Benitez heartened by Liverpool progress

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez says the five-times European champions will improve after sealing their Champions League place yesterday.

The Premier League side progressed with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Israel's Maccabi Haifa, but had a nervous last 25 minutes as they were held to a 1-1 draw in the third qualifying round, second-leg match in neutral Kiev.

"It was a difficult game but it's good to have qualified. I am really happy," said Benitez.

"It's not been easy to start pre-season without some players and our results in pre-season were not the best so it's always a relief to come through a tie like this. I am sure that once the international break is out of the way you will see the team improve."

England striker Peter Crouch headed Liverpool 3-1 up in the tie but Argentine striker Roberto Colautti restored parity and only a superb save from Pepe Reina to deny Maccabi's goalscorer prevented the game from going into extra time.

Benitez's relief was tempered by further injury worries with defender Stephen Warnock and midfielder Mohamed Sissoko forced off with ankle and knee problems respectively.

"Stephen's is hopefully not too serious but Momo could be out for two or three weeks. We will have to see," added Benitez.

Defenders Jamie Carragher (ankle) and John Arne Riise (ankle) are ruled out for two weeks after picking up injuries in Saturday's opening league draw against Sheffield United.