Welcome backing for Brendan Rodgers as under-fire Liverpool boss praised by Divock Origi

Divock Origi has revealed Brendan Rodgers was a key factor in him joining Liverpool.

The Belgian striker moved to Anfield for £10m back in the summer of 2014, before being loaned back to Lille for the season.

Since then Rodgers has come under fire after Liverpool crashed out of the FA Cup and appear set to miss out on the Champions League.

But Origi has defended his future boss and praised his ability to develop young talent.

"The manager is one of the reasons I came to Liverpool - he's someone who has proven he knows how to work with young players, knows how to develop young players and also lets them play," Origi told Liverpool's official website.

"When you see how the coach and the staff work with the young players - how Sterling, for example, has learned over the years and how Ibe is now integrating with the team, it is very interesting. It is very nice to have seen that this season.

"For me, it's about giving 100% every time on the field and I think the rest will come. I will just try to learn and I am sure everything will be OK."