Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez insists striker Peter Crouch is not for sale and still has a role to play in the Merseysiders' season.
Recent speculation has linked Crouch with moves to Valencia and Newcastle among others, but Benitez claimed today that there was no desire at Anfield to sell the England international.
"People have been talking about Peter Crouch for two months, but
he is our player and we don't want to sell him," the Spaniard told
www.liverpoolfc.tv.
"He is a nice boy, a good professional, a good player. It is
clear that this team now with four strikers creates more
competition for places, but I don't have any problems because
Crouch is a good player."
Benitez also welcomed Isreali international Yossi Benayoun's
early return from his country's trainng camp ahead of the
Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park this Saturday.
"He knows he needs to be training if he wants to be part of
Saturday's team, so he was back training today," added Benitez. "He
was tired, but happy to be back."
Xabi Alonso is also expected to be fit after recovering from a foot injury and the midfielder has reassured fans that the foreign players in the squad are all too aware of the enormity of the Liverpool derby.
"I don't know how you would compare who feels what, but the
foreign lads always know it's a special game," said the Spaniard.
"You pick up on the atmosphere when you're out and about, of
course. Everyone on both sides can't wait for kick-off - it's a
really big day for the city.
"We know how much it means to the people. They have family
who might support the other team and they talk about it.
"The excitement is the same amongst the players. I'm looking
forward to it, though of course this week it's different because
the whole squad is not here. We'll only have two days together as a
squad.
"But it's against the other team from this city, and for the
fans it means a lot. I don't know if it means more for the local
lads than the foreign players, but I'm pretty sure we'll be as
committed as them."
