KD on Villa, Craig and Jonjo
Kenny Dalglish hailed the contribution of Craig Bellamy after the striker was instrumental in Liverpool's 2-0 success at Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.
The Wales forward produced a stylish performance on his return to the starting line-up, firing home the opener from close range before delivering the corner for Martin Skrtel to seal the three points.
Asked what he thought of his No.39's showing, Dalglish told his post-match press conference: "He's excellent. He's been fantastic since he came in. He's good in the dressing room, he's good on the training pitch and he's good on the pitch. He's no problem whatsoever for us. He's been excellent and is really good to have around the place. That's another really good performance from him there."
The Reds enjoyed a clinical opening to the encounter and found themselves two ahead inside 15 minutes.
However, despite dominating for long spells throughout the remainder of the match they failed to add to their tally, hitting the woodwork twice.
Dalglish admitted it was a source of frustration to have not struck more goals in the second period, but is confident their approach play will pay off at some stage in the near future.
He said: "I think we got most things right. We had a shut-out, scored two goals, increased our goals for and points tally - and increased the number of times hitting the woodwork as well!
"Certainly Luis's chip was fantastic for the second one, but as we say, we'll keep trying. The harder you try the luckier you'll become. Maybe one day it'll hit the bar and go in.
"We have created chances in all but one game I think. We can only practice what we do in training every day. We don't practice hitting the bar. We practice the way that we play and if we carry that on into matches, we'll win more than we'll lose.
"It's great credit to the players. They believe in the work that we are carrying out and it's what they enjoy doing anyway. You can see that when they play the matches. But it doesn't mean they don't do that fundamental part which is working hard - and they do that and work other teams hard too."
He continued: "I think we were a bit fortunate for the first one (goal). We got a break at a corner and it fell for Craig and he just tapped it in.
"Then it was a good corner and a header for the second. We did create a lot of chances in the game. One day we'll finish them off but we didn't do it today. It never quite seems as comfortable as it is when you are standing on the sideline. To their credit, they didn't want to lose a goal either. We've got a really good spirit in the dressing room and I think that shows on the pitch."
Reporters were also quick to query as to whether Dalglish had a particular theory in mind for why his side continue to hit the woodwork with such regularity, to which he quipped: "If we could solve it and shave a few inches off it, we'd have been okay."
Ahead of the match Dalglish brought Jonjo Shelvey into the team for his first start in the Barclays Premier League this season.
The former Charlton starlet gave an accomplished showing throughout and the boss was more than satisfied with how the youngster rose to the occasion.
He said: "It was obviously his first start. He did really well. He must've been a little bit nervous but he settled down really quickly.
"Last year he came on as a sub a couple of times for us and he picked up the game very quickly. It was natural progress for him to go to Blackpool this year, which is a little higher up than reserve team football. He did really well there for a few games and he's been back training with us for a few weeks now.
"Because of the situation Jay (Spearing) was in and Lucas (Leiva) was in, we thought it was a good idea to bring him back. He's done particularly well and can be very pleased with his first start."
The match also saw Stewart Downing return to Villa Park for the first time since his summer move to Anfield.
The England man was subjected to boos throughout the contest but Dalglish was delighted with how the winger handled the situation.
"Well you must lead a sheltered life if you thought that was tough," he said.
"I think it is sad. You are better off giving support to your own players because it wasn't going to upset Stewart. He was excellent - so obviously it worked."
The boss was also asked about Luis Suarez's all-action display.
He said: "Well Suarez has been sat in a hotel room for three days and only trained Tuesday and Friday. He goes out there and puts on a performance like that. I think it speaks volumes for the man."
Quizzed about the FA's delay in making a decision on his No.7, Dalglish added: "I cannot comment on that. We don't want to prejudice anything. We've been respectful all the way through and wouldn't want to be accused of losing that respect at this stage."