Daniel Pacheco and Martin Kelly signed a new long-term contracts with the Reds on Friday.
Hodgson used a number of youngster in the draw with Steaua Bucharest in midweek.
“It was a game where we knew we would be put under some pressure but the way they kept their shape and discipline was impressive,” he said.
“Now they have got through that test they can be more than satisfied because they will learn a lot from that game.
“You would have to play many, many reserve matches to get the type of experience games like that bring you.
“It is great for me that got through the game, done well, and with the games coming up we will be needing these players.
“If we had lost the game we would have all, and I include myself, been wondering what would have happened if I had just taken the team that did well against West Ham and Tottenham.
“But sometimes in football when you have a lot of matches one after the other you have to make decisions which are correct for the long-term future of the club.
“The decision we made to play these players paid off and in the long term we will gain an awful lot from it.”
