Harry Kewell can solve Liverpool's striker crisis this season and also answer his critics at Anfield, according to club-mate Emile Heskey.

Criticism has been levelled at the Australian winger after poor performances for his club since moving from Leeds at the start of last season.

The STG5 million ($A12.19 million) fee paid for the 26-year-old looked a shrewd investment at the time but Kewell has struggled to live up to expectations.

With Djibril Cisse likely to be out for the season with a broken leg, and Milan Baros out with a pulled hamstring, Kewell was selected by boss Rafael Benitez to lead the attack with Florent Sinama Pongolle against Birmingham on Saturday.

But Heskey, who moved from Liverpool to Birmingham for STG6.25 million ($A15.24 million) this summer, has backed Kewell to end his nine-month goal drought.

The 26-year-old England forward was constantly under pressure to score goals when at Liverpool and was often played in wide positions by former Reds boss Gerard Houllier.

"It's hard for Harry, he's not really a striker, he's a winger first and foremost," said Heskey.

"A chance should fall to him eventually and that should help him. I know all about the expectations here (at Liverpool) and what the crowd expect. You just have to try and blank it out and play your game. It's tough.

"I'm sure Harry can come through - he's got the quality to do that."

But Heskey admits losing Cisse is a blow to Liverpool's hopes this season.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP