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Jordon Ibe will “feature heavily” in the Liverpool FC first team this season, according to Brendan Rodgers.

But the Reds boss has also moved to temper expectations of the 19-year-old, warning supporters not to expect too much from the winger.

Ibe caught the eye throughout the club’s pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia, capping it off with a fantastic long-range equaliser in the draw against a Malaysia XI.

His performances have seen him heralded as the natural successor to Raheem Sterling after the depature of the winger to Manchester City.

Although Rodgers will give him chances to impress, the Northern Irishman is keen to emphasise he needs time to develop at Anfield.

He said: “He’s definitely a player that we want to really create into a top-class performer, but we’ve got to give him that time and we’re creating the environment for him to do that.

“You see how exciting he is, but he still has a lot of potential and work to do. He’s one that certainly will feature heavily this year.”

The teenager made 12 appearances for Liverpool last season following his loan move from Derby County, where he scored five goals in just 20 Championship outings.

Ibe, who signed from Wycombe Wanderers in 2012, was also one of the few bright spots towards the end of the Reds’ disappointing season.

“We mustn’t forget he’s still only 19. He broke into the team young and had some appearances. We felt he needed a loan, has gone out and did really well,” Rodgers added.

“Then when he came back last season he was exceptional in his performances. I think he really excites the supporters.”