Liverpool have largely dominated the opening 45 minutes of their League Cup fourth round encounter with Swansea City, but they have struggled to create many clear-cut chances as the score remains goalless at 0-0.

The Reds began on the front foot and Rickie Lambert flashed a low centre across the face of goal before Fabio Borini failed to make contact with an attempt after a cross from the right wing.

Then Lucas made a rare foray forward before driving a weak, low effort into the hands of Gerhard Tremmel.

Coutinho seems to be revelling in a deeper role tonight at Anfield, but after some delightful approach play the Brazilian dragged a 25-yard shot wide of the far post.

The 22-year-old was involved once more in an incisive breakaway, but when the ball fell at the feet of Lazar Markovic, the young Serbian horribly sliced his effort into the crowd.

On a rare start for the home side, Borini looked determined to make an impact and curled a left-footed effort inches wide before forcing Tremmel into a strong save at his near post.

A few minutes before the break, Nathan Dyer had Swansea's first real chance of the half, but his 20-yard shot was deflected narrowly wide off Glen Johnson.

Swansea began to grow into the game as half time approached and Brad Jones had to be alert to push away Jonjo Shelvey's low free kick in the 44th minute.