Rodgers: The return of Suarez means he has learnt

Liverpool Manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted that it will take his talisman Luis Suarez time to prove he is a reformed character as he prepares to reintegrate him in the perfect game having served a 10-game ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic .

The Liverpool manager is confident that Suarez has learned from his mistakes has no concerns about the Uruguayan’s temperament going into Wednesday's Capital One Cup clash with Manchester United.

Liverpool have worked with Suarez psychologically while he has been suspended and, even though he will inevitably be targeted at Old Trafford in the Capital One third-round tie, Rodgers is adamant he will pass  the test.

Rodgers, however, accepts Suarez will have to show consistently good behaviour over a lengthy period if he is to stand any chance of changing public opinion. 

When asked if Old Trafford represented the ultimate test of Suarez’s temperament, Rodgers said: ‘I don’t think so. I think that will come over time. It won’t be a one-off game. He will just be happy to pull on the shirt for real.

Over time, we will see the lessons learned and that maturity. He is tough. He is resilient and one of the strongest-willed characters I have ever met.

‘I don’t think he will bat an eyelid at that (scrutiny). He is a fighter and his will and desire to succeed is out there for everyone to see. We are just delighted to have him back.

‘I don’t think he will be targeted any more than he has been before. Luis is that type of player. 

'He will always provoke the tackle or the challenge. It is part of the game and whatever part of the field you play you have to put up with that.

‘I’m sure that when Luis knew he would be available for the fixture, it would have really stoked him up to make sure he was ever more ready. Yes, you could argue that this is a real good game for him to come back in.’

Liverpool have lost on their last five visits to Old Trafford and head into the contest on the back of a woeful 1-0 home defeat by Southampton. 

Rodgers equally reminded his players that a significant opportunity awaits them, should they be able to progress. With no European campaign this season, Liverpool, who have won the League Cup a record eight times, do not have anything to distract them.

‘It is a good game for us as a team after the disappointment of the weekend,’ said Rodgers.

‘This is a competition we would like to win and do well in. Last year there was a situation with the Europa League; our squad was so thin.

‘This year we have three competitions and we want to attack every one with as much verve and desire to do well as we can. No matter who the opponent is, we want to do well.’