"We were a bit shaky early on in the season but since then we’ve been fantastic at the back," says Baines. "Hopefully that bodes well for the game next month.

I don’t think it says anything about what is going to happen in the final; that’s a completely different game and occasion but it certainly gives us confidence. We played well, kept a clean sheet against them for the second time this season and created chances so hopefully we can get another good result in the next game (against Chelsea)."

Baines adds: "It was a terrific effort from all the boys, considering what we had been through at the weekend when extra-time and penalties were so draining. With that in mind, it was a magnificent effort. We thought we might as well have a go, we created a few chances and perhaps we caught them by surprise. We deserve credit.

"We all felt a bit stiff and sore after playing United but once we got out there, I thought we acquitted ourselves really well, everyone worked hard.

"There were a couple of moments when we thought we had good chances but it wasn’t to be and we’ll happily take the point. On another day, those chances would have gone in."