Benitez is a Bentley fan

Liverpool boss admires Rovers playmaker

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 11th April 2008

Rafael Benitez Liverpool training April 7

Benitez: Focused on battle for fourth

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Rafa Benitez admits that he is an admirer of David Bentley, but refuses to be drawn on speculation linking the winger with a summer move to Anfield.

The Liverpool boss will come face-to-face with the England international on Sunday when Mark Hughes brings his Blackburn side to Merseyside.

Rovers' playmaker has often found himself linked with the Reds after an impressive two-year spell at Ewood Park.

He is seen by many as the natural successor to David Beckham on the right wing for his country and could provide the attacking threat Liverpool need to mount a concerted bid for the Premier League title next season.

Respect

With Benitez likely to shuffle his pack once more over summer, he admits that Bentley is the type of player he will be looking to get onboard.

"He is a good player," he told the club's official website.

"People have asked me about him and I say he is a player with quality.

"But I have a lot of respect for the other team and so don't want to say too much."

Focus

With Liverpool continuing to make as many headlines off the field at present as they do on it, Benitez is determined to keep his players focused on the job in hand.

The crunch clash with Blackburn at the weekend could help to strengthen their grip on fourth spot in the table, and the importance of the game is not lost on the Spanish coach.

"I have told the players that we must focus on football," he said.

"We have an important game on Sunday and we have to concentrate on that."

Possibilities

With the race for the final UEFA Champions League place still up for grabs, Benitez feels that his side could need as many as 12 points to fend of the challenge of their city rivals Everton.

"If we want to be sure then we need four wins. Maybe that number could be less though," he said.

"That's what we've been telling the players. We want to win every game now if it's possible and then see what happens with Everton.

"We want to make sure we can finish in the top four."