Brendan Rodgers: I almost subbed Philippe Coutinho before his wonder goal

Brendan Rodgers heaped praise on Philippe Coutinho for the winner

BRENDAN RODGERS has admitted he was close to subbing Philippe Coutinho before his wonder strike against Stoke.

 

Liverpool looked to be playing out a 0-0 draw with Stoke on the first day of the season before Coutinho fired home on the 86th minute.

The Brazil international let fly one of his trademark long-range efforts, leaving Jack Butland with no chance in the Potters' goal.

 

And Rodgers admits he was close to taking off the 23-year-old before he fired in the unexpected winner in the dying minutes.

He said: "How close was I to taking him off? Very! I can't profess to be a genius!

"Danny Ings was going to come on but I'm obviously happy he scored and stayed on.

"Coutinho already is a star. He's only been back three weeks training so he's not even at his peak."