Brendan Rodgers: 'Swansea City will perform in Europa League'

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes that his old side Swansea City will do well in the Europa League this season.

The Swans travel to Valencia for their opening game in the competition on Thursday, and Rodgers thinks that his former team are well equipped to adjust to the rigours of European competition.

"The Europa League certainly tests your squad, it will be a tough game against Valencia but I am sure [Swansea manager] Michael Laudrup will want to do well in the competition," Rodgers told reporters.

"It is a tough ask but the one thing I'd say Swansea have which we did not have last year is a strong squad.

"They come back and have got another tough game at the weekend. But I am sure they will cope. They have got a good squad and I hope they do well."

Rodgers's side drew 2-2 against his former club on Monday night.