BENJANI Mwaruwari grabbed a brace in Blackburn’s 3-1 win over Liverpool on Wednesday, heaping more pressure on under-fire Liverpool boss, Roy Hodgson.

More importantly for the former Zimbabwe captain, Wednesday’s performance -- which further endeared Blackburn’s new coach, Steve Kean, to the fans – could also help his cause for an extended stay at Ewood Park.

Mwaruwari – a free agent after leaving Manchester City last season – signed a one-year deal with Blackburn with an option for a one-year extension at the start of the season.

However, he has largely been used as a substitute due to fitness concerns.

“Benji has been a little short on fitness and coming on more as an impact sub; but I think it’s started to come together for him over the last two to three weeks,” Kean said on Wednesday.

Sweden international Martin Olsson had deservedly put Rovers into a 32nd minute lead when Benjani made it 2-0 just before half time as he turned Sotirios Kyrgiakos and rifled a fierce shot over Pepe Reina's head.

Mwaruwari notched his second from close range early in the second half with the Reds scoring a late consolation via Steven Gerrard, who then proceeded to miss a penalty.

Still, Kean played down the significance of the result for himself, even though it was the first time the fans took to him.

"I don't think it's about me," he said. "What was important was that we showed togetherness and that we are a tight group in that dressing room.

"We showed great team spirit and what we are about as a club and I'm really proud of the lads."