Rafa and Glen on Lille test

Glen Johnson is confident Liverpool can put their Wigan woes behind them when they face Lille in Thursday's Europa League clash in France.

The Reds full-back accepts that Rafael Benitez's side were not at their best in Monday's 1-0 reversal at the DW Stadium, but insists they can get their season back on track against Les Dogues.

"Obviously it was a disappointing performance, but it's in the past and we will look forward to this game in Lille," he told the pre-match press conference.

"All the lads were disappointed. Everyone has a bad day at the office sometimes and usually it's one or two players and the rest of the lads can pull them through. But when there are more than that it can be difficult. Wigan were always going to make it difficult, but we just weren't up to it.

"The lads know we still have things to fight for and I know that the desire is still there to do well."

Johnson made his long awaited comeback from injury as a substitute in the clash with the Latics and is hopeful of making a significant contribution to Liverpool's run-in once he is back in the groove.

"I've been out for a while, but I feel really good," he added. "I just need to get some match fitness now, but I feel great."

Asked about the threat of Lille, Johnson said: "We know they have players with pace in certain areas.

"They can be well organised, they work hard and play very well at home."

Johnson's thoughts were echoed by boss Rafael Benitez, who was keen to deflect Lille coach Rudi Garcia's suggestion that the Reds will be big favourites to win.

"He is clever and he is trying to put the pressure on us. We know it will be difficult," he said. "They have a very good manager. They are a good team that are well organised. They have players with ability. Maybe in the last league two games they have been focusing on this Europa League game. I have some friends in Valencia who told me it will be very difficult."

The boss was also quizzed about where the Europa League stands in terms of Liverpool's priorities.

He said: "Every game is a priority for us. This is the next game so it is the most important one. After we will play Portsmouth and see what happens in the league, but now we must just focus on this game."

Meanwhile, Liverpool will be without Yossi Benayoun for their match in the Stadium Lille-Metropole, after the midfielder missed the flight as a result of the ankle injury he sustained at Wigan.

Video: Rafa and Glen face the media>>