Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers admits it was a battle to overcome Europa League opponents Hearts last night.

An own-goal from Andy Webster with 12 minutes to go was all that separated the two sides and Rodgers refused to concede the outcome of the tie is now a foregone conclusion in the second leg at Anfield next week.

He said: "We always respect every opponent. We're not that good to be that complacent to be honest.

"We've got an awful lot of work to do but I was delighted for the players tonight.

"Once they got the positioning right in the second half, they were excellent at times.

"It was great for me to see some of the players who haven't been playing so much, some of our young talent as well.

"All round it was a good win and another clean sheet, which is important.''