack-minded and for long spells we held our own. We had a sloppy 10 minutes and we were punished for that.

“But we had some young strikers out there against top-class defenders. They were a little naive at times.

“But games like this will not define our season that will come against clubs around us in the table.

“But if we can stay up, and come back next season with some better players, we will be able to improve.

“There is no lack of belief about us, we have confidence, and I am not worried at this stage about our position. We are still very much in touch with everyone.”

Match Report: LiverpooL 3 - 0 West Brom

Robbie Keane gave Rafael Benitez his 150th victory as Liverpool boss as the Anfield club moved back to the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Keane, who had managed to score only twice previously since his summer move from Tottenham - both in the Champions League - finally broke his league duck when he drove home from a Steven Gerrard pass in the 34th minute.

Keane's second came when he rounded Scott Carson a couple of minutes before the break and Alvaro Arbeloa added the gloss in injury time.

Liverpool have now beaten West Brom in their last 10 meetings and wiped away the memory of losing their unbeaten record at Spurs last weekend.

Fernando Torres made his return after a six-game absence with a hamstring injury, but initially only as far as the bench.

Benitez rested midfielder Xabi Alonso and brought in Yossi Benayoun as the only change from the side that drew with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.

West Brom were without James Morrison from the side that drew with Blackburn last time out, Do-heon Kim coming into the team.

West Brom, who have not won at Anfield in 41 years, set out with a positive approach by opting for two strikers, Roman Bednar and Ishmael Miller.

They initially moved forward with confidence, but Liverpool had space down both flanks to exploit and slowly started to pull West Brom's defence apart.

Former Liverpool keeper Carson saved well from Gerrard and Keane, but although Albion were still abrasive up front, a home breakthrough was only a matter of time.

Daniel Agger's tackle halted Borja Valero in the act of shooting, before Jonas Olsson was booked for a foul on Dirk Kuyt after 18 minutes.

At this point West Brom were standing up well to Liverpool's quick passing moves, which frequently broke down around Keane, whose anticipation of balls into space was at times poor.

But Liverpool came close when Gerrard sent in Benayoun on the right. Carson did well to save the winger's shot, but the ball bounced up and onto the arm of Olsson before bouncing away for a corner. Referee Peter Walton ignored pleas for a penalty.

Four minutes later Liverpool did take the lead. This time Keane read Gerrard's run and pass into space to perfection and motored onto it to lift his shot over the diving Carson.

And it was Keane who grabbed another to silence the West Brom fans who had been abusing him because of his association with Wolves many years back.

His second came two minutes from the break when he latched onto a fine through ball from Fabio Aurelio after Liverpool had broken with devastating speed as they cleared an Albion corner.

Keane was in yards of space to round the on-rushing Carson before firing an angled drive into an empty net.

Such a situation would have deflated many sides, but Albion came forward with purpose and spirit in the second period.

Robert Koren saw a long-range shot held by Jose Reina and another drive go wide before Albion opted for two substitutions after 56 minutes.

Luke Moore and Filipe Teixeira came on for Bednar and Do-heon Kim.

Keane got away from Ryan Donk in the box after 60 minutes, but Carson was out quickly to take the ball off the Irishman's toes.

Liverpool sent on Ryan Babel for Albert Riera after 66 minutes, the home side having been too quick to start coasting to victory and West Brom still showing spirit.

Torres' arrival finally came after 71 minutes, in place of the disappointed Keane, who had been striving for a hat-trick.

Torres' was soon into the action, taking a Benayoun pass. A quick change of pace and a fierce low shot, saved by Carson, followed and the Spaniard was back in his stride.

Liverpool had to wait until the final minute for their third, when full-back Arbeloa cut in from the right to fire into the top corner.

Benitez: 'The Monkey On Robbie's Back Has Gone, Whatever That Means.'

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has said that he always had faith in Robbie Keane, after the Republic of Irish international bagged a brace against the Baggies.

