Yossi Benayoun has warned Rafael Benitez, the Liverpool manager, that his patience is wearing thin after finding himself reduced to a supporting role at Anfield.

The Israel midfielder has started just four of Liverpool's 13 Barclays Premier League matches this season, with seven further appearances coming from the bench.

Benyayon, 28, says he is considering a move to the continent - with a return to Spain one of his likely destinations along with France, Italy and Russia.

"If the situation remains the same over the next few months, and I'm not getting more time in the middle, I will not want to continue as a Liverpool player," Benayoun said.

"The fact that I have spent so much time on the bench, while there has been a winning formula on the pitch, tells you everything."

Benayoun has made 41 Premier League appearances since his £5million arrival from West Ham United in the summer of 2007, and resisted a move away from Anfield in the summer despite reported interest from the likes of Roma and Ajax.

"I hope it changes for me, because I want to stay and prove myself, but it won't be easy," he said. "I know I'm at one of the biggest clubs in the world, and that there are many good players like Ryan Babel and Jermaine Pennant who sometimes aren't even in the squad, but it's not much fun sitting on the bench all the time."

He added: "I always wanted to prove myself good enough for Liverpool, and I thought I did well last season to contribute so many goals and assists.

"But there seems to be more competition for places this time, and if I continue to be on the sidelines, I would not want to stay, even though it is Liverpool. Maybe I will have to accept that and start learning another language, such as Italian or French or even Russian."

Benayoun made his name at Maccabi Haifa and Racing Santander before moving to England with West Ham in 2005.