BOSS: CROUCH IS ON THE UP

Jimmy Rice 02 January 2007 Rafa Benitez claims Peter Crouch is becoming a more complete striker following his 10th goal of the season.

Crouch's wondergoal – a repeat of his scissor kick against Galatasaray earlier in the season – helped inflict a 3-0 defeat over Bolton on New Year's Day. And Benitez said: "Crouch's goal was important to him. He could have scored more, and it was a pity as their keeper made some good saves. "You can improve as a striker. The timing of when you run into the box is something a striker sometimes has naturally, but Peter is improving that. He understands more now. "I was talking to Peter after the game against Blackburn, and he knows he made some mistakes and could not score. I told him that as soon as he worked hard enough he would start getting the goals." Benitez also hailed the contribution of his wingers, with his side creating two goals from wide positions. He said: "Jermaine Pennant and Mark Gonzalez were important players. They were running from deep and we knew that our wingers would have to keep Bolton deep in their own half."