Dirk Kuyt lavishes praise on Liverpool striker Luis Suarez

Forward Dirk Kuyt praised the "great professionalism" of Luis Suarez after the Uruguay international put personal controversies behind him to be Liverpool's match-winner again.

The 24-year-old scored his first Barclays Premier League goal since October 1 as the Reds beat QPR 1-0 to end a run of four successive Anfield draws dating back two months.

During that period Suarez has racked up two Football Association misconduct charges, one for making alleged racist remarks to Manchester United defender Patrice Evra with the other coming this week after he apparently made an offensive gesture to the crowd after Monday's defeat at Fulham.

Liverpool were also charged following the Fulham game with failing to control their players after Jay Spearing was sent off, with the club having to respond to the Football Association by 4pm today.

Suarez, who also has until 4pm today to respond to his charge relating to the Fulham game, has been fully supported by manager Kenny Dalglish, who believes his player has earned an unwarranted reputation for going down too easily which has resulted in opponents unfairly targeting him.

However, Suarez put all that behind him to put in another impressive all-round performance which was capped by his 47th-minute close-range header to end his league goal drought against QPR.

"For all of us it is important to score a goal but especially for Luis, who played really well. It was good to see him scoring again," said Kuyt.

"He is just focusing on the game and he is happy with all the support he gets from the club, players, manager and his own fans.

"This is the Premier League so they (opponents) are trying to do everything to stop you and the better you are the more they try to stop you - and Luis is a really good player.

"But that is football and he knows that and he is a great professional and is just focusing on his job - that is what he does in training and in the game.

"Luis has done great so far and he is a great player."

The goal was Suarez's fifth in the league - and eighth in all competitions - but with better fortune he could have had many more this season.

Dalglish is naturally disappointed his striker has not scored more but is certainly not concerned.

"I would never judge anyone solely on goals," said the Scot.

"That is for the simple reason that you wouldn't judge a goalie on saves because if he is making great saves we have some problems somewhere else.

"Everyone is entitled to score a goal but certainly for anyone who scores a goal they get a tremendous lift so I am sure it will help the wee fella."

PA