Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has laughed off speculation linking his out-of-form striker Robbie Keane with a move away from Anfield in the January transfer window.
Keane has failed to make an impact since his £19million summer move from Tottenham Hotspur, and has recently been linked to a swift exit in the New Year, with Wigan’s Emile Heskey rumoured to be lined up to replace him.
But Benitez, who has consistently backed Keane to turn on the goals this season, says the Irish international is going nowhere.
He said ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash away to PSV Eindhoven, “He will be here after the January window, it is not my idea to sell him.
“We have confidence in him but he knows he’s not playing to his true level.
“Robbie’s future is to be ready, to score goals and to work for the team.
“The challenge is there for him. When you sign a player for a lot of money, that is it. He becomes another player in the squad and he has to fight for his position. Clearly he has to show character.”
