BR: Duo showed why it pays to be ready

Borini broke the deadlock at Villa Park, turning home Jordan Henderson's sweeping cross to clinch his first goal of the 2014-15 campaign.

The Reds made certain of all three points when Lambert came off the bench to drill home a second for the visitors with 10 minutes remaining in the Midlands.

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Reflecting on the duo's contribution, Rodgers believes it serves as a lesson to other members of the squad to be ready to seize upon any opportunities that come their way.

"I've said to all the players, be ready for when you're asked to play because it's very much about the squad," he told his pre-Chelsea press conference at Melwood.

"It's important for me as a manager to recognise and acknowledge how hard the players are working, not just the ones who are starting but also the players outside of that.

"They know they have got to keep working well because that opportunity will come at some stage.

"Every player gets the chance to train every day and give their best. Then, when they get onto the field, they have the chance to prove their worth."

For Borini, the goal marked his second successive start in the space of a week.

Rodgers has been content with the application and commitment of the 23-year-old on the Melwood training pitches.

"I was very pleased for Fabio," he said. "He's a young player that has never given up in his time here, which needs to be said. He's shown great personality to persevere and keep going.

"I'm the type of coach that is on the training ground every day and if players are working hard and well in training, they will get a chance because training well will get them into the team. We've shown that a number of times here with the players.

"He's a boy that understands the game tactically very well and understands what we're trying to do.

"I thought the impact from him and Rickie Lambert at the weekend was exceptional - they both delivered, both played very well and got us the points."

Lambert's strike sparked incredible scenes of celebration among the visitors to Villa Park.

The forward wheeled to embrace the travelling fans housed in the Doug Ellis Stand - and he was soon joined by the rest of his teammates in a moment of joy that will live long in the memory.

"I thought it was brilliant, I've got to be honest," Rodgers said of the celebration. "I know he got booked for it, but I thought it was a yellow card worth taking!

"You score a goal like that, as a local boy to get the chance to go and celebrate with your own supporters and people - and you've probably got family in the crowd as well - [was brilliant].

"It captured the spirit of our squad, how tight they are and how well they're working. It was a great moment."

The effort was Lambert's third in 23 appearances since moving from Southampton last summer.

Rodgers has been pleased by the contribution the 32-year-old has made for Liverpool, particularly with Daniel Sturridge having missed most of the campaign due to injury.

"It's very important for any squad to have that type of player," said the boss, referring to Lambert's commitment in training.

"For Rickie, that was his role coming into here - someone who wasn't going to play in every single game and he understood where he was at. But because of the injuries, he's been shoved right to the front and at times it has been difficult, not just for him but also for the team.

"What you know about Rickie is he can score a goal. He's a fantastic professional to work with.

"When we brought him here, there was certainly no sentiment in it. It's important if you've got players who have the club at heart, but he was brought in because he's a quality player and could really help us throughout the season.

"He's done that and is a joy to work with, prepares himself every day, wants to train every single day, works hard at his game, works hard at his finishing and when he's called upon, he'll give everything.

"I was delighted for him when he got his goal and was able to celebrate with the supporters, it was a great moment for him."