Rafa rallies behind Keane

Reds boss supports Irishman

By Peter O'Rourke   Last updated: 2nd December 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rafa rallies behind Keane

Keane: Frustrated

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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has backed Robbie Keane to soon find his best form.

The summer signing from Tottenham was substituted for the 15th time this season as Liverpool were held 0-0 at home by West Ham on Monday night.

Keane cut a disconsolate figure after being replaced by David Ngog as Liverpool struggled to make inroads against a resolute West Ham rearguard.

The Republic of Ireland international has managed just four goals this term, and only completed 90 minutes on three occasions in 22 appearances. He has come on as a substitute four times and been substituted 15 times.

Benitez is confident Keane will soon prove his worth to the side and end his current slump in form

"Robbie is a better player than the one we are seeing now," said Benitez.

"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.

Confidence

"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, but we were thinking of different solutions and Ngog did well when he came on, holding the ball up."