Ireland captain Robbie Keane was happy with his Liverpool debut in the 0-0 draw against Villareal last night, despite not getting on the scoresheet and not being paired with Fernando Torres.

Keane played only in the first half, and created but missed a great chance to open his account in style, while Torres came on for the last 20 minutes, his first action since scoring the winner in the Euro 2008 final for Spain.

However, it is likely the duo will be paired together in Glasgow for some of the friendly with Rangers on Saturday.

Keane completed his €23million move from Tottenham just 24 hours before the Villarreal game, and said: "I didn't get the chance to partner Fernando this time, but I am looking forward to it when it does happen.

"I'm settling in just fine and it was good to get 45 minutes under my belt with my new team-mates.

"It has been a busy few days but I feel I am settling in well. I have trained a little with the lads, got in some match action and it is going fine.

"I know I did not get to play alongside Fernando but I am sure any partnership will work well, but only time will tell.

"He's a tremendous player and it will be great to play up front alongside him. But it is up to the pair of us to make it work."

He added: "We haven't had much chance yet to work together, but over the next few weeks I am sure I will get to know him better, and the rest of the lads.

"It was useful to get the first game out of the way. I have only had a couple of 45-minute spells in build-up games with Spurs against lower-league opposition, so it was good to play against a good side like Villarreal. It was a good work-out for me.

"There is massive potential here. Just look at the players that were used in the first half, and then another fine bunch after the break.

"There are a lot of quality players here and I am just delighted to be amongst it all."

From the Liverpool perspective, the game was overshadowed somewhat by the decision earlier in the day by Aston Villa to pull the plug on the Gareth Barry deal because the Anfield club had failed to meet a deadline to match the £18million asking price.

After the match, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez evaded the subject, and pointedly answered questions only with references to the match he had just witnessed.

Benitez said: "I would prefer to concentrate on the game and my squad. I was really pleased with the situation on the pitch tonight.

"Robbie Keane did well, he had every chance to score but could not manage a goal."