Brendan Rodgers: 'Philippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge will handle derby pressure'

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes that Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge will have no problem adjusting to the pace of the Merseyside derby.

The Reds host their city rivals Everton at Anfield tomorrow with both the January arrivals making their debuts in the fixture.

However, Rodgers feels that the previous big club experience of both players means that they will thrive in tomorrow's game.

"They are young but they have both played in many big games" Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo.

"Philippe has played in big derbies in Italy [for Inter Milan] and Daniel has played in big club games before he came here. You look at Daniel's performances for us, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal, he has been at the very top level [in these games].

"The two of them will be a real threat for us this weekend. I've got no doubt that Daniel and Philippe will relish it."

Sturridge was signed from Chelsea for a fee of around £12m, while Coutinho arrived from Inter for a reported £8m in the winter transfer window.