Benitez backing for Keane

Liverpool boss eager to help goal-shy striker

Last updated: 5th December 2008

Benitez backing for Keane

Keane: Struggling

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Rafa Benitez has asked his Liverpool squad to help Robbie Keane rediscover the goalscoring touch.

Striker Keane arrived at Anfield in the summer in a £20million switch from Tottenham, but he has failed to live up to expectations.

The Republic of Ireland international has scored just four goals since moving to Merseyside and has regularly been substituted by Benitez.

Keane's manager recognises that his big-money acquisition is failing to produce the required form, but he is eager to help the former Inter Milan and Leeds forward.

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

"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."