Gerrard: That's why we signed him

The skipper was impressed by the Welshman's vibrant display throughout an entertaining tie at the Amex and believes the No.39 will add a new dimension to Liverpool's attack this season.

Gerrard said: "It was a fantastic performance from Craig.

"That's why we signed him. We're really pleased to have him here. The fans saw a taste tonight of what he's going to offer us."

Liverpool made a scintillating start to the clash with the Seagulls and could have led by more than Bellamy's goal when they went in at the interval.

Gerrard feels the hosts deserve credit for the way they raised their level after the break but was happy to see the Reds make it safely into round four of the competition.

"I thought in the first half we were fantastic," he said.

"We could have had the game dead and buried - we could have been three or four goals up.

"But you always know in these cup ties that the opposition are going to have a spell of pressure and credit to Gus Poyet - he's got a fantastic team here.

"They will probably feel hard done by in the end that they didn't take us to extra time. That wouldn't have been the end of the world as I would have got another 30 minutes!

Click on the play button below to watch Bellamy's best moments v Brighton

"We're glad to be in the draw for the next round and we're looking forward to seeing who we get in the draw on Saturday.

"We haven't been to a major cup final for a long time. We have to take every cup seriously and when there's no Europe that makes it easier to put strong sides out.

"Kenny has assembled a fantastic squad now with a couple of good players in each position. Even when he mixes it around or rests people we still put a strong side out like tonight."

The skipper capped a good night's work for Liverpool when he made his comeback from injury as a 75^th minute substitute for Luis Suarez.

"It was good to be back with the lads," he added.

"I'd been out a long time and it was fantastic to be out there in that kit again. It was nice to get a win as well.

"It's been a nightmare for me. I'm not the best when I'm out injured and watching games. It's been tough and the last six months have been a rollercoaster.

"But it's behind me now and I'm looking forward to getting match fit and getting back in the starting line-up."

Click on the play button below to watch Stevie's every touch on his return at Brighton

Watch all the action from last night's Carling Cup victory over Brighton on LFC TV at 10am, 2pm and 8pm today. LFC TV is available on Channel 434 on Sky and Channel 544 on Virgin. Highlights and goals will be available on LFC TV Online from 10pm.