• Premier League

Rodgers and Gerrard excited by Ibe potential

Jordon Ibe struck the post with a long-range effort at Goodison Park © PA Photos

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Brendan Rodgers believes Jordon Ibe can become a "big player" for Liverpool after handing the 19-year-old a surprise start in the 0-0 Merseyside derby draw with Everton.

Winger Ibe caught the eye by hitting the post with a long-range effort as he put in a man-of-the-match performance.

"You don't know until you put a young player in," added Rodgers. "He only turned 19 in December and he is one who can be a big player.

"He puts a shift in a works and can only get better and stronger. It was a great to see him perform so well."

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was also impressed by Ibe, who spent the first half of the season on loan with Derby.

"He's fantastic," Gerrard told Sky Sports. "He only found out he was playing yesterday so to have 24 hours to prepare for a big match like this and be man of the match, it was a very sensational performance.

"He was very unlucky not to get the winner with that unbelievable strike in the first half so he's got a big future and, if he keeps working hard, he's got a terrific future."

Gerrard also accepted neither side deserved to claim victory in what is likely to be his last Merseyside derby before his move to LA Galaxy next summer.

"It was okay, not much better than that," said Gerrard. "I thought first half both sides cancelled each other out and we were looking for that spark and that opening we needed. It never came, Everton are a good team and defences were on top.

"It would have been a great round to round off maybe my last time at Goodison with a win, but it wasn't to be. Both sides huffed and puffed and while we maybe created the better chances, we can't have too many complaints.

"I love playing at Goodison Park, it is a great stadium with a good atmosphere. I have got some wonderful memories coming and I will miss the Merseyside derbies."

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