PEPE REINA believes Liverpool can hit the ground running next season – provided Brendan Rodgers is given further backing in the summer transfer window.

The Anfield outfit initially struggled to adjust to the methods of Rodgers with the Northern Irishman having replaced Kenny Dalglish as manager last May.

But having won only three of their first 14 Premier League games, the 4-0 romp at Wigan Athletic on Saturday means Liverpool have triumphed in eight of the next 14.

It has prompted renewed hope of a top-five finish and securing an immediate return to the Europa League.

And goalkeeper Reina, who was in impressive form at the DW Stadium, is confident the foundations are in place for Liverpool to compete next season, and has called on Fenway Sports Group to continue bankrolling squad strengthening.

“This year has been important for us in terms of getting to know what the manager wants and develop the ideas,” said the Spain international.

“Then we have to be ready for the very first game of next season to challenge.

“Obviously we will need some help from the board but I think the basis is well settled. We know the ideas and philosophies of the manager.

“It is getting better and better so hopefully we will be ready to compete.”

Much is likely to depend on whether Liverpool can hold on to Luis Suarez in the summer, with the Uruguayan’s outstanding form making him a target for both Bayern Munich and Juventus.

Suarez’s hat-trick at Wigan moved him on to 28 goals for the season in all competitions and made him the Premier League’s leading scorer with 21.