Rodgers draws on spirit of the ghost goal

There was a time not so long ago when Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was cursing the power of the Kop on a European night.

Rodgers was part of the Chelsea coaching staff during the Champions League semi-final in 2005 as Luis Garcia's 'ghost goal' - possibly the most celebrated in Anfield history - took Liverpool to the Champions League final. The evening provided all the proof Rodgers needs that a European fightback against Zenit St Petersburg is possible tonight, partly because he claims Garcia's goal should never have stood.

The arguments raged as to whether the Spaniard's shot really crossed the line, but there was no concession to his new environment from Rodgers as he recalled being sat on the opposition bench. He said that winner showed what a difference a partisan crowd can make. Now he is hoping to benefit from more of the same to overcome a two-goal deficit and reach the last 16 of the Europa League.

There was a cheeky laugh to accompany Rodgers' observation on Garcia's winner, but it still takes some getting used to when a Liverpool manager misses the opportunity to play to his own gallery at the expense of Chelsea.

"I was here for the first one, for the 'ghost goal'. For me, it wasn't a goal," Rodgers said. "That was the sheer force of the crowd that got the goal. Jose [Mourinho] spoke at that time of how he didn't think it was over the line, but the bottom line is that the referee gave it. It was under massive influence, there is no doubt about that. The atmosphere was as good as you will ever get."

Rodgers's aim now is to arouse similar passions in an effort to progress. Failure will end trophy hopes this year and, with a top-four finish unlikely, it is inevitable that Rodgers will be fending off questions about whether he has performed -better than his predecessor Kenny Dalglish. Liverpool reached two cup finals last season before Dalglish paid the price for finishing eighth in the Premier League.

Rodgers said the loss of players of the calibre of Dirk Kuyt, Maxi Rodriguez and Craig Bellamy - decisions over which he had no control - weakened a squad competing in more competitions, while others, such as Andy Carroll, did not fit his style.

"This was never going to be a bolt of lightning season," Rodgers said. "Some people can come in to a real mature, strong group of players and take it forward very quickly. That was never going to happen here because of the depth of the group. It got to two cup finals last season but it was broken up. Players left. I moved some on. Last year the Carling Cup was a clear priority.

"For me, it couldn't have been. I didn't have the depth of squad. As much as I wanted it to be, I never felt it was going to be that sort of season, unless we could get the reinforcements. This has been a great learning curve and we need to keep building."

It will take one of those particularly startling displays to send the Russian champions out tonight, but Liverpool have built their name on European comebacks. From St Etienne in 1977, through to Olympiakos in 2004-05 and even that season's Champions League final itself, Rodgers wants to channel some of that emotion.

"The legend of this club has been based on nights like this," he said. "We need the patience. We don't need to score early, we just need to score first, even if that comes after 40, 55 or 70 minutes, I still think we have the power of the crowd and the -players to get the result as long as we stay super compact."

With Martin Skrtel suffering with a knee injury, Rodgers confirmed Jamie Carragher retained his place for his 150th European appearance. "It is a remarkable achievement from a remarkable player," Rodgers said. "Even at 35 he is the best we have."

Liverpool (probable 4-2-3-1): Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Enrique; Lucas, Allen; Downing, Gerrard, Henderson; Suarez.

Zenit St Petersburg (probable, 4-1-2-3): Malafeev; Hubocan, Lombaerts, Anyukov, Criscito; Shirokov; Denisov, Witsel; Hulk, Kerzhakov, Danny.

Kick-off 8.05pm Referee B Kuipers (Holland)

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