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane is finally off the mark in the Premier League for new club Liverpool as he scored twice against West Bromwich Albion in the early evening kick-off at Anfield.

Alvaro Arbeloa added a third moments before the final whistle, and the resultant three points saw the Reds return to the top of the table.

Manager Rafa Benitez maintained his belief that Keane would always become a regular scorer for the title hopefuls, telling Sky Sports in his post-match interview:

"I have always wanted to support Robbie, he has been playing and contributing to our victories.

"I have had no doubts that he would start to score regularly for us. Robbie has told me he has got a monkey off his back, not an expression I had heard before.

"Robbie has game intelligence and he is always a threat to defenders. It was only a matter of time before he scored in the league," Rafa said.

"He is quick and can punish any mistakes that defenders make, and that is what he did."

Agger: Reds Need More Goals

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger has admitted his side must start converting their chances in front of goal if they are to have any chance of claiming silverware this season.

Rafael Benitez’s Liverpool were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal last weekend as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham, despite largely dominating the game.

Speaking to the club’s official website, defender Daniel Agger admitted he was at a loss to explain the result at White Hart Lane. He said: “I don't think I can explain the defeat at Tottenham, but the result certainly wasn't good enough.”

The Danish defender confessed that his side had created enough chances to win the game but refused to blame anyone for the loss. Agger explained: “Against Spurs it wasn't just one or two chances, it was seven or eight, and they fell to different players. It was just one of those days.”

The Reds also spurned several opportunities in midweek against Atletico Madrid and Agger insisted Benitez’s men must improve, particularly in the Premier League.

“The League is so tight and there are so many games in a short space of time so you can't keep thinking about mistakes you have made. You have to carry on,” he admitted before adding, “But one thing that we have to remember is that if you don't score enough goals you don't win.”

The defender himself was guilty of missing opportunities against the Spanish side and he acknowledged he could have scored a hat-trick. He said: “To create those chances is obviously a good thing, but on a good day I could have scored three or even four goals."

Agger was also quick to warn his team mates that they must learn from their mistakes and admitted that they can’t afford to keep missing chances.

“We need to learn all the time and if we have lots of chances we need to take as many of them as we can,” he confessed before concluding, “Almost isn't good enough.”

Liverpool Will Not Offer Rafa Benitez The Five-Year Deal He Wants

Rafa Benitez will have to revise his contract demands if he is to secure a new deal from Liverpool's American owners.

The announcement from Tom Hicks and George Gillett that they are now ready to open talks to secure Benitez's future prompted the Spaniard to reveal that he wants a five-year agreement to be secured by the end of the month.

But while the American pair want to pacify both Benitez and the Liverpool fans - who want to see their ownership of the Anfield club come to an end - they will not sanction a contract that will expire in 2013.

Chief executive Rick Parry is expected to begin negotiations with Benitez's advisers this week.

But Liverpool will not be railroaded into bowing to their manager's insistence that a deal should be concluded by the end of November.

An Anfield insider said: "In American sports it is unusual for a coach to be given the kind of long-term contract Benitez is looking for.

"Such deals are normally extended by one or sometimes two more years and Rafa already has 18 months left on his current contract. There is obviously room for negotiation, but these things often take time."

Benitez revealed to Sunday Mirror Sport last week how a contract stand-off at Valencia prompted him to quit the Spanish club for Liverpool in 2004 just weeks after leading them to a La Liga and UEFA Cup double.

That prompted the two Americans to contact Benitez during the week with assurances about a new deal.

Rafa Benitez Gagged

Rafa Benitez will be gagged when he finally signs his new £5million-a-year deal.

Liverpool owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks have at last agreed to begin talks on the manager’s contract extension.

But they intend to add conditions to prevent further fall-outs between Benitez and the board.

Gillett, in particular, will demand a silence clause that bans the Spaniard from talking openly and honestly about the club’s policies.

