Age is merely a number for new Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert, who has pledged to 'do everything' to ensure that his prolific career so far can be translated into success with the Reds.

The 32-year-old England international became Brendan Rodgers' first signing of the summer transfer window on Monday, sealing a deal at Melwood to join from Southampton.

His story is enough to make anybody dream; released by the club as a 15-year-old, Lambert briefly worked in a factory before beginning a nomadic journey through the lower leagues.

Sheer perseverance, mixed with lethal finishing, carried the Scouser to the Saints, then the Barclays Premier League, international recognition and a place in the Three Lions' World Cup squad.

That was all capped off by a fairytale move to the team he has supported since childhood. Now he is determined to grasp the opportunity presented to him, and cannot wait to get started.

"To be honest, I wasn't expecting a chance at Liverpool but I have got it," said Lambert.

"Now that I've got it I will do everything to not let it go and I am more than confident that I will take the chance and I will be able to improve my game again.

"I've done that every season. I'm going to get fitter. I'm going to do everything I can to get onto the next level now. Even though I'm 32, I feel like a kid again.

"I've got so much enthusiasm for the game. The fact that I'm playing under Brendan Rodgers and for Liverpool, I just can't wait."

As well as his natural passion for the Reds, part of the lure to Anfield was the chance to work with - and learn from - the stewardship of manager Rodgers.

The Northern Irishman guided Liverpool back into the Champions League in his second season in charge, and Lambert was fascinated by the boss even before a transfer materialised.

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He added: "I've had to play it cool but the more I got involved with England I did ask the Liverpool players more questions - about the manager, about how the club is run.

"They have had nothing but good words to say, especially about Brendan Rodgers. That was before I knew there was any interest.

"Before that I was a Liverpool fan just wanting to know how things were done there."