Premier League: Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers delighted with Glen Johnson

Glen Johnson: Liverpool's injuries have forced the right-back to play on the left

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes Glen Johnson is among the most versatile defenders in the world.

Johnson, an £18million signing from Portsmouth in the summer of 2009, has sometimes been criticised for lapses in concentration.

But, over the past year, the England international has silenced critics by also proving he can play at left-back to solve Liverpool's injury problems and lack of personnel.

And Rodgers has been extremely impressed since taking over in the summer, as he said: "If there is a team of the season so far in the Premier League, then Glen would be in it.

"He's one of the best right-backs in the world playing on the left."

Johnson most recently found himself at left-back after Rodgers switched from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2 against Chelsea on Sunday.

Liverpool played that game without Martin Skrtel, whose late withdrawal through illness meant Daniel Agger had to start despite a groin strain.

Skrtel remains a doubt for Saturday's meeting with Wigan Athletic at Anfield and he said of his absence against Chelsea: "I had no choice. I hope I'll be OK."