Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says Joe Cole will be given the chance to prove himself at Anfield after a successful loan stint at Lille.
Rodgers will assess Cole after meeting with midfielder
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says Joe Cole will be given the chance to prove himself at Anfield after a successful loan stint at Lille.
The midfielder was loaned out to the Ligue 1 side by former boss Kenny Dalglish last season after failing to make an impact on Merseyside following his move from Chelsea under Roy Hodgson in 2010.
The 30-year-old, who notched up 42 appearances for Lille, scoring nine goals, is set to rejoin the Premier League club for pre-season following a meeting with Rodgers.
Cole has made no secret of his desire to return to Liverpool and attempt to kick-start his Anfield career.
New boss Rodgers, who succeeded Dalglish at the helm last month, says he will assess Cole and other players as the Reds prepare for the new campaign.
"I met up with Joe Cole when I was in Spain," the manager told Liverpool's
official website.
"I certainly know he's looking to come back. I've got to assess all the players.
"With the likes of Joe - he's a very talented player. He's obviously gone out to Lille and done very well and he has the opportunity to come back here and show his qualities.
Qualities
"For me it's fresh for everyone. I'll be new into the club. Of course I know lots of the players and their qualities but Joe is obviously a player who'll want to come back and show his worth to the group.
"There are a lot of players I'm aware of and they wouldn't be at Liverpool if they didn't have the qualities.
"I suppose going forward and over the course of pre-season I just need to decide the types of players who are going to fit into the function and the philosophy and the structure of the team.
"When a new manager comes into any club, it always sparks off that renewed motivation for players.
"The cycle with Kenny was a terrific cycle but I'm a different tactician and a different type of person and that will give all the players an opportunity to perform."
