"If you don't put in a decent performance against Stoke you don't get a decent result," said Dalglish after the game. "Stoke worked really hard, closed us up quick and made it difficult for us.
"I think we finished the stronger team. We defended brilliantly and we weren't afraid to put bodies on the line either."
he Reds boss also praised the match-winner Stewart Downing.
"It's his first year here, and that can sometimes be a difficult year to get yourself through.
"Stewart is a really good player, he's got a good turn of pace and a good left foot. He's done us proud and got us into the semi-final."
The draw for the semi-finals offers the chance of a semi-final clash with Everton if they can beat Sunderland in their replay.
"For the people on Merseyside its two clubs we can be proud of," added Dalglish. "They've got a tough tie at Sunderland, If its a Merseyside one then fine, but they've got a tough game at Sunderland."
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