Kenny wants same again

Despite dominating the game for long periods, and conjuring up 20 efforts on goal, the Reds went down to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Tony Pulis's side in September's Barclays Premier League meeting.

However, Dalglish believes a bit of good fortune was the only thing lacking from the performance on that occasion and maintains a similar showing will go some way towards ensuring the Reds progress into the quarter-finals of the competition.

"We've just got to get over it and get on with it," the boss told Liverpoolfc.tv. "We don't want to get into the habit of saying we played really well and got nothing.

"We've got to make our good play count. Obviously you need a little bit of luck every now and then, but I think there's no doubting the ability of the players or level of performance they put on last time at Stoke.

"If they play as well as that this time, then I'm sure the luck will come their way."

Kenny wants same again

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Liverpool will head to the Britannia on the back of a 1-1 Anfield draw with Norwich City on Saturday.

The Reds controlled the majority of the play, but were unable to turn a succession of chances in goals. Nonetheless, Dalglish feels there are plenty of positives to be derived from the display and is in no doubt his side will soon hit the goal trail.

"The most important thing was the performance," he reflected. "I don't think it matters what game you play, at some stage the opposition are going to have some say in the matter.

"I think overall in the game, most of the things we did I am very happy with - and if we can create that many chances, or half that many chances, in a lot of games we'll score four or five.

"But it's all very well and good creating the chances, we've got to make the goalkeeper work a little bit harder as well.

"The most pleasing thing was the way they (the players) did cut Norwich open because they played at Old Trafford a few weeks ago and were really unlucky to come away without any points, so maybe this time they got their little bit of luck at our place.

"As I said, the players cannot be too down because they did fantastic in many aspects of the game - they just never got what they were deserving of. Sometimes that happens.

"I'm sure there will be a lot of games where we're a lot worse than that and come away with three points. The sooner that happens, the better!"

While Dalglish acknowledges his charges were left disappointed with Saturday's draw, he's been pleased by their reaction in the build up to tomorrow's journey to the Britannia.

The manager added: "They are not going to get into the habit of accepting a 1-1 draw at home, and they also won't accept not working the goalkeeper harder than what we did on Saturday when we get into good positions.

"Their disappointment is pleasant for us to see because at the end of the day, they want to win games the same as we do.

"For us, the most important thing is their attitude and approach to the game because they've got tonnes of ability."

Dalglish has opted to deploy strong starting XIs in both of Liverpool's Carling Cup matches so far this season against Exeter City and Brighton Hove Albion.

And the boss was eager to reaffirm the Reds' desire to go all the way in a competition they've won a record seven times.

"I think we've said after both games about the players' attitude and commitment," said Dalglish. "We've made several changes for both games - and the way they went about their work was a great reflection on the pride they have in themselves and also the football club.

"It will be the same for us at Stoke. They are a Premier League club and we'll put a very strong team out again - and we expect the same level of commitment and effort from the players.

"We cannot guarantee anything other than we're going to work hard to try and get a result - and we don't try and kid anybody that we're trying to underestimate the tournament.

"We take it seriously and we'll be going to try and get a result. It's a trophy - and we'd love to win a trophy at some stage."

Dalglish confirmed he has a near-fully fit squad to select from, with Danny Wilson, Jack Robinson and Brad Jones the only injury doubts, while Alexander Doni could be involved despite dislocating his finger in last week's friendly with Rangers.

The Scot said: "It's more or less the same as what we had before. Danny Wilson and Jack Robinson are the only two, and Brad Jones has a thigh injury.

"Although Doni's finger is not quite right, it's great credit to him he was prepared to sit on the bench (against Norwich) and we'll see how he is tomorrow."

Meanwhile, Dalglish admits he's delighted to be able to call upon the services of the fit-again Glen Johnson once more.

The England defender made his first start of the season against Norwich on Saturday after recovering from a hamstring problem which had previously restricted his appearances in 2011-12 to just a nine-minute run out against Stoke last month.

"It's great to have him back," said Dalglish. "It's a wee bit unfortunate on Martin Kelly that Glen went in and played, but it just shows you the quality of people we have in the squad and that's what we want.

"Glen certainly did well and it might have been a wee bit of a risk to put him back in as early as that, but he had around 65 minutes at Ibrox (against Rangers) and that helped him.

"We're delighted to see him back and also have a wee bit of heavy heart for Kells as well."