Former Liverpool captain Alan Hansen says Ryan Babel deserves an extended run in the first team.

The former Reds defender was impressed with Babel's wondergoal in Lyon, but believes the Dutch international needs to show some consistency.

Hansen told LFC Weekly magazine: "Babel has got all the talent in the world. He's got the pace, the strength and the feet to be a top, top player, but he needs to make use of those attributes on a more consistent basis.

"As far as talent and ability are concerned, Babel should be a regular in the Liverpool side because we need a player with qualities on the flanks.

"That will not happen, though, unless Ryan performs to the best of his ability, and contributes more goals like his wonder-strike against Lyon on a more consistent basis."