Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers: 'Jordon Ibe contract extension thoroughly deserved'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 21 May 2015

Jordon Ibe "still has a lot of work to do" in order to become a top-class performer, according to his Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.

Brendan Rodgers has challenged youngster Jordon Ibe to continue improving his all-round game at Liverpool, having agreed new terms at the club.

The 19-year-old, who spent the first half of the season on loan at Derby County, is thought to have penned a new five-year contract.

Since returning to Anfield in January, Ibe has gone on to catch the eye during his 13 first-team appearances, which Rodgers believes is only a sign of things to come if he continues to develop.

"He has thoroughly deserved it," the Northern Irishman told Liverpool's official website. "He is a young kid that has got a lot of potential; he still has a lot of work to do to become that consistent performer at the top level, but there's no doubting his potential and he has really grown and developed over the course of the last season.

"He came back from Derby and had taken on board all that he was coached there and had done exceptionally well. I could see the change in him then. He was very focused and came in and did exceptionally well. Unfortunately, he got injured in Besiktas and that kept him out for a little bit.

"It has just taken him a bit of time to get back up to speed again. He's a great talent, a big talent here for the football club and I'm delighted that he has been able to sign and commit to the future of the club."

Defender Jon Flanagan also signed a new contract extension earlier today.