ROY HODGSON has dismissed Rafael Benitez as a threat to his position as Liverpool manager – while reminding Joe Cole there were never any guarantees of a starting role at Anfield.

Speculation concerning Hodgson’s job has been reignited with the news Benitez is expected to shortly part company with current employers Inter Milan.

With the Spaniard back in Merseyside on holiday for the festive period, it has sparked rumours he could be in line for a sensational return to the Anfield hotseat.

Hodgson, though, was nonplussed at the suggestion and questioned whether the wisdom of re-employing a man Liverpool deemed unsuitable six months earlier.

“You would have to ask the owners about that,” said the 63-year-old. “It would be surprising (because) if he was the right man for the job then it would have been wiser not to let him go and then bring him back six months ago.

“This job will always have lots of people linked with it. When you occupy one of the top jobs in the country, it would be very strange if other people were not linked with your job.

“I’m sure there are people who are very envious of my position and would very much like to take my place.”

Asked whether he felt under any additional pressure considering Benitez’s proximity, he responded: “None at all, no.”

Although Benitez negotiated a departure in June, the main forces behind his ousting – owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett and managing director Christian Purslow – have since left the club.