Brendan Rodgers tips Liverpool striker Luis Suarez to hit the ground running on his Premier League return against Sunderland

The Uruguayan made his return after his 10-match ban in the 1-0 Capital One Cup defeat to Manchester United

Carl Markham
Saturday 28 September 2013 14:27 BST
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Luis Suarez made his return to Liverpool action against Manchester United on Wednesday
Luis Suarez made his return to Liverpool action against Manchester United on Wednesday

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers expects new father Luis Suarez to be up to speed very quickly after his 10-match ban.

The Uruguay international made his comeback from suspension in the midweek Capital One Cup defeat at Manchester United and the next day his wife gave birth to his first son.

"Luis became a father for the second time so he is on top of the world," said the Reds boss.

"He is only going to get better with his football fitness.

"I thought he was terrific the other night considering he had been out for a long time and you could see the threat he posed.

"It is a great credit to himself that he continued to devote, once he got his mind set, time working hard on his fitness.

"To go into a game of that level (against United), knowing the magnitude of that game, was exceptional really.

"His only concentration now is as a player."

Ahead of Sunday's visit to Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet is backing Reds team-mate Fabio Borini to be a success in his loan spell in the north east.

The Belgium international knows the Stadium of Light well, having spent three seasons there where he became a fans favourite before his summer move to Anfield.

Borini has made a temporary move in the opposite direction as he looks to get himself back on track after a stop-start maiden season with the Reds.

And while he is not eligible to face his parent club on Sunday Mignolet has seen enough of the 22-year-old to predict a bright future.

"I know Fabio can do really good things over there, it's a place where he will enjoy playing football," he said.

"Once he starts scoring goals the fans will love him as well.

"I think it's a very good place for him to be and he will definitely do well for the club. I'm hoping the club does well."

Mignolet has had a good start to his Liverpool career, keeping clean sheets in his first three league matches.

He believes he has established a good relationship with another summer arrival, former Manchester City centre-back Kolo Toure, which has helped him settle in.

"Kolo and I get on really well because I speak French and so does he, and he plays in front of me," he told Liverpoolfc.com.

"We have a very good connection at the moment. We speak with each other not only about football, but things outside of the game.

"I get on with him really well."

PA

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