Benitez: Kewell can be key to Crouch success
Oct 18 2005
By David Prior Daily Post Staff
RAFAEL BENITEZ is ready to give Harry Kewell his first taste of action tomorrow since the Champions League final - and the Spaniard believes Peter Crouch could be the biggest beneficiary.
Kewell is in line to make his long-awaited return in Liverpool's Champions League clash against Anderlecht, having finally recovered from the groin surgery he underwent over the summer.
The Australian will this morning travel to Belgium with the rest of the squad, and Benitez yesterday said he could appear as a substitute at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium.
"Harry is feeling much better now," Benitez said.. "He will definitely be travelling with us and could maybe play some part, we will have to buttess his fitness before the game.
"If he doesn't figure against Anderlecht then I am sure he will be back playing either at the weekend or the following midweek.
"I think it's more important for him to play 20 minutes in a Champions League game than 90 minutes in the reserves."
Benitez insists Kewell needs regular action now if he is to finally begin to rediscover his form, and that would include Australia's World Cup play-off doubleheader against Uruguay next month.
He added: "There's a chance he'll play for Australia in the World Cup qualifiers next month. Maybe that'll be good for him.
Sometimes, as a manager, you prefer your players not to play too many games but, in his case, it would be better for him to be playing."
And the manager believes Kewell's return could help to bring Crouch his first goal since the 6ft 7in striker's summer switch from Southampton.
He added: "His return will be a big boost for us. He is the kind of player who can beat players and get in crosses from the by-line from which the likes of Peter Crouch and Fernando Morientes can benefit.
"I see Harry as a key player to help Peter Crouch develop as our centre forward. We have different players with different qualities and abilities, but Harry is the main one who can get to the dead-ball line and put over the kind of crosses that Crouch likes.
"I know Harry can do this. When I arrived at Liverpool, I brought with me the memory of once seeing Harry play against Manchester United for Leeds at Old Trafford and he was fantastic.
"Leeds lost the game, but he gave Jaap Stam a lot of problems, and that is the Harry Kewell I want to see playing for Liverpool."
Benitez pleaded with the fans to give Kewell time to find his feet again.
He added: "Harry will need some time to get back to his best, but this is an important season for him.
"He is disappointed with how it has gone for him during his time here, but he is a professional who knows what he is capable of and he wants to play. He has more confidence in his fitness now. Maybe in the past he didn't have that kind of confidence, but he does now."
Steven Gerrard will not travel to Brussels due to his shin injury but the midfielder could be back for Saturday's away game at Fulham.
Sami Hyypia, who was rested for Saturday's Premiership win over Blackburn, will also return. "Sami's experience will be important in this situation," said Benitez.. "He has played a lot of games alongside Carra and that basis is important for us."
Benitez revealed his decision to leave the Finn out of the Anfield clash had been solely down to his rotational policy.
He said: "I tried to use the squad. I always say the same - it's impossible to play all the games at 100% of your physical condition.
"You never know how players are going to come back when they've been away with their national team, so I prefer to use players who were here and training during the international break.
It's safer, for me.
"Sami has my confidence. He's a clever player, and that might explain how he's been able to play all these games without injury or suspension."
As for the Group G clash, Benitez added: "Anderlecht will have their last chance in this game - we get to play them at home immediately afterwards, though I only look one match at a time - and, if it's possible to claim three points, that would be fantastic."
