Rafael Benitez has issued further support for Fernando Morientes who has yet to live up his £7 million price tag since joining the reds, and insisted the player is one of the hungriest to do well at Anfield.

"When Morientes joined Liverpool he had a choice of clubs who were prepared to pay him more money. He could have joined Lyon or Monaco, but he wanted to come to Liverpool.

"He took a pay cut and said he would only be paid in full if he won trophies and scored goals and was given bonuses.

"That shows everyone the hunger he has to succed. He has a big reputation and maybe he is trying to start again at Liverpool, but everyone was happy with him on Saturday.

"He worked very hard and was very unlucky not to score.

"If you talk to Morientes, there is no doubt how much he wants to succeed at Liverpool.

"The fans responded to his performance on Saturday when they applauded him off the pitch. They could see he worked hard.

That will help his confidence."

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