A solitary point is all that separates the four main contenders with Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Aston Villa still vying for that final Champions League berth.

Also noting the New Year resurgence of Mersey neighbours Everton, Gerrard admits the return of the creative talents of Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun has come at exactly the right time.

“It is going to be difficult to finish fourth,” says the skipper. “Villa, Tottenham and Manchester City will fight all the way. Everton are showing great form too. We need to keep our heads down and keep everyone fit but we are very confident that we can reach fourth place.

“Having Fernando and Yossi back is massive. They are massive players, especially going forward. Yossi created my goal (against Unirea). For us to go forward and be creative, we need those players on the pitch.

“We have got to be realistic. We know the season up until now has been very frustrating. In an ideal situation, we’d still be in the Champions League and the title race. That’s gone now, so we have to reassess and go for different targets.

“The target now is to try and win the Europa League and finish fourth. That would be a bit of nice way to finish a disappointing season.”

Gerrard's goal was only his seventh of the campaign for Liverpool – he has netted more than 20 in each of the last two seasons – and was his first since the FA Cup third round tie at Reading on January 2.

“I think I was due one,” he says. “But goals have never, ever worried me. It’s always been about playing well, my performances and my form. I can feel my form coming back. I’m still not at my best but I am getting closer. Goals are always a bonus.

“People won’t judge me on my goals as I’m not an out and out centre forward. I’m an attacking midfielder and I do like to score.”

Gerrard has appeared more at ease with himself since returning from his most recent setback, a hamstring problem that ruled the England international out for a fortnight having missed a month earlier in the season with a groin problem.

“At times it has been difficult for me personally,” he admits. “I’ve suffered injuries at bad times. When I have been coming back from injuries, my form hasn’t clicked straight away. I’ve had to work hard for my form over the last five, six games.

“But I can see signs that it is coming back. Even the best players in the world need confidence. Sometimes when it is not there, you have to keep working hard and build on it slowly. That’s what I have done.”