Dirk Kuyt confident of Liverpool progress

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt is confident they can overcome a difficult Sparta Prague side at Anfield next week.

The Reds were held to a goalless draw in the freezing Czech capital last night in a game where the hosts were the better team despite not playing a competitive match for more than two months because of their winter break.

However, while Holland international Kuyt was disappointed they had not been able to perform better, he believes the clean sheet secured in Prague will stand them in good stead for the return leg of their Europa League last-32 clash next Thursday.

"You always want to win and that's what we wanted," said the Dutchman.

"It's always important to score an away goal in Europe but it is never bad not to lose.

"It was a tough game, they defended well and we struggled with the pitch and the weather - it was a bit difficult.

"I think the positive thing is the clean sheet. Where we could we tried to score but unfortunately that didn't happen but I think we are in a great position to win next week.

"We're playing well at Anfield, we have to win. It is always difficult for European teams at Anfield, the crowd will be behind us and we'll definitely play at a higher tempo.

"The ball will be moved more quickly and I've got a lot of confidence that we can go through next week."