Colin Pascoe: 'Philippe Coutinho can handle pressure'

Liverpool assistant coach Colin Pascoe has insisted that new signing Philippe Coutinho will handle the pressure of the Premier League.

The 20-year-old Brazilian joined the Reds from Inter Milan for £8.5m on Wednesday in what was described as a "long-term deal".

"He has played a lot of games from a young age," said Pascoe. "What we have got there is a young talent who has played a lot for Inter Milan and Espanyol.

"He is a young lad but what we have seen of him he can handle this type of pressure and he will be a good asset for us.

"The young lads who have come through have been absolutely brilliant but he has a lot of experience."

Coutinho has been ruled out Sunday's trip to Manchester City in the league with a hamstring strain.