Fowler set Liverpool on their way to victory in the Carling Cup third round tie with Reading on Wednesday in his first appearance for the first team in more than six weeks.

And while Liverpool manager Benitez is insistent Fowler's impact on the field can still influence a turn-around in his team's faltering campaign, he is keen for the 31-year-old to make the most of the way the younger players at the club look to him.

"I think for some of the younger players Robbie is an idol," said Benitez. "And to see your idol in front of you and see the things he can do is amazing for some of them.

"He is really good and really positive, a very good signing and he now has the mentality that you look for in a senior player of his age.

"He trains at the same level as the rest of the other players in every training session. If you see the number of goals that he scores in training it's fantastic. You see that in every training session."

Benitez insists that it's Fowler's experience that has resulted in his mature approach to being kept on the sidelines, a run which has seen him not even make the bench since he started the Merseyside derby on September 9.

But Fowler's response to finally getting the nod, as he hit his 28th goal in 33 League Cup games to set Liverpool on their way to Wednesday's 4-3 win, also displays how his attitude can boost Liverpool's on-field fortunes.

"Robbie is a very clever player, especially at home, and can be a good option for us," said Benitez.

"I was talking to him about two weeks ago and it was fine. He is training well, he is working really hard in every training session.

"He knows and understands the situation because he is not stupid. He would like to play for sure, but he must wait.

"Look at Vladimir Smicer before. You never know when a player can be really important.

"For me, Robbie during the season can be a very good player for us. Sometimes, if you're having trouble scoring, you can use him because he is clever and can do it."

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