Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says Martin Kelly is in his long-term plans.

The defender has been out this season with a serious knee injury.

"I knew Martin when he was growing up and I've seen him develop both as a right-back and at centre-back," Rodgers told reporters gathered at Melwood.

"I actually tried to take him to Swansea on loan.

"He's a player that gives 150 per cent in each game. He started the season in the side and I thought he did really well.

"He's working very hard on and off the field at the moment and we're working so that he comes back physically and mentally a better player. Once he gets back, we can look at an individual plan for him."