Teenager Jordan Rossiter (left) celebrates with goalscorer Adam Lallana

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers buoyed by young team

Manager Brendan Rodgers said he was "proud" of the young players who helped Liverpool to a 1-1 draw in Bordeaux in their opening Europa League group game.

The Reds, who at one stage had an XI with an average age of 21.7 years, took the lead through Adam Lallana before Jussie grabbed a late equaliser for the French Ligue 1 side.

"I'll always give young players an opportunity if they've got the personality," said Rodgers.

"I was so proud of them."

Jordan Rossiter, 18, started and was joined in midfield by Spanish teenager Pedro Chirivella, 18, who replaced injured defender Kolo Toure in the 28th minute.

Rodgers revealed that the former Ivory Coast player suffered a dead leg in his accidental collision with team-mate and keeper Simon Mignolet.

Winger Jordon Ibe, 19, defender Joe Gomez, 18, and forward Divock Origi, 20, were also named in the starting XI, while 19-year-old Cameron Brannagan came on to make his debut. Two other academy graduates, Daniel Cleary and Connor Randall, were on the bench.

"Jordan Rossiter and young Pedro gained more control as the game wore on," he added.

"They were able to combine better with other players. It's invaluable experience for them and I thought they acquitted themselves very well."