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Rafa Benitez has challenged Javier Mascherano to build on his derby day glory and become a regular goalscorer for Liverpool. Rafa's Masch goal challenge - Liverpool FC The Argentina skipper's deflected effort against Everton a week ago is set to go before the dubious goals panel but Benitez is giving his man full credit. And he wants Mascherano and others to keep trying their luck from outside the box. The boss told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Since the first day when we signed Javier we've talked about goals because he's not bad at shooting from outside the box. "He can do well on this, so he has to keep trying. If he does, he'll score more goals. "He tries in training. He doesn't score too many when you compare it to Gerrard but still it's a good and a different option for us. "For everyone, if you're at the edge of the box you have to try. It doesn't matter what position you play - if you're a centre-back or left-back or midfielder, you must try. "The main thing is to try. You might get a deflection. For me, Mascherano's goal was a deflection, not an own goal." Meanwhile, Benitez confirmed Mascherano will not travel with Argentina for their unofficial friendly with Catalunya later this month. The gaffer believes his No.20 is approaching top form and is reluctant to let him go during the crucial festive period. Benitez said: "It's a friendly game that comes during Christmas time, and we have a game on the 26th and 28th. It's too much for us, so the best thing for us is if he doesn't go and doesn't play. "He is coming back to the level we know. He had some problems at the beginning of the season but he's now playing really well. "We're really pleased because we have the Mascherano we signed." A sign of him staying at Liverpool beyond January?