Keane bids for lift off in big derby

Robbie Keane hopes Rafael Benitez will give him a chance to register his first Liverpool goal in the 208th Merseyside derby tomorrow.

The 28-year-old has failed to score in nine competitive appearances since his £20million switch from Spurs, Keane has been on the bench for two of the last three matches but is optimistic Benitez will hand him a starting place for his first derby against Everton at Goodison Park.

"I think every player wants to be involved in big games and they don't come any bigger than Everton against Liverpool," Keane said.

"Playing against Everton is something that I'm really looking forward to. I've been involved in a few derbies in my time. The north London derby with Arsenal while I was with Tottenham was fantastic and I'm sure this will be no different — and even better."