BRENDAN Rodgers masterminded the end of Cherries’ 12-match unbeaten run and then tipped Eddie Howe to lead the Dorset club to the Premier League.

Raheem Sterling’s double and a goal from Lazar Markovic earned Liverpool a 3-1 win in the quarter-final of the League Cup at Dean Court tonight.

Rodgers held court at his post-match press conference and was keen to make a point of praising Cherries – even though he had not been prompted.

As the Liverpool club press officer tried to bring an end to Rodgers fielding questions, the Northern Irishman said: “Can I just say good luck to Bournemouth.

"They are a wonderful team with an outstanding young manager and, if they can go on and get promoted, they would thoroughly deserve it. It is a wonderful club so good luck and, hopefully, they can keep going.”

And asked by the Daily Echo whether he thought Cherries could win promotion, Rodgers replied: “Yes. I saw the game here against Cardiff and I’ve seen some of their other games and they look a real threat.

“They are super-organised, they play good football, they have a good intensity and the crowd really help them.

"They go to places like Wolves and win and they beat Cardiff here so they’ve got every chance. And Eddie is an outsanding young manager so I would be delighted for him.”