Agger's striker prediction

Daniel Agger today insisted Liverpool reaped the benefits of David Ngog's hard work in training during Thursday's 2-0 victory over FK Rabotnicki in Skopje.

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The 21-year-old struck a goal in each half to ensure Roy Hodgson got his Anfield era off to a winning start and help the Reds take a big step towards the next round of the Europa League.

Agger admits he was delighted with Ngog's performance and is predicting the striker will only improve further if he continues to put the hours in at Melwood.

"We have got to give David credit for the two goals. He took them very well - it was a very good performance," said Agger.

"He was there in the right place at the right time, which is what all good strikers do. He is a good player and has the qualities but he knows that he still has a bit to learn.

"I know that he works hard every day but if he continues to work hard then he will come on a long way. But he has to keep working hard, as every one of us is doing, if he wants to get there."

Liverpool were good value for their triumph in Macedonia and can now look forward to next week's second leg at Anfield in a commanding position to reach the next stage of the competition.

However, Agger is refusing to take anything for granted or look beyond the return with Rabotnicki.

He said: "It was just a question of managing the game and keeping hold of the ball so they couldn't cause us problems. Hopefully we have taken care of it for next week but you never know.

"We have still got to play the second leg and we have got to make sure that we win it. How will we be for the season? We have just got to get on with it and not complain.

"Things are different at the minute and I am only just getting to know the manager; I've only trained with him a few times but we are all going to try and push on again. We'll see what happens."

The victory over Rabotnicki was achieved without many of Liverpool's World Cup stars, although Agger - along with Martin Skrtel and Sotirios Kyrgiakos - was handed a starting berth.

It was the Dane's first appearance since representing his country in South Africa and he added: "I feel okay. A bit tired but good. It's a bit different to training and I suppose after six training sessions, it was okay to get through the game without any problems."

Due to rights issues, we are unable to bring you goals and highlights from our Europa League victory online. We apologise for the disappointment this may cause.