Jermaine Pennant reveals Liverpool's relief at Crewe win
JERMAINE PENNANT today admitted Liverpool were left with an overwhelming sense of relief when Lucas Leiva's second half header settled their Carling Cup tie with Crewe.
Having seen Daniel Agger's thunderous 22-yard free kick cancelled out by Michael Connor's equaliser for the Railwaymen, Liverpool toiled until the Brazilian midfielder popped up to score the winner from Pennant's cross.
Though the former Birmingham man was prepared to concede their narrow victory over the League One side came courtesy of a far from vintage performance, Pennant insisted the important thing was getting the result on the night.
"I think we were all relieved when Lucas' goal went in," he said.
"We'd missed a few chances and Crewe were also defending well, so it was nice to see the ball hit the net.
"Now we'll be looking forward to seeing who we get in the next round."
Having found himself out of favour with Reds boss Rafa Benitez so far this season, Pennant's delight at making it through to the fourth round is added to by the fact that he believes a prolonged run in the competition will give him a chance to play more first team games.
He added: "Hopefully, we will get a decent draw.
"From my own point of view, it was just nice to get 90 minutes under my belt. It doesn't matter whether it's the Carling Cup or one of the other competitions to me, it's good to get a run out and I enjoyed every minute of it.
"I can't say I haven't been frustrated because I have. But there's no point complaining. The manager makes his choice and I just have to get on with it.
"When you're at a club like Liverpool you know you are going to have to fight for your place, so I'll keep plugging away and then we'll see what happens.
"But it was nice to play and I enjoyed every minute of it.
"If you get a chance you have to take it and no matter who you play it is going to be hard. Hopefully, I showed what I can do."
Unfortunately, summer signing Philipp Degen is facing another spell on the sidelines after breaking two ribs during the second half of last night's game.
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Only listened to the game but jermaine was man of the match, Deggen a close second (pity about the ribs), Dagger welcome back ! The rest of them left me restless and uneasy.. yes Ryan Babel this means you and Lucas!
Saturday dare I suggest a midfield of Pennant, Stevie, Mash and Riera with Torres and Keane up front and a back 4 of...wait for it! Carra, Hyp, Skirt, Agger!!!! See if they can get thro that! Tough games like the derby need tough minded players not people swanning around flat footed like last nights performance!