Harry's no jewel

The word about town is that Rafa Benitez has a trick up his sleeve, for the wily Spaniard is about to use Harry Kewell against one of the best defences in Europe. A shotgun up the sleeve it could well be - to brutally obliterate any chance we have of bringing the Champions League trophy back to England - but a trick it most certainly isn't.

Let's just take a quick look at the evidence here. So far this season, Harry Kewell has been inconsistent, ineffective and injury-hit with Achilles and groin problems. The 26-year-old Australian has started just FOUR games since the week before Christmas and his season has dwindled to the point of irrelevance.

And now, Benitez thinks this Antipodean flop is going to cause the likes of Maldini, Stam, Nesta et al to suddenly sprout grey hair. One must ask oneself whether the hitherto tactically-perfect Benitez has had a few too many rakis since arriving in Istanbul.

What makes it all the more ludicrous is that the Spaniard is prepared to drop the ever-consistent Didi Hamann in place of Kewell. Hamann has been a lynchpin in the Liverpool midfield, has regularly featured in their team throughout the season and put in solid displays when it counted - firstly against Juventus and then against Chelsea - in the Champions League.

In stark contrast to the scouse-speaking German, Kewell's form has been poor to say the least. He has only played twice since the Carling Cup final in February and even REFUSED a request from Benitez to play in the Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen. The Spaniard later admitted getting frustrated by Kewell's claims that he was injured, after the medical team could find nothing wrong with him.

If Kewell were to start tonight against AC Milan, not only would it be the surprise of the season, and the boldest step that Benitez has taken, but also his most stupid and could cost Liverpool dear.

So please Rafa, on behalf of those of us that want to see Liverpool win, put your thinking cap back on. In fact, do whatever you want - take a Turkish bath, enjoy the delights and drink as much raki as you want - just please, please, PLEASE..for the love of God..do NOT pick Harry Kewell tonight.