Crouch makes Reds wait over deal

Crouch wants a regular starting berth at Liverpool

Liverpool striker Peter Crouch says he will decide on his future at the end of the season.

The club have offered the 27-year old a new contract, but he believes he needs to be playing regularly.

Crouch said: "I'll have to look at it at the end of the season. Now I'm concentrating on winning something.

"I've got to be realistic, if I want to have any aspirations of playing for England, or furthering my career, then I have to be playing."

Crouch bagged Liverpool's goal in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, and despite not being able to win a regular starting place, maintains he is happy at the club.

He said: "I'd love to stay, it's a fantastic club and I love everything about it, but I've got to be realistic."

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Reds manager Rafa Benitez says the offer of a new contract is a sign the club do value the striker and the Spaniard believes he will stay.

He said: "I have confidence he will sign. The player wants to.

"At the moment, we are playing with only one striker, but we can play with two. It is not a problem.

"I know he is happy here and that he wants to play. But that is football. We have offered the contract and we need to wait."

Crouch has scored nine goals in 33 appearances for the Anfield outfit this season.