Rafa takes the positives

Second-string side send Reds into fourth round

Last updated: 24th September 2008

Rafa takes the positives

Benitez: Happy with result

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Rafa Benitez felt it was important to hand some of his younger players a run-out in Liverpool's Carling Cup win over Crewe Alexandra.

Goals from Daniel Agger and Lucas saw Liverpool into the fourth round after Crewe had put up a spirited fight at Anfield.

The likes of David N'Gog and Nabil El Zhar started for the Reds, while Diego Cavalieri and Philipp Degen both made their debuts.

Liverpool had a strong bench in reserve, but home boss Benitez was happy with the performance from his second string side.

Very positive

"I think it's important for the confidence and to rest some senior players," Benitez told Sky Sports.

"I can play with an open play and we had three or four more chances to score.

"To see the young players against stronger rivals, I think it's important to see these kind of teams.

"They have strong players and compete really well, and it's a good test.

"I think it was positive watching the lads against a competitive team, it was very positive."