Carla Ward heaped praise on her Aston Villa players following a 3-3 draw with Liverpool at Villa Park on Sunday.
Kirsty Hanson scored either side of Rachel Daly's 29th goal of the season as threadbare Villa squad salvaged a point against the Reds having trailed in the second half.
Indicative of the team's intangible qualities that have been displayed all season long, the boss was content with a draw.
“Proud of the players," Ward said succinctly.
"We were thin on the ground, a couple of the players got through fitness tests but that was a push."
"The squad are on empty right now, we’ve got knocks left, right and centre. That shows character, the character of this group is never in question."
The character shown from the entire squad was perhaps exemplified by Remi Allen and Simone Magill.
Having only returned from torn ACLs in our recent win over Reading, the pair were thrust into the action against Matt Beard's side on Sunday after injuries to Kenza Dali and Jordan Nobbs.
Ward admitted, with a smile, the pair might only have been ready for half of the minute they ended up playing.
But the work ethic of both Allen and Magill played a big part in salvaging a point.
"Simone [Magill]’s had to come on and play 60 minutes and was probably only set for 30," Ward confessed.
"Remi [Allen]’s played 50 when she was probably only read for 30/40."
"It’s a credit to them. I thought Remi, second half, was absolutely sensational. She’s come back in and been tremendous."
"As a group, we’re delighted because of the togetherness and willingness. That point secures top five.”
You can watch Carla Ward's post-match interview, in full, below.
