Toure: We must cope to keep winning

The Ivorian defender completed the full 90 minutes as Brendan Rodgers' side booked their berth in the fourth round of the knockout competition by beating Oldham Athletic 2-0 on Sunday.

Toure partnered vice-captain Daniel Agger in central defence against the Latics at Anfield until the Denmark international was forced to leave the pitch with an injury 10 minutes before full-time.

Agger, who will be assessed today, follows the likes of Joe Allen, Jose Enrique, Jon Flanagan, Mamadou Sakho and Daniel Sturridge in picking up a problem - but Toure believes his teammates can step up.

He told the Liverpool Echo: "We hope it's not bad news about Daniel. It's been a tough period with so many games and we're playing in such a tough league.

"Everybody in the squad always gives 100 per cent in training and in games and when you do that you can pick up injuries.

"It's part of the game. We have other players who can step in and play. It's not easy when you have to make a lot of changes. But that's what pre-season was for - to get everyone used to playing with each other.

"When the league starts you know that anything can happen. We have to adapt and get on with it. It's really hard to get games here so when you have a chance to play you have to be ready. We need to keep winning."

The 32-year-old has a wealth of experience in the FA Cup and, after playing his part as the Reds fought hard to down Oldham, provided an analysis of why such fixtures can prove challenging.

"It was very important for us to get through," Toure continued. "These games can be very difficult; give credit to Oldham as they played very well.

"They came here and they weren't scared. But I thought we controlled the game very well. We never got nervous, which was very important, and we are into the next round."

Iago Aspas' maiden competitive strike for Liverpool - a second-half volley at the Kop end - and a James Tarkowski own goal edged Rodgers' team into a fourth round clash with either Bournemouth or Burton Albion.

The manager expressed his belief post-match that the goal would boost the Spaniard's confidence, a sentiment Toure fully agrees with.

He added: "This goal will change him, definitely. Aspas did really well and we are all really happy for him.

"He hasn't played many games since he came here but he scored a great goal for us. The Premier League is a tough league - it is the best league in the world.

"He's a young striker who was fantastic for Celta Vigo. We know what he can do, he just needs time. It's very important for a striker to score goals - their confidence comes from scoring goals."