This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.
Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani played for 15 minutes last night on his long-awaited Liverpool debut.
The summer signing from Roma was on the bench for the reserves' home match with Sunderland at Prenton Park.
Liverpool won 2-0 courtesy of a fine free-kick from Daniel Pacheco and a header from defender Robbie Threlfall from another Pacheco free-kick. But all eyes, including those of co-owner George Gillett, were on Aquilani, who replaced Swedish winger Alex Kacaniklic in the 75th minute.
His contributions to the game included a clever backheel, a couple of neat passes and a stunning cross-field ball, before he disappeared down the tunnel with a broad smile on his face and club doctor Mark Waller's arm around his shoulder.
Benitez admits Aquilani has taken longer to recover than expected, but the 25-year-old had been in full training for a week before the game.
He is not being lined up for a surprise first-team debut against Manchester United on Sunday though.
LIVERPOOL RESERVES: Hansen, Darby, Threlfall, Ayala, Mavinga, Irwin, Eccleston, Amoo (Weijl 87), Saric (Brouwer 64), Pacheco, Kacaniklic (Aquilani 75). Subs: Mendy, Bouzanis.
This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the views or position of Liverpool Football Club.
This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.
Tagged: alberto aquilani , aquiani , reserve , sunderland