KOP News # 1418

Borini gives up holiday for LFC

17th Jul 2012

Brendan Rodgers today revealed how Fabio Borini insisted on returning early from his summer break to join his new Liverpool teammates on their tour of North America.

The 21-year-old striker became a Liverpool player on Friday but was not scheduled to join up with the Reds until August 1 as he was part of the Italy squad that reached the final of Euro 2012.

However, after requesting an early return, he will now fly to the United States early next week alongside our six England stars.

Borini is one of 34 players who will feature on the tour, with games planned against Toronto FC, Roma and Tottenham.

Most of the party arrived in Boston on Monday, where Rodgers addressed the US media at the team hotel.

He told them: "Fabio will come out next week with the England players, and that's a great demonstration of his commitment to Liverpool.

"He was involved with Italy right the way through to the (Euro 2012) final and I'd given him the time off, like the others - four weeks.

"He was due to come back on August 1 but he made it very clear when he came that he wanted to get back and train with the group.

"We've agreed that he'll come out next week and we're looking forward to seeing him.

"He is very determined and committed to doing well and I'm sure he'll play some part in some of the games once he's over here."

The squad includes youngsters like Raheem Sterling, Jack Robinson and Jon Flanagan, as well as a host of Academy hopefuls such as Danny Ward, Nathan Eccleston, Stephen Sama, Brad Smith, Ryan McLaughlin, Andre Wisdom, Jordan Ibe, Adam Morgan, Krisztian Adorjan and Suso (who will join the team on Wednesday after he helped Spain win the Euro U19 Championships).

Rodgers is keen to stress that impressive performances over here could lead to first-team chances next season.

"They are getting an opportunity," he said. "It's important for a young player, all you ask for is an opportunity. Even in pre-season games, they can plant a seed in the manager's mind and in supporters' minds of their qualities.

"It's a great opportunity for me to look at them close hand, and so far they've done very well and adapted very well to the training and the work.

"Alongside talent, the biggest thing for me in young players is personality. It's having the personality to play, and having that courage. Not all young players are ready to play for such a prestigious club as Liverpool. It takes time.

"For me, the age isn't a barrier. If they're good enough, if they have the personality and the talent, then I'm always willing to put them in."

Meanwhile, Rodgers explained his and the club's objectives during their two weeks stateside.

"It's fantastic to be here on a personal note and as a football club - America is a wonderful country with wonderful people," he said.

"Our objectives cover two things. First and foremost, this is part of our preparation for the team for the new season, and we've come to some incredible facilities and we'll be playing in some fantastic grounds, so I believe for our football preparations it will be very worthwhile.

"Secondly, Liverpool is a football institution worldwide, and the story continues for Liverpool. I hope that when we return back we've picked up some more supporters along the way to add to the millions we have worldwide."

The Liverpool squad play their last game of the tour against Spurs in Baltimore on July 28 before flying back to the UK.

But with a Europa League qualifier scheduled for August 2, they may find themselves jetting across Europe almost as soon as they are home.

Rodgers said: "It's not ideal in relation to the preparation for that competition but by the time we arrive for our first game on August 2 we'll be up to speed. It'll be part of our preparations (for the league season) as well but it's a competition we want to do well in.

"I always think that if you're in a competition, you're better being in it to win it."