Liverpool legend Kevin Keegan has backed his former club to finish in the top four this season.

The Reds have struggled in recent years, failing to finish in the Champions League spots since 2009 despite finishing second that year.

However, Keegan believes that new manager Brendan Rodgers is the man to catapult Liverpool back among the Premier League's elite.

"I think it is a big ask but it is probably the right time for him to go there," he told PA Sport.

"He comes with a lot of knowledge - he has got good experience, but Liverpool is different for him, the expectation at Liverpool, regardless of what anyone said, is to win the league.

"Even top four for Liverpool fans, because of what they have been brought up on is not enough, but if things go well it is achievable. Last year if they had won half of the home games they had drawn they would have been in the top four. There are lots of things if you're a Liverpool fan to give you hope and inspiration."

Liverpool begin their new campaign against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.