Australian attacking midfielder Harry Kewell is close to starting an English Premier League match for the first time in his comeback from injury, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has revealed.

Kewell, who hasn't started a club match this season after a long injury lay-off, played a full game in Australia's 1-0 victory over Nigeria at Craven Cottage last Saturday.

"It was good to see Harry get 90 minutes," Benitez told the Liverpool Football Club website.

"I was talking with him and he said it wasn't a high tempo game so he was able to get through it.

"Physically he probably still needs to improve his pace and stamina but he is getting there.

After a string of impressive substitute appearances for the Reds in recent weeks, Benitez was pleased to see Kewell closing in a long-awaited return to the starting line-up.

"When you talk about Harry then you talk about a player of quality and ability who can make a big difference to our team," Benitez said.

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