Hodgson on Cole debut

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson was full of praise for new signing Joe Cole after the midfielder helped the Reds to a 2-0 victory over FK Rabotnicki in his first competitive appearance for the club tonight.

In what was also Hodgson’s first home game in charge since taking over from Rafa Benitez in the Anfield hot seat, the Reds progressed to the Europa League proper after disposing of the Macedonians.

Cole impressed the Anfield crowd with his versatile play across the midfield, exciting crosses, giving Kopites a glimpse of things to come from the former Chelsea man.

“His energy and enthusiasm tonight meant he had a really good home debut,” Hodgson said after the game.

“Joe is desperate to play. He came here because he thought he might get the opportunity to start more games than he did at Chelsea.

“He is a very enthusiastic, effervescent footballer who the more he plays, the happier he is. He is the type of player who wants to play every minute of every game.

“Whether that is going to be possible is another matter, but it’s a good quality to have.”