Masch and Stevie post-match

Steven Gerrard praised the character of his teammates after Liverpool came from behind to secure a 3-1 win over Unirea Urziceni in Bucharest.

Bruno Fernandes' thumping header put the Romanian champions into a 19^th minute lead at the Steaua Stadium.

However, goals from Javier Mascherano and Ryan Babel fired the Reds back in front before Gerrard put the seal on a good night's work with a third for Rafael Benitez's side on 57 minutes.

"We knew before the game it was going to be tough," said the captain. "Unirea aren't a bad side and the conditions were horrendous out there.

"It was difficult to run and stop, but credit to the boys because we stuck in there.

"We went a goal down, but we showed good character to get back into it with a fantastic strike from Javier.

"When he does score, they tend to be from outside the box. It was a fantastic strike and one I'd certainly be proud of."

It was a landmark night for Gerrard, whose goal took him beyond Alan Shearer as the British player with the most European goals for an English club (33).

"It's very flattering," said the 29-year-old. "Some of my goals have come against easy opposition, so I don't think it's fair to put me above the likes of Alan Shearer.

"But to be mentioned in the same breath as that great man is always a pleasure."

The result ensured Liverpool progressed into the last 16 of the Europa League with a 4-1 aggregate win.

Gerrard added: "Every competition is very important to this football club, especially when you've gone out of other tournaments.

"This is our last hope of silverware, and it would be terrific if we could go all the way to the final for the fans that have supported us this season."

Meanwhile, Mascherano spoke of his delight after his 25 yard scorcher drew Liverpool level.

The Argentina captain admits the conditions in Romania made it difficult for the Reds, but praised the determination of Benitez's charges.

"I enjoy every goal because I don't get too many, so it is good to score and help the team," he said.

"We knew it would be really difficult because of the condition of the pitch - it wasn't the best.

"But we tried to do our best. The team showed character and that is good."

Watch goals and highlights from our Unirea win>>