'Sensational' Ibe to return

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is thrilled he can call upon the services of "sensational" teenager Jordon Ibe for the visit of Newcastle on Monday Night Football, live on Sky Sports 1 HD.

Last Updated: 11/04/15

Jordon Ibe expected to be in squad for Newcastle game

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Ibe, who made his debut for Wycombe at the age of 15 before joining Liverpool a few months later, has been out since February due to a knee-ligament injury.

The 19-year-old was in the midst of a run in Liverpool’s starting XI when the injury struck but Rodgers is delighted the speedy winger is now on the verge of a comeback.

"Young Jordon Ibe will come back in and I've got to say he's looked absolutely sensational in training," Rodgers said the Northern Irishman.

"He's been out for a while but he's been a couple of weeks now out on the field doing his preparation work and he's joined in the training.

"He's looked absolutely outstanding. He's got real natural fitness and he'll come into the squad for Monday night."

Liverpool head into the game boosted by 1-0 win over Blackburn in midweek, setting up an FA Cup semi-final tie with Aston Villa at Wembley on April 19.

Newcastle on the other hand are trying to end a run of four successive defeats, the last of which coming against bitter rivals Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear last Sunday.

Rodgers has sympathy with Newcastle interim head coach John Carver, who the Northern Irishman insists will be desperate to stake his claim for the role on a permanent basis.

"They're probably a little bit unfortunate in that a number of players are injured," added Rogers.

"They've got arguably the most passionate man involved in John in terms of Newcastle United - it runs right through him.

“He's also a very, very good coach; an excellent coach who looks like he wants to step into management and will do everything he possibly can to get the role there.

"He knows the club inside-out, has been there a long time and he will want to get back on track again having been disappointed in their last performance and result.

"We expect it to be a tough game, they always are against Newcastle."

Watch Liverpool take on Newcastle in the Monday Night Football, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm.

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Lucas: Sterling is coping well

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva believes Raheem Sterling is coping well on the pitch despite the criticism he has faced recently surrounding his contract talks.

Last Updated: 11/04/15Sterling, 20, recently turned down a lucrative new offer from the Reds, and has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer. But Lucas told Soccer Saturday he thinks his team-mate is doing well, considering the difficult circumstances he has found himself in. 

"It's incredible how much he (Sterling) can achieve," said Lucas. "He's got all the potential and of course there has been a lot of talk about his contract situation but he's dealing with it well on the pitch.

"Off the pitch he is getting advice that he thinks is best for him. My advice for him would be to play football - although it is hard to give advice. He knows what’s best for him as do his agent and family.”

Lucas was also full of praise for another Liverpool youngster, Philippe Coutinho, who has been in excellent form for the club recently.

Coutinho scored the only goal of the game as the Reds overcame Blackburn in their FA Cup quarter-final replay on Wednesday night.

"He’s been scoring important goals for us and that’s what makes people talk about him," Lucas said. 

"He knew he had to add goals to his game and he’s doing that this season. I think he’s got everything. You see the way he plays and how quick he thinks, he could be on the stage of world-class players. He’s only young."

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