Jermaine Pennant's Liverpool future could have been cemented after earning rave reviews for his performance in the Champions League final.

The winger started Wednesday night's game against AC Milan as something of shock selection, but ended his night in Athens believing he was firmly part of manager Rafael Benitez's plans.

The former Arsenal winger has taken time to settle at Anfield, and would have been on many pundits' lists of players who could easily have been moved on in the summer. His lively play during the final -- one of few bright spots -- may have ensured his place in Rafa's overhauled side.