Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez admits he's keen to strengthen their relationship with Crewe Alexandra.

In his match programme notes for last night's Carling Cup win, Benitez wrote: "Crewe have a reputation for bringing good, young players through their academy system.

"Over the years they have produced players such as David Platt and of course, Danny Murphy, who Liverpool fans will be familiar with from his time at the club.

"Developing and selling players on can be vital to the financial future of clubs such as Crewe.

"I also believe the academy system is the key to the future of a lot of clubs, be it in the Premier League, The Championship or League One.

"You can't produce everything through the Academy but if you can develop enough good players they can strengthen the club either by playing or being sold on to bring extra finances in.

"I've heard it said that Crewe is a feeder club for Liverpool. That is not the case. We've simply enjoyed a good working relationship and Crewe have also signed some of our Academy graduates in the past such as Phil Charnock, Jon Otsemobor and Daniel O'Donnell."