Yossi hoping for more games

The midfielder was practically an ever-present during the tail-end of last season as he put in one excellent performance after another. He carried that form over to the new season and is hoping it earns him more starts, whether on the right or on the left as against Stoke.

"I like to play from the left. A few years ago for the national team in Israel I always played on the left and I enjoy it," said Benayoun.

"I am able to cut inside to the middle and get plenty of the ball, which makes it a bit easier. But I will be happy to play anywhere.

"Every player wants to start every game but it is the manager's decision to decide who is to start and who will not, so every time that I get my chance I just try to do my best.

"Even if I only get to come on for 10 or 20 minutes or, like on Wednesday night, when I get to start I always give my all. I always try my best to impress.

"Of course I want to start more and more games but my job is to work hard and try to prove myself and this is what I try to do."