BLACKBURN boss Mark Hughes praised his players' fighting spirit after they beat Liverpool for the first time in 10 years in the Premiership yesterday.

Inspired by the brilliant Brad Friedel, Rovers bounced back from Saturday's 6-2 mauling at Arsenal in fine style, defeating Liverpool 1-0 thanks to Benni McCarthy's second half winner.

It was the first time Rovers had beaten the Reds in the top-flight since November 1996, when Tony Parkes was caretaker manager.

And a delighted Hughes said: "It was a huge win for us.

"It was very important that we got back to winning ways.

"It was difficult leading into the game given the circumstances at the weekend, when we got beat 6-2.

"To come here against Liverpool was difficult, but I thought we showed great qualities today and everyone was magnificent.

"There were some huge performances. Obviously, the performance of Tugay stands out, Brad Friedel was excellent, and Benni McCarthy scored once again, so, all in all, it was a fantastic performance.

"We are a side that can't carry anyone, we need everyone playing to their absolute maximum, and that's what we had."

After a promising start, Rovers then had to weather the storm as Liverpool created a series of first half chances.

However, a half-time pep talk from Hughes led to a much-improved second half performance, and Rovers finally got their reward courtesy of McCarthy's 10th goal of the season.

Friedel was the hero, though, and Hughes praised his contribution afterwards, saying: "Brad was magnificent. He made some great, crucial saves, he commanded his box, and he was an inspiration to everyone in front of him.

"I think everyone grew because of Brad's presence on the field today.

"We needed him at times, but I think he'll agree there was some great performances in front of him as well."

The Rovers chief was also delighted with McCarthy, who became the first player to breach the Liverpool defence since they were beaten at Arsenal last month - a run of more than 11 hours.

"There was good movement for the goal," said Hughes.

"Tugay was heavily involved, he delivered a good ball in, and Benni, being the goalscorer he is, wasn't going to miss from there.

"That's 10 for him now this season and that's a great return.

"He's still adjusting to the pace and the power of the Premier League, but as he's adjusting, he's still scoring goals, and that's the mark of a true scorer."

Yesterday's win leaves Rovers four points, and three places, above the relegation zone, and Hughes hopes his players can carry that momentum into Saturday's match with Middlesbrough.

"We can't let these three points go to waste," he added.

"We've got another opportunity against Middlesbrough at the weekend, which is at home as well, and if we play as well as we did here then we should have another chance of picking up three more points."