John Doolan was full of pride for his Stanley side as they eventually fell to a 4-0 defeat at Liverpool in the FA Cup third round.

Doolan was pleased with the Reds’ application and effort against opposition featuring a number of international players.

The Stanley boss enjoyed the experience at Anfield as Arne Slot’s side ultimately proved why they are top of the Premier League.

“We had a gameplan,” he said. “We knew Liverpool were going to have a lot of the ball so we sort of sat in a bit, gave them possession and tried to pick the ball off them, jump on them at times, and try to get a little bit of joy from that.

“It worked to a certain extent, we did frustrate them. To concede on a free kick, counter attack, they have world class players and they do what they do. They having been doing it against top sides.”

The second goal was a blow on the stroke of half time as Trent Alexander-Arnold curled a superb strike into the top corner.

Doolan, who coached the England full-back at the age of six, revealed they managed to catch up after the final whistle.

The Stanley boss couldn’t speak highly enough of Alexander-Arnold, who has been linked with a switch to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

“At the end of the day, Trent is a world class player and has got the plaudits he has had up to now,” Doolan added.

“He has got world class teams looking at him who want to sign him and, as I touched on, if you give him that space in and around the box, he will put one in the top corner.

“It couldn’t have happened to a nicer lad, he is a top player and top human being. I can’t speak highly enough of Trent.”

There were great scenes at the final whistle as players swapped shirts and the 4,700 travelling supporters voiced their gratitude.

“It was fantastic to see,” the manager smiled. “That is what football is about, it brings people together.

“For us to put on a show and try to frustrate Liverpool, we asked a couple of questions ourselves with the crossbar, we had a few shots, corners.

“On another day, maybe lady luck and the magic of the cup, but they are a world class team and they got through.”

It has been a memorable week for the Stanley squad, and Doolan hopes they can use it as motivation as they aim to build on back-to-back wins in League Two and keep climbing the table.

“I have just said to the lads, I couldn’t be prouder of them,” he said. “For the young lads now, that is what they have to aspire to be and get to.

“It has just been an unbelievable week, you want more of that but it starts with a lot of hard work, on and off the pitch. They will try to get there and reach those levels.

“I wanted to take everything in as a manager. Football brings everyone together and the fans at the end, they were special scenes for us all. It has been a special week for me.”