Kuyt targets Turkish delight

Dirk Kuyt believes Liverpool can build on their impressive opening day showing by taking a big step towards the Europa League group stage on Thursday night.

The World Cup finalist was encouraged by the manner of the Reds' performance in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal and is confident they can bounce back from conceding a last-gasp equaliser to secure a first-leg advantage over Trabzonspor.

(Click on the play button below to watch our chat with Dirk).

"We have to keep going," Kuyt told Liverpoolfc.tv. "It was disappointing after we had played so well for 45 minutes with 10 men. I thought the team did really well.

"We deserved the three points but things like that happen in football. We have to get over it and keep going. The way we played and our overall team spirit was really good, so if we can keep doing the right things then I'm sure we will be fine."

The Dutch forward reckons it is important for Liverpool to get off to a positive start against the Bordo-Mavililer and points to the Reds' previous encounters on Turkish soil as a warning of what they could face in the second-leg.

"I'm sure the manager will tell us all about them in the next few days - we know they are a good team," said Kuyt.

"You always have to be ready and get your results in early in the season. We want to stay in the Europa League so we need a good result on Thursday. We know from our games against Galatasaray and Besiktas that it can be difficult in Turkey, so we need a good result in the first-leg."

He added: "We were really close to winning it last season. We are all here to win trophies and if we could win it, then it would be a massive trophy for all the lads."