 RAFA BENITEZ says he's willing to stake his managerial reputation on Peter Crouch proving a success for Liverpool and England. The Anfield boss is shocked by the negative reaction Crouch received while on international duty, and claimed the abuse the striker received will win him even more support at his new club. Crouch was booed by a small section of the Old Trafford crowd when he appeared as a sub on Wednesday. That's provoked a passionate defence of the player from Benitez, who is ready to ease the pressure on his £7m striker by putting it on himself. "He is a player for my club and for as long as he works hard, he can be sure everyone at the club and our fans will be with him," said Benitez. "If he doesn't play well, okay, it's my decision and it's my responsibility, not his. For as long as he's on the pitch wearing a Liverpool shirt, and he's trying to do the things I ask of him, I accept all responsibility. And if we don't play to his needs, we must find the solutions." It's clear Benitez has no respect for the opinion of those England fans who jeered Crouch against Poland. "I was surprised by what happened and it's a pity. Those responsible don't know a lot about football or understand the game," Benitez added. "If you've watched the games he's played, and listened to the managers, noone can say anything other than he's a good player. "As a manager, I'm convinced he's a good player. I don't feel I need to repeat this all the time because if you've watched our games, you can see this. "The fact he's in the national team shows a lot of people have the same opinion. All the managers who've worked with him talk well about him. | 
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