Hodgson hopes to keep in tracks at Blackburn

Roy Hodgson insisted Liverpool fully deserved their late 2-1 win over Bolton - and urged his players to produce more of the same at Blackburn on Wednesday in a bid to put their 2010 travel sickness in the past.

An injury-time tap-in from Joe Cole earned Liverpool all three points after Fernando Torres cancelled out Kevin Davies's first-half opener.

The victory lifts Liverpool to ninth in the table - though they can rise to sixth by winning their games in hand.

Now Hodgson wants Saturday's performance to be replicated at Ewood Park as the Reds seek to forget any away day blues which saw them collect just two league wins on the road throughout 2010.

"I am very proud of the performance and extra satisfied that we got the winning goal that crowned the performance," said Hodgson.

"We put Wednesday's game well and truly behind us. Today we were back with a bang. Whatever happened in the game I would have been satisfied with the performance but the victory makes it even sweeter.

"Now I've got to concentrate, after some moments of satisfaction with this game, and make certain we reproduce this at Blackburn.

"We've got to start winning away from home if we want to be closer to the top teams. We've got to produce exactly the same types of performances as we saw today away from home. 2010 was a disastrous year for the club in terms of away wins. And we have to make certain 2011 is not like that."

Bolton complained that Cole's winner was offside, but Hodgson added: "In every game you play these days there's a penalty that should have been given or a mistake, but as far as I'm concerned, for 90 minutes I thought we were clearly the better team.

"I think anyone who begrudges us that victory after watching that game is a very churlish person.

"To win a game of football you've got to be as dominant as we were today, you've got to create as many chances, the ball's got to be whizzing across the six-yard box. And then if you win it with a controversial goal I don't think you should have to apologise for it."

Hodgson was particularly pleased to see Torres cap a fine second-half outing with a goal.

It was set up by Steven Gerrard, who started from the bench only to replace the injured Raul Meireles midway through the first half.

"The first goal was satisfying not least of all because it was set up by Gerrard and finished by Torres - two players who are going to be very important for us between now and the end of the season," said Hodgson.

"It was nice to see Fernando get a goal after playing so well. The Fernando we saw today and the Fernando we saw on Wednesday were totally different.

"I think we'll see Fernando in that type of form from now until the end of the season if we can get him recovered in time with all these games within three days of each other. That's our major fear for him.

"You've got to remember that front players play with such a small margin from great success to not having a very good game.

"Today his workrate, effort, discipline and determination were first class. I saw today what I'm sure you who have been following Liverpool for many years have seen on many occasions - a player who's world class."

On his decision not to start Gerrard, the boss added: "We don't really think after his long lay-off and injury with England that two games of 90 minutes in three days is something he's capable of.

"We've always had that thing with Steven and to some extent Fernando when they've got to play every three days.

"I decided I'd start with Raul Meireles with Steven there, knowing full well he'd be on the field at some stage. When he does come on he has a bigger effect than maybe if I had to bring another player on."

Reporters asked Hodgson what he made of the excellent support the team received during the Bolton clash.

He replied: "It was absolutely outstanding.

"The fans are entitled to voice their disapproval when the team plays so badly and I as the manager will be the focal point of that. When a team plays badly it's the manager who has to stand out front and take responsibility and any stick that's going."

One journalist also quizzed Hodgson on whether the players were fully behind him.

"I know when players are behind the club and their manager and I know when they're not," replied the gaffer. "Anyone who seriously suggests after watching us in this six months that there are any problems (on this front) is being dishonest."

Hodgson revealed how he spoke to the club's owners prior to the game.

He explained: "They wished me good luck and sympathised with the frustration I must be feeling after Wednesday night."

Meanwhile, Hodgson told reporters that both Daniel Agger and David Ngog were substituted because they were suffering from cramp.