BENITEZ DEFENDS CRAIG

Bellamy - tough time

Rafa Benitez has spoken out in Craig Bellamy's defence, after the player spurned numerous chances in Wednesday's Carling Cup victory.

"If you ask me what kind of player I want, someone who misses a chance and isn't worried, or someone who is more determined to do better next time, I know which I'd prefer," said Benitez today.

"Craig is his own biggest critic, which shows how much he wants to improve, although maybe there are times during a game when you need to control your anxiety and passion.

"In football, it's true sometimes you need to be more calm to help you do the right things."

Bellamy must now wait to see if he will be granted a reprieve at Emirates stadium on Sunday, but Benitez added.

"I've told Craig I want him to try things," said Benitez. "When the team was losing and players weren't performing at their best a few weeks ago, my message to the players was it was no use talking, they had to try things on the pitch and not be afraid to make mistakes.

"The most important thing about Craig now is not that he's missed some chances, it's that he is trying to make things happen for himself and the team. That's why we're sure he will score a lot of goals in the future.

Discuss this news story in the LFC Forum