Kenny Dalglish has spoken of his delight at how quickly Sebastian Coates has settled into life on Merseyside - and is tipping the Uruguay star to enjoy a long career at Anfield.

The big defender has had limited opportunities for Liverpool so far this season but produced an impressive goalscoring display in the reserves' 5-1 win over Sunderland on Tuesday afternoon.

Dalglish told reporters: "He got his first goal which is great for him and great for us. Jay Spearing also played in the game and got two, so it was a good day for us where the kids won 5-1.

"We are delighted with the way Seb's progressing. It's difficult to get him in the team at the moment because Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger are playing so well. Carra is back from injury too, but you can see he is getting better all of the time.

"I think he's settled in really quickly. He did really well at Stoke. You aren't going to get a sterner test and a bigger change in culture than going to Stoke and competing against them with their style of play.

"It was a great test for Seb because they played well that night and he came through that very well. We just look forward to a long career for him from here."

Dalglish was also keen to pay tribute to the contribution of Charlie Adam after what was arguably his best performance in a Liverpool shirt so far at Chelsea last weekend.

"He's only endorsed what we thought when he arrived," he said.

"Charlie played very well but there's nothing he's doing that has surprised us.

"He covered a fair bit of ground. He won the ball back on many occasions during the game, but that one for the first goal was highlighted more because it resulted in us scoring.

"His pass for the second goal was sublime as well.

Watch the video here »

"He was someone we wanted to get in January but it didn't happen. We were patient and got a discount on him in the summer. I don't think it's been a bad bit of business. I don't think he will rest on his laurels either. He wants to push onwards and upwards and so do we."

Another player to impress during the 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge was Craig Bellamy.

The Welsh striker could come up against former club Manchester City on Sunday and Dalglish was quick to refute suggestions he may have something to prove.

"Craig Bellamy is a fantastic professional footballer as we said after the game on Sunday," he said.

"He knows his profession. He knows how to get himself prepared for a game. He's been a huge plus for us since he came in. What happened elsewhere for Craig at other times in his career, doesn't really concern me. We've been absolutely delighted with the way he has gone about his work on and off the pitch since he came here."

The boss was also asked for his thoughts on the potential implementation of goal-line technology.

He added: "Anything that can help get the proper decisions made will be very well received. I'm sure that comes under that category. It may not be used that often but when it would be used it would be very important."