Rodgers: He's been outstanding
Brendan Rodgers believes Jonjo Shelvey could become a 'big player' for Liverpool following the midfielder's two-goal haul from the bench against Young Boys on Thursday.
The 20-year-old was introduced with a quarter of the Europa League tie left to play and the game level at 3-3, and went on to strike twice to secure three points for Rodgers' side.
After the match in Bern, the Northern Irishman revealed his admiration for Shelvey, saying: "He has been outstanding.
"He is still only 20 years of age and is developing and growing all the time and you saw his confidence when he came on.
"His [first] goal, we worked it very well and he did what he can do very well and I think he will be a big player for Liverpool."
Shelvey's double salvo in Switzerland took his Reds tally to four goals in 44 appearances, the latest sign of progress for the young player who arrived at Anfield in 2010.
Having twice taken the lead, via an own goal and an Andre Wisdom header, the Reds fell behind in the second half, but Sebastian Coates equalised before Shelvey made the difference with two late finishes.
The boss was delighted with the midfielder's impact, which he felt was exactly what the team required.
"I felt it was the time of the game we needed him really," Rodgers explained.
"It worked well for us because once we got the equaliser they went to more 4-4-2, it gave us the extra man in midfield and we were able to dominate that bit more."