Yossi gets creative in race for fourth

YOSSI BENAYOUN insists Liverpool’s creative players need to raise their game to wrestle back the initiative in the race for the Champions League.

Having been sidelined since January 13 with a broken rib, the Israeli midfielder was thrilled to be back in the thick of things after coming on as a 63rd-minute substitute for Maxi Rodriguez.

Despite showing some nice touches and plenty of energy, Benayoun could not help inspire the Reds, who were held to a 0-0 draw by Manchester City in what was an instantly forgettable encounter.

The result was of no benefit to either side, as victories for Tottenham and Aston Villa yesterday enabled both to get back in the race for fourth place.

Only a point separates that quartet but - even though he concedes Liverpool are struggling to show their best form - Benayoun is confident they will still come out on top by the end of the campaign.

"We wanted to win but you have to remember that we were playing against a good team away from home," said Benayoun, whose lively cameo saw him pick up a booking and nearly win Liverpool a penalty.

"One point 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."

When asked whether he saw anything from City that should worry Liverpool over the remaining 11 games, he replied: "No, no.

"I think they have a lot of quality players. Like us, they can have some good games and some bad games. The last few games (for Liverpool) have been not so good and it has been the same for them.

"I think the race will go to the end between us, Man City, Tottenham and Villa. We know where we need to improve.

"We need to create more and do more up front.

"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."

Benayoun was one of Liverpool's most consistent performers in the first half of the campaign but, since pulling his hamstring in a 2-2 draw with Birmingham in November, he has experienced a dip in fortunes.

But now he is up and running again, Benayoun is determined to recapture his sparkle and give Rafa Benitez's side a lift.

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

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

Benitez, meanwhile, is confident David Ngog will be fit for Thursday's Europa League second leg with Unirea Urziceni; the young French striker missed the City game with a twisted ankle but, according to the manager, it is "not too serious".

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