Liverpool, England (My Sportsbook) - Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has challenged Ryan Babel and Albert Riera to fight for their Anfield futures.

Both Babel and Riera have recently suggested they are unhappy at a lack of first-team action in the opening weeks of the new season.

Dutchman Babel hinted that a loan move to Ajax could be on the cards as he looks to play his way into the Netherlands squad for next summer's World Cup.

He even suggested that Benitez has reneged on a promise to play him more regularly this season.

But following the grumblings of discontent also from Spain international Reira, Benitez has thrown down the gauntlet to the pair.

"Albert and Ryan both want to play. They play in the same position and so have to compete with each other, which is good for us," he said.

"The message is very simple. On the pitch all of the players have to prove something.

"Ryan knows he cannot go now, so he has to impress. He is a good player and we know he has talent. It's important for us to talk with him and see how he progresses over these months.

"With the World Cup at the end of the season the majority of our players will want to impress and if they do well in each training session they will have more chances."

(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)