Kewell, 33, has failed to attract any suitors in the UK despite being available on a free transfer since returning in June after one season with Melbourne Victory.

His search for a new club became frantic last month when Stoke City claimed that he turned up unannounced at their training ground, and it's now believed he may be looking at offers in the Middle East.

Benitez however believes that the Socceroo, who has also been linked with Blackburn and Swindon Town, still has something to offer a club in the Premier League.

"He still has the level for a Premier League club," said Benitez.. "He's a player that is good in the air, can keep the ball, can beat players and can score goals.

"It's just a question of finding the right club for him,"

The Spaniard was speaking at the launch of his new book 'Champions League Dreams' which recounts his nights in Europe's premier football competition.

There's a focus on Liverpool's astonishing triumph over AC Milan that he masterminded in 2005, a match that Kewell started in despite having just returned from a lengthy injury layoff.

Benitez was criticised for selecting the Australian in that clash along with several other decisive games at his time at Liverpool but he says he had full confidence in Kewell as a player.

"He was someone that could make the difference, but was just unlucky with injuries especially in finals, but as player I really liked him," added Benitez.

"His injuries were a pity as I believed he could have made a difference in alot of games."

It's almost two years since Benitez was sacked by Inter Milan, just six months after taking control of the Italian club.

And while he says he's not worried about finding a new employer, he only wants to take charge of a team that has the potential to deliver immediate success.

"We are waiting for the right offer," he said. "I have ambitions so my idea is to challenge for trophies and to find a club that I can challenge for trophies with again.

"Some people say you have been out of the game for too long but thats because there aren't too many teams who can compete for the major trophies.

"It's a question of time but we have enough confidence."

Benitez has been linked with the posts at Paris Saint Germain, Spurs, Sampdoria and Aston Villa among others over the past 18 months but made no secret of his desire to return to the Anfield hotseat following the dismissal of Kenny Dalglish.

And while he says he holds no grudge against the clubs American owners for selecting Brendan Rodgers to take over, he was disappointed to not be approached.

He added: "I was surprised because they were not in contact, not because they didn't sign me.

"The owners have to make a decision but at least at the time that they were talking to different people I thought they could have asked me to talk because we know a lot of things about Liverpool.

"Liverpool will always be a special club for me but that doesnt mean I want the job now, they have a different manager and he has to be respected, so I have to look at different options."