Blackpool boss Ian Holloway doesn't believe Liverpool made special plans for them.

Roy Hodgson left Reds captain Steven Gerrard out of Thursday's goalless draw at FC Utrecht in the Europa League, but Holloway scoffed at the idea that the England midfielder was being rested specifically with the challenge of Blackpool in mind.

"It would be lovely if he saved Steven Gerrard because he has to beat us, but I don't really think that is the case," Holloway said.

"I think Steven has got a sore back and that is why he didn't play in that game.

"I think that is the truth, and it's nice to spin it our way and make us look a little bit more important.

"But we look like a winnable match to everybody and we have got to prove that wrong."