Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer believes the return of Daniel Sturridge and his good link-up with striker Christian Benteke is one of the positives of last night’s 2-1 loss against West Ham United in a fourth round FA Cup replay.
Slaven Bilic’s side secured a hard fought win over Jurgen Klopp’s relatively inexperienced side in the dying minutes of extra-time, as Angelo Ogbonna headed in the winner to send the Hammers through to the fifth round of the competition.
The Upton Park outfit took the lead through Michail Antonio, seconds before half-time, as the 25-year-old winger volleyed home the opener from Enner Valencia’s cross.
The Reds equalised through Philippe Coutinho, who returned from a hamstring injury and sneaked in a free-kick under the wall from near the edge of the box.
In the 121st minute, Ogbonna got on the end of a Dimitri Payet free-kick to send the home side through to the next round.
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McAteer, who made over 100 appearances for the Reds, feels that the youngsters that played for Liverpool last night gave a good account of themselves, especially 21-year-old full-back Brad Smith.
The 44-year-old was also encouraged by the return of Divock Origi, Coutinho and Sturridge, and felt that the team looked convincing while attacking.
Speaking on LFC TV, McAteer said: “The young lads gave a good account of themselves, Brad Smith was fantastic.
“Obviously we have to look at Origi being back, Coutinho being back, Sturridge getting back on the pitch and linking up well with Benteke at times is massively encouraging.
“So we looked okay going forward.”
The Reds have failed to win their last four matches in all competitions and will be hoping to secure a win against relegation threatened Aston Villa on Sunday.
