'Agger future not on left'

Rafa Benitez has praised Daniel Agger for filling in on the left side of defence - but he insists the Dane's future remains at centre-back.

Agger played out of position for the second consecutive game as the Reds were held to a stalemate by Roy Hodgson's Fulham on Sunday.

Despite putting in another assured display, Benitez plans to deploy the 25-year-old in his natural position once Emiliano Insua and Fabio Aurelio are fit again.

The boss said: "He is playing as a left-back because we don't have any options there right now but clearly the future of Daniel Agger at Liverpool is not to play as a left full-back.

"He has quality, so he can do it - and that's very positive for the team."

Meanwhile, Benitez has spoken of his delight after goalkeeper Pepe Reina signed a new six-year deal at Anfield.

He said: "Reina was very clear that he's very happy here. His family also are settled down, so he wanted to extend his contract at a top side.

"It's a good move for him and for us it's the same. He's an important player and will be here for a long time - hopefully he can win some more Golden Gloves.

"It has been the idea over the last year to keep the spine of the team, and that's the idea over the next year."

Analysis of the Fulham draw>>