Roy Hodgson admitted Liverpool are still some way from being the finished article after a frustrating 1-1 draw at Wigan.

Just weeks ago Hodgson’s position as Reds manager was in doubt, with his new side lurching from one crisis to another.

But three successive Premier League wins, including the scalp of Chelsea, suggested the Reds were on the road to recovery.

However, that impressive run ground to a halt with a below-par performance against Wigan on Wednesday.

Hodgson’s side took the lead through an early goal from Fernando Torres but Hugo Rodallega equalised after the interval and Liverpool were fortunate to come away with a draw having been outplayed for long periods.

Hodgson claimed the amount of games his side have played recently may have been to blame for their poor showing, but he knows he still has work to do to improve the squad.

“I thought we looked tired against Wigan,” he said. “I don’t think our passing was anywhere near as good as we expect it to be.

“I don’t think we were anywhere near where what I’d expect us to be. I would put it down to Napoli, Blackburn, Bolton and Chelsea with a small squad of players.

“We’ve got five players injured and ended the game with Jonjo Shelvey, Nathan Eccleston and Martin Kelly.

“That’s what we have and that’s what we are using and hopefully we’ll get a few players back soon.”