Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez recognises the fans are hurting this season.

The Reds boss insists he has every confidence that a return to winning ways isn’t too far away and his first aim is three points on Boxing Day against Wolves.

“Our fans are really important to us and we will try to do our best for them on Saturday and for the rest of the season,” Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv.

“They are always supporting the team and the players know they will be with them against Wolves.

“We had an early kick-off at Portsmouth but we could hear our fans singing at half-time. We were really disappointed with the result and we have to do more for them.

“To play too many games over Christmas is not the best because of the weather, but the game on Boxing Day is a good experience and we want to win it for our supporters.“

Liverpool duo Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard have spoken of their delight after they were named in the FIFA/FIFPro World XI for 2009.

The reds pair were included in the line-up after more than 50,000 professional footballers from across the globe voted for the best player in each position.

“It’s a real source of joy and satisfaction as well a privilege to be in this XI,” beamed Torres.

“All of us players try to reach the top and achieve our goals, and receiving this kind of recognition from your fellow professionals is something else, it fills you with pride.

“I want to keep battling to make sure I come back here.

“What’s more, this year I’ve made it without even winning a title. What I mean is, though collectively we’ve not had the best of luck, on a personal note the balance is right and I’m doing my job well.”

Gerrard added: “I feel really flattered and honoured, because it’s really special to be voted for by your colleagues.”

Torres and Gerrard’s inclusion was announced at the FIFA World Player Gala 2009 in Zurich on Monday evening.

Nathan Eccleston is set to be handed a new long-term deal by Liverpool.

Sky Sports says Reds boss Rafael Benitez will hand Eccleston a new three-and-a-half-year contract extension as they look to keep hold of one of their academy’s rising stars.

The young Bury protégé, who is out of contract at the end of the season, was thought to be arousing interest from several Premier League rivals but will now stay at Anfield until at least 2013.