Rafa Benitez adopted a hardline stance yesterday over Peter Crouch's growing unrest at Anfield and insisted the disgruntled Liverpool striker owes him a debt of loyalty.
Crouch has little intention of accepting the offer of a new five-year contract after becoming disillusioned with a lack of opportunities this season and is ready to explore the possibility of a move abroad in January.
But there was little sympathy for his plight from Benitez as the Liverpool manager urged his £7million signing from Southampton to remember the early days of his Anfield career, when a marathon wait for his first goal brought growing criticism.
Benitez stood by him throughout and clearly feels payback time has arrived as Crouch struggles to cope with being behind Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt.
"People were always talking about him not scoring, but I always supported him," said Benitez.
"Thanks to Liverpool, Peter is playing more games for his country and gaining more experience at that level.
"He has worked hard, played well and scored goals over the past few seasons and I expect more of the same.
"He is a better player now because he has been with a top side like Liverpool, but the other side of the coin is that the other strikers are also good.
"I think he understands that he must fight for his position. There is no need to explain anything. He knows we should play about 60 games this season and that he will have his chances."
Portsmouth, today's opponents, had a £9m bid for Crouch, 26, turned down in the final week of last January's transfer window and are bound to monitor any change of policy at Anfield.
