Boss happy with Aqua progress

Rafael Benitez today predicted Alberto Aquilani will have a major role to play as Liverpool chase fourth place over the remaining seven games of the season.

The Italian international has seen his debut season on Merseyside interrupted by injuries and spells of illness, but Benitez insists the glimpses of quality he has provided during his time on the field - including a well drilled first goal against Portsmouth last week - are a pointer towards what Aquilani will provide as he continues his adaptation to the English game.

The 25-year-old impressed as a late substitute at Old Trafford on Sunday after recovering from the stomach bug which ruled him out of the Europa League clash with Lille.

"It was a shame he was sick because he had been good for the performance (against Portsmouth)," said Benitez. "You can see he wants to improve and it is important for us to have another player pushing.

"We need players with quality to help us improve until the end of the season. Alberto has got desire and he is working very hard. When we have him available, he can give us a different approach on the pitch in different games.

"Physically you could see he coped with a lot of running last time and it was much better.

"It is a question of time. It is disappointing that he was ill and missed out against Lille but we are hopeful he will continue to improve and play more games before the end of the season."