Brendan Rodgers has revealed that he discovered a novel way of motivating his players during the Christmas period – through their stomachs.

The boss challenged his team to secure three consecutive victories in the New Year, with a free lunch for the whole squad - paid for by the Northern Irishman - on offer should they achieve the goal.

Wins at Queens Park Rangers and Mansfield sandwiched a home triumph against Sunderland, meaning Rodgers had to make good on his promise.

It's an incentive which has previously been used by former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola with great success, and the manager insisted he's happy to keep paying if the points keep coming.

"I took the players to San Carlo because I told them that, going into the New Year, I would pay for lunch if we got three wins on the trot," Rodgers explained.

"When they won at Mansfield one of the first things they said in the changing room afterwards was: 'You better get your money out.'

"Maybe I should have tried it in August!

"Team spirit is important and, even though it was just a nice lunch, the more you are together and you can do that your spirit grows.

"The players enjoyed it so we have started the run again and it is me to pay again. I realised it could cost me when Glen Johnson was having apple tart.

"I might have to limit it to a main meal but I don't mind, I will do anything to get us winning.

"We will stick at getting three wins for now and then, once I am out of money, we can increase the target."