In the past, Benitez’s frank assessment of Liverpool’s position has angered the Americans and almost led to his dismissal a year ago.

But they have come to realise Benitez is the man who can lead Liverpool to glory and that he deserves a new deal.

The owners’ decision to open talks symbolises a thawing of relations at Anfield.

Yet, with no timescale in place, it is possible that the Yanks will sell the club before Benitez gets a chance to pen terms, leaving him in limbo.

Hicks and Gillett are relaxed about allowing negotiations to continue for the rest of the season.

The Liverpool boss, however, is anxious for a swift resolution, saying he wants everything sorted “very, very quickly”.

He is hoping for a four- year deal worth £20m.

But last season, Hicks said he was looking to give the manager just a one-year extension.

The players cannot wait for their boss to secure his future.

Dirk Kuyt Is Crucial To Liverpool's Campaign

Dutchman Dirk Kuyt might not be your typical Anfield superstar but his presence in the Reds starting line-up may be one of the reasons Liverpool are flying high.

The son of a fisherman is proving to be a great catch for Rafa Benitez who snapped up the striker ahead of Premier League rivals two years ago.

And Liverpool certainly have more fun when the Blond Bombshell is on the pitch.

Hopes were high when the Liverpool striker was brought in from Feyenoord for around £9m in the summer of 2006.

Spaniard Fernando Morientes had been a flop, Peter Crouch was never in favour.

Kuyt bagged 12 Premier League goals in his first season and in doing so became the first player to hit double figures in the top flight under Benitez.

He's already passed his miserly return of three Premier League goals last year by scoring against Man City, Wigan twice and Spurs this season.

But those aren't the only stats that show what an impression Kuyt has made at Anfield - and that's why Rafa now wants to offer him a new contract.

When Kuyt plays, Liverpool are three times as likely to win, about half as likely to concede and on average pick up double the amount of points compared to when he's not there.

Rafa knows that and that's why the Liverpool boss continues to keep the Dutchman in his side, even if it's in the wide right role and not as a conventional front man.

Fernando Torres may have pushed Kuyt out of his natural position but the arrival of another Spaniard, Albert Riera, on the opposite wing, may have given him the space and balance that he and Liverpool need.

Liverpool have an abundance of wide men - Jermaine Pennant, Yossi Benayoun, Ryan Babel and now Kuyt - but out of all of them it's only Kuyt who has been an ever-present in the Premier League this season.

His bustling, energetic style makes him a fans' favourite - they always know he's trying.

That's why Rafa wanted him, and that's why it's better for Liverpool when Rafa plays him.

Atletico Madrid President Calls Steven Gerrard A Diver

Stevie Gerrard is a good enough actor to make it in Hollywood, claims Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo.

The Liverpool skipper enraged the Spaniards by falling dramatically to win a late penalty in their Champions League draw on Tuesday.

And Cerezo, who is also an agent for film actors, said he would happily sign up the England midfielder as a client - especially for a remake of The Fall Guy.

"I would sign Gerrard to do a movie because he is a good actor," said Cerezo.

"It's a shame that we didn't qualify for the Champions League's last 16 as we lost the point we needed because of this penalty.

"We can be upset but that doesn't change anything."

Torres: I'd Return To Atletico

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has not ruled out the possibility of returning to former club Atletico Madrid and complete some unfinished business, but he insists it will not happen any time soon.

Torres earned legendary status at Atletico before moving to Liverpool in 2007.

The 24-year-old Spain international said it was the right time to leave, but he would love to wear the red and white of Atletico again.

"I hope to experience many things still, but for me it is an exceptional club," said Torres.

"I don't know if I will retire there, but I would like to go back and finish some things that are left to do.

"When I was there I couldn't do any more, but I would like to go back."

He added: "Right now I have no plans to leave England. Not to Spain, not to Italy, not to another English club."

Torres has taken the Premier League by storm since leaving his homeland, scoring 33 goals in all competitions during his first season at Anfield.

