Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has hired renowned sports psychiatric Dr Steve Peters to his backroom staff at Anfield.

Peters has worked closely with UK Athletics over a number of years and is credited with helping Team GB cyclists Sir Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton and Bradley Wiggins win Olympic gold at London 2012.

Rodgers believes that Peters can help get his Liverpool players to maintain focus and improve their performances.

He said: "We have brought in a guy who is the top guy in his field, one of the leading guys in the world in what he does.

"I see it as a part of the development of the player because the modern game is very much about the psychological aspect of it.

"As a manager, command can be lonely. When you are the leader and trying to drive and lead the club forward, it is always good to have a different set of eyes with different experiences."

Peters has been hired by a number of sports stars during his career including Craig Bellamy and Ronnie O'Sullivan.