Rafa Benitez adopted a hardline stance yesterday over Peter
Crouch's growing unrest at Anfield and insisted the disgruntled
Liverpool striker owes him a debt of loyalty.
Crouch has little intention of accepting the offer of a new
five-year contract after becoming disillusioned with a lack of
opportunities this season and is ready to explore the possibility
of a move abroad in January.
But there was little sympathy for his plight from Benitez as the
Liverpool manager urged his £7million signing from Southampton to
remember the early days of his Anfield career, when a marathon wait
for his first goal brought growing criticism.
Benitez stood by him throughout and clearly feels payback time has
arrived as Crouch struggles to cope with being behind Fernando
Torres and Dirk Kuyt.
"People were always talking about him not scoring, but I always
supported him," said Benitez.
"Thanks to Liverpool, Peter is playing more games for his country
and gaining more experience at that level.
"He has worked hard, played well and scored goals over the past few
seasons and I expect more of the same.
"He is a better player now because he has been with a top side like
Liverpool, but the other side of the coin is that the other
strikers are also good.
"I think he understands that he must fight for his position. There
is no need to explain anything. He knows we should play about 60
games this season and that he will have his chances."
Portsmouth, today's opponents, had a £9m bid for Crouch, 26, turned
down in the final week of last January's transfer window and are
bound to monitor any change of policy at Anfield.
