Pennant deal a 'gamble'Jul 27 2006 By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo RAFA BENITEZ today admitted he's taken 'a risk' splashing over £6m on Jermaine Pennant, but immediately predicted the winger will transform his image in Liverpool colours. Benitez accepts the similarities in the reputation of Pennant and fellow summer signing Craig Bellamy. But the Liverpool boss says Pennant is at the right club to complete his rehabilitation after a troubled early career at the top level. Pennant has now arrived in Switzerland, will train with his new team-mates today and could play against Kaiserslautern on Saturday. "Of course there is some risk in the deal, but there is risk in every transfer," said Benitez. "It doesn't matter who you sign, you must wait and see if it's successful. "Jermaine is a player we've liked for some time. He makes a lot of assists,is agood crosser and has a lot of pace. He's the kind of right winger we've been looking for. "He also has the advantage of being used to the English style, which means he'll have no problem adjusting. "We know it's similar to Craig Bellamy because this is Jermaine's last opportunity to show he is a good player at a really big club. "When you sign a player that's been at a big club before but had problems, you know he will think more about the consequences of everything he does, and that's a positive thing. "These players know more about the importance of doing the right things. It's a big motivation for them to here people say they're moremature, are different and have the quality to play for a top club. "It's easier to sign aplayer whoeveryone knows is good and has never had any problems, but I believe when a player changes, shows he is more mature and proves to everyone he has the quality and the ability to end any problems, that makes him an even better player and person. "Jermaine wants to show everyone he can be a contender at a big club again and the most important thing for me is we are signing players with a lot of quality who we feel have learnt a lot from their experience. "At Liverpool, we have an atmosphere in the dressing room and throughout the club which will help players like Jermaine and Craig. "They understand what's expected when you sign for Liverpool, so we're sure there will be no problems." Salif Diao, Djimi Traore and Darren Potter are all among the Liverpool party in Switzerland, despite interests from other clubs. All could feature this weekend. Charlton are trying to sign Traore, while Potter is hopeful of a move to Southampton. Diao returned to Liverpool after postponing a planned trial at The Valley. http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0500liv...-name_page.html
