Rafa: Aqua ready to shine

Rafael Benitez believes Liverpool fans will soon start to see the best of Alberto Aquilani in a red shirt.

The Italian midfielder started his Anfield career on the treatment table, but now the boss admits he is ready to shine.

"It has not been easy for him because people have been comparing him to Alonso after five years, but  he has only been here for five months," Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"Aquilani is doing well and he is improving. I remember Alonso's first year with us. He was injured as well but he finished the season well, so hopefully that will be the same with Alberto.

"He has to improve his fitness but that is a question of time. Alberto is improving and he will be better for us."

The Reds No.4 was an unused substitute for the November derby and will be hoping to make the starting line-up for today's Anfield showdown.

He has no stranger to a derby having featured in the glamour game in Italy for Roma against Lazio.

"We have been talking with all of the players and he knows this is a massive game with a lot of passion," he added.

"Always when you play in a derby it is a good experience, but here in England it is always different. The league is different and the Merseyside derby is the most difficult one, but I think it will be a great experience for him.

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Meanwhile, the gaffer has welcomed the return of injured duo Martin Kelly and Nabil El Zhar after the pair returned to action for the reserves against Bolton on Monday.

"It is important to have these players coming back because we need everyone in our squad fit," he said.

"Nabil has ability and Kelly can play in two positions so that will give us more competition."

Such has been the recent form of Martin Skrtel and Sotirios Kyrgiakos at centre-half, Danish international Daniel Agger was an unused substitute against Bolton last week. Having a selection headache is something that Benitez welcomes.

"It is always good for a manager to have these selection problems," he said.

"Agger has been doing well in training and is in my squad for Everton."