Javier backs Rafa tinkering

Javier Mascherano backed Rafa Benitez's contentious rotation policy yesterday and gave Liverpool's under-fire manager a further boost by pledging his long-term future to the club.

The Argentina midfielder denied weekend reports that he was losing patience with constant team changes and wanted a fresh start at the end of his contract next summer.

He said: "I'm very happy and settled here and would like to play at the new stadium when it eventually opens. I love playing for Liverpool, and if the manager wants to keep me, I will definitely stay for a long time."

Mascherano, signed from West Ham in last January's transfer window, believes Liverpool can win more trophies, and rounded on critics of Benitez's insistence on resting players.

"Rafa has had three full seasons here and always used rotation," he said. "Why would he stop now after all the success it has brought him here and at Valencia?

"It clearly works, because Liverpool have finished each season strongly and appeared in one cup final or another each time."