Brendan Rodgers has told midfielder Jordan Henderson that the Capital One Cup fixture against West Bromwich Albion is the perfect chance to impress and push for more regular first team football.

Liverpool travel to the Hawthornes on Wednesday night as they look to defend the title they won last season under Kenny Dalglish - their first piece of silverware since the FA Cup in 2006.

Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing
Henderson and Downing have both struggled for first team football under Rodgers [Reuters] Reuters

There is bound to be plenty of changes from the side that were unfortunate to lose 2-1 to Manchester United at the weekend, with Henderson playing a vital role in the heart of midfield.

The midfielder has made five appearances this season, however, just one has come in the league and Rodgers has challenged Henderson to prove his credentials in the league Cup third round tie.

"It is about the balance in the team. We have got one controlling midfielder in Joe Allen," Rodgers explained to the official Liverpool website.

"We have got Steven Gerrard, who is a great player and speaks for himself. He has got a goal in him, he has got influence and he has got stature. He carries his qualities on the field. Then we have got Jonjo, who is a goalscoring midfielder.

"But Jordan is working his socks off every day. He has got a great appetite to learn; he lives his life right and he doesn't do stupid things off the pitch. He works hard, he works well. Really it is just games like (tonight) that offer me the opportunity to see him.

"Can he affect the game going forward but play also with that tactical discipline, which keeps us nice and strong in the middle of midfield?"

There could also be a number of young players handed the chance to impress as Liverpool are set to name 16-year-old Jermaine Sinclair on the bench.

Should the forward make an appearance then he would be the youngest ever player in Liverpool's history as it is just six days since he celebrated his 16<sup>th birthday.

Andre Wisdom and Suso could also feature after impressing in the 5-3 Europa league win over Young Boys last week.

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