By Redsfan
April 21 2005

Steven Gerrard started last nights match at Fratton Park on the bench and Rafa Benitez has reiterated the importance of squad rotation at this stage of the season. Gerrard, who only returned from a groin injury on Saturday against Tottenham, was expected to start this match but Rafa chose to rest the skipper and put Igor Biscan in instead. Rafa explained that we have a hard schedule ahead and he wants all players to be ready and fit for the job.

He said:

"We have a lot of games in a short time and we have to take that into account when we're picking the team. We need to use all the squad and the most important thing is to have Steve fit for the next games," says the Reds boss.

"Maybe he will start against Crystal Palace. I will need to speak to Steven and check with the other players first to see if there are other injury problems after this game. Then I will decide.

"He wants to score goals and be the best and he's waiting for his opportunity the next time. We need to protect.

"We have important players such as Steven and when you must play two or three very important games in one week you need to use the other players because you cannot use the same players all the time, it's impossible."