Rafa backs struggling Keane
02 Dec 2008 - 16:35:42
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez remains confident that striker Robbie Keane will eventually live up to his £20million price-tag and be a big hit at Anfield.
The 28-year-old summer recruit from Tottenham Hotspur has scored four goals in 22 appearances for the Reds this term, having been replaced on 15 occasions by Benitez.
However, the Spaniard said after the goalless draw against West Ham: "Robbie is a better player than the one we are seeing now.
"We know what kind of player Robbie Keane is. He needs people around him to pass the ball well.
"I believe he will be okay, he will score more if we create chances for him, but if that does not happen we have to use players with different qualities to open up the game.
"Robbie does get disappointed when things are not going his way. He is a worker, but he can improve. It is a question of confidence.
"If we score first in this type of game then we will grow and win. Some players may be lacking in confidence, but if we keep creating chances we will be okay.
"Robbie, when he came off, was disappointed, but players always want to be out on the pitch for 90 minutes."