Alberto Aquilani could make his long-awaited home debut this evening as he continues to regain match fitness.

He had an ankle operation that sidelined him for almost three months following his £20million arrival from Roma in August.

And Benitez believes the Italian has already shown signs of becoming an instant hit with the Kop.

“Alberto wants to play,” says the Liverpool manager.

“He is desperate to play. Maybe we will have to play him for 45 minutes against Birmingham. But we need to go one step at a time.

“He knows it is more physical in England and the pace of the game is different.

“He’s a quick thinker and I’m really pleased watching him in training because he plays very quick and very clever passes. I think he will adapt quickly.”

Aquilani played the final 17 minutes in the Carling Cup defeat at Arsenal a fortnight ago but, having missed the defeat at Fulham with a virus, was an unused substitute in Lyon.

But Benitez says: “He’s much better. We didn’t decide to use him against Lyon because we were controlling the game.

“The midfield was doing really well with Lucas and Mascherano and we didn’t want to change the shape because we were doing well.

“We scored the goal and we were in control and then we made a mistake.

“Alberto could play 90 minutes but I think it will be the same against Birmingham. He will be available if he doesn’t have any problems in training and hopefully we can use him.

“The question is when? I would like to play him if we are winning and then he can play more minutes.”

Benitez has also revealed Liverpool are considering arranging a practice match during the international break to help Aquilani improve his sharpness.

“We will talk with the medical staff and we will talk with Alberto,” he says. “We will see how he feels and if it’s necessary for him to play some games, he will do this.”