Former Saints striker Rickie Lambert admits he cannot argue with criticism of Liverpool's lack of physical and mental toughness.

In the wake of Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace, ex-Reds defender Jamie Carragher said the team was lacking in leaders and was bullied in games.

Lambert accepts, on that occasion, the former vice-captain's assessment was right, but he insists the players are determined to put things right against Ludogorets in the Champions League.

''We lost the individual battles and it wasn't good enough,'' said the £4million summer signing from Southampton, who is likely to start in Bulgaria in the absence of the injured Mario Balotelli.

''There wasn't anyone in a Liverpool shirt who was good enough and it was wholly down to the players on the pitch.

''I do believe it is a lack of confidence at the minute but that will come back.

''It is not going ideally but it is up to the players on the pitch to 'dog' the performances out.

''Whatever the result in any game we have to perform better than we did at the weekend.

''It is totally down to the players. They are desperate to get the game under way and try to rectify our performance at the weekend.

''Win or lose we have to put in a performance of the standard of a Liverpool team.''