Rodgers: Liverpool’s penalty heroics won’t affect Everton preparations

Brendan Rodgers insisted that Liverpool’s exhaustive 14-13 penalty shootout victory over Middlesbrough won’t affect their preparations for Saturday’s Merseyside derby.

The Reds were forced to dig deep against the Championship side in the Capital One Cup at Anfield, easing into the fourth round thanks to Albert Adomah’s miss.

This won’t affect us for the derby with Everton at the weekend. That’s a big game for us, we need to get our league season up and running

Brendan Rodgers

Jordan Rossiter had scored on his Liverpool debut in the 10th minute but Boro star Adam Reach levelled with 28 minutes remaining, resulting in extra-time on Merseyside.

Suso appeared to have sent Liverpool into the fourth round before a last-gasp spot-kick from Patrick Bamford secured a dramatic penalty shootout, which Liverpool eventually edged.

“There was great quality on the penalities. Both teams showed great composure. We’re pleased to go through after giving away poor goals – lately we’ve been making too many mistakes,” Rodgers is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

“I can’t fault the character of the players. Congratulations to Middlesbrough, they were excellent. I can see why they are near the top of the Championship. Jordan Rossiter was excellent – he showed great composure for the goal. The finish wasn’t easy – he showed great technique.”

Rodgers was adamant that his Liverpool side will fully revitalised to get their season “up and running” at Everton on Saturday.#

“This won’t affect us for the derby with Everton at the weekend. That’s a big game for us, we need to get our league season up and running,” Rodgers added.