Brendan Rodgers praised the performance of his young players as they played a leading role in extending Liverpool's long unbeaten record against Everton in the Merseyside derby.

Much of the build-up to the 224th meeting between the two clubs was focused on Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard as he prepared to play his final league game against Everton prior to his move to Major League Soccer's LA Galaxy at the end of the season.

Gerrard's performance in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Goodison Park was described as "excellent" by Rodgers and the 34-year-old went as close as anyone to winning the game with a second-half volley which was deflected over his own crossbar by Everton's Steven Naismith.