Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing is hopeful that he can keep his spot in the middle of the park in order to continue his link-up with Steven Gerrard.

The 23-year-old has kept Charlie Adam out of the starting XI for the Reds' last two fixtures and reveals that playing alongside the club's skipper gives him a "massive" boost in confidence.

"Every game I play alongside 'Stevie G' is a massive confidence boost for me," said Spearing. "With me playing game after game it brings out my personal confidence and I am trying to show what I'm all about.

"From a personal point of view it was a bit of a disappointment not playing in the Carling Cup final but it is a team game and we all came through."

Liverpool remain in contention for a second piece of silverware this season after they progressed into the semi-finals of the FA Cup following a 2-1 victory over Stoke City on Sunday.