Rafa puts window shopping on hold for a European detour

The Anfield chief has pressing issues involving Xabi Alonso, Jermaine Pennant, Sami Hyypia and Steve Finnan before the transfer window shuts next Monday.

But tonight at Anfield, Benitez needs to make sure that Liverpool overcome Standard Liege in the third qualifying round second leg - the score is 0-0 after the first game a fortnight ago.

Assuming that is done, Liverpool can return their attention to the £12million purchase of midfielder Albert Riera, from Espanyol, with already talks at an advanced stage.

But Benitez said: "I shall not be bringing in anyone today or tomorrow, so for now everyone should be concentrating on the job in hand, and that is making sure that Liverpool reach the group stages."

After winning both their opening Barclays Premier League games without playing particularly well, Liverpool need a convincing performance tonight to lift the club and make sure their European campaign is not derailed by the impressive Belgian champions.

Certainly goalkeeper Jose Reina who crucially saved a penalty in the first leg, does not believe that Liverpool will have a problem second time around.

He said: "The team have forgotten the match in Liege. It was just a bad day and we are thinking about qualifying at Anfield.

"For Liverpool, the Champions League is a huge competition and it would be a disaster not to get through. Nobody in the squad is thinking about anything other than qualifying. I am always optimistic and I am convinced we will beat Standard.

"But there are no easy games in Europe and we are aware that this match is not decided."

Benitez added: "I am not even considering the option of Liverpool not qualifying for the group stages, I am just thinking about winning.

"My concern now is to improve how we play, we can play better. Liege were good in the first leg, but we were really poor.

"If we improve and play at our real level it will be very difficult for them. Liege are probably the hardest opponents we have faced in Champions League qualifiers. But we know we are better than them, even though they played well in the first leg.

"At Anfield we are confident we can win and I expect us to win. The key is to be calm and confident in your team and the ability of your players. We have the players who can win this type of game.

"Whatever happens it will not really disrupt my transfer plans, we are so close to the end of the window things will not change. But yes, I am aware of the financial implications of Liverpool not qualifying.

Money is really important, but that is always the situation in football."

England midfielder Steven Gerrard, although still not fully fit, will lead what is expected to be an unchanged Liverpool side from Saturday's last-gasp win over Middlesbrough.

ITV1, 8.05pm