In his absence Jerzy Dudek was recalled between the posts – and seemed to be at fault with the late equaliser.

Former Coventry stopper Kirkland is now back in training and Benitez could face a dilemma about who to pick against Newcastle tomorrow if Kirkland comes through a fitness test.

Liverpool have looked vulnerable at the back and it is nine games since they last achieved a clean sheet. Historically, games between the teams have been exciting at Anfield with plenty of goals.

That, however, is the last thing Benitez wants.

“I hope to see a good game but I do not want to see a lot of goals,” he said. “Something like that is good for supporters but bad for managers, as you want to keep a clean sheet if possible.”

Even though his team are some way off the top of the Barclays Premiership table, Benitez is quietly pleased with the club’s progress going into a crucial period.

“When I arrived I knew it would be difficult as you have to learn many things,” he said.

“The players are very good professionals, the supporters are fantastic and the organisation around the club is great. All things around the game are good and we are still in all four competitions.

“What we need to improve is our away record as we normally play well at home.”

Benitez expects Newcastle to give them a rough ride.

“I have seen two or three of their games and they have a very good team,” he said.

“Maybe they are not at their best at the moment but they have some dangerous strikers and we will have to watch out for them.”

Benitez may be tempted to change things around after the draw against Portsmouth. Luis Garcia and Igor Biscan could return to the squad after injury.

However the Spanish coach has distanced himself from a move for Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes.

“He is a good player, a good striker but there are a lot of them around the world. I am only interested in my squad and improving them as players. I don’t want to talk about new possibilities because I prefer to work hard with those here.”