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Liverpool boss backs Keane to come good

02/12/2008

Rafael Benitez has given his backing to under-fire striker Robbie Keane to come good and has said the main problem is that the team are failing to creating enough chances for the £20.3 million man.

"We know what kind of player Robbie Keane is," Benitez said. "He needs people around him to pass the ball well.

"He will score more if we create chances for him.

"If that does not happen, we have to use players with different qualities to open up the game."

Keane has scored just two league goals – both against West Brom – since his summer move from Tottenham, and has been substituted on 15 occasions by Benitez.

He was visibly disappointed at being replaced by 19-year-old Frenchman David Ngog after 66 minutes of Monday's goalless draw with West Ham at Anfield and Benitez understands his frustration.

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

"He gets disappointed when things are not going his way. He is a worker but can improve. He will be okay."

"Robbie was disappointed when he came off. But players always want to be on the pitch for 90 minutes.