Rodgers eyeing Premier League opener

New Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers said he will not look beyond the first game of the Premier League season when the fixtures are announced.

The 2012-13 fixture list is set to be released on Monday, and Reds fans are certain to look out for matches against neighbours Manchester United and city rivals Everton.

However, the former Swansea boss has claimed that he is not looking beyond August 18, when the Premier League kicks off again.

He told the club’s official website: “The first game I look for is the first game, and I won’t look much further than that, to be honest.

“I’m sure the supporters will look at the Manchester United games, the derby games, and they normally look at what’s around Christmas time and the end of the season, but I concentrate on the next game.”

The Northern Irishman also expressed excitement over the Anfield outfit’s return to European football in the Europa League next term.

He continued: “Our concentration will be very much on the European game coming up in early August, a home and away leg there.

“It’s a really exciting time. Everyone loves it when the fixtures come out, but my concentration will be on who the first game is against.”