Rafa praises El Zhar

Last updated : 21 July 2007 By Al Campbell
The Morrocan forward came on as a second half subsitute and quickly livened up a disappointing game, setting up Daniel Agger to score Liverpool's second and coming close himself on a couple of occasions. His display won him the praise of his manager.

"It was a strange game in many ways because we didn't play to our normal level yet we managed to score two good goals, we have no injury problems and we kept a clean sheet, which is always good," said Rafa Benitez.

"I thought El Zhar did a good job when he came on in the second half. Nabil is a player with pace and ability who wants to do well. He gave us fresh legs and I told him to try and change the game for us because everyone was feeling tired. I told him to try different things and try to score.

"It was very hot conditions and we have been training hard so we expected the players to feel a little tired. We have enjoyed our training camp in Switzerland and the players have worked very hard.

"We now have a long trip to Hong Kong and two more matches but we are looking forward to it, because it is important for the club to go there and see the supporters."