Benitez: Win illustrates squad strength

Rafa Benitez believes the 1-0 victory over Leeds United on Tuesday was an illustration of the strength within the current Liverpool squad.

David Ngog buried the only goal of the game on 65 minutes to clinch a hard-fought win and guarantee a place in the Carling Cup fourth round.
 
There were only two survivors from the starting line-up against West Ham on Saturday - and the gaffer was delighted with the way his fringe players performed.
 
"It was a good game. They had some chances, we had some chances. At the end we won with a lot of players who haven't been playing," said Benitez.
 
"It is a difficult stadium to come to. They've won many games in a row. In these types of games it is very important to keep the mentality and character.
 
"I am really pleased with my team, with my squad. We showed we can manage with different players. For the rest of the season it is important to know you have players who can come in and perform."
 
Ngog now has two goals despite a limited role this season.
 
Benitez added: "It was a great goal. He showed quality. He is a player with quality who has very good movement, but also here he was fighting against a big lad. It's very positive for him and for the team.
 
"As I said before, players who aren't normally playing showed character and quality."
 
The boss also heaped praise on the hosts, whose fans created a marvellous atmosphere on what was the first visit of a Premier League club since their top flight relegation in 2004.
 
"You can also be positive in terms of Leeds," said Benitez. "The atmosphere was fantastic and the fans were really good. It's a good team with good players and they worked very hard."
 
Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher admitted Liverpool had to toil to ensure progression.
 
"That was as difficult a game as we have had all season and to be fair they were a bit unlucky that we won," said the skipper-for-the-night.
 
"Obviously we've not got our full Premier League team out and not played together that much, but it was a very tough evening."