Former Liverpool captain Alan Hansen believes Dirk Kuyt deserves praise for his attitude and endeavour in recent weeks.

In the absence of Fernando Torres the task of leading the line has been passed to Kuyt and the Dutchman recently found his goal scoring touch against Tottenham, before netting the opener in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Bolton.

Hansen told LFC Weekly: “Dirk Kuyt scored both our goals against Spurs and that will do his confidence the power of good following his late miss against Stoke a few weeks earlier.

“He might not have played as well as he can this season, but he never lies down and dies, something which supporters appreciate.”

The former Scotland international has also been impressed with Kuyt’s willingness to play in any position for the benefit of the team.

“Dirk was signed as a centre-forward, but has adapted to Liverpool’s system by playing wide on the right,” he said.

“Learning to play in a different position isn’t easy and to Kuyt’s credit, every time he pulls on a red jersey he gives it his best shot.”

Hansen added: “When you are playing out of position, it is a lot easier to do that in a side that is doing well, compared to playing in a less familiar role in a side that is struggling.

“Again, to his credit, he has never moaned about not playing up front every week, as some players would, and has simply got his head down and got on with things.”

Source: Liverpoolfc.tv