Kewell Back as a "New Sign"

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez reckons Harry Kewell can be like a new signing after the Australia winger put six months of injury misery behind him to help his side reach the League Cup quarter-finals.

The 29-year-old seemingly perennially injured star received a standing ovation from the Anfield fans when he came on as a 70th minute substitute during Wednesday's 2-1 fourth round win over Cardiff after recovering from a thigh problem.

It was Kewell's first taste of senior action for Liverpool since appearing in the Champions League final against AC Milan in May.

Kewell's Liverpool career has been plagued by injuries, but Benitez hopes the former Leeds player can use his appearance against Cardiff to put his problems behind him.

"It was important for Harry and for us that he went on," said Benitez.

"He could be like a new signing for us. I'm really pleased for him and hopefully now he can kick on."

Benitez is unlikely to rush Kewell into his starting line up for fear of aggravating another injury, but Kewell is likely to be on the bench again when Liverpool travel to Blackburn in the Premier League on Saturday.

From : sports.yahoo.com