Steven Gerrard has made 610 appearances for Liverpool Photo: Back Page Images

Steven Gerrard has insisted Liverpool are “moving in the right direction” after a difficult couple of seasons for the Anfield outfit.

Brendan Rodgers has been tasked with reversing the Merseyside outfit’s ailing fortunes after the Northern Irishman was appointed as Kenny Dalglish’s successor in May.

Gerrard, who led the Reds to the Champions League crown in 2005, has been one of the key players for Rodgers alongside Luis Suarez, who has netted 13 Premier League goals.

The Liverpool captain is excited by the current crop of players, while the 32-year-old is also confident about the club’s prospects in 2013.

“Going into the New Year, there’s plenty to be positive about,” Gerrard told Liverpool’s website.

“I’m excited about this Liverpool team. I genuinely believe we are moving in the right direction.

“There will be a few blips along the way like the Villa defeat, because we are a very young squad.

“But clubs are defined by how they react to adversity and I know this group shares plenty of character and togetherness. As a collective, we will learn and we will get better.

“The league position needs to be improved and that needs to be our focus. But we’ve got games in two major cup competitions to look forward to in the second half of the season as well.”