Liverpool striker Milan Jovanovic is hopeful his goal in Thursday's 1-1 Europa League draw at Steaua Bucharest will lead to a run in Roy Hodgson's first team.

The Serbia international has failed to stamp his mark at Anfield since making a summer switch from Belgian outfit Standard Liege, but he is confident of kick-starting his career on Merseyside after helping the Reds qualify for the next stage of the competition in Romania.

"I was really satisfied with the goal and it was very important for us," he told Liverpool's official website.

"I was really happy to get the chance to play and I really hope to play more games now.

"It's difficult to speak about not playing. But the fact is I have a three-year contract here. I'm patient.

"We didn't play that well but we got the result we needed and that is all that matters.

"I think a draw was about fair. It was a really hard game for us. Qualification was at stake and we have achieved our goal."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email