Kuyt praised for Inter performance

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez praised goalscorer Dirk Kuyt for his role in the 2-0 Champions League win over Inter Milan.

Kuyt scored the first goal at Anfield in a surprise victory that leaves Liverpool as favourites to reach the quarter-finals at the expense of the runaway Serie A leaders.

Benitez said: "I have always had confidence in Kuyt. He has had a difficult time this season but has never failed to work hard.

"Against Inter, he was asked to play out of position on the right, but he produced a good hard-working display and was rewarded with a crucial goal for us."

After a shock FA Cup defeat by Barnsley, some reports suggested Liverpool would need to win the Champions League to keep Benitez in his job.

But Liverpool's victory has restored the manager's reputation for winning crucial matches against tough opponents.

Benitez added: "I accept that we needed this win as a team, we needed to progress in the competition. As a manager, you are always pleased with a win like this, and this is now the time to be happy.

"This result is good for the confidence of the team, the supporters and the club.

"I always had confidence in my players. They played well, with passion, and they passed the ball excellently."

Inter played most of the match at Anfield with ten men because the former Everton defender Marco Materazzi was sent off for a second bookable offence and Benitez claimed Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty for handball by Patrick Vieira.

Benitez said: "The red card was clear. It was for two yellow cards and the referee was right. As for the penalty, everyone could see the Inter player handling the ball.

"But you cannot change things now, it is an excellent win made better by a clean sheet."

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.