Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers praised the “desire and commitment” of his side following their 1-0 Europa League third qualifying round first leg win over Gomel last night.

Gomel 0 Liverpool 1

Liverpool have been handed a Europa League third qualifying round clash with either Macedonian side FK Renova or FC Gomel of Belarus for their first competitive match under Brendan Rodgers, who will be under no pressure this term to get the team into the Champions League, according to Reds principal owner John Henry.

St Patrick's Athletic will face German Bundesliga side Hanover in the third qualifying round of the Europa League if they can overcome Bosnia-Herzegovinia side NK Siroki Brijeg in their second leg at Richmond Park next week.

THE G14 grouping of Europe’s most powerful club reluctantly backed down yesterday and agreed to accept controversial changes to the Champions League — starting next season.

Shamrock Rovers were handed an away first leg tie against Swedish club Djurgardens following the draw for the UEFA Cup qualifying round in Geneva today.