RAFAEL BENITEZ claims Daniel Agger is happy to bide his time to reclaim a first-team place – while admitting Liverpool missed the Denmark international last season.

Agger is poised for a rare run-out this evening when Crewe Alexandra visit Anfield for a Carling Cup third round tie.

The 23-year-old was absent for almost the whole of the previous campaign with a metatarsal injury suffered last September.

The defender has since returned to fitness but seen his opportunities limited by the form of Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel at centre-back, with Agger’s start in the Champions League qualifier in Belgium against Standard Liege last month his only senior appearance in more than a year.

It prompted speculation in his homeland that Agger was unhappy at Anfield and could investigate the possibility of buying out his contract in the New Year.

However, Benitez has reiterated Liverpool’s intention to offer Agger a new deal while underlining the player’s importance at the club.

“I have been talking to Daniel and he is ready, focused and really happy here,” said Agger. “I was on the flight to Marseille and I was thinking about we need to offer him a new contract. I was surprised when we landed and read some comments in the press.

“I spoke to him and he said, ‘no problem, I am really happy here’.

“I am really pleased with him and I have a lot of confidence in him. He knows that we are playing well, that Carra and Skrtel are playing well and that maybe he needs

to wait. The understanding between Carra and Skrtel has been good.

“I said that Daniel is one of the best centre-backs we have when he is fit and if he is fit it will be difficult for me. He needs games. He is a very good offensive centre-back when we are playing at Anfield.

“Clearly we missed Daniel Agger last season. He is a centre-back but good on the ball and a threat for the other team too.”

While Agger is almost certain to start, it is unlikely that either Jay Spearing or Stephen Darby, who impressed during pre-season, will even be included in the squad for tonight’s game.

One player definitely starting is Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri, who will make his competitive debut for Liverpool following his summer signing from Palmeiras.

“Normally, Diego will play in the Carling Cup,” said Benitez. “He is a fantastic professional who is learning all the time about English football.

“It’s a different style to what he was used to in Brazil but I think he showed in pre-season that he can do everything well. He’s a good goalkeeper and can challenge Pepe Reina.”

Philipp Degen could also make his debut this evening, while Emiliano Insua, Damien Plessis, Nabil El Zhar, Lucas Leiva, David Ngog and Sami Hyypia are also hopeful of figuring.

However, Fabio Aurelio is still out while Jermaine Pennant is doubtful after sustaining a knock during while playing for reserves last week.