Liverpool fullback Stephen Darby was pleased with his performance in their 1-1 draw at FA Cup opponents Reading.

Darby won praise from senior teammate Jamie Carragher for his accomplished display.

"It was a big confidence booster to be selected for the game and it shows the manager has faith in me," Darby told liverpoolfc.tv. "I tried to repay that faith by putting in a good performance.

"It hurt for a couple of days after the Fiorentina game, but that's where you've got to be mentally tough and overcome it in training sessions. The lads got behind me and gave me great advice and encouragement.

"Hopefully there will be a couple of more chances in the next couple of weeks. You've got to be level-headed and realise the hard work is only just beginning.

"It gives you a lift to hear the likes of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher saying good things about you, but at the same time you have to remain level headed and keep your feet on the ground.

"It's important to realise the hard work has only just begun."