Brendan: A trophy would be a signal

Having been unfortunate not to take more from a goalless Merseyside derby, the Reds were relentless in overcoming Tottenham Hotspur in an Anfield thriller.

Then on Saturday, thoughts turned to the FA Cup and a fifth round contest with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, a scene of regular disappointment over the last 12 months.

All that was forgotten by the final whistle, though, with goals from Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana reversing Fraizer Campbell's opener to earn a quarter-final spot.

"I said at the beginning of the season that the objective was to win a trophy, and so we want to be as strong as we can in every game," said Rodgers.

"The team's in good condition, mentally and physically. We made a couple of changes, but the team has been very consistent.

"We want to play as many games as we can. It will be tough, but when you're winning games it gives you energy.

"You've seen that this week. We had a tough week of games, but the players have been brilliant and come through it well."

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Next on the agenda is the first leg of a Europa League tie with Besiktas, on home soil this Thursday, as the Reds resume continental competition.

The tournament promises a Champions League qualification berth to its winner, and Rodgers is embracing another avenue for potential trophy glory.

The Northern Irishman continued: "Now they'll recover and really look forward to the Europa League, because it's a competition we really want to do well in.

"It's a European competition, a very prestigious tournament and we are very focused on doing well in it.

"We have tough games with Besiktas, but we'll be ready for them. The players are young and hungry, and this is a group that can grow over the next couple of years.

"But we would like to get a trophy to signify that growth and the Europa League is a chance for that. The prize does make it more attractive. But we've a way to go before we can think of that."