Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has heaped praise on the ability of Liverpool youngster Jordan Ibe.

Ibe, 19, has impressed with his performances for the Reds in his breakthrough year and his massive talent canont be denied by the boss.

The former Derby County loanee has featured seven times for the Anfield club this season before damaging his knee against Besiktas six weeks ago and Rodgers is delighted to have him back in the squad as he prepares for Monday night's visit of Newcastle United.

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

"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. Jordon excites people. For a kid of that age - he's just turned 19 in December, remember - it was about helping him to take the steps into the first team.

"He's a classic example of where you've got to map out a young player and his development, in order to put him in. Now, he looks very much a first-team player.

"He's had a couple of loan spells, he's had first team football, he's come back and then obviously he picked up the injury. But he's back now, and I see a significant difference in him, in both his confidence and the maturity in his game."