Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has hailed Fabio Borini after the young Italian's whirlwind start to life on Merseyside.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has hailed Fabio Borini after the young Italian's whirlwind start to life on Merseyside.

Former Roma hitman Borini marked his first Anfield start with a goal on Thursday night, smashing in a powerful volley after 20 minutes of the Reds’ Europa League tie against FC Gomel.

“He's an intelligent boy and a good kid,” Rodgers stated on Liverpool's website.

“He is fitting in well and I thought he took his goal brilliantly, as it was a difficult finish. For strikers it’s important to get off the mark early. They are normally judged on goals, and that's why I brought Fabio here because I know he can score goals.”

This is the third occasion Rodgers and Borini have worked together, having met when the Northern Irishman was coaching Chelsea's reserves, then been reunited at Swansea.

“He's only 21 years of age and has still got a lot of improvements to make,” Rodgers expanded. “But his work rate and his ability to press the ball are excellent. You can see that he links well with players, especially Steven Gerrard. They have a good relationship both on and off the pitch.”

Borini, who was part of Italy's squad at Euro 2012, was purchased from Roma for a €13.3m fee last month.

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