Roy Hodgson revealed he's given no consideration to the prospect of David Ngog leaving Liverpool this summer after the striker fired a brace in the 2-0 victory over FK Rabotnicki on Thursday evening.
The Frenchman ensured Hodgson's first competitive game in charge got off to a winning start as he helped himself to a goal in each half in the first leg of the Europa League third round qualifying tie.
And afterwards the manager was quick to highlight Ngog's performance.
"I can't stop players being linked with other clubs but I certainly have never discussed him leaving the club," Hodgson told a post-match press conference.
"I think Ngog has done well in the pre-season matches so far. He has worked very hard in the training sessions and today he crowned his performance with two goals.
"I also thought his target play, his general movement and ability to keep the ball was very good too.
"Some players need goals and today he got them. That will be a big weight off his mind because it means he doesn't have to worry too much about them in the coming matches."
The victory in Skopje - achieved without many of Liverpool's World Cup stars - puts one foot in the next round of the Europa League for the Reds.
Hodgson admitted he was enthused by the performance of his players, both young and senior alike in a testing atmosphere.
He said: "I am very satisfied. I think it is a game that could have been very difficult for us. The crowd were fantastic for them and supported them quite brilliantly throughout the game.
"It was a big crowd and some of our players today are not used to playing in front of as many people as that.
"I am really pleased about the way everybody went about their business.
"I am very pleased we can go back to Anfield with a margin of victory that will enable us to be a little bit more comfortable there."
He added: "You learn a lot about your team every time you play. I have worked with some of the players, and there are those that I haven't.
"Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger haven't done much training with me, so it was a very good exercise in that respect.
"I am just delighted that so many players who had pressure on them coming into the game - both senior and younger players looking to make their mark - were able to help us secure a positive outcome and can head back to Liverpool feeling good about themselves."
The clash with Rabotnicki represented Hodgson's first game at the helm and he acknowledges expectation levels at a club of Liverpool's stature are elevated.
However, the tactician is relishing the challenges ahead.
"Having taken this job, I think there will be great expectations on my shoulders every time I step into Melwood and every time I take charge of a game," he said.
"I am ready for that because I came into the job knowing the situation and the important thing for me is to build a team capable of meeting those expectations."
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