Milan Jovanovic made his Liverpool debut as the Reds slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Kaiserslautern in Germany on Saturday afternoon.

Video: Kaiserslautern highlights>>

The Serbia winger was handed his first appearance for the club following his free transfer move from Standard Liege, while there was also a start for Sotirios Kyrgiakos in Roy Hodgson's second game in charge.

Liverpool, sporting their new white away kit, almost made a dream start inside the Fritz Walter Stadion as Kyrgiakos's long ball sent David Ngog through on goal, but the striker dragged wide after cutting inside.

There were also chances for David Amoo and Martin Kelly, while at the other end Adam Nemec fired over Diego Cavalieri's crossbar from 12 yards.

Kaiserslautern took the lead in the 32^nd minute as Jiri Bilkey beat Daniel Ayala to the ball before crossing for Iilan Mickanski, who extravagantly flicked home from close range. It was harsh on the young Reds as they had more than matched their hosts.

Hodgson opted to withdraw Jovanovic from the action at the break, but the Reds were unable to trouble Tobias Sippel's goal in the second period.

Video: Hodgson salutes youngsters>>

Kaiserslautern tested Cavalieri on a couple of occasions, although they failed to breach the Brazilian's goal again and were forced to settle for a 1-0 victory.

However, the Reds boss will have been further encouraged by the battling performance of his young stars as they now head back to Melwood to prepare for the Europa League qualifier with FK Rabotnicki.

Liverpool: Cavalieri, Kelly, Ayala, Kyrgiakos, Darby, Jovanovic, Lucas, Spearing, Amoo, Eccleston, Ngog. Subs: Degen, Gulacsi, Irwin, Palsson, Robinson, Shelvey, Ince, Dalla Valle, Hansen.

Here are a selection of photo's from today's game.

Stay tuned to Liverpoolfc.tv for highlights and reaction from today's game