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Brendan Rodgers believes Joe Gomez is ready to challenge for a first-team place following the youngster’s impressive start to his Liverpool career.

The England Under-19s defender had been linked with a loan move away from Anfield in order to continue his development following his £3.5million move from Charlton Athletic last month.

However, Rodgers has been so impressed by Gomez during the current tour of the Far East and Australia that the teenager will be staying put.

The 18-year-old produced a fine display at left-back in Friday’s 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium.

GALLERY: Liverpool v Brisbane

Gomez is now set to compete for that spot with Spaniard Alberto Moreno, who is expected to return to action against Adelaide United on Monday after missing the first two tour matches due to injury.

“A big plus tonight was young Joe Gomez,” Rodgers said.

“I’ve seen him at centre-half and at right-back but I wanted to see him at left-back and I thought he was outstanding.

No further defensive signings for Liverpool

“Joe will stay with the club this season. I’ve already seen enough in this period.

“With young players I bring them in and I judge them over the pre-season period and seeing him close at hand and his personality he will be staying, he will get games.

“Alberto has only just started training again after an injury but he should be back in the squad for Monday night.”

Rodgers ruled out the need for any more defensive reinforcements between now and the end of the transfer window.

“I think we’re fine for centre-halves,” he said.

“We’ve got the two boys who started (Skrtel and Sakho) and then Lovren and Toure.

“Young Gomez can play in there too so we’re fine in that area. Joe played a lot of his career at Charlton in the middle.

"He’s got all the tools to play across the back four and he’s a big talent.”