(Here's hoping for 20+ then!)
Crouch in goal pledge
Jul 25 2005
By Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo
PETER CROUCH today spoke of his pride at pulling on a Liverpool shirt for the first time - and pledged to score the goals to take his new club to yet more glory.
The Reds' new £7m signing enjoyed a promising debut in Liverpool's 4- 3 win over Olympiakos on Saturday, setting up the first goal for Luis Garcia and proving a constant menace to the Greek defence.
Crouch, who is eligible to play in tomorrow night's Champions League qualifier against FC Kaunas, said: "To be honest, I was just glad to be able to wear that famous red jersey for the first time.
"That was a dream come true for me and now I'm just looking forward to doing it again.
"I would have loved to have scored but that wasn't to be, although I've been told the goal I had ruled out for offside was actually okay.
"I might have missed out against Olympiakos but hopefully it'll come against Kaunas if I'm selected."
Crouch admits many still view him simply as a target man but says his ability with the ball at his feet will come to the fore.
"Because I'm tall people tend to think that I'm only good with my head but they will see that I can play with my feet as well.
"I like to get the ball down and use it and this should stand me in good stead at Anfield because I know that's the Liverpool way.
"The run I had for the first goal is as much what I'm about as winning head-ers. I went on a bit of a mazy one and, to be honest, I wanted to get a shot away myself but the ball broke to Luis Garcia and he tucked it away really well."
He added "I have set myself a target for scoring goals like I do every year but I'll be keeping that to myself.
"But I know that if I score goals and perform well it will help the team."
Rafael Benitez said: "Peter did very well for the first goal and he is a clever player. He has a good touch and can bring other players into the game. He knows what we want from him."
Xabi Alonso insisted Crouch's arrival has lifted the squad.
He said: "Last season we were guilty of giving the ball away too often and maybe Crouch can help us keep possession further up the pitch.
"When a good player joins, it gives everyone a lift and the more good players you have, the better you have to play to earn a place in the team. That's got to be a good thing."
* Jerzy Dudek today vowed to fight for his Liverpool career. Dudek has found himself down the pecking order since the arrival of Pepe Reina.
FINNAN: WE WON'T UNDERESTIMATE KAUNASSteve Finnan will not fall into the trap of underestimating Liverpool's forthcoming Champions League opponents FBK Kaunas but he's confident the Reds have enough in their armoury to overcome this latest challenge. The Liverpool...
"All I am doing is focusing on working hard in training and hoping to be part of the squad," he said. "But I do not know what will happen."
