Ibe given 'shoot on sight' instructions
'Shoot on sight' – that's the message Brendan Rodgers has relayed to talented Liverpool youngster Jordon Ibe, who fired his first Reds goal against Preston at the weekend.
The winger was handed his full debut on the final day of last season against QPR at Anfield - and assisted Philippe Coutinho for the only goal of the game.
Rodgers has since been encouraging him to become even more spontaneous in front of goal.
And it seems the advice paid dividends on Saturday afternoon, when Ibe cut inside to drill the ball home during the 4-0 win at Deepdale.
"[The manager] has told me if I get the chance to shoot, to take it and to make my decisions earlier," Ibe told the Liverpool Echo.
"I've scored a lot of goals throughout my career - although not too many [at Academy level] last season - and hopefully I can carry on scoring a few more.
"I took my time with the shot [against Preston] and just waited for it to cross the line and when it did I just felt so happy.
"I didn't have a celebration, so I just put my hands in front of my face. I was so relieved, and I looked at Brendan.
"It felt good, especially with the sun out and playing with such world-class players."
Ibe joined Liverpool's Academy from Wycombe at the end of 2011 and rose steadily through the ranks until, in the summer of 2012, he joined the squad that travelled to North America for the club's pre-season tour.
Such steady progress was rewarded with a place in the starting line-up against QPR in May, when the 17-year-old turned in a confident and energetic display.
But Ibe is keen to keep improving - and he intends to hone his all-round game.
"Obviously I've still got a lot to learn, especially with my defending," said the winger. "But the gaffer's helping me a lot, especially with what to do when I don't have the ball. He's showing me how to tuck in and watch the full-back and centre-back.
"Hopefully I can be consistent and play well, so hopefully I can get a chance again in the first team. When I play, hopefully I can get a goal and help the squad do well this season.
"I'm learning from the players here just by being with them and watching them play. I'm looking forward to going with them next week and hopefully I can learn some more."
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