Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has hailed striker Luis Suarez as the toughest player he has seen in football.

The Uruguayan international is likely to feature as the Reds go in search of victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, and the Northern Irishman was quick to praise his forward's mental resolve ahead of the encounter.

He told The Mirror: "Over the years certain players are called hard men. They're usually aggressive centre-halves or midfield players who put their foot in.

"Luis is hard. Don't ever underestimate him. I know he's a striker. He gets battered and kicked. But mentally he's the toughest player I have ever come across in my life – and I have worked with some big players and hard players.

"The boy is relentless in his desires. We've seen that in all his time at this club and now he's maturing as well. Believe me, there isn't much that rattles Luis Suarez and playing at Old Trafford will only inspire him."

Liverpool go into the game against United 11 points clear of their rivals in the league table.