Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has paid tribute to star striker Luis Suarez, labelling the Uruguayan goalscorer a "gladiator".

Suarez goes into the Reds' game with Sunderland on Wednesday fresh from a hat-trick against Cardiff City, and Rodgers was quick to insist that the 27-year-old has displayed a strong character on and off the pitch this season.

He told The Mirror: "I think it's been nice for people to see the other side of Luis this season. People don't see he's a real quiet, humble guy off the field who becomes a gladiator when he crosses the white line.

"This year, he has been a model of brilliance. On the pitch it's never been questioned and if anything he has improved on that level.

"He's up for every game. He's a real strong pillar of our team. He's really dominant, that's why I had no hesitancy at the time making him skipper."

Liverpool could close to within a point of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table if they beat the Wearsiders.