Liverpool boss Rafa to use Aquilani sparingly during end of season run-in

Limited: Alberto AquilaniRafa Benitez has shown his ruthless side by indicating Alberto Aquilani may have to accept abit-part role at Liverpool for the rest of the season. The £17million signing from Roma has been used sparingly since recovering from an ankle injury and is likely to be on the bench again for tonight's game at Wigan. There were no apologies from manager Benitez, however, as he underlined why he cannot afford to give the Italy midfielder time to find his feet. Liverpool face an uphill battle to pip Manchester City, Tottenham and Aston Villa for the fourth and final Champions League place this season, and Benitez said: 'Alberto isn't stupid. 'He knows the priority now has to be the team, and what's best for everyone. All he can do is keep training and make sure he is ready. 'I have had a conversation with him . he knows the situation. Alberto is a very good professional who was a big name in Italy, and he wants to show his quality here.' Aquilani's agent Franco Zavaglia said: 'Alberto made a decision of a lifetime. He's fine at Liverpool .next year will be the most important for him.' Benitez reiterated his belief that keeper Pepe Reina and midfielder Javier Mascherano will sign new long-term contracts. Deal or no deal: Pepe Reina 'On Pepe, I am 100 per cent certain he will stay with us, and I'm really confident Javier will, too,' he said. Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has urged winger Charles N'Zogbia to use the club's relegation scrap to gatecrash Fabio Capello's squad. Martinez said: 'I asked Charles the other day about England and he said he was hoping.' Rafa has a go at me to deflect from his own problems, blasts AllardyceI'll quit Liverpool if I have to! Carragher admits Anfield exit could be on cards Carragher's new deal stalls: Liverpool stalwart wants assurances over future Gary Lineker: Don't bank on Rio Ferdinand being captain in South Africa - England's World Cup curse will hit Fabio Capello's planning 

Source: Daily_Mail