Liverpool continue their quest for fourth place and Champions League qualification when they entertain Blackburn Rovers tomorrow, with Benitez keen for his team to go on a winning run.

“The main thing, as you know, is just one game at a time, and that starts with Blackburn,” he said. “But we also know that if you win one or two in a row, then the confidence grows even more. The performances come with that - and they have to begin against Blackburn.

“Last year we were very strong towards the end of the season, we normally are, and hopefully we can do the same again this time. If we can finish in the top four and do well in the Europa League maybe things earlier in the season will be forgotten more.”

The bad news concerning Skrtel was at least tempered slightly by the return to full training of Glen Johnson, who has been absent since late December with a knee injury.

“Glen's doing well,” said Benitez yesterday. “He was training today with the team, a light training session.

“I was watching him and he was quite sharp. But Sunday will be too soon.”

With Sotirios Kyrgiakos still suspended, Jamie Carragher will replace Skrtel at centre-back, leaving Philipp Degen or Martin Kelly to come in at right-back.

Alberto Aquilani, Dirk Kuyt, Albert Riera and Maxi Rodriguez are all vying for a first-team recall, while Fernando Torres could make his first start after recovering from a knee operation in January.

Benitez, though, will no doubt be wary of the striker's workload given he was named along with Anfield team-mate Pepe Reina in Spain's squad for the international friendly against France on Wednesday, despite having played only 15 minutes since his comeback.

Details of Liverpool's Europa League last 16 clash with Lille have been released. Benitez's side travel to the French club on Thursday, March 11 for a 6pm kick-off, with the return a week later at Anfield, kick-off 8.05pm.