Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is delighted with the form of his senior players in the club's reserves team.

Jay Spearing, Sebastian Coates, Jon Flanagan and Danny Wilson all lined up for Rodolfo Borrell's second string for their 5-1 win over Sunderland.

"They applied themselves very well and they will be better for getting 90 minutes," Dalglish told liverpoolfc.tv.

"They need to play games and it was good for them to be involved. It's better for them than training.

"Some people look at it as a form of punishment asking them to play for the reserves but that's certainly not the case.

"It was a necessity and it's important we give everyone opportunities to play matches.

"For the likes of Seb and Jay, it gives them the chance to get match fit and they did well. We need a strong squad with players who are ready to step in when they're needed."