Liverpool's youngsters shone in the win in Eindhoven
Rafael Benitez hailed the youngsters in Liverpool's side after the 3-1 win over PSV Eindhoven meant they finished top of their Champions League group.
"We wanted to win the group to make sure we had the second leg of the next round at Anfield," said the Reds boss.
"I was very pleased. We are always able to say that people like Jamie Carragher, Alvaro Arbeloa and Daniel Agger have played well.
"This time we can say that about young lads and many of our squad players."
With qualification already assured, Benitez was able to give European debuts to three locally produced youngsters, Stephen Darby, Jay Spearing and Martin Kelly.
The Spaniard added: "There were so many positive things to take from this performance.
"We were able to use three young lads, and the performances of two other young players, Lucas Leiva and David Ngog, were outstanding.
"We were able to make a lot of changes and all the players coming in did well.
"Diego Cavalieri in goal was very good, Ryan Babel scored a fine goal and worked hard throughout."
Liverpool's win in Eindhoven means Benitez has now won 40 games in Europe as Liverpool manager, surpassing Bob Paisley's previous mark of 39.
And Babel's first-half equaliser to cancel out Danko Lazovic's opener was also Liverpool's 300th goal in the European Cup.
Liverpool pipped Atletico Madrid for top spot in the group after the Spaniards were held to a goalless draw with Marseille, and have now gone eight group matches unbeaten.
Benitez said: "We have won the group and that gives us growing confidence.
"We will now be drawn against a team who have finished second in their group, and we cannot play the other English sides at the next stage.
"I can only hope for a good draw next week and look forward to a second leg in front of our own fans in the next round."
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