Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has defended goalkeeper Pepe Reina after the Spaniard’s blunder in the Reds’ Europa League tie against Hearts.

With five minutes of normal time remaining, the Spain international managed to let a David Templeton shot squirm though his grasp and over the line before Luis Suarez saved his blushes scoring the winner three minutes later.

Rodgers told reporters: “Pepe has been brilliant since I’ve been here. He’s been a pivotal part of how we work. He’s been excellent off the field, a real good guy who understands the ideology of what we’re trying to do.

 
“Unfortunately for goalkeepers it’s part and parcel of the game. There’s no blame attached – unfortunately for goalkeepers they make a mistake and sometimes it leads to a goal.

“An outfield player makes a mistake and they’ve got their mates to recover. It will happen sometimes but we move on.”

The former Swansea boss also hailed his side’s work ethic and praised Suarez for his late clincher, although bemoaned a plethora of wasted opportunities earlier in the game.

Rodgers said: “One of the key things that I’ve noticed in the group is that they have hard work and integrity, I think the players have been absolutely magnificent since I’ve come in.

“They’ve given me everything and as each day goes on we’re getting closer as a group. That spirit really took us through Sunday’s game and took us through tonight’s game so it’s very important that when we went 1-0 behind we didn’t get disappointed.

“We came back and Luis’ most difficult chance he took, a wonderful run and finish. We probably could’ve put the game to bed earlier.”

Adam Morgan made his first start for the Reds in the match, and Rodgers revealed he will be looking to give more young players a chance in the team while he is in charge.

He added to ESPN:: “He’s a local boy, from Liverpool, and it’s important for me to give local boys who came through the ranks a chance.

“It was important for him to get his first start, and it’s important for me to give local boys a chance, and it’s something I’ll look to do.”

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed that he is eyeing deadline-day signings after his side secured their place in the group stage of the Europa League with a 2-1 aggregate win over Hearts.

Rodgers also confirmed that he had allowed Andy Carroll to join West Ham on loan in an attempt to secure regular football for the striker but kept tight-lipped over the futures of Charlie Adam and Jay Spearing.

The Ulsterman revealed that the Reds would be in the market to sign additional players before the transfer window shuts on Friday evening.

He told ESPN: “Andy leaving was on the understanding that he would go out and get games, as he would not get many here. He is going to West Ham to get games, and we have the opportunity to get another player tomorrow.

“There’s been lots of movement, so we’ll see what happens, and we have a number of targets.

“There’s been nothing as yet [on Spearing or Adam], as we wanted to concentrate purely on the game. Now the game is done, we will get an update on that.”

A late Luis Suarez strike saved Rodgers’ side from going into extra-time after David Templeton handed the visitors the lead in the 85th minute following a mistake from Pepe Reina.

Despite the nervy ending at Anfield, Rodgers says that he was never worried about his side’s progression after what he described as an “excellent” performance.”I felt reasonably comfortable throughout. Hearts worked hard, but Jose Reina’s goal was never under threat. Once the goal went in, we had to respond, and we did.

He added: “We didn’t lose, which is important. It was off the back of an exceptional performance, and the boys have been excellent, so I have no complaints there. It was important to keep the faith and keep passing. We’re delighted to be through, it’s a job well done.”

Adam Morgan made his first start for the Reds in the match, and Rodgers revealed he will be looking to give more young players a chance in the team while he is in charge.

He said: “He’s a local boy, from Liverpool, and it’s important for me to give local boys who came through the ranks a chance.

“It was important for him to get his first start, and it’s important for me to give local boys a chance, and it’s something I’ll look to do.”

Manchester United have been drawn to play at home against Newcastle in what looks to be the standout tie of the League Cup Third Round draw.

Elsewhere in the draw, European champions Chelsea face Championship side Wolves, who booked their spot in the last 32 of the competition with a 3-1 win over Northampton on Wednesday night.

Premier League holders Manchester City welcome Aston Villa to Eastlands and Liverpool travel to West Bromwich Albion in two high-profile clashes between top-flight sides.

Arsene Wenger is likely to take the chance to blood youngsters in the third round with Arsenal drawn at home to League One side Coventry City.

Tottenham will be on their travels to play Carlisle while in-forn Everton face a tough-looking trip to meet Championship side Leeds United.

Sunderland are also away from home against MK Dons, while Paolo Di Canio’s Swindon side face a home clash against Burnley as their reward for knocking out Stoke City.

Full draw for League Cup Third Round (Premier League teams in bold):

Arsenal v Coventry City
Bradford City v Burton Albion
Carlisle United v Tottenham
Chelsea v Wolves
Crawley Town v Swansea City
Leeds v Everton
Manchester City v Aston Villa
Manchester United v Newcastle
MK Dons v Sunderland
Norwich v Doncaster
Preston v Middlesbrough
QPR v Reading
Southampton v Sheffield Wednesday
Swindon v Burnley
West Brom v Liverpool
West Ham v Wigan