Liverpool: Brendan Rodgers confirms star winger Jordan Ibe fit for Newcastle United clash

Liverpool have been handed a massive boost in reviving their chances of finishing in the top four of the Premier League and confirming an FA Cup semi final win, after their star winger Jordan Ibe returned to training.

The 19-year-old was on-loan at Derby County for the first half of the season, before Brendan Rodgers decided to recall the player during the January transfer window. Since returning to Anfield at the start of the year, the teenager has been in impressive form for the Reds.

The Anfield club face Aston Villa in the last four of the FA Cup and are on sixth spot on the league table with 54 points and a game in hand, seven points behind fourth placed Manchester City.

Ibe last featured for the Merseyside club during the Europa League clash against Besiktas in February and since then was sidelined due to knee injury. Liverpool host Newcastle United in the league clash on Monday evening and the Northern Irishman has confirmed the winger will be available for selection.

"Jordon Ibe will come back in. I have got to say, he has looked absolutely sensational in training," Rodgers told Liverpool's official website.

"He has been out for a while but he has been out on the field for a couple of weeks now, doing his preparation work and he has joined in training."

"He has looked absolutely outstanding - he has got real natural fitness. He'll come into the squad for Monday night. Some of the others that have been out are still out," he added.

Rodgers also claims midfielder Adam Lallana and striker Mario Balotelli are doubtful for the upcoming tie against Newcastle at Anfield.

Meanwhile, the former Swansea manager has urged his players to be more motivated against Newcastle in order to bounce back from the two disappointing league defeats at the hands of Manchester United and Arsenal.

"Every game is different in this league and every game is tough. When you come off the back of a disappointing result and performance, you're always very keen and motivated to go and play well in your next game," the Liverpool manager explained.

"They've had a good preparation time with no game in midweek. I'm sure John has been looking at the tactical elements of the game in which they can improve.

"For us, it doesn't matter what time you play any team, Liverpool is always a huge challenge for any club. It's always a big game for every club when they play against Liverpool. We understand it'll be a tough game for us and that's what we're preparing for," Rodgers stressed.