Crouch told to take his chances

Peter Crouch got his first start in a month against Blackburn on Boxing Day but was guilty of a couple of bad misses. Rafa Benitez has warned the striker that he must put away his chances when they come if he wants to remain in the starting line up.

"We knew Blackburn would be physical and we knew we needed a striker like Crouch. He was playing well but the only thing missing was the finish," said Benitez.

"When you are in front of goal and you have three clear headers, it's not a lack of confidence. It's maybe bad luck, the keeper in the right position, but we were creating the chances for him.

"If he's there on the end of chances that shows he is doing his job. But he needed to finish. As a striker, if you score a goal then you get more confidence.

"If the other strikers are playing well and the team is winning and you are at a top side, that's something you need to know and manage."