Rafa Benitez backs Robbie Keane for pivotal role at Liverpool FC

Jan 27 2009

Benitez revealed Torres is now training normally after his persistent hamstring problems, but if the Spanish striker was to break down again after the transfer window had closed, Keane would become a vital player over the final months of the season.

That fact alone will surely dissuade Benitez from selling him now.

"People are talking too much about Keane. It was just one decision about one player, he wasn’t in the squad," Benitez said.

"He had a day off on Sunday like the rest of the players who were not involved in the game. He trained on Monday, he trained today and he will be in the squad at Wigan.

"It is nothing to do with whether he talked to me about the situation. Every player has trained very hard this week, as has Robbie, and he will be in the squad.

"He will be in the squad and if he can score goals then I will be happy.

"He is expensive and high profile, yes. But Manchester United have bought plenty of players who cost £20m or more every single year. Sometimes more than one player. But nothing is said about them being left out.

"If you want to be in a top side then you must have this mentality. You have to accept that some players will play and some will not."

Benitez added: "Robbie is a good player, we knew that when we signed him. Maybe he is not playing at his best level, but he wants to fight for his position.

"He must be available and ready for every game. To do that he must work hard and then if we consider he can give us something then we will use him, no problem.

"And I will be very pleased if Robbie can score goals. There has been no row, he is just one more player in the squad. Nothing else is happening, we are just thinking of using him at Wigan."

The Spanish coach has no injury worries for the Latics game.

He said: "It doesn’t matter the name or the price, we have to think about the best player for each game.