Rodgers praises hat-trick hero

Brendan Rodgers has hailed hat-trick hero Luis Suarez as a ‘wonderful talent’ after Liverpool triumphed 5-2 over Norwich.

The 25-year-old became only the second player in Premier League history to net a treble in consecutive appearances at a ground, after Wayne Rooney grabbed hat-tricks against Bolton at the Reebok Stadium.

And Rodgers, after congratulating the rest of the squad, pointed out that Suarez could have added to his tally.

Rodgers told Sky Sports: “The team, first and foremost, is the star. We were very good. Individually, of course, to score another hat-trick here, and wonderful goals as well.

“His first one was a terrific finish. His second pays a lot to him mentally because hed missed probably his easiest chance 10 seconds earlier but didn’t let it affect him – he got the ball back very quickly and great piece of skill on the edge of the box to get his finish.

“And his third one, he’s chopped back inside and finished it into the corner.

“He’s a wonderful talent and I’m fortunate today because he should’ve had a penalty but he doesn’t get anything in games.

“It’s unfortunate because he’s a real good guy. Overall the team was very good but I’m not surprised because they’ve been playing well just not getting the results.”

The Uruguay international was also denied a penalty when Leon Barnett nudged him in the back but referee Mike Jones waved play on.

And Rodgers believes the striker’s reputation goes before him in those instances.

“There’s no doubt he doesn’t get the verdicts in the games that he should get,” he said.

“If Valencia’s is a penalty last week with barely any contact then surely Luis Suarez’s is today.

“But we didn’t get it, I thought the referee had a good game but overall the performance and the goals were superb. And right to the very end I thought our work rate and intensity was very good. So a good day all round.”