Kuyt hails Suarez professionalism

Dirk Kuyt praised Luis Suarez’s professionalism after the forward scored the only goal of the game in Liverpool’s home win over QPR.

The goal, headed in from a Charlie Adam cross, was the 24-year-old’s first in the Premier League since October 1 and ended a run of four successive draws at Anfield.

The 22-million-pound signing has been involved in several controversial incidents since his arrival in January, and faces two FA charges, the most recent for an apparent gesture towards Fulham fans after Liverpool’s 1-0 loss at Craven Cottage.

Suarez has also pleaded not guilty of making racist comments towards Manchester United’s Patrice Evra, and faces a lengthy ban if found guilty.

After the Uruguayan put his off-field troubles behind him on Saturday to score the winning goal, team-mate Kuyt told reporters: “For all of us it is important to score a goal but especially for Luis, who played really well. It was good to see him scoring again.”

“He is just focusing on the game and he is happy with all the support he gets from the club, players, manager and his own fans.”

“This is the Premier League so (opponents) are trying to do everything to stop you and the better you are the more they try to stop you – and Luis is a really good player.”

“But that is football and he knows that and he is a great professional and is just focusing on his job – that is what he does in training and in the game. Luis has done great so far and he is a great player.”

Manager Kenny Dalglish has not been concerned about Suarez’s drought, adding: “I would never judge anyone solely on goals.”

“That is for the simple reason that you wouldn’t judge a goalie on saves because if he is making great saves we have some problems somewhere else.”

“Everyone is entitled to score a goal but certainly for anyone who scores a goal they get a tremendous lift so I am sure it will help the wee fella.”