That has put him in the running to win the Ballon d'Or as the European player of the year, although he does not believe he has much chance of taking that award.

"No. There is a clear favourite. I think there have been very few years when there has been someone who has done so much to deserve the award as Cristiano Ronaldo did last season," Torres added.

U-18s Crash To City Defeat

It was a bad day at the office for Liverpool Under-18s who crashed to a 4-1 defeat at Academy League leaders Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.

Hughie McAuley's second placed side went into the game without last weekend's hat-trick hero Nathan Eccleston who was nursing an injury, and fellow striker James Ellison was also ruled out with a knock.

Joe Kennedy scored a brilliant consolation goal for the Reds but McAuley's team were second best on the day.

"It wasn't a good game for us but we are honest enough to admit they were better than us," McAuley told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"For the first 20 minutes we were the better team. Alex Kacaniklic had a great chance but we couldn't score.

"Overall they were sharper than us. They passed the ball better and took their chances. They deserved to win and they had a better cutting edge in attack than we did.

"Joe scored a late goal three minutes from time with a rasper of a shot from 30-yards out. It was just a pity the goal didn't come earlier in the game.

"City are a good team but we have done well this season. We will bounce back and we will now look forward to the derby with Everton next Saturday."

Liverpool Under-18s team: Martin Hansen, Michael Scott, Christopher Buchtmann (Shane O'Connor 70), Conor Coady, Joe Kennedy, Andre Wisdom, David Amoo, Adam Pepper (Michael Roberts 65), Lauri Dalla Valle, Marvin Pourie, Alex Kacakniklic (Thomas Ince 50). Subs not used: Alex Cooper, Hakan Duyan.

Match Preview: LiverpooL vs. West Brom

West Brom travel to Liverpool on Saturday evening hoping to apply a fitting conclusion to their hosts' shaky week.

Last weekend Rafa Benitez's Reds suffered their first defeat of the season as they were stunned by a White Hart Lane late-show to surrender top spot in the Premier League.

And after dominating in North London only to suffer defeat, Benitez's side almost suffered the same fate in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday as Atletico Madrid very nearly completed a classic smash and grab on Merseyside.

The home side will, therefore, be eager for a polished performance upon their return to domestic action as they bid to revitalise their title credentials, but West Brom and manager Tony Mowbray will have other ideas.

Mowbray will have studied the blueprint of last season's Championship rivals Stoke, who travelled to Anfield in September, frustrated Benitez's men, and made off with a deserved stalemate and point.

The Baggies will also be well aware that they need to address a dip in form which has seen the Hawthorns outfit slip into the relegation zone following four games without a victory.

West Brom's cause will not be helped by the probable return of Liverpool star Fernando Torres, with the Spanish striker likely to make his comeback after a hamstring injury to add a neccesary cutting edge.

Xabi Alonso would be expected to make way, but the midfielder's excellent run of current form suggests Robbie Keane's place in attack could be under threat as the Republic of Ireland international still seeks his first Premier League goal in red.

Centre-half Daniel Agger appeared to dislocate a finger against Atletico but should be fit, while Andrea Dossena could return for Fabio Aurelio as the pair continue to be handed equal opportunities at left-back.

West Brom midfielder Filipe Teixeira has returned to training after knee and calf problems and could be named in Mowbray's squad, while James Morrison is in contention for a starting place despite limping off against Blackburn last weekend.

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson will make his return to Anfield after joining the Baggies in July.

However, Leon Barnett (knee) is expected to remain on the sidelines for another two weeks and defensive colleague Abdoulaye Meite (calf) remains on the long-term injury list.


Possible Teams:

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Dossena, Kuyt, Gerrard, Mascherano, Reira, Keane, Torres.

West Brom: Carson, Zuiverloon, Donk, Olsson, Robinson, Greening, Koren, Valero, Morrison, Miller, Bednar.

