Rafa praises Ayala

Benitez left the Spanish defender out of his 28 man Champions League squad because of the ruling on home-trained players, but has praised him and says he expects him to get more first team games this season.

"Ayala has done really well for us and he is playing very well for the reserves," said the Reds boss.

"He is only 18-years-old and is learning and will be a good player for the future."