Roy Hodgson Apologises To Liverpool Fans

Roy Hodgson has apologised to fans after Liverpool crashed out of the Carling Cup to Northampton 4-2 on penalties.

It has not been a good start to the season for Liverpool, who have only picked up five points from the opening five games of the Premier League season.

Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres were missing from the side last night but first team regulars Agger, Babel and Ngog were all on the field.

Speaking to the Press Association after the match Hodgson said: "All I can do is congratulate Northampton and apologise to everyone. We wanted to do well in the Carling Cup and we haven't done."

"We were given a kind draw against a team three leagues below us, were expected to win and when you don't you can expect to be criticised from the top downwards.

"It is a major setback for the club. The Carling Cup is a competition we are capable of doing well in and we were playing lower league opponents.

"Whatever happens, if it doesn't result in a victory it is a very negative thing and a setback for the club, one of many we are facing at the moment."

Jovanovic took the lead after just nine minutes but Northampton hit back just after half time. Tied at 1-1 extra time was needed and it was the league two side that scored first in the ninety eight minute but Ngog pushed the match to extra time as he scored in the second half of extra time.

Both Ngog and Nathan Eccleston missed their spot kicks to send Liverpool crashing out of the competition.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw