Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has declared himself pleased with his side's performance in this evening's goalless draw against Everton and reserved special praise for winger Jordon Ibe.

Both sides struggled to create any clear-cut chances for the majority of a Merseyside derby stalemate at Goodison Park which failed to truly live up to its billing

Teenager Ibe, making his first Premier League start of the season for the Reds following a stint on loan at Derby County, came closest to breaking the deadlock with his driven strike which rattled the post in the first half.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Rodgers said: "I thought we were very good. The performance level of the players was outstanding. Everton had one shot on target and going forward we looked a real threat. It was only that final bit of luck that could have got us in.

"Overall I'm delighted. Jordon Ibe is a big talent, I was debating whether to keep him here in the summer but I felt it was important to get him out and play and feel the pressure.

"He did a great job with Steve McClaren at Derby and we knew he'd be ready to play in the team. With a bit more luck he would have got a goal tonight, he is at a high level."

Liverpool find themselves four points adrift of the top four following the draw against their local rivals.