LIVERPOOL assistant manager Sammy Lee has dispelled any notion that Liverpool’s management team have doubts about Robbie Keane’s ability.

The Irish striker scored twice in yesterday’s 3-0 win over Bolton to send Liverpool back to the top of the Premier League, having lost their lead to Chelsea earlier in the day.

Keane made it three goals in two games following his strike in the 1-1 draw at Arsenal on Sunday, after which he revealed he was sick of the speculation surrounding his future at the club, just five months after he joined from Spurs for £20million.

A record of just four goals in his first 22 games and the fact that he had been taken off in 16 of his first 20 starts fuelled suggestions that Liverpool could cash in on the 28-year-old when Fernando Torres works his way back to fitness during the January transfer window.

Keane also suffered a snub two weeks ago when he was kept on the bench by Rafael Benitez despite the Liverpool manager seeing his side struggling to a 2-2 draw at home to Hull.

But Lee, who was again in charge of the team despite Benitez being back at Anfield yesterday, has praised the forward for the way he has responded to a difficult start to his Liverpool career.

“We’ve never felt that he has been off form, despite what people keep saying,” said Lee.

“He has been working hard and tirelessly for the team and that is the measure of the lad that he has kept on going.

“People have said things about him but we know why we brought him to the club and we have had no problems at all with him whatsoever.

“We decide who plays, who comes off, that is up to the staff to manage the team. Yes, he has been taken off but these decisions are all made for the benefit of the team and we do what we feel is necessary for this club.