Liverpool boss delighted to get into the Europa knock-outs

Hodgson featured a virtual second-string side but managed a 1-1 draw with Steaua Bucuresti on Thursday.

He said after the game: “I’m delighted but it would have been nice to have won the game.

“I was most interested in the performance and if the players could stand up to the challenge.

“I think they did and it is going to be a pleasant ride home for us.”