Colin Pascoe has stated his belief that Mario Balotelli totally deserved to score the match winning goal against Tottenham on Tuesday, as well as offering updates on Steven Gerrard's injury and his thoughts on Liverpool's Champions League hopes.
Pascoe, in place of manager Brendan Rodgers for the post match press conference, said: "It's a big result. We knew the game would be tough, but it was very important that we got the three points to keep closing the gap.
"Mario works hard in training, recently he's been ill and had some knocks on his foot which made him incapable of getting his boot on. It's testament to himself that he kept on going and got his rewards with the winning goal."
Balotelli's celebration was fairly low-key, leading to thoughts that the Italian wasn't bothered about scoring the winner. Pascoe rubbished these claims, saying: "Is he happy? He's immensely happy, you get the winner at Anfield, you're happy! Mario knew he would have a part to play tonight and he certainly did."
Steven Gerrard was forced off with what looked like a hamstring injury following his penalty to put Liverpool back ahead, however Pascoe confirmed that it was just "a precaution" and that Raheem Sterling didn't have a set timeframe for his return to the side. Liverpool are up against Crystal Palace on Saturday, in the FA Cup fifth round.
"The main thing for us is to get into the top four. We needed the win to edge closer to the top. Our next game is at Southampton and we want the same again, three points.
"The top four is what we're looking at, but we're obviously still involved in the FA Cup and the Europa League, so the goals are there for us."
