my liverpool fc

Boss in Crouch hint, Kuyt backed to come good

Last updated: 5th November 2007

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has warned Peter Crouch he might have to get used to playing a bit-part role this season.

Crouch was again restricted to a late substitute appearance during Saturday's goalless draw with Blackburn, despite the absence of Fernando Torres through injury.

The 26-year-old impressed during his cameo appearance at Ewood Park and came closest to breaking the deadlock when he saw his header nodded off the line by David Bentley.

The England international has only started one league game this term and Benitez has hinted that Crouch could be better used as a substitute.

Role

"Is Crouch better as an impact player? He could be. Some players are like that," noted Benitez.

"Against Blackburn, Harry couldn't play from the beginning. Yet when he came on, his impact was very important for us. And Crouch was the same.

"Sometimes when players play 20 minutes or half an hour, they are more important for the team.

"Has Crouch been poor when he has started? I cannot say that. Maybe if he had played from the beginning, it would have been different.

"We knew Blackburn were really dangerous in the middle. But when they were tired, we had more chances."