Transfer news: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will target 'brave' players during the January transfer window

The Reds currently sit third in the Premier League

Brendan Rodgers (left) and Steven Gerrard talk tactics during Liverpool training (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will continue to search for “brave” players with the right character as he looks to bolster his squad in future transfer windows.

However, the courage the Reds boss wants to see is in terms of their mentality and not physicality on the pitch.

"I think my history as a coach shows I like players who are gifted technically and have courage when it comes to being in possession of a football," he said.

"That is a key quality for me; can you be brave on the pitch, not in terms of 50-50 tackles but having the ball and looking to play in areas others wouldn't?"

Rodgers said a player's attitude was as important as their footballing attributes.

"I would say you can't divorce the two - ability and personality," he told American media outlet Bleacher Report.

"It all comes as part of the package. A player's character is a crucial factor I look into before committing to signing them.

"They also need to show a willingness to learn, regardless of age and experience; that's very important to me."

After Saturday's defeat at Arsenal, Rodgers revealed Steven Gerrard had complained of a hip problem and the captain appeared to be hindered by that after a distinctly untypical performance from him at the Emirates Stadium.

However, fears that the injury could keep him out of Saturday's visit of Premier League strugglers Fulham appear to be wide of the mark.

Press Association Sport understands the 33-year-old took part in a recovery session at the club's Melwood training ground today and there have been no changes to his scheduled programme for the rest of the week, with Gerrard expected to train as normal on Wednesday.

Gerrard's former team-mate Jamie Carragher, who on Monday evening picked up the North West Football Award's Premier League player of the year award for his final campaign before retirement, will be one of the star attractions at the Sports Book Festival in Liverpool later this month.

Carragher will be joined by former Everton star Alan Stubbs, ex-Toffees midfielder Kevin Kilbane, British boxing champion Paul Smith, triathlon stars Alistair and Jonny Brownlee and rugby league icon Adrian Morley at Liverpool University on November 16 and 17.

PA