We had to work hard to beat a good team - Houllier

Goals from El-Hadji Diouf and Michael Owen gave the Mersey Reds their first home league win for four months - their worst run for 49 years - but the Frenchman admitted it was a hard-earned three points.

"First of all we have beaten a good team," Houllier said, reflecting on the 2-0 win

. "We knew they would be difficult to handle as they have great individual players. They do well against the top teams.

"We knew we had to beat a good team and I expected that sort of performance. We were well disciplined and mentally strong. The team organisation was good.

"There have been so many games this season where we have played much better, outplayed the opposition and dominated the match and only got a point or nothing out of it.

"This time I wanted us to be mentally strong, focused and determined. They had chances but I'm pleased as we have beaten a good team. It has been a good week for us and this was a vital victory."

A third win in seven days, following their Worthington Cup victory over Manchester United in Cardiff and UEFA Cup triumph against Auxerre, took Liverpool up to sixth in the Premiership and to within three points of a Champions League qualification place.

Now Houllier believes they are set fair to press on with one of their famous end-of-season spurts, starting with the UEFA Cup quarter-final first leg at Celtic on Thursday.

"We hope to win as many games as we can," the Anfield boss added. "We've got to hope that other teams drop points and they will because there is a long way to go yet.

"It's a relief to be in Europe already so I think we can be more free, there is no pressure on the players now.

"I don't know why we manage to do so well in the final 10 games, Maybe it's just that final push. Some players are better than others with their backs to the wall and when they have to deliver.

"All the players want to be in the Champions League next season so that is why every minute counts."