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Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has hinted that Joe Cole is struggling with his confidence levels.

The former Chelsea star has endured a difficult time at Anfield since moving to the Reds in the summer, being sent off on his debut and now struggling to recover from injury.

Hodgson said:"He isn't a naturally confident character. He suffers when things aren't going his way. Everyone at the club has worked hard to make sure he doesn't take it too hard and take too much on himself, because he's quite happy to take responsibility.

"I'm always wary of answering about people's mental state. It's difficult enough to judge them physically. But one thing is certain is that Joe's desperate to show what he can do.

"Because of where he plays, he is one who plays with small margin and then of course the risk of failure is even greater. For some they can get success just by booting the ball away, but Joe can't do it in the position he plays in.

"I don't know how frustrated he's been. He'd obviously have liked to hit the ground running but it's not been possible, largely because of injuries.

"But he's a long time with us, a long contract and we know what he's capable of doing. The sooner he produces it of course the better for me, but there is no pressure on him in that respect. He is a quality player who will come good."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

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