Bookies Backing Crouch

	Crouch is playing well and it’s only a matter of time before he scores a goal

There are a host of goal-shy strikers plying their trade in the Premiership at the moment – and the chaps at Gamebookers have decided to put together a market for punters to bet on which striker will be the first to find the net in the Premiership.

"Of course I would like to see him scoring goals but I am pleased with how he’s been playing and I will support him," said Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

"I analysed the statistics of our games the other day and they show that he very rarely gives the ball away. He offers us an alternative and the most important thing is that he works well for the team.

"It can be difficult for a striker when he’s not scoring goals but Peter’s confidence is okay and I know he will score soon."

Benitez said that at the beginning of November, and Crouchy is still without a league goal. He even spurned a golden opportunity when he saw his penalty saved by Pompey keeper Jamie Ashdown a fortnight ago. But his manager attributes Liverpool’s upturn in form to his lanky striker, and says a Peter Crouch goal is just around the corner.

Benitez told the official Liverpool website, "We have had better results and have more confidence and one of the main reasons for that has been the performances of Peter Crouch. He is a very important player for us and he keeps the ball and gives his team-mates great support. He has given us more opportunities and possibilities.

"Crouch is playing well and it’s only a matter of time before he scores a goal."

Crouch has been pitted against four other goal-shy hitmen in their new Top Shot market, which offers odds on which of the five strikers will be the first to notch a Premiership goal.

As well as Crouch, the market features Arsenal’s Dennis Bergkamp, Fulham striker Heidar Helguson, Aston Villa’s misfiring Colombian Juan Pablo Angel and Blackburn’s Jon Stead.

Check the odds box (right) for the list of prices available.