Benitez still backing under-fire forwards

Rafael Benitez will keep faith with Liverpool’s misfiring strikers despite another poor showing that saw them knocked out of the Carling Cup by Championship club Crystal Palace.

Palace triumphed 2-1 last night thanks to goals from Dougie Freedman and Marco Reich – either side of a Steven Gerrard strike for the European champions – but Liverpool were wasteful in front of goal once again.

Fernando Morientes was the principal culprit, missing two excellent opportunities, but Harry Kewell and Peter Crouch both looked short of confidence and Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni had a fine match.

Anfield boss Benitez said: “The strikers will score goals, because they have quality and they are working hard.

“Harry Kewell and Fernando Morientes are lacking match fitness, which will come with playing games.”