Crouch assured of key role

Liverpool striker Peter Crouch on Thursday said he was confident of playing a key role this season despite intense new competition for places.
The lofty England man said he has been assured he is in the thoughts of coach Rafael Benitez, who has strengthened his front line with record signing Fernando Torres, Ryan Babel and Andriy Voronin.
"It was the same last year. When new strikers come in people automatically think where does this leave the strikers already at the club," Crouch said ahead of the Asia Trophy final here.
"But the manager's spoken to me and said I'm in his plans. We've got four strikers but hopefully I will play some part. It's going to be difficult to get in the team but when you play you have to do your best to impress."
Benitez said he hoped to see more goals this season from Liverpool, who have been criticised for being too defensive.
"We will have more options up front," he said. "Depending on the game we can play more crosses with Crouch or down the line with Voronin.