Robbie Keane's Liverpool future uncertain after Anfield noshow

The Spaniard instead selected David Ngog ahead of Keane, whose career at Liverpool has proved a major disappointment since his £20 million transfer last summer. Keane has scored just seven goals since arriving at Anfield but more significantly now appears to have lost his manager's confidence. The former Coventry and Inter Milan striker has been substituted in all but one of his 16 Premier League starts and failed to complete the 90 minutes again during Liverpool's 1-1 draw with their city rivals in the league last week. 'We have a good squad and Keane was not selected," said Benitez. "I have not seen him so I don't know how he has reacted. But every player wants to be involved so I would expect he is not happy. 'Ngog scored twice for the reserves in their last match, so he was a good option. And we have Ryan Babel and Lucas who can play forward, so we were well covered.'A possible return to Tottenham was mooted around Christmas, with the staggered payment arrangement for Keane meaning only a small fee would be required for Liverpool to recoup their outlay. Though Benitez did offer a measure of support for his player as the debate on Keane's future at the club reopened. Benitez added: 'He's working hard and, for me, the most important thing is if the players work hard for the team.'Steven Gerrard earned Liverpool a replay at Goodison Park after cancelling out Joleon Lescott's earlier strike in a repeat of the league meeting's scoreline.

Source: Telegraph