Kewell’s debt to Rafa for staying in the Red

LIVERPOOL winger Harry Kewell has thanked boss Rafael Benitez for salvaging his top-flight career.

The Australia international star, who was sidelined for virtually 10 months due to injuries, claims that without Benitez’s support he’d have been “left in a hole and probably faded away”.

A disastrous attempt at a return in the Champions League final, where he was forced off in Istanbul before half-time, highlighted his problems.

But the left-sided midfielder has completed a run of 26 consecutive appearances for the club and is looking forward to an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea, third place in the Premiership and the World Cup.

“If I want to repay the manager then I have to start scoring more goals for him and the team,” Kewell said.

“I want to do the things I know I’m capable of. That’s what’s driving me on. I’ve never been in an FA Cup semi-final so it’s going to be a big thing just to play in that. If we can reach the final then that will be even better.

“It’s going to be a tough game against Chelsea but we’re not looking that far ahead yet because there are other matches to play and win before that. It’s going to be a fantastic occasion though.”

Kewell has recovered from serious groin problems to claim a regular place on Liverpool’s left side, and he says of Benitez: “Without the manager’s confidence in me I’d have been left in a hole and probably faded away. If you don’t have the backing of your manager and team-mates you’re lost.

“I went home to my family and they were supportive. I’m not a very nice person when I’m injured, I know that better than anyone. It was difficult but the people I care about most stood behind me and I’m thankful for that.”

Kewell, in a Liverpoolfc.tv interview, said he believes he is playing a full part in a vastly-improved Liverpool season overall compared to the last campaign.

He added: “If we win a cup and come third then you can say it has been a good year, but our mentality is we want to win all the cups and come first in the Premiership. That’s the way it has to be at a club like Liverpool.”

Liverpool can clinch third spot on Sunday at Blackburn, with the cup semi-final a week later.