[lfc-news] Ian Rush column - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 16 Nov 2004
Benitez clear winner from striker competition
By Ian Rush, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL may be up against it in terms of striking resources at present -
but there is still competition for places.

That was evident from Milan Baros' reaction on Saturday against Crystal Palace.

Milan hadn't taken a penalty in the first team before, but he demanded the
responsibility as soon as the referee pointed to the spot.

He had seen Neil Mellor score twice in midweek, was aware that Florent
Sinama-Pongolle was on the bench and knew Luis Garcia could also move up
front if necessary.

He was keen to make an impact as quickly as possible - and he certainly did.

Afterwards Rafa Benitez said he believes Milan can improve even more, and
while I am sure that was a tactic to keep his feet on the ground after
going home with the match ball, it also shows the Reds' coaching staff
believe there is plenty of improvement still in the player.

I worked with Milan and know he is a willing lad, always ready to listen -
and he can and will improve.

You reach a limit with certain players when you know there is no more they
can do, but that is not the case with Milan.

He is already a very good player, but can get better.

And that is good news for Liverpool.

The cap fits for Kirkland

I WILL be surprised and disappointed if Chris Kirkland does not finally
land his elusive first England cap tomorrow night.

But not as disappointed as Chris - or his dad, who's been sitting on the
most publicised betting slip for years.

I don't think anyone would argue Chris is not the most talented English
goalkeeper.

It is only untimely injuries which have prevented him replacing David James
and Paul Robinson already.

We had to stop him joining the strikers for shooting practice because he
was impossible to beat. The forwards were getting discouraged!

All he needs is a run of games in the Liverpool first team - which, touch
wood, he is finally enjoying - and international recognition is sure to follow.

Hopefully that will be tomorrow in Madrid.

Baros wasn't only star to storm Palace

MILAN BAROS might have grabbed the headlines on Saturday - and deservedly
so - but I was delighted to see the contribution of Harry Kewell.

Harry has received more than his fair share of stick this season, but
showed his quality by making two goals against Crystal Palace.

In addition to the balls which created the openings for the second and
third goals, his all-round display was sparkier and underlined just what
Rafa Benitez was saying last week.

Harry needed to work on his physical conditioning, but it was not his fault
his levels were down on what they should have been.

He struggled with an injury earlier in the season which restricted his
training, then when he finally shook it off he disappeared to the other
side of the world on international duty.

When you are trying to build up your fitness, the only way to do it is in
training sessions.

And there is no doubt midweek matches interrupt that.

When you have reached a certain level of fitness, matches can help you keep
ticking over, but if you are trying to build up fitness only training
sessions will improve it.

The decision to leave Harry out of last week's League Cup tie meant he was
able to put a full week's training in, which no doubt helped his display on
Saturday.

Rafa will need everyone firing on all cylinders for Saturday's trip to
Middlesbrough.

Liverpool might have beaten Boro in the League Cup last week, but there
will be two completely different teams lining up on Saturday.

Steve McClaren has organised them really well this season, bringing in real
quality.

But the last-minute penalty against Palace might just be the confidence
boost Liverpool need as a springboard for the season.

And for Kewell's campaign.


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