Source: Team_Talk
Happy Hodgson hails hitman Ngog
Roy Hodgson hailed the performance of David Ngog after the Frenchman's double got the new Liverpool manager's reign off to a winning start.[LNB] Ngog, playing alone up front, struck in each half as an under-strength Liverpool emerged from a potentially tricky Europa League test against FK Rabotnicki in Macedonia with a 2-0 win.[LNB]Ngog's future has been uncertain since Hodgson took charge a month ago with reports linking the 21-year-old with a move to West Brom.[LNB]The player, however, has expressed a desire to remain at Anfield and Hodgson said: "I can't stop players being linked with other clubs. I certainly have never discussed him leaving.[LNB]"I think Ngog has done well in the pre-season matches so far and he has worked very hard in the training sessions.[LNB]"I was pleased that he crowned his performance with two goals.[LNB]"I thought his target play, his general movement and his ability to keep the ball for us was also very good.[LNB]"But front players need goals and that will be a very big weight off his mind.[LNB]"It will mean he doesn't have to worry too much about the coming matches."[LNB]With their Premier League opener still 17 days away, Liverpool were without 10 of their World Cup players for the third qualifying round first leg.[LNB]The likes of Steven Gerrard, Joe Cole, Jamie Carragher and Glen Johnson were left to train on Merseyside while Fernando Torres, Jose Reina and Dirk Kuyt are still on holiday.[LNB]Ngog was one of only a handful of recognised senior players on duty along with Lucas, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger and Alberto Aquilani.[LNB]Youngsters David Amoo, Jay Spearing and Martin Kelly all took the chance to impress against a limited Rabotnicki side and Hodgson's selection was fully vindicated.[LNB]"I am very satisfied," Hodgson said. "It was a game that could have been very difficult for us.[LNB]"It was a big crowd and some of our players that played are not used to big crowds.[LNB]"I was really pleased with the way everyone went about their business and we can go back to Anfield with a margin of victory which will enable us to feel a little more comfortable."
