STEVEN GERRARD believes Liverpool have the spine to launch a genuine championship challenge next season.

And the skipper has called on the club’s squabbling owners to help Rafael Benitez find the missing pieces to a title jigsaw that has eluded Anfield since 1990.

Gerrard is confident Benitez remains the right man to lead Liverpool despite a second successive season without a trophy.

Liverpool finished 11 points adrift of champions Manchester United, who are now just one short of the Merseyside club’s all-time record of 18 titles.

Gerrard, though, reckons in Javier Mascherano, Jamie Carragher, Pepe Reina and Fernando Torres, Liverpool have the basis of a title-chasing team.

“In my opinion, our spine is as good as anything in the world,” said Gerrard. “If you look at the quality we have down the spine, it is fantastic. We have other good players as well, though.

“It’s difficult to say how many world-class players we need to buy. You look at the points difference and over the last few years we have made it smaller.

“Playing against the Arsenals and Chelsea, it has been close. We are giving them good games which are tight and get decided on small details.

“If we can make the team a little bit stronger, have a few more options and match-winners, and make the team a tiny bit better defensively, we can do it.

“Other teams are going to strengthen and become better sides, so it is important we do the same.

“There is a lot of money in the league – teams and squads will become stronger in the summer. It’s important we do not fall away, we want to stay up there with the best.

“To keep doing well in the league and Europe we need to strengthen the squad, there is no doubt about that.”

Liverpool were forced last week to dismiss as “fantasy” that there had been a bid from Inter Milan for their captain, and likewise yesterday dismissed out of hand claims Chelsea had tried to sign Torres for £40m.

Gerrard is more concerned with Benitez’s transfer market activity, and said: “I don’t know much about Rafa’s transfer plans. He doesn’t call me in and tell me names.

“But he does assure me and the other players that if anyone becomes available who would strengthen the side, then he will go out and buy them.

“It’s important Rafa gets the right backing above him as well.

“Obviously I have to be careful that I don’t send expectations through the roof again, but for me I am desperate for it (a title challenge). I believe in this team and this manager, and believe we can make it happen.

“We need help and new players, and the manager needs help from the board to make these signings happen and make us stronger. I do expect us to be involved next season.”