Echo: Assaidi will give us new dimension

Brendan Rodgers believes Oussama Assaidi will add a new dimension to Liverpool's attacking play.

The Morocco international, who was snapped up from Heerenveen for £3million last month, will make his debut in tonight's Europa League game with Young Boys in Bern.

The Reds boss is excited about the prospect of finally seeing the left winger take his bow.

"Assaidi has had a few weeks to adapt and now he's ready to play," said Rodgers.

"It was difficult for him because he was injured for a bit and then he wasn't eligible for the games against Hearts. But he has settled in well and this will be his first opportunity.

"He's an exciting player - someone who can take people on. He gets crosses in and has got an end product.

"That's important because I like players at the top end of the field who have that invention, fight and ability to score goals.

"He's good on one v ones and is a technical player who is strong and uses his body well.

"I'm looking forward to seeing him play against Young Boys and seeing how he adapts to playing in this team."

Rodgers also confirmed that Brad Jones will start in goal tonight with Peter Gulacsi on the bench after Pepe Reina remained at Melwood.

"Brad will play and he deserves it," Rodgers added. "He has been first class. He's not had a look in but he's come in every day and worked well."

Source: Liverpool Echo