Benayoun hoping to add firepower

MIDFIELDER Yossi Benayoun has admitted Liverpool's current failings are up front but believes his return and that of striker Fernando Torres can help to change things.

There was little to cheer in Sunday's goalless draw at Manchester City apart from the duo's comeback after five weeks on the sidelines and a seventh clean sheet in their last nine Premier League matches.

With their early-season defensive frailties seemingly now sorted, attention has to be paid to what happens in the final third.

In their last two games - at home to Europa League opponents Unirea Urziceni and at Eastlands - Liverpool have been found wanting against determined defensive and stubborn opposition.

It is something that has to change if Rafael Benitez's side are to regain control of the race for Champions League qualification, having slipped to sixth as a result of Tottenham's leap into fourth yesterday.

The return of two of Liverpool's most attack-minded players can only help with that and Benayoun is keen to make up for the time he has sat out with a broken rib.

"For any player the worst thing that can happen to you is to be injured so I'm just happy to be back after being out for a few weeks," said the Israel international.

"It was difficult but hopefully now I can keep working hard in training, try to improve and try to help the team.

"We know where we need to improve. We need to create more and do more up front.

"One point (against City) was not good enough but it wasn't bad either.

"We are still in the race for fourth place and that is the most important thing.

"We wanted to win but you have to remember that we were playing against a good team away from home.

The Israeli added: "Hopefully the defence will keep playing well.

"We have got the best defence in the league - now we need to create more and then the goals will come," said Benayoun.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.