Rafa banking on Kewell

[Aussie Bee]

LIVERPOOL manager Rafa Benitez believes Australia's Harry Kewell will have a crucial role in the big-spending Anfield club's title challenge season.

Benitez drew plenty of positives from Liverpool's Asia Trophy performances, not least the return to fitness of Kewell.

The Socceroo's last two seasons on Merseyside have been ravaged by injury, a torn abductor muscle forcing him into an early exit from the Reds' sensational, 2005 Champions League triumph over AC Milan, before a groin tear in the 2006 FA Cup final was subsequently compounded by a foot problem.

As a result, the 28-year-old was sidelined for almost a year and only made his comeback at the start of May with two substitute appearances at the back end of Liverpool's Premier League campaign.

But Kewell played a full part in Australia's recent Asian Cup exploits and immediately linked up with the rest of his teammates in Hong Kong when the Socceroos were eliminated by Japan.

He started both games, against South China on Tuesday and Portsmouth on Friday - producing lively displays - and has now spent the best part of a month playing in high temperatures and humidity in preparation for the new season.

"I think he will be an important player," said Benitez overnight.

"It's like we are signing a new player. Harry has had problems for the last two seasons but you know that he has the ability and the quality that we need.

"To play two games in a row was difficult and I was really pleased with him." Benitez believes the Asia tournament proved to be extremely beneficial, allowing him to get a better measure of his raft of (northern) summer signings.

"I think it has been useful," he added.

"During this tournament I could see the level of the players and also I like to see if they can be competitive in each position.

"The games and the training sessions and the relationships between the players always can give you a better idea about the players."

Benitez also insisted he expects big-money signing Fernando Torres to hit the ground running when Liverpool opnes its their Premier League campaign at Aston Villa on August 11.

The Spaniard wasted a good chance to break the deadlock midway through the second half against Pompey, before missing his spot- kick in the shootout.

But Benitez still believes there is plenty of time to iron out any kinks in his striker's game.

"I think Torres can improve," he said.

"We have two more weeks and also his understanding with his teammates will get better so I'm sure he will improve."