Rodgers Admits Dobbie Can Be 'Frustrating'

Brendan Rodgers says he has told Stephen Dobbie that he can be 'frustrating' as he doesn't quite perform in matches the same way he does in training.

The Scottish striker has struggled to nail down a regular first team place since he first joined the club in 2009. Former boss Paulo Sousa wasn't a fan of the player and loaned him out to Blackpool last season where he excelled - scoring goals to help their promotion via the play-offs to the Premier League.

Stephen Dobbie has struggled to impress in the lone striker role this season, and looks more useful and threatening as an attacking midfielder behind a striker. Rodgers also complimented his link-up play with Craig Beattie on Saturday as the two subs, along with Joe Allen helped inspire an amazing comeback at Middlesbrough to win 4-3, having gone behind 3-1.

Rodgers said a Beattie and Dobbie together were a threat on Saturday:

'When you see what Stephen did when he came on at Middlesbrough and at Barnsley a few weeks ago — that's why I kept him here,'

'That's why I gave him a new contract at the start of the season, because he has the ability to score goals and create goals.

'I have said to him that sometimes he is frustrating.

'He does terrifically in training and then you stick him on in a game hoping he can have an influence and it doesn't quite happen for him.

'But he linked up with Craig really well at Middlesbrough. We were a real threat going forward when they were together.'

Many fans have questioned whether new signing Luke Moore deserves to keep his place in the starting line-up as he is still yet to score or impress the supporters since his move from West Brom last month.

Rodgers has shown plenty of faith in Moore, keeping him in the side, and he says that despite not scoring, he is contributing to the team:

'Luke is obviously desperate for a goal,'

'He is a good guy, a good kid who wants to work.

'He is disappointed because he had a couple of chances on Saturday and it didn't quite come off for him, but he is contributing to the team which is important.'

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