Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore believes that Brendan Rodgers should be given until the end of the season to prove himself, following further suggestions that the club tried to axe the Northern Irishman.

The 41-year-old has seen his job come under scrutiny in the midst of a poor run of form, which culminated in the Reds dropping out of the Champions League at the group stage on Tuesday night.

Journalist Duncan Castles told Bleacher Report earlier this week that Anfield chiefs were already in the process of contacting "alternatives" to replace Rodgers, claims which have now been backed up by Collymore.

"Like Duncan Castles, I heard two weeks ago that John Henry has tried to sack Brendan Rodgers a couple of times already," he said. "He was persuaded not to by Ian Ayre and a couple of club legends, who were sought out for their counsel.

"In my opinion, it would be wrong for Henry to pull the trigger too soon—he should wait until the end of the season at least and see where Liverpool stand. Unfortunately, being in the Europa League won't help them. It becomes a distraction and a pull on resources. Should he put a full side out? It's a tough problem.

"But Rodgers' signings just haven't worked. Adam Lallana has been no better than a six out of 10, Mario Balotelli a five, Rickie Lambert five, Lazar Markovic five. It's been the stuff of nightmares for Rodgers."

Liverpool, who are currently ninth in the Premier League, return to action this weekend with a trip to face Manchester United.