Daniel Agger's place in the Liverpool side for the journey to Southampton this weekend has been assured following a week of 'outstanding' training at Melwood by the Reds' vice-captain.

The No.5 was withdrawn shortly after the hour mark during a dramatic 4-3 victory over Swansea City last Sunday - and Brendan Rodgers confirmed afterwards that injury had not forced the substitution.

But, at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, the boss sought to explain his decision and revealed why the centre-back's reaction in recent days has ensured he will line up at St Mary's.

Rodgers told reporters: "There has been a lot of spotlight, unfairly, on Daniel this week. What happened to Daniel was no different to what happened to any player.

"Just because it's a defender, it maybe gets highlighted a bit more. But we made the change and we won the game. It's no different to a winger coming off, or a striker or a midfield player.

"I don't judge players on the status of where they are in the group - it's what I think the game needs at a certain time. We made the change and Dan has taken it like the man he is.

"He has been outstanding in training this week and he will play. He will play on Saturday, no question about that."

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Liverpool have been undone in each of their last two meetings with the Saints, most recently last September, when the south coast side departed Merseyside with a 1-0 win and all three points.

Rodgers emphasised the improvement in his team since that defeat - the Reds are currently fourth in the Barclays Premier League - and pointed to the level of confidence coursing through his squad.

He added: "We have improved quite a lot. On that day we had injuries that meant we had to put different players into different positions that probably wouldn't suit how we want to work normally.

"But it doesn't mean it's going to be any easier a game - it's going to be a really difficult game. St Mary's has been a traditionally difficult place to go, and especially for Liverpool over a number of years.

"But we've got great belief and confidence at the moment. We know what we're going into each game looking to achieve, and we're going in with the ability and focus to get the results."