Rodgers impressed by Reds battlers

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers praised the "desire and commitment" of his side following their 1-0 Europa League third qualifying round first leg win over Gomel.

Stewart Downing's second half strike ensured Rodgers' first competitive match in charge ended in victory, and the Ulsterman was happy with what he saw at the Central Stadion in Belarus.

"It will take time until Liverpool start playing the way Swansea did last season (tactically)," he said. "Actually the way you play depends on the players you have. As for today I saw two things which were very important for me, I saw desire and commitment. I am very grateful to my players for a good game."

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