Mellor praised

Last updated : 03 January 2009 By Al Campbell

Mellor will line up against Liverpool for the first time since leaving the club today when the Reds play Preston in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. Rafa Benitez has praised his former striker ahead of the game.

"Mellor was a very good player for us. He scored fantastic goals against Olympiacos and Arsenal. They were very important goals," said the boss.

"He is a great finisher and can score a lot of goals - hopefully in the league, not the Cup."