Kenny on Raul, Andy and Exeter

The Reds boss made eight changes to the side that won at Arsenal on Saturday but still included several key personnel including Pepe Reina, Luis Suarez and Charlie Adam - and he was delighted by his team's overall professionalism.

Dalglish told his post match press conference: "I think the most important thing was our attitude to the game and I think we started it in the right frame of mind.

"If we had come here with a bad attitude we wouldn't have got any result other than a disappointing one. I think that's what got us through. We had a very good attitude and a lot of players played for the first time this season.

"Martin Skrtel, Danny Wilson and wee Jay (Spearing) all started for the first time and Jonjo (Shelvey) came on as a substitute. So it was a worthwhile exercise. Jack Robbo also got a game as well.

"The most important thing is the way they approached it and they did that very professionally."

He added: "We said before the game we'd make changes. But we also said it shouldn't be taken in any way shape or form as a sign of being disrespectful towards Exeter or the Carling Cup. We are Liverpool Football Club and we will try to win every game that we've got to play.

"I think the one thing we have learned at this club since I've been here is that you have to be respectful and to be respectful when you've won as well.

"It's not a bad night when you win is it? We'll just bob along slowly but surely together and see what happens."

Suarez opened the scoring with a clinical first-half volley at St James Park before Maxi Rodriguez and substitute Andy Carroll ensured the Reds progressed into round three.

The third of the night was Carroll's first goal of the season and the boss admitted he was pleased to see his No.9 break his duck.

"Yes I'm pleased for him," he said. "And I'm pleased for Maxi who also got on the scoresheet for the first time this season. Obviously Luis is hogging the limelight a wee bit by scoring again but it's great, especially for Andy to get off the mark with fantastic strike.

"We are delighted for him. He might have come on a bit later had Raul not got injured. But he did well when he came on."

Liverpool were forced to make an early substitution when Carroll came on for the injured Raul Meireles on 23 minutes.

Asked about news of the No.4, Dalglish said: "It's his collarbone but we don't know how long he'll be out. I think we are going to be without him for a couple of weeks.

"I've not got a medical term for it. He just damaged his collarbone. He just fell on it. It's disappointing.

"It doesn't matter if he's been playing good, bad or indifferent, it's still disappointing to pick up such an innocuous thing. We are disappointed. But I'm sure Raul is the most disappointed person."

The boss was also quizzed about the impact of Suarez who took his tally to three goals in three games with another eye-catching display.

He quipped: "Well he doesn't give many bad performances does he?"

Exeter battled manfully throughout a one-sided contest and ended Liverpool's hopes of claiming a shut-out when Daniel Nardiello slotted home from the spot on 80 minutes.

Dalglish acknowledged the spirit of the League One outift and was quick to praise their effort.

He said: "They did well. We saw their other games on DVD and they played well. They've been a wee bit unlucky in the games they've played. I think it would have been a real bonus for them if they had won. I thought they represented their club splendidly tonight."

The emergence of a number of talented youngsters has added extra depth to Liverpool's squad this season and Dalglish was more than satisfied with a trio who started the game in Devon.

He said: "Flanno and Jack Robbo did really well last year. Sometimes it's difficult to pick that up in the second year. Danny (Wilson) was unlucky last year, just because he didn't get many games. But he played for Scotland in the midweek recently so we know he is a good player.

"For us it is important to have good, young players in and around the place. But we've also got to be careful with their progress."

Asked if there would be any further transfer activity at Anfield this summer, Dalglish added: "We've got nothing to say other than what comes out of the club."