The injury plagued star has been a bit part player at Liverpool since joining four years ago, missing almost all of last season and making his first start of this season off the bench midweek.

Now Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has warned Kewell he needs to knuckle down for the rest of the season if he is to stay a Red when his contract expires next year.

"This is a crucial stage of his career," Benitez told The Mirror in the UK.

"Because of his age and because he is finishing his contract he knows exactly how important this time is.

"But there is a way he can get a new contract - by working hard and playing well, playing games in a row and playing at his level. Nobody has any doubt about the quality of Harry. He's a fantastic player. It is his fitness.

"He has been working on things to try and stay fit. He is working with the physios and doing the right things."

"Today I am not thinking about the kind of contract. I am thinking about seeing him fit, seeing him playing well.

"It is always good to see him on the pitch, playing well and scoring goals, then we will decide."

Kewell marked his return to avction with a goal for the reserves and followed it up with an appearance in Liverpool's 2-1 win over Cardiff in the Carling Cup.

"Harry was playing 45 minutes with the reserve team and to play with the first team again and to play well - we were creating chances when he was on the pitch - I think was really good," added the Liverpool manager.

"Now he must try to be as fit as possible for the next games. We must see what we can do with him because it is not easy when you can only have 16 players on the list. You need to decide each time.

"He is working with the physios and doing the right things. But sometimes, because he was eight to 10 months without playing, you cannot be sure. You need to play 100% in games."