Reds trio happy to progress

Gerrard: Thrilled with character

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Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and Jose Reina were relieved to survive their UEFA Champions League qualifier against Standard Liege.

Liverpool had been firm favourites to progress to the group stages but Liege held them to goalless draw in Belgium and were only defeated after extra time at Anfield.

Gerrard completed the 120 minutes but will now be sidelined for a couple of weeks after being booked in for groin surgery.

However, after the final whistle he was more pleased that Liverpool had lived to fight another day despite not playing their best.

"It was a very tough game and you have to give them credit," the Reds skipper told Sky Sports News.

"They have made it difficult for us over two legs but we have managed to scrape through

"When times are hard it is about sticking together, showing character and trying to grind wins out.

"That is what we are managing to do."

Important

Kuyt grabbed the winner just two minutes before the end of extra time and the Dutchman was delighted that Liverpool's battling qualities came to the fore when it mattered.

"The most important thing is that we are through," he said.

"We didn't give our best performance but kept working really hard until the end and I am really happy."

Reina had to make a couple of excellent saves to keep Standard at bay, having previously denied Dante Bonfim from the penalty spot in the first leg.

The Spanish goalkeeper said: "We need to improve. Obviously we are not playing at our best but so long as we play ugly and keep winning, I don't mind."