Torres Set For Baggies Return

Rafa Benitez is hopeful Fernando Torres will be able to make his first appearance in more than a month when West Brom visit Anfield.

The Spanish striker has not played for the Reds since the 3-2 win over Manchester City at Eastlands on October 5 after picking up a hamstring injury while on international duty.

In the six games Torres has missed Liverpool have scored eight times, but have only scored more than once on one occasion when Wigan were edged out in a five-goal thriller.

Benitez is optimistic Torres will prove the time has come for him to be unleashed on Premier League defences again by proving his fitness ahead of the visit of West Brom.

"Fernando has more confidence now and he has been training normally with the rest of the squad," said Benitez.

"He looks okay and we will decide whether or not he is ready to play against West Brom after our final training session before the game.

"But we are hopeful because he is much better now than he was earlier in the week."

Meanwhile, fellow injury victim Martin Sktrel has ditched his crutches as he continues his rehabilitation from a knee ligament tear.

The 23-year-old centre-back is happy with the way his recovery programme is progressing but is not yet ready to set a date for his return to action.

Skrtel suffered the injury after falling awkwardly at City.

He said: "I can already walk without crutches but for the next two weeks I have to wear a special orthosis (knee brace).

"The doctor explained some new exercises to me and we have not discussed the date of return yet. Anyway, I cannot nor do I want to rush anything. “

West Brom Goalkeeper Scott Carson Is Bracing Himself For A Testing Return To Liverpool Today

Carson, who moved to the Hawthorns in a £3.25m deal this summer after three frustrating years at Anfield, knows just what to expect from his old team and that his task will be even tougher if Fernando Torres is fit to play.

“Torres is a world-class striker and as a player you want to operate against the best,” said Carson.

“I would like to see him play and hopefully I can play well and prevent him from scoring.

“Tony Mowbray has been working on the shape of our team and hopefully we can click and be stronger at the back after conceding a few goals in our recent games.

“Hopefully I can go there and have a good game. If Torres plays it just means that I have to be even more on my toes.

“If we can go to Anfield and frustrate them for as long as we can who knows what the result will be.

“It would be great to get a point and give us a lot of confidence for the following game against Chelsea.

“I don’t know what kind of reception I will get from the Liverpool fans.

“I have no hard feelings about Liverpool. I never really had a chance to prove what I could do at Anfield, but it was a great learning curve for me.”

Albion’s aim for the season is survival, but Liverpool have far loftier ambitions and Carson expects them to sustain their challenge for the league title.

He said: “Liverpool are now playing really well. Going to Chelsea and winning proves they will be one of the title challengers. The likes of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher are desperate to have a crack at the title.”

Mascherano Wants Agüero In Premier League

Liverpool's midfield battler Javier Mascherano wants fellow Argentine international Sergio Agüero in the English Premier League.

Agüero appears to be happy with Atlético Madrid, who have promptly slapped a £35 million price-tag on his head after learning of newly-rich Manchester City's interest in their star man.

Kun is highly rated by Atleti, who're currently trying to ease him back to full fitness whilst they gun for the last 16 of the Champions League.

However, Liverpool's recent continental double-header with the Primera Division side has reminded Reds star Mascherano of his highly-rated international team-mate. Now, he's urged the 20-year-old to head for the Premier League.

"I think playing for a big club in England would help him and he is certainly good enough to do it," said Mascherano, who initially moved to West Ham United in a controversial move.

"Lionel Messi is maybe one step ahead of him at the moment but he is still a fantastic player.

"He is strong and a good finisher and he has a very good technique."

The Citizen's are the only ones who've registered a strong interest in Kun, but the English giants will know all about his qualities. Still, it remains to be seen whether City, Liverpool or any other club would be willing to do business for anywhere near £35 million.

Kuyt's King Of The Kop, Says Dalglish

Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has expressed his delight with Dirk Kuyt's form, insisting that the Dutchman is finally reaping the rewards for all his hard work.

