We weren't expecting much against Liverpool - Hazard

Conor Hazard's superb late saves to deny Dioga Jota and Darwin Nunez helped Plymouth clinch a shock FA Cup fourth-round triumph over Liverpool

Conor Hazard admits he and his Plymouth Argyle team-mates "weren't really expecting much" as they headed into Sunday's FA Cup tie against mighty Liverpool.

Rooted to the bottom of the Championship table, Plymouth were huge underdogs but the Northern Ireland goalkeeper's heroics, as he made a number of superb saves, helped Argyle earn a shock 1-0 triumph over the Premier League leaders.

"Liverpool are one of the best teams in the world. We knew we had to go out and do our best and see what happens," the 26-year-old Downpatrick man told BBC's Good Morning Ulster.

Arne Slot made 10 changes from the Liverpool side that swept Tottenham aside to reach the Carabao Cup final but was still able to parade a world-class line-up.

However, Ryan Hardie's 53rd-minute penalty put Argyle ahead and Hazard produced remarkable late interventions to deny Dioga Jota and Darwin Nunez as Slot's side frantically chased an equaliser.

"The gaffer [manager Miron Muslic] set us up really well," added Hazard.

"We were set up just to try and keep them out as long as possible. When we got to half-time, we realised that it could actually happen."

'Played Gaelic football'

Hazard, who began his sporting career by playing Gaelic football for his local Saul club in Downpatrick, said he had full confidence that Hardie would net the penalty which was awarded after Harvey Elliott's handball.

"I was never in doubt. I knew he was going to score. He practises them every day," added the keeper, who has earned eight Northern Ireland caps during a club career which began at Celtic and whose several loan stints included a spell in Finland with HJK Helsinki.

"Me and Ryan are quite close. We would spend quite a lot of time together and I'm delighted for him as a person."

Hazard added that the cup shock has boosted "everyone at the club".

"We realise now when we set ourselves up and get ourselves right and do our jobs, we can beat anybody.

"Going into the last three months of the season, it sets a great tone for us."

Miron Muslic took over after Wayne Rooney's departure on New Year's Eve and the Bosnian had already become a popular figure at Home Park before Sunday's match.

Hazard denied Darwin Nunez in the closing minutes of the Home Park contest

Hazard's parents were among a large family contingent that travelled over to England to watch the contest.

But with a crucial Championship tie with Millwall coming up on Wednesday, there was no time for any raucous celebrations.

"We just went for a quick bit of food. We've a quick turnaround with a game on Wednesday, which is in the league.

"We're in a difficult situation in the league. We're just trying to turn that round a wee bit."

As for Plymouth's next potential FA Cup opponents, Hazard is hoping that Manchester United pops up in Monday evening's draw.

"We have to look for another big team. United would be my choice just to hopefully put them out as well."