Benitez keeps faith with Morientes

FERNANDO MORIENTES retains the confidence of manager Rafael Benitez as Liverpool bid to complete a demanding four-month journey into the last 16 of the Champions League.

The Reds, who are facing their 10th match of the competition since starting the first qualifying round in July, will take real satisfaction if Anderlecht can be dispatched tonight for the second time in a fortnight.

Benitez would also take great pleasure if Morientes finally proves the critics wrong after labouring for fitness while coming to terms with the physical demands of the Premiership.