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Brendan Rodgers is convinced Adam Lallana will make a “big impact” at Liverpool FC despite the slow start to his Anfield career.

Injury and tactical changes have left Lallana unable to tie down a regular starting role since his £25million move from Southampton in the summer.

Lallana netted only his second goal for the club by equalising in the 3-1 Premier League win at Leicester City on Wednesday.

And Rodgers is confident the England international will soon reproduce his top form on a consistent basis.

“Lallana was excellent the other night,” said the Reds boss. “He has been very, very good since he came back in.

“Some of changes in the team and behind that tactically have meant he has missed out in some games but when he has played he has shown up very well.

“He took his goal very well, good technique to score on the half volley.

“He has great work rate and intensity. I have been delighted with him since he has come in.

“He is a wonderful talent and will make a big impact during his time here.”

Lallana joined fellow midfielders Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson in finding the target at the King Power Stadium, after full-back Glen Johnson had netted the winner against Stoke City last weekend.

“It’s important the midfielders chip in,” said Rodgers. “The team has to contribute, whether that’s the defenders or midfielders, all the way through.

“It’s nice to see the goals starting to pick up and we are becoming a bit more resolute, which is critical for us.”

Liverpool are aiming for a third consecutive Premier League win against Sunderland on Saturday before next Tuesday’s Champions League group decider at home to Basel.

And Rodgers, whose side also face Manchester United and Arsenal in the coming weeks, said: “We still have a lot of work to do. We have a long road for us. We are just edging our way there.

“If we get to halfway point in January and be there or thereabouts I will be pleased with that considering the first 12 games we have had.

“But what I’ve seen in the players is the character to bounce back. But we are not getting carried away.

“We have had three decent results against teams who are difficult to beat. It is a real exciting period of games for us.”

Rodgers added: “At this moment in time it’s about getting the confidence back into the team. You can see that is starting to return.

“The last few games we have gone behind in the game and have shown calmness to get back into the game and get a result.

“Everyone knows how I like to work but we are in the business of winning and the players we have available dictate that.”

Mario Balotelli will remain absent through injury and when asked about the Italian’s future, Rodgers said: “He is very much still a Liverpool player, but he is injured at the moment and there is nothing much for me to add.

“He is not fit to play and my concentration is on the players who are available to play. He is working with the medical team on a daily basis.

“Hopefully he will be available sooner rather than later.”

Of other injury news, Rodgers added: “Philippe Coutinho had a slight issue with his knee during the week but should be okay.

“Jose Enrique is back in, we are having to manage his game. He has trained and should be available for the weekend.”

* LFC announced today work on the new Main Stand will begin next week - full details here plus web chat with ECHO sports editor John Thompson