Rafa happy with character

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez praised his side's character after they fought back for a 2-2 draw with Manchester City.

Yossi Benayoun's goal earned Liverpool a draw after goals from Emmanuel Adebayor and Stephen Ireland cancelled out Martin Skrtel's opener for the home side.

The draw means Liverpool have only won once in their last ten games in all competitions, but Benitez was happy with the attitude of his players.

"We're a little bit disappointed, we had chances at the end. But with the problems we had, making two substitutions in the first 18 minutes, to still come back we showed very good character. Until the last minute we were still pushing," Benitez told Sky Sports 1.

"The players worked so hard. You could see that even with a lot of problems we were winning and even though we conceded the first goal then the second, you could still see the character of the team.

"In the circumstances I thought we were very good."

Injury worries

Agger sustained a deep cut after a clash of heads, while Dutchman Babel limped off with an ankle injury.

Benitez is unsure if the duo will be fit for Liverpool's vital UEFA Champions League clash with Debrecen next week, but is hopeful Albert Riera, who was an unused substitute against City and Glen Johnson will be available for the trip to Hungary.

"Agger has five stitches and Babel has a problem with his ankle, but it's too early to say and we have to wait," noted Benitez.

"I think it was important for Yossi Benayoun to come through today. On the bench was Albert Riera and hopefully (Glen) Johnson (will return). Maybe we'll have some more coming back."

Despite dropping more points Benitez is confident his side can end their slump in form once all their players are back to full fitness.

"With some players available and fit we are much better," said Benitez. "We are still bringing players back from injury. Gerrard was tired, (David) Ngog was tired and we had to make two substitutes early on."