LEE HAILS TWO-GOAL KEANE

Sammy Lee praised the quality of Robbie Keane after the striker's brace kept Liverpool top of the Barclays Premier League with an emphatic 3-0 win over Bolton at Anfield.
The Reds assistant manager was delighted with the home side's overall display and was quick to hail the number seven's contribution. "It's always nice to see Liverpool players score goals, whether it's Robbie Keane, Dirk Kuyt or Sami Hyypia," he said. "Robbie's been working tirelessly and he's kept on going. We know the quality of the lad, that's why we brought him here. "If you speak to him he may give you a better answer, but for me, he's never been lacking in confidence. "We've had no doubts in Robbie's ability. His work rate and commitment and what he adds to this club is immense. We've had no doubts about him. We know what he's capable of." The Reds had drawn their previous three league matches at Anfield prior to the victory over the Trotters and the assistant manager was delighted to see them pick up the three points and put an end to that run. "It's always important to win at home," he said. "We've tried not to get hung up about our recent home performances because you have to give credit to the opposition. But it's always nice to win, particularly at home. "The patience and quality in our play was paramount. The crowd's patience was also impressive. They were with us all the way. They realised what we were trying to do, passing the ball and using the width of the pitch to create chances." Lee also admitted that the Reds' impressive win was the perfect tonic for boss Rafael Benitez who maintained overall control of the side despite watching from the directors' box. "Throughout his illness he's been in total control," he said. "It's the measure of the man that in spite of his pain, he had total control of everything that was going on. "He's put a great team in place to implement his plan. So if he's not there, we still have a plan. But it was nice to have him back in today." Liverpool now head to the North-East to face Newcastle United in our final match of 2008 at St James' Park. A win would guarantee the Reds of top spot as they head into the New Year but Lee is refusing to get carried away. "It's very important to be top," he said. "We prepare to be top and it's nice to be top going into the clash with Newcastle. Hopefully we'll recover in time. We know it will be a difficult task but we are looking forward to it. "We can't get carried away because it's only December. But it's nice to go into the last match of the season against Newcastle in this position and it is pleasing. It shows our improvement. We are top at this moment but know it will be difficult going to Newcastle. "We prepare to try and win games. If we win more than the other teams then hopefully we can win trophies, that's the nature of our club - to win." When asked about the likely return to action of Fernando Torres, he added: "When he's ready we'll decide when we will put him in. He's working hard on his rehabilitation."