Brendan Rodgers is convinced Liverpool can finish the season in the top four and with it win them a Champions League place, while Daniel Agger committed his future to the club by signing a new long-term contract.

Liverpool have struggled so far this season, putting in some decent performances under new manager Rodgers, but more often than not failing to get the right results. The Reds were impressive in a 5-2 thrashing of Norwich City last weekend in the English Premier League, but again failed to get the win in the next game, falling to Udinese in midweek in the Europa League.

However, Rodgers believes once the team gets attuned to his philosophy, Liverpool will compete for the top spots. "Yes, absolutely. There's no doubt that it's going to be very difficult for us but that is our fight," Rodgers told reporters.

"We've got great quality here. The players are very much unified and there's a wonderful spirit in the group and even though we are frustrated with last night's result (against Udinese), the performance in the league last time out was fantastic.

"So we'll look to carry that into the weekend's game, which we know will be difficult. There's still a very long season ahead of us and we're starting to get to grips with how we are going to work as a team and I'm sure that will bring us good results.

"Some of the football last night was fantastic. The speed of our passing and our movement and creativity was great.

"Seeing some of the younger players come in has just been fantastic. But there's a lot of work to do here and that will take a bit of time. We have to keep working hard to correct our mistakes and thankfully we've got a great bunch of players who are committed to that."

Liverpool take on Stoke this Sunday, and the fans at Anfield will be buoyed by the fact that Agger's future has been secured, after the central defender was heavily linked with the likes of Barcelona and Manchester City in the summer.

"It means everything to me," Agger told the club's official website. "This is where I want to be and I'm happy the club want me. I am really happy right now. I've never wanted to go anywhere else.

"I feel I am a part of this club -- and I want to be a part of this club in the future. I like the way it is going right now with the style we're playing, and hopefully the results will come soon as well.

"The support from the fans has been unbelievable. The game when they were singing all the songs about me, it was difficult to focus on the game! It was such a good experience for me and I'd never experienced anything like it before.

"That is why I am so happy here. That for me is Liverpool Football Club. I feel I belong here and as long as the manager and the owners want me, I'll be here."