LIVERPOOL manager Roy Hodgson praised his players after they secured their passage to the last 32 of the Europa League as Group K winners — with a match to go — thanks to a 1-1 draw against Steaua Bucharest last night.

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson made 10 changes for their Europa League Group K clash against Steaua Bucharest in Romania as midfielder Joe Cole made his comeback after five weeks out with a hamstring injury.

MIDFIELDER Joe Cole scored the quickest European goal in Liverpool’s illustrious history to set his under-strength side up for a 4-1 victory over Steaua Bucharest at Anfield.

Robin van Persie was a surprise inclusion in Arsenal’s starting line-up for tonight’s Champions League clash with Steaua Bucharest.