Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler has vowed to battle his way back to first-team football at Anfield.
The 26-year-old England international was left on the bench by Gerard Houllier for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Dynamo Kiev, despite the Reds being without the injured Michael Owen.
Houllier has been highly critical of Fowler's form and fitness of late, but the player insists he has no intention of leaving the club.
"I know what has been said about me lately and it is not particularly nice," said Fowler. "But to a certain extent, there could be a bit of method in all the madness. Everyone takes criticism differently. Maybe the manager thinks I can take it this way.
"If that is the case, so be it. Perhaps it is the kick up the backside I needed," Fowler said.
"I would always be the first to admit it when I do not play well, but equally I would always be the first to defend my attitude towards football in general and Liverpool in particular," said Fowler, who felt the criticism directed at him after the recent Spurs game was unfair.
PA