Benitez reserves judgement on new-look Liverpool

LIVERPOOL, England, Aug 29 (Reuters) Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez wants to see his team tested by a physical opponent before deciding whether they are ready to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title this season.

Benitez's side outplayed Toulouse in a 4-0 home victory in the second leg of a Champions League third qualifying round tie yesterday to advance to the group stages with a 5-0 aggregate score.

Liverpool are also unbeaten in three Premier League matches but Benitez feels his team need to face some of the Premier League's more uncompromising sides before making a judgement on his players's ability to lift a domestic title.

''We must see how we can play against tough and physical teams.

We did well in the (2-0 away) win against Sunderland on Saturday, but it was just one game,'' he told reporters.

''We need to see how we do against strong teams in several games in a row to find out if we have real character.'' After bringing in seven new players in the off-season, however, Benitez does believe he finally has the quality and quantity to make an impact in both the Premier League and Champions League.

''You could see the competition for each position because you could see each player trying to play well until the end and trying to score. That was the most positive news for me.'' he added after yesterday's win.

''This squad is stronger than last season. It's early but you can see the qualities of the players, different things. We are changing players and positions and it's still good.

''Thinking about the season, it's good for us. If we have problems in one game we can now change things and that's something we couldn't do last year.'' England striker Peter Crouch, who scored the opener against Toulouse on his first start of the season, firmly believes the club can compete for the Premier League title.

''We're looking good. It was important we started the season well and that's the way it's gone,'' he said.

''All the new guys seemed to have settled in well and if we continue to progress the way we have been doing we've got a great chance.'' REUTERS BJR PM1536