The young Belgian was signed by the Reds last summer before being loaned back to his old side Lille, though Rodgers admits he was tempted to bring him to Anfield early as he sought to bring in a new striker in the middle of this season.

“It was [tempting to bring him back early] but knowing we would not have him this season was something I had resigned myself to in the summer,” he said.

“Of course, at the beginning of the season when we were looking for goals and needed that pace and pressure at the top of the field it is you something you look at and hope you had him here.

“I always knew though he was going to be there for the season, it was very clear in the contract, and I look forward to getting him in the summer.”