Diao full of praise for Liverpool

SALIF DIAO has hailed the character of his former Liverpool team and believes they have the quality to finish in the top four – even without injured duo Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.

Diao was part of the Stoke City team that held Rafael Benitez's side to a 1-1 draw at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

The Senegalese midfielder spent almost five years at Anfield before moving to the Potters in January 2007.

And the 32-year-old was impressed how the under-pressure visitors responded to the barrage of criticism following their FA Cup defeat to Reading three days earlier, despite missing a host of key players.

"Liverpool came here as a team that's been hurt and the spotlight was on them. Everyone was looking how they responded after Reading and what's been happening.

"A lot of people were saying 'no Gerrard, no Torres, so it might be easy for us' but that would have been a mistake. We all knew these players coming in would really have something to prove.

"I think they have showed they do not just rely on Torres and Gerrard. I think it's a real possibility that they will finish top four. They have great players to come back and a decent team even without the main men."

Diao added: "They need a little bit of a turn in luck and things to go for them maybe a touch more than they are right now.

"I think if Benitez is left there to do the job he will do it - he will pull them through this. He has already showed his capabilities."

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