Rafa rallies Reds

The title may long since have disappeared off the radar for Liverpool, but Rafa Benitez needs no reminding of the critical nature of his side's next two games.

After launching his third season as Liverpool manager with high hopes of proving a match for Chelsea and Manchester United, Benitez has been forced to lower his sights and concentrate on trying to win a mini-league that has taken shape below the leading duo.

Champions' League qualification is at stake, and, after faltering at Blackburn on Saturday, Gerard Houllier's successor knows the importance of bouncing back in style against Tottenham tomorrow and Bolton on New Year's Day.

With United and Chelsea looking to have secured the top two places, the battle for third and fourth is coming to the boil and could take a decisive turn over the next week.

"There is no point looking at the League table at this time of year, but we know the significance of our next two games," said Benitez. "Tottenham and Bolton are in a league with us, and we are all very close together.

"We realise how important it will be to beat these sort of teams and make sure we stay in a good position. Despite the Blackburn result, we have been playing well, so we have to keep that going and stay confident."

Benitez is determined to keep striker Peter Crouch from Newcastle's clutches, until the summer, at least, and still hopeful of winning the race for unsettled Blackburn full-back Lucas Neill.

There is competition for Blackburn's Australia defender, who looks certain to move on in the January window after refusing to renew a contract that runs out this season, with Tottenham and Barcelona among the front-runners.

Tottenham have been in the market for a full-back all season, while Barcelona's interest follows a strong recommendation from former Holland midfielder Johan Neeskens.

Now assistant to Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard, Neeskens developed an admiration for Neill's combative qualities during his spell as number two to Guus Hiddink with the Australia national team.

After almost signing him in the summer, though, Benitez remains confident of luring Neill to Anfield.