Rodgers unconcerned by debt

Rodgers unconcerned by debt

Published Mar. 8, 2013 1:15 p.m. ET

Millwall manager Kenny Jackett will give on-loan striker Rob Hulse every chance to prove his fitness before the FA Cup quarter-final clash with Blackburn on Sunday.

The QPR loanee is struggling with a stomach injury but will be assessed over the next couple of days to see if he can lead the line against Rovers.

Benik Afobe has returned to parent club Arsenal after suffering a serious knee injury while James Henry (knee) is also missing, with Martyn Woolford cup-tied.

Leon Best is in line to make his first Blackburn start for Michael Appleton's side.

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Best, who suffered cruciate knee ligament damage shortly after a £3million summer move from Newcastle, made his long-awaited Rovers debut from the bench during the closing stages of Tuesday's night's 1-0

Championship defeat at Bolton.

The Republic of Ireland international appears set to partner Jordan Rhodes in attack as DJ Campbell is cup-tied.

Campbell's fellow loanees Cameron Stewart and David Jones are also unavailable, meaning Josh King and David Dunn could be named among the substitutes despite only returning to training on Friday from respective hamstring and calf problems.

On Monday the publication of the Reds' annual accounts revealed a loss of £40.5million with overall debt rising by £21.8million to £87.2million

But Rodgers denied that would impact on his spending, stressing owners Fenway Sports Group had already pledged their full support for his restructuring plans.

"If you look where the club was at four years ago and where it is now it is a different place," said the Liverpool boss, who has spent part of his first year in charge cutting the wage bill at Anfield by offloading high-earning but low-performing players.

"Of course there is still debt there but I think next year's results will show further improvement on that.

"In terms of me building the squad I've already got the assurances it won't affect anything.

"I think you have to give massive credit to the board and FSG because they took on an astronomical amount of debt - almost £400million - so where it is at now in their short period of time here is a huge credit to them while still supporting the investment of the team.

"They have made every promise and every commitment to me that every single penny they have will go into generating the squad and making it better.

"We won't be able to do it like some clubs and throw out masses each year but that is something as a club we are looking to standardise here while still growing the club and bringing in quality players and that won't stop in the summer."

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