"We came back out with confidence, trying harder to win the second balls because we weren't getting close enough in the first half. We wanted to press harder and get nearer their box.

"We knew they had quality players but because they are so good going forward, we knew they were weaker at the back.

"I think the key was the spirit in the camp. We believe in ourselves because we look around the dressing room and see quality players."

Meanwhile, Reds reserve team boss Gary Ablett has spoken of his hope that Jay Spearing and Stephen Darby will soon get their first team chance.

The duo are in the reserve team squad for tonight’s meeting with Manchester City at the City of Manchester Stadium (kick off 7pm) having impressed in their spell with the senior squad during pre-season.

Many fans had expected Spearing and Darby to be involved in the recent Carling Cup tie against Crewe at Anfield but they missed out on that occasion.

Ablett, though, remains hopeful that their chance will come.

He said: “Stephen and Jay are probably two of the best players I've seen in the reserves during my time here.

"We have had a lot of players come and go in the squad but in terms of character, desire and maintaining the level of performance, those two have done fantastically well.

"We hope if they can maintain that attitude and level of performance then sooner or later Rafa will include them in his squad, which would be fantastic for them.

"I spoke to one or two of the senior players who told me how well they did in pre-season with the first team, both in training and the matches they played. Those two lads are a massive credit to themselves and their families."