Rafael Benitez hailed the arrival of one new boy in £17m Glen Johnson and then confirmed another new signing was almost secured.

Johnson had a stunning home debut in Liverpool's 4-0 victory over Stoke at Anfield, scoring one goal and helping to create two more in a fine, attacking display down the right flank.

And Liverpool chief Benitez revealed afterwards his signing of £2million Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos is dependent now only on a medical.

The AEK Athens centre-back, and former Rangers player, will fly in to Merseyside on Thursday and is expected to complete his medical by the weekend and will go straight into the squad for Monday's home game against Aston Villa.

Benitez was delighted with Johnson, saying: "We wanted a player with quality who could score and create goals.

"He attacks very well and had a fine game. Against teams who defend deep against us, he can change games.

"I was also pleased with Lucas Leiva, he has taken a lot of unfair criticism from the pundits which is not fair. He is a fine professional and a very good player, our best in pre-season."

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Fernando Torres netted an early goal, with Johnson scoring just before the break. In the second period Dirk Kuyt and substitute David Ngog completed the victory.

Benitez added: "Last season against Stoke here, we just could not score an early goal to force them to come out.

"This time we got one very quickly and it gave us the space to attack. The second just before the break was very important, because it gave us the cushion we needed."