New Liverpool FC signing Joe Cole admitted to being nervous ahead of his competitive debut at Anfield, but it did not show as the former Chelsea midfielder was the stand-out player in the 2-0 Europa League victory over Rabotnicki.
The 28-year-old did everything but score, providing the cross for David Ngog’s opening header before Steven Gerrard converted a penalty after the French striker was fouled just before half-time.
It secured a 4-0 aggregate victory over the Macedonians in the third qualifying round, securing them a play-off tie against Trabzonspor.
“It was good, I was nervous before the game but it’s always like that when you go to a new club,” said the England international.
“It was good to get 90 minutes in and get the win in the end.
“The main difference (at Anfield as a Liverpool player) is that I wasn’t getting too much stick.
“That’s different.
“I enjoyed it, I needed the 90 minutes. I ran out of petrol a bit with 20 minutes to go but it was needed.
“It would have been nice to have scored but I’m sure that will come soon.”
Hodgson had praise for his new signing on his home debut after starting the former Chelsea midfielder in a central role behind striker Ngog.
“Joe is desperate to play. He came here because he thought he might get the opportunity to start more games than he did at Chelsea,” said the 62-year-old.
“He is an enthusiastic and effervescent footballer and the more he plays the happier he is.
“His energy and enthusiasm meant he had a really good home debut.”
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