Rodgers: I'm excited by new signings

The boss has added Rickie Lambert, Emre Can, Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic to the ranks over the course of pre-season, with the quartet all currently with the Reds in Boston as they ramp up preparations for the new campaign with a tour of the United States.

At a pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday evening's friendly with AS Roma at Fenway Park, Rodgers was full of praise for the manner in which the foursome have acquitted themselves at their new club.

Starting with the first signing of the summer, Lambert, the boss said: "Rickie got himself back a week early because he wanted to get back into it, and he's been a pleasure to work with.

"He's a proper man, a good guy. He's 32, but he's very fit and is going to really offer us something in the games this season, both when he plays and coming off the bench - something different that we don't have.

"He's really strong in the air, but he's got a great touch and has a lovely feel for the ball. He's someone I'm really looking forward to working with. He's fitted into the group really well."

Lambert is one of two signings Liverpool have made from Southampton this summer, with Lallana also making the journey north following the World Cup.

"Adam Lallana, as you'd expect, is a wonderful talent and we've seen that over the last couple of years in the Premier League," said Rodgers.

"I've watched him since he was a young player and I've seen his progression. In this very short period of time of working with him, I've realised what a good man he is.

"We do our homework on the players, on their character, before they come in. He's a great human being, he's here because he's hungry and wants to fight for Liverpool.

"He's left a great club in Southampton where he had the honour of captaining them, but now he's come to one of the biggest clubs in the world. From what I've seen from him so far in training, he's been absolutely fantastic; hungry, technically good and tactically very, very good."

Liverpool's second piece of business was Can, with the highly-rated 20-year-old signing a long-term deal to seal a switch from Bayer Leverkusen.

"Emre Can is again another exciting young player," continued Rodgers. "I watched him quite a bit last year in Germany and he played in a number of positions. I think the only positions he didn't play for Bayer Leverkusen were in goal and centre forward!

"That tells me everything about him. It tells me Sami Hyypia had a great trust in him as a young player. He played left-back, centre half, right-back, holding midfield...he's played every position bar the two I said.

"He comes in with real talent; pace, power and a wonderful technique. He fits the profile perfectly."

Markovic is Liverpool's newest addition to the ranks - the 20-year-old tied up a move from Benfica last week.

He arrives with a glowing reputation in European football, but Rodgers insists the Serbia international will be prepared to help out with the team's defensive duties,

He concluded: "Young Markovic is a really exciting talent. He's the kind of player I like, who can beat people in one versus one [situations]. He's good in the duel, but he also works hard - so he doesn't just run forward quickly, he runs back even quicker, which is important.

"That's the key for us. We've got hungry players - players who want to do their best for Liverpool, are technically and tactically gifted but have the personality to work. I'm excited by them all."