Benitez praises 'amazing' Dutch ace

8:39am Thursday 28th August 2008

Rafael Benitez hailed his European lucky charm Dirk Kuyt as Liverpool scrambled their way into the Champions League group stages on Wednesday night.

They eventually beat an excellent Standard Liege side 1-0 on the night, and on aggregate, with Kuyt scoring the winner two minutes from the end of extra-time.

Of Kuyt's match-winning contribution, Benitez added: "I was delighted with Dirk Kuyt. His goal was a reward for all the effort he puts in for us. He is amazing.

"His work is tremendous, he keeps going right to the end and makes a tremendous contribution to our side."

Liverpool, despite another worrying display, are now in the group stages draw.

Benitez said: "Obviously there is some relief with the result. We knew it would be a difficult game against a quick, well-organised team.

"The positive was that we played a little better than recently - we want to win trophies, but we also understand the need for money."