Boss pleased with Aqua desire

Rafael Benitez has hinted Alberto Aquilani's encouraging cameo performance at Wigan has pushed him into contention for more action against Lille tonight.

The Italian midfielder played the final 20 minutes at the DW Stadium on Monday, and the boss admits he has been impressed with his determination to make an impact at Anfield.

"He had more mobility and he was trying to be involved when he played at Wigan," said Benitez. "The team was working harder when he came on and Alberto was trying to help dictate play. They had pushed a little bit deep and we had more time in possession.

"He is in our thoughts. We have to analyse carefully each decision we make about each player. We need people with energy and we need people with desire. If they show this on the pitch and in training, we will think about them more.

"The problem we have with him, though, is match fitness. He has got to play some games in a row and we have had conversations about this. He wants to be playing but the situation of the team does not allow you if he doesn't have that match fitness.

"You have got to be cautious with it. The other day (at Wigan) we thought it would be a good opportunity for him. When he got on, you could see his desire. He wanted to be involved and he wanted to help us."

Aquilani endured a difficult start to his Anfield career after injury sidelined him until October, meaning he has made just 16 appearances so far for Liverpool.

Benitez is confident, though, that the experience the midfielder has gained this season will stand him in good stead for next campaign.

However, the Spaniard insists Aquilani still has an important role to play in the remainder of 2009-10.

He added: "If Alberto has time (to develop), it will be different next season. We know this. But we cannot wait for next season. If he can give us something, we have to use him now. We will monitor him in every training session to see what he can do.

"We are looking for positives from him all the time. If he shows it all the time, we will play him. He is desperate to help. He wants to play and he wants to do well. But the only way to do that is to train really well and make sure he is available."

LFCCTV: Aquilani's debut v Arsenal>>