Brendan Rodgers plays down Daniel Agger withdrawal against Swansea City

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has claimed that Daniel Agger has responded brilliantly to being hauled off in the 4-3 win over Swansea City on Sunday.

The centre-back was replaced by Kolo Toure after 63 minutes at Anfield, having made a couple of mistakes which gifted the Swans a route back into the match.

Agger's early withdrawal has reignited speculation that he could leave the Reds in the summer, but Rodgers has indicated that he still has every faith in the 29-year-old's ability to play an important role at the club.

"I think there has been a lot of unfair spotlight on Daniel this week. What happened to Daniel is no different to what happened to any player," Rodgers told reporters. "Just because it is a defender it is highlighted a wee bit more.

"But we made the change and won the game. It's no different to me than a winger coming off or a striker or midfield player. I will judge every player, whether he is the team captain, the centre-forward or a squad player, I will make the decision if I think it will help us get a result.

"We made the change. Dan has taken it like the man he is. He has been outstanding in training this week and he will play on Saturday, there is no question about that."

Agger has been linked with potential moves to Barcelona and Napoli in recent months.