Crouch in step with Rafa

Nine goals from his last eight starts look to have staved off the threat of an early Anfield departure for the £7million signing from Southampton, but only after he heeded a series of warnings from an exasperated Rafa Benitez.

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The Liverpool manager feared Crouch was indulging his eyecatching skills to the detriment of the team and his Anfield future.

"I have talked to him a lot on the training pitch, analysing his movement and general play, and he seems to appreciate now what it is to be a Liverpool player," said Benitez.

"Peter has always had confidence in his ability, but there have been times when he has complicated things a bit too much. Sometimes, the most difficult part of the game is to do the simple thing. You want to show people what you can do but, often, the easy option produces the best football.

"Some people are still surprised at how such a player of his size can have such a fantastic technique. I knew about it when I signed him. We could have gone for a 6ft-plus target man who could just head the ball. But I wanted quality on the floor as well."

Robbie Fowler and Craig Bellamy miss today's trip to Manchester City after suffering injuries against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.