Roy Hodgson praises young Liverpool side after Rabotnicki Europa League win

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has praised his young team for coming through their Europa League game against FK Rabotnicki with a 2-0 win.

David Ngog scored twice to give the Reds a clear advantage going into the second leg at Anfield and Hodgson was happy with the performance.

"I am very satisfied," he said. "It was a game that could have been very difficult for us.

"It was a big crowd and some of our players that played are not used to big crowds.

"I was really pleased with the way everyone went about their business and we can go back to Anfield with a margin of victory which will enable us to feel a little more comfortable."

Whilst Hodgson was pleased to get off to a winning start with his new club, he won't be getting carried away with the victory.

"I feel like I've been up and running for the last four weeks," he added.

"I have had a very hectic and busy month - it has been a month where my feet have not touched the ground.

"I fear having taken on this job there will be a weight of expectation on my shoulders every time I step into Melwood for a training session, every time I go to a game with the team.

"I came to the job knowing that was the situation and the important thing is to put out a team capable of meeting that expectation."

Hodgson, who was without 10 first team players for Thursday's first leg in Macedonia, admits he learnt a lot about a number of his squad members.

"Every time a team plays in an official match you learn a lot about people," he continued.

"And there were a lot of players out there I need to learn about as some of them I have hardly worked with.

"It was a very good exercise for me in that respect and I am delighted for so many players who were under pressure before the game that it has been a positive outcome.

"They can go back to Liverpool tomorrow feeling positive."

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