Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers claimed his side were “terrific” despite slipping to a 1-0 Europa League loss against Anzhi Makhachkala.

In a close encounter Lacina Traore’s terrific effort on the stroke of half-time proved to be decisive.

A young Reds side enjoyed plenty of possession but failed to find the equalising goal.

Despite this, Rodgers was positive about his side’s display:

"Tactically our concentration was very good. We controlled the game for 44 minutes and 50 seconds of the first half.” He is quoted by SkySports.

"We made a bad mistake and got punished and that is the level.

"Some of the young players were terrific and we are disappointed not to have got something from it.

"I thought the performance level was good on a difficult pitch but I thought the players played the system tactically very well.

"We just find ourselves unfortunate not to get something from a very difficult place."

The likes of Conor Coady, Jon Flanagan and Adam Morgan were all handed a first-team opportunity, as Rodgers left many of his established stars back on Merseyside:

"Not at all. I think that is a little disrespectful to the players who are here.” The Northern Irishman responded when asked if his team missed their big names.

"They have been magnificent and I thought they did really well and we just got punished for a mistake.

"That led to us losing the game but I don't think it was anything to do with Suarez, Gerrard, Joe Allen, Martin Skrtel or Daniel Agger not being here.

"It was just one of those things. We will take it as a team, we are disappointed but there are so many positives from tonight."

Powerful striker Traore scored the only goal of the game during the first-half, rounding Sebastian Coates before beating Brad Jones.