Cesar hails Coutinho

Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Julio Cesar has backed his former team-mate Philippe Coutinho to excel at Liverpool.

The Brazilian midfielder signed for the Reds last month, and scored on his first Anfield start as Brendon Rodgers men beat Swansea City 5-0.

Cesar referred to the 20 year old, who he worked with at Inter Milan, as a “golden boy” in an interview with The Metro.

Liverpool’s new number ten is set to return to the starting line-up for Saturday’s game at Wigan, having been ineligible for the Europa League win over Zenit St. Petersburg.

Raheem Sterling is set to continue on the bench, though Brendon Rodgers is convinced that the winger can bounce back from a recent dip in form.

The Reds boss says he must “protect” the winger, before labelling the 17 year olds debut season as “outstanding”.
Victory for Liverpool will take them to within five points of a European place, with fifth place Arsenal not playing until Sunday.

Elsewhere, the Daily Star reports that the club have been linked with a move for Reading defender Alex Pearce, who is out of contract in the summer.

The Republic of Ireland international, who played under Brendon Rodgers in 2009, is also wanted by West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City.