Maxi's best to come

Rafarl Benitez has promised Liverpool supporters the best of Maxi Rodriguez is still to come.

The Argentinean forward moved to Anfield in January and has made increasingly encouraging displays including one in the Merseyside derby.

With six appearances under his belt in the Premier League, the former Atletico Madrid star will now start to show his worth according to manager Benitez.

Benitez believes the presence of fellow countrymen Javier Mascherano and Emiliano Insua has helped the Rosario born player settle in and says has he continues to get to grips with the language then displays on the pitch will improve.

Benitez said: "I think he's doing well.

"For new players it's always difficult but he's giving to us some quality in possession and good movement, and he's working hard too.

"He will improve. The understanding of the other players will help with his play, and that will also make things better for us.

"He's okay now. He still needs to improve his English but he's having lessons.

"He also has Mascherano and Insua around, and they help him a little bit.

"You can see clearly that he's very happy - and we'll try to keep him as happy as we can."

Rodriguez was a starter when Liverpool beat Everton in a feisty Merseyside derby at the beginning of the month.

Benitez believes his latest signing performed admirably in the circumstances.

He said: "All new players when they see a game of this tempo are always a little bit surprised because they see the difference between this derby and derbies in other countries. But that's part of the adaptation."

Liverpool have been handed a fitness boost ahead of this week's Europa League round of 32 first leg against Romanian side Unirea Urziceni on Thursday night.

Yossi Benayoun has been missing since the side's 2-1 FA Cup third round replay defeat to Reading on January 13 with a rib injury but the Israeli international was back in training this weekend.

Benitez said: "Yossi was training with the team.

"Still we have to be careful with his rib but he was training."

Meanwhile Sotirios Kyrgiakos has told of his pride at hearing the Liverpool fans sing his name.

The Greek defender has emerged as a terrace favourite in recent weeks as his uncompromising style has helped shore up the Anfield's side defence.

Kyrgiakos, who is currently suspended following his sending-off for a four on Marouane Fellaini in the Merseyside derby, said: "I am extremely happy when I hear that fans of such a big team are singing my name.

"It's hard to describe my feelings at that moment.

 "It's very encouraging for any footballer and one of the best things you can experience."

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