'That must have been special for Rickie'
Rickie Lambert's decisive finish into the far corner at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon was a prime example of what the striker can offer Liverpool, explained Brendan Rodgers.
As the Reds' contest against Aston Villa neared its conclusion with the visitors 1-0 ahead, the No.9 was introduced for Fabio Borini, who had earned the advantage in the first half.
He did not need long to register an impact either. Collecting a pass around 20 yards from goal, Lambert spun on the ball and drove it to the left past goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
The 32-year-old instantly wheeled away in the opposite direction to share the joy of the moment with the gathered travelling Kopites, whose dreams he is living out on the pitch.
"He's making the contribution we want him to make, starting some of the games or coming off the bench to have an effect," Rodgers said after the 2-0 result.
"There's been a big spotlight on Rickie, which has been unfortunate for him, because of the unavailability of other players and what we haven't had.
"But he was always brought in to perform a role which is to play in games, come on in games and make an effect - [Villa] was the perfect example of that.
"It was a great contribution, a great finish and he will score goals. I could see that in him as soon as he got the ball. I was delighted for him.
"I'm so pleased for Rickie, for a Liverpool boy to come on away from home and score in front of your own supporters must be a really special feeling."