Hodgson’s position prior to kick-off was tenuous after the home defeat to Wolves a week ago had led to suggestions owners New England Sports Ventures were already looking for a suitable replacement.

Saturday’s last-gasp win over Bolton merely papered over the cracks, which were opened up with apparent ease by the likes of Benjani Mwaruwari.

The Zimbabwe striker, who had not started a game since November 6 and scored only once in 12 previous appearances, hit two after Martin Olsson, a left-back playing in midfield, had put the hosts ahead.

Steven Gerrard fired in an 80th-minute consolation and even if he had converted from the penalty spot five minutes later it would have only been more papering over cracks.

In uncharacteristically short post-match press conference, lasting just over two minutes and consisting of just three questions, Hodgson refused to discuss his position.

“I am not prepared to talk about that because obviously I am depressed enough with the performance and the result,” said the 63-year-old.

“I have no comments to make and I have no intention to answer any questions on the subject.

“Unfortunately when you are Liverpool and you lose away to Blackburn there is nothing that can be said which will put a positive slant or make the situation look any brighter.

“As far as I am concerned it is a really bad day and there is not much more I can say other than, to the fans, that anything they are feeling tonight I can assure them the feeling is equally as bad and equally as depressed in the dressing room.

“It was a performance anything other than the performance we wanted to give.”

Rovers boss Steve Kean paid tribute to the players who were fit enough to make his starting line up.

“It was all about the togetherness; there is a tight group and we were down to the bare bones and that is how you show team spirit,” he said.

“I don’t think it is anything about me, it is about the team and showing what we are as a club and I am really proud of the lads.”