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Football FanCast guest columnist Frank Boyle fully expects Rafa to cash in on Babel this summer.

They say that God loves a trier and whilst Ryan Babel clearly feels he has a future at Liverpool, the stark reality is he hasn't got one and he has to accept his time is up.

I have to concede there was time when I had some sympathy for the guy, felt Rafa was continually giving him the thin end of the wedge, but on the rare occasions he has been given a chance he never shows the same passion and determination to make a first team spot his own; the Carling Cup tie against Spurs was one that really sticks in my mind and we just cannot afford to have passengers within our squad.

"In December I'll be 23. When you reach that age, then in my eyes you aren't a potential talent anymore," Babel said.

"Next season age isn't an excuse any more, and that's an excuse trainers use too often, saying 'You're young and you have the time'.

"My goal this season was to progress to a higher level and be in the starting line-up. But they brought in another left forward in the summer and he's been playing regularly.

"But I have patience and I know that I have to work hard and I have to show the manager that I am ready and have earned the right to be picked." (SkySports)

Whilst you have to admire the player's honesty the bottom line is that Babel has gone backwards in his progress. You would have thought Riera was brought in should have served as a source of motivation for the player and increase his determination, but his body language when the opportunities arise doesn't get the desired response. Rafa gets criticised in certain quarters about his handling of the player but the Spaniard watches him train everyday and the effort he puts in. I can't believe that he would have spent that sort of money on Riera if he honestly believed that Babel could do a job for us.

I personally feel that Ryan Babel could have been a success at Liverpool had he hit the ground running and made an immediate impact straight away. Unfortunately that didn't happen and any hopes of him suddenly establishing himself in the team next season look diminished in my opinion. Rafa needs to raise transfer funds to supplement the reported £30m that he has at his disposal and if the likes of Spurs or Arsenal, who have both been linked with £9m bids, then I cannot see Benitez turning it down and while the Dutchman is clearly pleading for another season to try and prove his worth, I believe it is time for the player to accept that ship has now sailed and is surplus to requirements at Anfield.