Liverpool have so far been unable to break down Bolton Wanderers in a goalless first half of the FA Cup fourth-round replay at the Macron Stadium.

Steven Gerrard came close to making a breakthrough for the visitors on what is his 700th appearance for the club, although his side-footed shot at the end of a flowing move was well kept out by Andy Lonergan.

The deputising keeper had to be on his guard once more shortly after to this time deny Raheem Sterling's somewhat tame effort following a quick break, while Philippe Coutinho dragged a shot of his own wide from around 25 yards.

Bolton did manage to muster an opening of their own through veteran striker Eidur Gudjohnsen, who found some space inside the Liverpool box to latch on to Josh Vela's cross which he blasted well over.

There was also half a chance for David Wheater to spring a surprise and give Wanderers a first-half lead, but he could not quite get the power needed on Liam Feeney's cross to get the better of Simon Mignolet.

Sterling came closest to making the breakthrough with his curled effort towards the top corner which came back off the outside of the post, being given too much time and space by Dorian Dervite to get his shot away.

Matt Mills very nearly gave the hosts the lead when he connected well with his strike from range, which ended right down the throat of Mignolet.