Kuyt's constant inclusion in the Liverpool line-up became something of a running joke last season, as the Oranje forward's shots were more likely to end up in the Mersey than the back of the net.

The 27-year-old amassed a grand total of three goals in 32 Premier League appearances, and Reds fans were at a loss as to why Rafael Benitez chose him regularly ahead of Peter Crouch.

But since the back end of last term, Kuyt has enjoyed a remarkable revival. Since being shifted to the right flank to accommodate the Fernando Torres-Steven Gerrard partnership, he has gradually rediscovered not only his form but also his goalscoring touch.

Crucial strikes against Inter Milan, Arsenal and Chelsea helped Liverpool to within a whisker of reaching their third Champions League final in four years. And, though this season is barely a quarter gone, Kuyt has already bettered last term's league tally.

With Torres injured, the former Feyenoord man has rotated with Robbie Keane in the centre-forward role and has proved a valuable contributor with his strength and non-stop energy.

And Dalglish, the Glaswegian ex-forward widely regarded as Liverpool's greatest ever player, is thrilled to see Kuyt shining at Anfield.

"Dirk has had a really good season so far and it's always pleasing when someone who works so hard gets a reward," he told the club's official website.

"He is a very genuine boy who will always give everything he has and the fans definitely recognise and appreciate the effort he puts in.

"He deserves all the success he gets because he works his socks off for this team."

Keirrison Ready For Europe

Europe's big boys have been put on red alert after Brazilian prodigy Keirrison, and his club, revealed that he is ready to leave his homeland.

"My dream is to play and to triumph in Europe," Keirrison said on the Setanta Sports website. "I am working to achieve this goal every day."

The 19-year-old, who has been touted as one of the most promising young strikers in South America, came to prominence last year when he helped Coritiba win the Serie B title and earn promotion to Brazil's top flight.

'K9', as he is colloquially known, has scored over 50 goals in 100 games since being elevated to the senior squad at the Estadio Couto Pereira, and his efforts have not gone unnoticed across the Atlantic.

Barcelona and Liverpool have both been strongly linked with Keirrison, with Rafael Benitez reported to be particularly keen on the Dourados-born forward.

The Coritiba president, Jair Cirino dos Santos, admitted that there have been several enquiries into the Keirrison's availability and declared that the youngster's days in the Brasileiro are nearing an end.

"There is certainly interest from Europe, but the issue is not yet resolved," Dos Santos said. "Keirrison will not play in Brazil next season and that is for certain."

Most of Keirrison's contract is owned by Mais Sports, a third-party firm similar to the one who brought Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez to West Ham United in 2006.

A spokesperson for the company said: "K9 will be in Europe for the next season, but we need to study the offers to decide what is best," he said.

"The kid is prepared for the jump to Spain, England or Italy. It will not be a problem because he will be Brazil's number nine in two or three years."

Benitez Planning Long-Term Future

Rafael Benitez has made it clear he is anxious for an early resolution to contract negotiations he hopes will secure his long-term future as Liverpool manager.

The Spaniard's next challenge comes against West Brom at Anfield on Saturday - when Fernando Torres will be restored to the Reds front line - but there are matters to be addressed off the pitch too, as Benitez plots Liverpool's bid for the Barclays Premier League title.

Torres' return is timely, after Liverpool lost their unbeaten league record to Tottenham last weekend. But sorting out Benitez's own future will also go a long way to boosting confidence.

"I want the contract done quickly, because the team is playing well," said Benitez.

"I do not want to be talking about this for weeks and months.

"The team is very strong - you can see the progress. There is a new stadium soon, and I want to be part of the future of Liverpool.

"The length of the contract is important to me. We have been improving the squad for five years - so clearly we know that in the future we can be contenders and we can win more trophies."

When a potential five-year contract was suggested, Benitez said: "That would be very good.

"We will have to see, but I would like to be here for a very long time.

