The Reds boss believes the Uruguayan’s diving exploits receive more attention because he is not British, but has hailed him as a “master marksman” in front of goal

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes Luis Suarez’s reputation for diving has been exaggerated because he is a foreign player.

The Uruguayan, who has been cautioned for simulation just once this season, was accused of “diving all over the place” by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson back in 2011.

But Rodgers has insisted that British players are given an easier time over the matter, and praised the 26-year-old for adapting to English culture.

“He has come in here and been labelled many things – sometimes maybe, for me, because he is a foreign player he will get accused more,” he told reporters.

“If a British player dives we’ll laugh and find it funny but when it’s Luis Suarez he is a diver.

“But this is a guy who is trying to turn around his life and adapt to the culture and you can clearly see that. What I have admired from close hand is this is a guy who is trying to change.”

The Northern Irishman went on to dismiss claims that Suarez’s 21 league goals this term make Liverpool a one-man team, and has backed the Salto-born forward to beat Robbie Fowler’s haul of 28 strikes in a top-flight season.

He continued: “He is a master marksman who has been really efficient this season but we are not a one-man team as that is disrespectful to our other players who have been outstanding – Steven Gerrard has the most assists in the Premier League this season.

“The thing with Luis is he is really hungry and I would expect him over these last 10 games to go close to [matching Fowler’s goal scoring record].

“He is on 21 goals now and with 10 to go there will be more from him, and if there is not what you know is he will give 150% on the field and won’t give any defenders a moment’s rest.”