ST MARY’S IF THE CAP FITS..

Rodgers backs Ings to rescue England career

BRENDAN RODGERS believes Danny Ings can resurrect his England career if he maintains his redhot form for Southampton.

It was Leicester boss Rodgers who took Ings to Liverpool four years ago from Burnley. The striker scored in Rodgers’ final game in charge, against Everton in October 2015, and won his first Three Lions cap against Lithuania a week later.

But then Ings suffered a serious knee injury which kept him out until the final game of that season.

It meant he never got to add to that cap.

However, after scoring six goals this season, Rodgers reckons Ings could be get back into the England shake-up.

Rodgers said: “If he’s scoring goals regularly in the most competitive league in Europe, then there is absolutely no reason why he can’t.”

Leicester head to Southampton tonight with their manager well aware of what effect Ings (right) can have. And he says the 27-year-old front man is a better player for his injury setbacks.

Rodgers, whose side could move second with victory at St Mary’s, added: “Danny’s been unfortunate, I’d rather concentrate on his mental toughness. He’s had a number of injuries and it shows how strong he is.

“Danny had a bad injury as a young player at Bournemouth, he came through that to Burnley before coming to Liverpool.

“It’s just great that he is back playing, and playing consistently. He’ll be a better player for it as well, for his experiences at Liverpool and what he gained there.

“He was a very popular boy among the squad, supporters will like him because he gives everything. But it was difficult for him to come back once he’d been injured, especially with the guys in the form they were in.

“He needed to get out and play, he’s gone to Southampton and done very well. He runs, he gets into the box and when he does he normally finishes.”