Liverpool FC two-goal hero David Ngog hailed by Roy Hodgson

Jul 30 2010 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

DAVID NGOG earned the praise of Roy Hodgson after ensuring a winning start to a new era at Anfield.

Hodgson saw his first game in charge end with a comfortable 2-0 win at FK Rabotnicki in their Europa League third qualifying round first leg tie.

Ngog netted in either half as a makeshift Liverpool side – missing 10 senior players – put one foot firmly in the next round by negotiating a potential banana skin in Macedonia ahead of next Thursday’s second leg at Anfield.

The French striker has been linked strongly with a possible loan move to West Bromwich Albion during the close season.

But Hodgson insists he has not considered parting with the player, and said: “I think Ngog has worked very hard in training and done very well in the pre-season games, and he crowned his hard work with an impressive performance the goals that will be a big weight off him mind.

“Front players need goals, and he has got them, which means he can relax. He has shown us that he has the movement and touch, and quality.

“I can’t stop players being linked with other clubs, but I never discussed him leaving the club.”

With only Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger joining the youthful squad that was at the pre-season training camp in Switzerland, Hodgson was forced to select another understrength starting line-up.

New signing Milan Jovanovic made his competitive debut after joining on a free transfer from Standard Liege in the summer, while there was also a first start for 19-year-old winger David Amoo.