RAFA: PENNANT'S GETTING CLOSER

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Rafael Benitez is confident Jermaine Pennant is closing in on a first cap for England.  
The Liverpool winger - one of the star performers during the Reds' 6-0 thrashing of Derby County at the weekend - missed out on an international call-up for the double header with Israel and Russia next week, but Benitez insists it's only a matter of time before he forces his way in if his current form is maintained.
  
"Maybe he is closer now after his performance against Derby," said Benitez. "I think he deserved a call-up, but I have a lot of respect for the England manager and if he decides to use different players that's okay.
  
"Jermaine knows he needs to keep working, playing well and maybe in the future he will be in the squad.
  
"If I am selfish I would say to you I prefer him to stay with us rather than leaving with the national side, but thinking about the player I think he is ready.
  
"He is improving a lot. Mentally he is more mature and he is very close for me."