Brendan Rodgers will keep his faith in Liverpool's fringe players for Thursday's visit of FC Sion in the Europa League.

The Northern Irishman used their trip to Bordeaux two weeks ago to employ similar tactics, as a number of players who had previously failed to figure so far this season, were given minutes in the group opener.

The Reds took a respectable 1-1 draw from the game in France and with a highly-anticipated Merseyside Derby awaiting Rodgers' charges on Sunday, he is set to use the game against the Swiss outfit to rest a number of senior figures. 

Reds aiming for second successive victory 

Speaking to reporters in his Melwood pre-match conference on Wednesday, the Liverpool boss said his approach will stay the same in the competition, hailing it "an opportunity for young player and player on the fringe of the team."

However, he also admitted that the clash will "require" more regular performers, as the aim is to "win the game" to put them in a good position in Group B going in to back-to-back fixtures with Rubin Kazan.

Rodgers, who saw his side end a winless streak of six games with a win over Aston Villa last weekend, added that they recognise the importance of home games in Europe and said they enter the game "with that mindset" - with the aim of getting a positive result and carrying the momentum into the crunch clash at Goodison Park with Everton.

Daniel Sturridge, who scored twice in the 3-2 triumph over Villa, is one of several players almost certain to be rested - with Philippe Coutinho, James Milner, Lucas Leiva, Nathaniel Clyne and Mamadou Sakho amongst the others likely to be preserved for the derby.

In their places, the likes of Jordon Ibe, Jordan Rossiter, Adam Lallana and Divock Origi could all come into the starting line-up - with the 20-year-old striker looking to build upon the three first-team outings he has made thus far.

Rodgers rules out Origi loan move in January

Origi only arrived on L4 in the summer after spending a season on loan at Lille, whom the Reds paid £10 million for the starlet's services, but Rodgers revealed that he is settling in quickly.

The Reds boss acknowledged the time necessary time needed for Origi "to adapt" and said that he has "excellent qualities" for a young player. 

He accepted that the Belgian youngster will be judged on his goals to games ratio, but said for the club, it is about "nurturing" his talent and "looking to improve that goalscoring record."

Rodgers hopes that such improvements "will come in time" and tried to take pressure off of the striker by insisting it is a "big step" for the player, who has "settled in very well." He also added that, with Origi having only played 144 minutes so far this season, he will "get opportunities working hard every day in training."

Origi, whose starring role at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil put him on the Reds' radar, has so far looked raw and inexperienced in his few displays, frustrating with his poor movement and wayward finishing.

His substandard displays, though early into his Liverpool career, have lead to links with a loan spell away from the club in January. But Rodgers has insisted Liverpool will not make any decision on whether Origi will be loaned out until at least next summer.

The manager denied that there was any possibility he could spend time away in the second-half of the season, saying the current campaign is "about him coming into the club" and "adapting this season" before reviewing his progress "at the end of the season."

Rodgers confirms Rossiter will feature for Reds

Another who will play an important role against Sion is 18-year-old midfielder Jordan Rossiter, who was one of the stand-out performers in Bordeaux a fortnight ago.

The Academy graduate made his Premier League debut away at Arsenal earlier this year, but has not featured at Anfield for over a year - when he marked his senior debut with a goal against Middlesbrough in the League Cup.

After confirming the centre-midfielder will "be in contention", Rodgers lauded his "strong personality" as he stated that the teenager is "developing well."

He also praised the performances of Rossiter and his fellow under-21 team-mates at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, saying the "young guys did very well" as Pedro Chirivella and Cameron Brannagan both made their debuts for the first-team.

Rodgers suggests Cleary could be loaned out 

Amongst the unused substitutes, defenders Conor Randall and Daniel Cleary also flew out to France - and Rodgers confirmed the latter is likely to be in Thursday's matchday squad.

He said Cleary will "be in and around the squad" - reiterating his desire to play the younger members of his squad, but insisting he respects the fact that there are others "that will need game as well."

Rodgers added that the 18-year-old defender is a "very good player" who will have a "good career" due to his commitment and rapid development. 

He described how Cleary has improved in his time at the club, hinting at a potential loan move should the game-time not be available for him at Anfield. He said that "in the meantime" he is featuring regularly for Michael Beale's U21s and "playing very well."

Northern Irish boss looking for patience and composure

The Reds come into the game against the Swiss Super League side off the back of their first win since August 17 and Rodgers admitted that the players benefitted pyschologically from taking the victory over Villa.

He said that "confidence grows" after any victory but especially after their "performance level" was building "in terms of creativity" - admitting his delight at Liverpool's chance creation and clinical finishing but also his disappointment at the goals they conceded.

Rodgers also hailed his side's "focus and intensity" from the starting whistle, calling his player's efforts "outstanding" after the anxiety going into the game.

He also added that the players are "responding very well" to a tough period and are slowly but surely starting to demonstrate their togetherness and cohesion.

Sion, currently fifth in their domestic league, have suffered two defeats in their last two games with boss Didier Tholot coming under growing pressure - though they sit at the top of the group table after beating Rubin Kazan in their opening game.

Rodgers, asked about his side's approach, said the hosts will "need to be patient" due to Sion's counter-attacking style, which he declared sees them "sit deep and get bodies behind the ball" - which means Liverpool "will have to work the ball, create opening and take the opportunities when they come."

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About the author
Charlie Malam
Digital Sports Writer at the Daily Express. First-class Staffordshire University Sports Journalism graduate. Formerly VAVEL UK's Liverpool FC editor and Deputy Editor-in-Chief. Contributor since June 2014.