Rafa Benitez defends Robbie Keane

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has defended Robbie Keane, the £20m striker that he bought from Tottenham Hotspur during the summer transfer window. "Keane was substituted for the 15th time this season as Liverpool were held 0-0 at home by West Ham on Monday night," reports the Daily Telegraph. "Keane looked a frustrated figure as he trudged off the Anfield pitch, to be replaced by inexperienced French striker David Ngog as Liverpool were battling to break down a determined West Ham rearguard. Benitez said: 'Robbie is a better player than the one we are seeing now.' Keane has managed just four goals this season, and only completed 90 minutes on three occasions in 22 appearances. He has come on as a substitute four times and been substituted 15 times."