Jurgen Klopp: 'Liverpool showed fighting qualities to beat Everton'

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has suggested that he was delighted to see his side defeat Everton in the FA Cup without playing "brilliant football".

A penalty from James Milner and a headed winner from debutant Virgil van Dijk secured Liverpool's place in the fourth round, but both teams struggled for large parts of the game at Anfield.

However, Klopp has praised the "attitude" of his players after they found a way to secure victory over their near neighbours.

The 50-year-old told BBC Sport: "It was not the best piece of football for 95 minutes, but a proper fight. I'm delighted with the attitude we showed again - it was a difficult game. It was not the night for brilliant football.

"You would love to see that but Everton defended well. They played football, a big difference to the last game between us.

"The equaliser was the worst protection I ever saw in my life. It made no sense at all. We were all in the wrong direction. But when you make mistakes in football you have to react and we did again."

Liverpool are next in action when they host Manchester City in the Premier League next weekend.