“We have to keep working and give him more minutes in every game. Little by little we will give him the minutes that he needs.”

Of the penalty claim, Benitez added: “I haven’t seen the replay but I’m told it could be a penalty. I spoke with Aquilani after the game and he told me it was one. The people on television said it could be one too.

“But you can’t change the situation now, we have to just carry on.”

Benitez made nine changes from the team that beat Manchester United on Sunday, with 18-year-old striker Nathan Eccleston handed a debut during the closing moments.

And the Anfield manager said: “It was impossible to use all my regular players tonight.

“It meant it was an opportunity for the rest of the players to show the passion, quality and character we are looking for. We had the same mix of players as Arsenal, with some experienced players and some youngsters.”

Insua’s strike was his first for the club, and Benitez added: “Insua scored a great goal. He can do these things. He always wants to go forward in training, and he is an attacking left-back

“We’re always disappointed to be out of any competition, but at least doing it this way and playing well.”

Benitez, though, revealed that Steven Gerrard was in danger of losing his battle to be fit for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Fulham.

“Torres should be okay, Gerrard is still working with physios and he could be okay,” said the Spaniard. “But maybe it is more difficult for Gerrard to play against Fulham.”