Aldridge impressed by Liverpool youth Ibe

Former Liverpool player John Aldridge was impressed with Jordan Ibe's Anfield debut and expects the 17-year old to make a permanent jump to the first team next season.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers handed Ibe his senior team debut in the final Premier League game of the season against Queens Park Rangers and the former Wycombe Wanderers youth player repaid his manager's faith by having a hand in Philippe Coutinho's match-winner.

Aldridge told the Liverpool Echo that Ibe looked comfortable playing alongside the rest of the Reds first team and expected the winger to provide fellow youngster Raheem Sterling with some stern competition next season.

"I thought Ibe did really well and showed a lot of confidence. He was involved in the goal as he made a good run and then picked out Philippe Coutinho," he pointed out.

"It will be good for Raheem Sterling when he's back fit in pre-season to see he's got competition. That brings out the best in players. It's up to the two of them to prove that position deserves to be theirs further down the line."

"I spoke to Ibe a few weeks ago and he's a very level-headed youngster. Let's hope Sunday was the start of a successful Liverpool career for him."

With Liverpool keen to make a return to European competition in the following campaign, Rodgers has stated his desire to strengthen the team's ranks.

The former Swansea boss' two January buys, Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge, have been nothing short of revelations for the Reds, with Rodgers especially pleased by the Brazilian's contributions.

"When you bring somebody in during January you hope they can make an impact, you are also looking at it as a six-month adaptation period before you get the best out of them from pre-season onwards," he stated.

"We are all pleasantly pleased and surprised by how well he has done. His numbers tell you the story in terms of goals and assists. At the minute, you can't ask any more. The key thing is that he works his socks off as well. He is a real team player."