PARRY BEMUSED BY NEILL DECISION

Paul Eaton 25 January 2007 Rick Parry has hit back at Lucas Neill's claim that Rafael Benitez didn't make a big enough effort to bring him to Anfield.

The Liverpool boss was hoping to add Neill to his squad during this month's transfer window but the player instead opted to sign a contract with West Ham, citing lack of personal contact from Benitez as one of his reasons. "I don't know who was on the other end of the telephone talking to Rafa when I was sat next to him, but I'm quite sure it was Lucas Neill," said Parry. “The decision by Lucas not to accept our terms after we agreed a fee with Blackburn will bemuse many fans. “Players make their decisions and while you are sometimes surprised, you have to move on to the next one. “Neill had the choice between Liverpool and West Ham, we were offering him the opportunity of Champions League football. “What we want are players with an instinctive desire to play for Liverpool. We want people with a real passion to come here and help us win trophies. “Clearly, there will always be a chance for players to earn well if they do well.” “However, at the end of the day it is up to the individual to decide what is best for his career. “From our side, we never want to be in a position where someone is only coming here for the money. A player has to be driven by something more than that. Because of the stature, history and ambition of Liverpool, there should be no need for us to sell the merits of this club. “It’s Neill’s decision and it’s his future. It has happened before and it will happen again.”