Rafa: Babel can focus again

Rafael Benitez has called on Ryan Babel to put speculation surrounding his future behind him and focus on helping Liverpool secure a top four finish.

The Dutch forward was the subject of press rumours during the January transfer window, but the boss is confident the 23-year-old can make a positive impact on the Reds fortunes in the second half of the season. 

"When people talk too much about players maybe leaving and it then gets into the head of the player they are talking about, it is not easy," said Benitez.

"It's difficult to stay calm and keep working hard but that is what you have to do. You have to be ready. Now the transfer window has finished, it is important for everyone. 

"We can all focus again. Ryan was able to play the other day (against Bolton) and he got some minutes as a striker, in the position that he likes. In the last couple of days, he has been training better and maybe he will be like a new addition for us."

Benitez believes the summer's World Cup finals in South Africa can act as added motivation for Babel, who will hope to represent Holland at the tournament.

"The big difference for everyone in the first few days of February is that you can just focus on football once again," added the Spaniard. "Of course, the World Cup is going to be an extra motivation for some players.

"If they want to go there, they have to play and do their best for their clubs. He has pace and he has ability and he wants show these things on the pitch.

"We have had conversations with him in the last couple of days and he knows that he can be a very good player for us. It just depends on him."