Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has insisted that taking 23 points from their available 30 over the last 10 games would see them achieve Champions League qualification for 2015-16.

The Reds struggled in the Premier League until they lit up over the Christmas period. Unbeaten since mid-December, Liverpool have won nine of their last 11 games - including wins over top-four rivals Southampton and Tottenham.

But with only a number of games left in their season, the Northern Irish boss has insisted that they must replicate their end-of-season form from last year to prove that they are capable of consistently acquiring European football.

"We have 30 points to play for, so I am guessing it will be another 23 points," said Rodgers, on the challenge that awaits his team.

"That is how competitive it has been this year. We have won nine out of 11 in January and February, it has been a great run but now we have to be focused on these last 10 matches. Everything counts.

"We have to be aggressive in our game and now we have to nail it in the last 10. I know the players are focused on that."

With the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea still yet to play this season, Rodgers added that the pressure of last season's title run-in will help his group as they fight to make something of their season after a dismal start.

"Last season will help us. We dealt really well with the pressure. We won 12 out of 14 in the run-in and it was unfortunate that we lost one [against Chelsea]. Okay, that was the one that mattered but it wasn't through not being able to deal with pressure. We were unlucky that day.

"We conceded right at the end of the first half and then right at the end of the second half. We dealt with pressure remarkably well and our game is based on that. We play a technical game and that is a big part of why my teams do well in the second part of the season.

"Our game is based on dealing with pressure because [the players] have the courage to play, so when it comes to these moments, we do well with it."

The Reds currently sit five points away from 4th-placed Manchester United, as they travel to Swansea City tonight looking to close the gap, but they are only seven points off of 2nd place. 

With captain Steven Gerrard fit and ready to play his part in South Wales tonight, following a number of games on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, Rodgers has insisted he will not be able to waltz back into the starting side. 

"He still has big qualities that we will need between now and the end of the season but I don’t pick a team on whether I like someone or not. What I do know is that Stevie always puts the team first," said the Liverpool boss.

"Everyone is waiting to see if Stevie comes into the team or not, but it was the same with Daniel [Sturridge, who spent five months out]. Does he or does he not? What you have seen over my time here is that I rely on the team.

"The team, of course, has to have good players in it, but ultimately it is about the team and what is going to benefit and how we can get results as a team. I will repeat again the most important thing is Steven is back fit and we have Lucas Leiva coming back too.

"That will add to the competition for places and with one game a week, barring the cup game, then everyone is going to be fighting and being competitive about playing."

Rodgers was also quizzed upon the ongoing situation with 20-year-old English international Raheem Sterling. 

Having delayed contract talks until the end of the season, after turning down a number of heavily improved extensions with the club, rumours indicate 2014 Golden Boy winner Sterling could have his eye on a move elsewhere.

With the representatives of "the best young player in Europe" insisting the youngster should be on higher wages at Anfield, Rodgers was keen to address his opinions on the matter.

"It would be disappointing if an honest opinion on a player, at the moment you are asked, is used as a stick to beat you with," he said. "But it doesn’t surprise me, it is the modern world. It is what happens.

"I didn’t say he was the best young player overall in Europe. I think he is one of a number of top ones. But if they want to blame me, they can blame me.

"I will always talk well of my players when they are doing well. I think it gives them great encouragement, and I won't tell any different to you guys [in the media] than I will say to his face.

"I still think he has a lot of development to go and that this is the best place for him. It is pretty obvious that this is a great place for him to be and he has said that himself."

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About the author
Charlie Malam
Digital Sports Writer at the Daily Express. First-class Staffordshire University Sports Journalism graduate. Formerly VAVEL UK's Liverpool FC editor and Deputy Editor-in-Chief. Contributor since June 2014.