"We must do it quickly. Next week there will be meetings, and I hope it can be sorted soon - certainly not too long.

"I do not want to keep talking about my contract. It is not good for the team and it is not good for the club. We are in a good position that could be good for the future.

"I would like to see it signed before the end of the month. The owners have to talk to my agent about the conditions of the deal, but clearly the length of the contract is crucial.

"Stability is the key to winning trophies and being contenders for the title."

Benitez also wants stability in his strike force, aided by Torres' return and a likely pairing again with Robbie Keane - who is still struggling for goals.

Benitez said: "When Torres was playing alongside Robbie before the injury, it was beginning to work well. I would like to see that partnership again.

"Robbie has been working so hard, and maybe the goals have not been coming.

"I talked to him yesterday; I said we were happy with him, and we know he is having to do things that are difficult for him. But it will be easier for him to play alongside Torres.

"If we have Torres fit, we will score a lot of goals - like last season.

"I have a lot of confidence in our strikers - Dirk Kuyt and Keane have been working so hard while Torres has been injured. But I will now have them all back at a very critical time for us."

Rafa - Maradona Talks Positive

Liverpool held constructive talks with Diego Maradona on Friday as the new Argentina boss dropped by to outline his future plans.

The Argentina legend spent almost two hours at the Reds' Melwood HQ talking to boss Rafa Benitez and captain-elect Javier Mascherano.

Maradona wants the midfielder as his captain, a role which Mascherano himself has said he does not want, although Benitez thinks he has the right attributes to do the job.

Benitez said: "We talked about what Maradona wants from us and from Javier. The talks were positive, it was helpful to know what he was thinking.

"I did not discuss Javier becoming captain. But he has all the right credentials if he wants to do the job. He would make a great captain."

Mascherano was the last player to leave the training ground, but refused to discuss details of his meeting with Maradona.

The legendary 1986 World Cup winning captain brought Melwood to a standstill as players lined up to speak to him, with Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Robbie Keane heading the queue!

"I was having a discussion with Maradona in my office, but it was very difficult. There was a constant stream of our biggest players wanting to meet him. Probably our two most famous were first in the queue," said Benitez, who added: "Maradona was great, he was very patient with all the requests. Even some of Carragher's family turned up.

"Xabi Alonso also wanted to meet him, his father had played alongside Maradona at Barcelona.

"We also had lots of the youngsters here who were just speechless and wanted to meet him."

Maradona's visit came after he had held meetings at Manchester United's training ground earlier in the day.

Liverpool Fan Died Celebrating Steven Gerrard Goal

An elderly Liverpool football fan died after getting over-excited when captain Steven Gerrard scored a dramatic goal in the Champions League, an inquest heard.

Jim Carver, 77, a great-grandfather, was so thrilled when Gerrard scored that he jumped up to celebrate as he watched on television in his lounge.

He then felt light headed, fell to the ground and suffering fatal head injuries at his home in Whiston, Rotherham, the inquest heard.

Mr Carver was watching Liverpool's away game against Marseilles on September 16th. Marseilles had taken the lead but an inspired Gerrard double secured a 2-1 win for Liverpool.

Mr Carver's widow Beryl, 72, said: "Jim loved watching sport and was an armchair fan of Liverpool. I can't stand football so I was upstairs watching my own little TV when it happened.

"He had suffered a few falls in the past and I think he jumped up excited when Liverpool scored a goal.

"After that he decided he didn't feel too good so he was going to go to bed. He had bumped his head but we didn't realise it was serious at first, but then I called the ambulance.

"He was to come home from hospital but unfortunately he had another fall and his condition got worse."

Pathologist Dr Terry Marshall told and inquest in Rotherham that Mr Carver died "from head injuries sustained as a result of his celebrations during the televised Champions League clash."

Mr Carver, a retired steelworker, had five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Acting Rotherham Coroner Fred Curtis recorded a verdict of accidental death.