Kenny on Valencia and Johnson

The Reds rounded off pre-season with a well-deserved victory thanks to goals from Andy Carroll and Dirk Kuyt, leaving the boss more than satisfied with his side's efforts.

Dalglish told his post-match press conference: "I think the boys deserve great credit for the work they've done out there. They've worked hard all week on the organisational side of it. They got their reward for what they did in training by not conceding any goals and that's as pleasing for us as scoring two at the other end.

"We are delighted with everybody and delighted with the attitude and commitment. Winning against such quality opposition won't do us any harm."

He added: "I hope it's a dress rehearsal. We worked very hard not to concede and to their credit they did it.

"We've got a week to get through now, get our work done this week and see what happens next weekend."

Liverpool got off to a flying start when Carroll fired in at the second attempt on six minutes before substitute Kuyt sealed the win when he scrambled in Joe Cole's left-wing free-kick late on.

Click on the play button below to watch Kenny's post-match press conference

However, the Reds did suffer one setback when Glen Johnson was forced off early and Dalglish admitted it was too soon to conclude upon the full extent of the defender's injury.

"We'll see what it is tomorrow morning," he said. "Everyone is in tomorrow and we'll assess how they are before they have to leave for international duty.

"It was his (Johnson's) thigh. Like I say, we'll know more tomorrow."

Carroll's strike took his tally to three goals in six pre-season outings and the boss was pleased with his No.9's latest display.

"We were delighted by Andy's performance," he said. "You could see him flying about there and that he is over his injury problems. That's great for us.

"He's worked very hard and we are delighted he has got over his knee injury and that he can train properly now."

Dalglish was also asked about Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson, who all made their first appearance for the club at Anfield.

He said: "We are delighted with the three new boys but also with everybody else who got on the pitch today. They've not done themselves any harm anyway.

"It's always exciting for the supporters with new players, but it's not just them, it's the same for the other players. It gives everybody a lift. It's been great for the dressing room and those who support the club. We hope we can get better but that was a good start for us."

Click on the play button below to watch Kuyt scramble home our second goal

The Reds will now put the finishing touches to their plans ahead of the clash with the Black Cats but Dalglish refused to commit on whether Luis Suarez would be involved.

He added: "We've still got Luis to come back in. We'll see how he is when he comes in on Monday or Tuesday. Lucas has been back a week and it's great to see him play 45 minutes.

"We are where we'd like to be with most of them. We could have done without a midweek of internationals, but we'll just have to live with that and hope no-one comes back injured."

Watch the highlights from our 2-0 win