Maxi jets in to seal deal

RAFA BENITEZ insisted it will be business as usual at Anfield tonight - as Maxi Rodriguez moved a step closer to completing his move to Liverpool.

Having experienced a turbulent weekend, which culminated in Tommy Hicks Jr's much-publicised resignation from the board, the FA Cup third round replay against Reading offers a welcome diversion from off-field matters.

Rodriguez - who was due to undergo a medical this morning - is expected at Anfield to see his new team-mates in action and will wrap up his £1.5m switch from Atletico Madrid once he has finalised his pay-off from the La Liga side.

The Argentine international will then be able to put pen-to-paper on an 18-month contract and, by the time he does that, Benitez hopes Liverpool will have set up a fourth round home clash against Burnley later this month.

For the majority of supporters, talking about this evening's game has been low on the list of priorities since Hicks Jr became embroiled in an email storm, but that has definitely not been the case for Benitez.

He has had little trouble in keeping focus and has promised that he will field a strong side as Liverpool aim to take their first step on the road to Wembley

"For us it is always important to concentrate on football and the main thing, as usual, is that we have to be ready from the start - other things do not matter," said Benitez.

"We will approach the game just as we did the first match against Reading. We know how important the FA Cup is and we all want to be in the next round.

"It is crucial that we start to win games and the next couple of weeks are very important.

"We have to start off with a win against Reading.

"We have got more options in the squad and the players are ready and they are determined to starting winning games in a row."

Though Liverpool are overwhelming favourites to progress, Benitez - who has been on the end of a couple of giant killings - is wary of the threat Reading pose.

"We have to approach the game thinking about winning and not giving them any chances or any confidence that they can do something," he said.

"In the Premier League you have to win but if you can't you say 'unlucky'. But in the cup you have to win.

"The attitude is more important against teams from a lower division. After that you know you have some quality, but attitude is the key."

Tickets are still available for tonight's game and supporters wishing to go also have the option of paying on the turnstiles before kick-off.

Meanwhile, the club have confirmed the Premier League fixture against Tottenham, which was lost to the weather on Sunday, has now been rescheduled for next Wednesday, January 20 (8pm).

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the views or position of Liverpool Football Club.