Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has dismissed the notion that Rickie Lambert was signed for "romantic" reasons.

The former Southampton striker was released by the Reds as a schoolboy and after years of playing in the lower leagues, he became an England international last year after impressing with the Saints.

Boyhood Liverpool fan Lambert returned to the club for around £4m earlier this summer, but the Northern Irish boss has stated that he was signed on his football ability alone.

He told the club's official website: "I feel a bit for Rickie because there's been a lot of talk about that and it's as though he's here because it's a great romantic story.

"But he's here because he's a great player. I've really been impressed with him for years in the Premier League.

"I watched him at lower level and he's always had talent, but he's narrowed his focus the last few years. He's a Kopite, he's got the tattoo and he's a real passionate Scouse guy, but he's here because he's a fantastic footballer."

Lambert started as Liverpool beat Manchester City on penalties on Wednesday's pre-season friendly in New York.