HENRY CHEAT STORM CAN AID LIVERPOOL

RAFA BENITEZ has called on Lyon to restore France's battered reputation - and help Liverpool complete another Euro miracle.

The Reds need Lyon to go from 'cheats' to emblems of fair play against Fiorentina on Tuesday - even though the French club have already qualified for the Champions League group stage.

Four of Lyon's players were part of the France squad whose integrity was hit by Thierry Henry's handball in the World Cup play-off win over Republic of Ireland.

Benitez, whose side face Hungarian whipping boys Debrecen, believes the eyes of the world will be on Lyon.

Draw or defeat for Fiorentina on their own patch will provide Benitez's side a route into the Champions League last 16.

A potential £21million will be lost if the cash-strapped Merseysiders crash out of the competition.

Benitez said: "I don't know if the Henry incident will affect Lyon but it could be good for us. It will be difficult for them but they have quality and players who want to prove something.

"If they want to show everyone in the world they are good professionals and want to win every game, it would be good.

"It could be something that works out positively for Liverpool. Their coach said they would try to win. He is a professional. I know Lyon have a good group of professionals and a good manager."

But Benitez has warned his side not to become preoccupied with events in Italy as they must keep their side of the bargain.

He warned: "We have to do our job. That is the key thing. We can talk about Lyon and Fiorentina but it is something we cannot control. For me, it is all about us winning against Debrecen.

"You cannot influence the other game. We have to concentrate on our job, win our game and then see what happens in the other match.

"If we talk too much about Fiorentina- Lyon, we may lose focus on our game. It would be bad if Lyon won and we didn't. So we have to do our job."

Benitez has been assured his immediate Liverpool future will not be threatened by midweek events in Italy or Hungary.

In contrast to the calamitous Klinsmann- gate saga of 2007, new managing director Christian Purslow is emphatic the club will NOT review Benitez's position on the basis of the Champions League campaign.

League displays will determine the success and failure of the season.

And while a recent bad spell has led to hysteria beyond Anfield's walls, within the corridors of power there is calm. Purslow's message to Benitez - with whom he has immediately established a close working relationship - has been one of understanding, given the injury crisis which has swept through the dressing room in recent weeks.

Philosophy

Purslow's philosophy is: "If we can't qualify this time, it's important to make sure we're at the Champions League party next year."

That stance ensures the Spanish coach will be judged at the end of the season no matter what happens this week. There remains a conviction from Benitez that the return of the cavalry will see order restored at the top of the Premier League.

However, the financial consequences of Liverpool being dumped into the Europa League are dire. The difference between going out at the group stage and the last 16 amounts to just £1.6million in prize money but sides that progress to the later stages reap massive dividends.

When Liverpool last reached the final in 2007 - the first year of the Americans' reign - they earned £24m from the combined prize and TV money. Over half was won AFTER the group stage.

If they go out on Tuesday, Liverpool can expect around £12m for their participation this year. But there will also be celebrations at Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and the Emirates due to the Anfield exit.

As Premier League runners-up, Liverpool were entitled to 30 per cent of England's ever increasing 'market share' from TV rights. That figure is calculated after the tournament.

Last year, Liverpool received 15 per cent of £50m as the fourth- placed finishers, amounting to £7.5m.

They could have at least doubled that this year.

In their absence, United, Chelsea and Arsenal will divide the Reds' share among themselves according to how far they progress.

Regardless of mounting criticism of Benitez, the Liverpool fans do not trust Tom Hicks or George Gillett to make decisions in the club's long-term interests.

Even Benitez's critics are uncomfortable with the notion of the manager leaving before owners who have inflicted such damage on Liverpool's reputation - especially as they have largely benefited from the Champions League campaigns.

The duo have used previous success to increase the value of the club.

A Liverpool setback in Debrecen will make it more difficult for Hicks and Gillett to attract the kind of investment they are currently pursuing. But it is a top-four finish which remains most significant.

Investors are already baulking at the £100m asking price for a 25 per cent stake in Liverpool.

The Americans will almost certainly have to rethink their strategy if the club fall out of the Euro elite, especially with a deadline looming at the end of March. This is when Liverpool must pass the Premier League 'going concern' test to retain its UEFA licence.

• PAINKILLING INJECTION FOR GERRARD

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