Rafa's challenge to fringe players

Last updated : 26 April 2008 By Al Campbell
The Liverpool boss will rotate his squad for today's trip to St Andrews and has challenged the players coming in to prove they're worth a place in his squad for next season.

"There are some players who know that they need to show quality and they need to show character if they want to stay at a top club like Liverpool," said Benitez.

"That means the last few games are a challenge for them and they need to take what opportunities come their way.

"I want to guarantee fourth place as soon as possible because that is very important.

"We have a good squad so that means I am able to use different players.

"A lot of people are talking about Plessis, Insua, Nemeth and San Jose because they have been playing well, but we will go with a strong team. It is easier to use the young players if I am also able to use good players alongside them.

"I have been watching these players in training for months. They were training with the first team yesterday so we do not have any worries about them."