Birmingham City boss Steve Bruce was delighted with his side's application after their 0-0 draw at Liverpool.

He said: "We only had about three lads out there who had even been to Anfield before.

"As a club we have to love occasions like this, playing at venues like this, and we want to be back here next season.

"We know we are going to be one of the clubs loitering around the bottom of the table, and it is absolutely vital that we stay in the division.

"If we come to places like Liverpool, play 4-4-2 and an open game, the chances are we will lose against teams with the quality Liverpool have.

"They gave us the hiding of our lives a couple of seasons ago in a cup tie, but Liverpool have never beaten us in the league since Rafa took over.

"We are their bogey side in league games and we aimed to continue that."