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Brendan Rodgers has revealed how the form of youngster Joao Carlos Teixeira has put him in contention for Liverpool’s first team squad .

The Portugal Under-21s midfielder has been promoted from the Academy to train at Melwood in recent weeks.

Rodgers has been impressed by Teixeira, who has yet to make a senior appearance since his £800,000 move from Sporting Lisbon two years ago.

Teixeira was included in the travelling party for the recent FA Cup tie against Bournemouth.

The Reds boss believes the youngster, who had a brief loan spell at Brentford earlier in the season, is starting to fulfil his potential.

“I have contact with Alex Inglethorpe on a daily basis and Joao has been one of the outstanding performers for the reserves,” Rodgers told the ECHO.

“It's been difficult for him at times. When he has stepped up to the first team before it has been difficult for him.

“But I’ve seen a big difference in him. He is a talent.

“I always observe in training and see where players are at and Joao has looked very good. His intensity, the speed of his game – he has undoubted quality and he has showed up very well. We have brought in a number of young players to be around the squad.

“Brad Smith has been training here along with Jack Dunn, Joao and Stephen Sama. They have all looked very good and that’s the idea – to bring young players through.”

In pictures: Joao Carlos Teixeira