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BENITEZ: KEANE WILL IMPROVE
The Liverpool manager has backed the forward to overcome his crisis in form. The £20million summer signing was substituted for the 15th time this season against West Ham last night. But Benitez said: “Robbie is a better player than the one we are seeing now. We know what kind of player Robbie Keane is. He needs people around him to pass the ball well.”

CARRAGHER STAYS POSITIVE
The Liverpool defender has admitted that the club’s form needs to improve but refused to be downhearted after the 0-0 draw against West Ham. “We’re top of the Premier League,” he said. “To do that when we aren’t playing well and going through a rough patch is really positive.” 

ROBINHO ESCAPES CENSURE 
Mark Hughes insists that criticism of his squad attributed to the Manchester City winger was taken out of context. Robinho reportedly identified his team-mates’ lack of winning mentality, but the manager said: “Some of the comments were taken in isolation and sound a little damning. But when you see the full interview, I don’t think people should place much emphasis on it.”

NAPOLI FORWARD RULES OUT CHELSEA SWITCH 
Ezequiel Lavezzi insists he is not about to leave Napoli, despite reports linking him with a move to Chelsea. “I am happy at Napoli,” the Argentinian said. “I like the city of Naples and the team. I will remain here, it’s better here than going to England.” 

INCE DENIES FOWLER REPORTS
The Blackburn manager has played down suggestions that the veteran forward is set to leave the club to join Grimsby as a player-coach. “He’s good for the club,” Ince said. “The lads love him and he’s experienced. As far as Grimsby’s concerned, I don’t know anything about that.”