Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez insists he has not suffered a falling out with Robbie Keane following the striker's Merseyside derby snub.
The £20million Republic of Ireland international has flopped since moving to Anfield from Tottenham in the summer and rumour has been rife that Benitez is ready to sell.
Keane's Liverpool career plunged to a new low on Sunday as he was left out of Benitez's squad for the 1-1 FA Cup draw with neighbours Everton, sparking speculation that the pair have suffered a difference of opinion.
But with Spurs boss Harry Redknapp - an open admirer of Keane - waiting in the wings, Benitez has included the forward in his plans for Wednesday's Premier League trip to Wigan.
And the Spaniard has rubbished reports of a bust-up with Keane, when asked about a possible row: "No. He is in the squad and training well.
"He is in the squad for tomorrow and I would be very pleased if he scored.
"People are talking too much about Keane. It was just one decision about one player, he wasn't in the squad.
"It is nothing to do with whether he talked to me about the situation. Every player has trained very hard this week, as has Robbie, and he will be in the squad.
"He had a day off on Sunday. He trained on Monday and he trained normally today.
"Everyone is now important for us. We have a lot of games to play in the coming weeks, in the league, cup and Europe.
"When Fernando Torres was injured, Robbie was working hard and doing well. If he can continue to do this we will not have any doubts over his quality."
Benitez, though, did not confirm or deny whether Liverpool have been approached by another club regarding Keane's future.
When asked about possible enquiries from a rival side, Benitez added: "We are just thinking about using him tomorrow and nothing else."
Benitez recognises Keane's omission will cause controversy due to his 'high-profile', but he insists that is on a par to whenever Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson opts to shuffle his pack.
"He is expensive and high profile, yes. But Manchester United have bought plenty of players who cost £20m or more every single year. Sometimes more than one player. But nothing is said about them being left out," added Benitez.
"If you want to be in a top side then you must have this mentality. You have to accept that some players will play and some will not.
"Robbie is a good player, we knew that when we signed him. Maybe he is not playing at his best level, but he wants to fight for his position.
"It doesn't matter the name or the price, we have to think about the best player for each game."
Benitez has revealed the title-chasing Reds have received interest for some members of their squad, but the former Valencia boss is adamant he is not looking to sell.
"A lot of clubs have been asking about some players, to buy or loan. But we have said we do not need to lose anyone, we do not need to sell anyone now," he continued.
"We do not want to lose players now if we cannot replace those players later. We need all of them for the race for the title."
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