THREE-TIME European Cup winner Terry McDermott has backed Rafael Benitez’s decision to tie Yossi Benayoun to a long term deal at Anfield.

The Israel captain put pen to paper on a two-year extension to his Liverpool contract earlier this week and declared: “Now I can concentrate on the hard work that needs to be done and try to play better and better and win some silverware."

It means the 29-year-old has now committed his future to the club until 2013.

And McDermott, who scored 81 goals in 329 appearances for Liverpool, admits he is thrilled at the decision and is backing the Israeli international to go from strength to strength in 2009-10.

"I think it's brilliant news for club and I'm delighted," said the current assistant boss at League One side Huddersfield.

"It's definitely a good signing for Rafa as I'm sure there are plenty of clubs out there who would like to have him.

"Yossi is a great player and has proved how good he is since he moved to Liverpool. He's busy, creative and scores goals. He is a great asset to the club.

"He was excellent at the end of last season and it's that form he showed that probably earned him the new deal.

"His displays in some of the bigger games, the likes of Real Madrid away, were fantastic and he's demonstrated he is a man for the big occasion.

"I don't see any reason why he can't replicate the superb form he showed at the end of last campaign this time around.

"He was one of our top performers last season and, with the confidence of signing a new contract, I am sure there is more to come from Yossi."

Meanwhile, Nabil El Zhar is determined to prove his worth at Anfield this season.

The Moroccan winger made 19 appearances for the Reds first team in the last campaign and played a prominent role in some of the Reds' dramatic early season comebacks, leading Benitez to describe the 22-year-old as a 'lucky charm'.

Now El Zhar is eager to repay the faith shown in him by the boss and play his part in next term's title push.

"I have to work hard and God willing improve and prove my worth and play my part for the first team," he said.

"I feel as though I am more at home at the club now. I've been gaining more confidence by coming on more, and now I just have to keep on going, work hard and try and play many more games.

"You have to forget about the big names you are playing with and try to show people what you can do. I have to keep at this level.

"The manager has said to me that he wanted to give me more chances in the first-team. He told me that I had to work hard and listen to advice and take my opportunities when they come."