Birmingham City goalkeeper Maik Taylor says Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez's team selection gave them "a lift" before Saturday's 0-0 draw.

Taylor admitted: "I was a bit surprised they didn't start with (Fernando) Torres and we were certainly pleased he wasn't playing.

"When the team sheet came in and we saw he wasn't on it, it did give us a bit of a lift knowing he wasn't in the side.

"Then he came on, followed by Peter Crouch, and you think 'Here we go'. But we asked them a few questions to see if they could break us down and it's a great point for us."