Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers admits Joe Cole must prove himself in preseason.

Though Cole is well known to Rodgers from the time they worked together at Chelsea, he has made it clear the onus is on Cole to put himself back into contention after a 12-month loan with Lille.

"These are players that haven't featured a great deal," said Rodgers. "I am assessing everyone. I know his strengths, I know his qualities. It was difficult for him when he first came but he did well at Lille."