Sven-Goran Eriksson has put his faith in Liverpool's Peter Crouch

The 24-year-old Liverpool striker was booed when he played against Poland but has been boosted by four recent goals after a difficult start at Anfield.

"He's a real team player and I'm sure they will understand this the more they see of him," Eriksson told the Football Association's official website.

"He has taken a lot of unfair criticism since moving to Liverpool."

Crouch hit two goals against Wigan and a brace in the Club World Championship win over Deportivo Saprissa after a barren spell following his �7m move from Southampton in the summer.

And Eriksson added: "It's great to see Peter starting to score regularly.

"He contributes so much to any team and, particularly when he is scoring goals, he is a tremendous threat to any defence.

"I know, like myself, Rafa Benitez has complete faith in Peter's ability to score goals, so it is pleasing he has scored four in recent games.

"He is a real team player, which Liverpool fans have already recognised."

Crouch made the move from St Mary's in the summer but went 18 games before scoring his first goal for Rafa Benitez's side.