MARTIN SKRTEL is convinced stuttering Liverpool can still challenge for Champions League qualification this season.

But the centre-back has urged frustrated supporters to give new manager Roy Hodgson time as he adjusts to life in the Anfield hot seat. Click here to follow our LFC Twitter stream, for the latest updates.

There was disappointment once again at the weekend as Liverpool had to come from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Sunderland, a result that leaves them in 16th place in the embryonic Premier League table with just six points from as many games.

And while confident a top-four place remains well within reach, Skrtel accepts patience will be a key factor to any Anfield revival.

“A lot of people think that when a new manager comes in everything should be perfect but we need time,” said the Slovakian centre-back.

“Our aim is to fight for a place in the top four. That won’t be easy as there are a lot of good teams also going for it, but if we continue to improve as the season goes on, we can get back into the Champions League – that’s our aim.

“A lot of things have changed here. We have a new manager, new players, new medical staff and some different people around the team. It’s always going to be difficult when you change so much.