Ian Rush believes that if Liverpool can beat Aston Villa they will gain the confidence needed to put in winning performances in the New Year.

"Beating Villa is going to be easier said than done and if you were basing your arguments for a Liverpool win on the first-half performance against Wolves, you would have to be a huge optimist," said the former Reds striker.

"In the second-half, however, I saw real signs that the confidence was starting to return our play and it will have pleased everyone connected with the squad that main aim – to get three points – was achieved.

"Should we be able to follow up against Villa, I could easily see us going on a long winning run and that is something I feel gives us the edge over the three sides who are chasing us for fourth place."