Liverpool Football Club News

• Nickname:Reds
• Founded:1892
• Manager:Kenny Dalglish

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Rafa rules out Keane exit

09 Dec 2008 - 09:10:07

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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has dismissed rumours suggesting he is set to sell struggling Republic of Ireland international striker Robbie Keane next month.

Since his £20.3million summer transfer from Tottenham, the 28-year-old has found the net only twice in 15 Premier League appearances for the Reds, prompting speculation that he may be sold in the January transfer window.

Keane was left out of Benitez's starting line-up for Saturday's victory at Blackburn, but the Liverpool manager insisted: "Robbie's future is to be ready, to score goals and to work for the team.

"In football we know we have signed a good player, you cannot guarantee anyone's position. In some games he has to work hard.

"The challenge is there for him. When you sign a player for a lot of money, that is it. He becomes another player in the squad and he has to fight for his position.

"I do not know whether his confidence has been affected, we will see against PSV.

"Clearly he has to show character, and show he is a good player. When we decided to sign him we knew he was a good player.

"I do not need to talk too much on this. A lot of top clubs have very expensive players, they have four of them on the bench every week.

"He has to know he needs to fight and work hard. But he has a future here, why not?

"I have a lot of patience, with everybody. He will be here after the January window, it is not my idea to sell him.

"We are always working with the players, explaining and clarifying what they need to do for the team. Robbie is no different."