Ngog set to stay with Reds

Roy Hodgson said he has no plans to allow David Ngog to leave Liverpool after the striker scored twice to secure a 2-0 win over Rabotnicki Kometal.

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Liverpool striker David Ngog scored twice in Skopje

Ngog's agent claimed earlier this month that Liverpool were looking to send the player out on loan, and West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo confirmed he was interested in securing a deal.

However, Hodgson has now dismissed talk Ngog could leave Anfield and feels his Europa League goals were just reward for his recent efforts in training.

"I can't stop players being linked with other clubs, but I never discussed him leaving Liverpool," he said in the Daily Mirror. "I have been very impressed with him. I think Ngog has worked very hard in training and done very well in the pre-season games, and he crowned his hard work with an impressive performance.

"The goals will be a big weight off him mind, and give him confidence. Front players need goals, and he has got them, which means he can relax. He has shown us that he has the movement and touch and quality, and I'm pleased for him."

Defender Daniel Agger believes Ngog can prove himself at Liverpool.

"We have got to give David credit for the two goals," he said in the Liverpool Echo. "He took them very well - it was a very good performance. He was there in the right place at the right time, which is what all good strikers do. He is a good player and has the qualities but he knows that he still has a bit to learn.

"I know that he works hard every day but if he continues to work hard then he will come on a long way. But he has to keep working hard, as every one of us is doing, if he wants to get there."