The Northern Irishman is short of bodies in defence due to injuries and admits he would like to bolster his squad this month, but only if the right players are available

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to add to his squad in January, but only if the right player becomes available.

Steven Gerrard and Daniel Sturridge both made goalscoring returns from injury in Liverpool’s 5-3 win over Stoke City on Sunday to boost Rodgers’ options.

However, the Northern Irishman has defensive concerns due to injuries to Jon Flanagan, Jose Enrique, Daniel Agger and Sebastian Coates.

Rodgers admitted he was watching the transfer market closely and would make a move if a suitable target became available.

“We’ll see what’s available, there’s nothing at this moment in time but we’ll see how the market goes over the next few weeks,” he told reporters.

“I would still like to strengthen if I could. It’s something we would like to do, but only on the basis that there’s the right quality there that can strengthen us.

“We’ve got players coming back, [Mamadou] Sakho’s back in as well; he’ll be back next weekend.

“And the likes of Stevie and Daniel coming back is good news for us.”

Skipper Gerrard was relieved to secure victory in a thriller at the Britannia Stadium on a weekend that saw all the top-seven sides in action pick up maximum points. 

“It was great to be back with the lads and it’s all about the top four now – not personal achievements, goals or appearances. We just wanted to get back in that top four,” he told the club’s official website.

“Results went against us… and put even more pressure on us today to get a result, but the lads were fantastic.”