'Only Kenny could have done it'

The Reds are currently in the midst of a seven-game unbeaten run in all competition - a statistic in keeping with the impact the Scot has overseen at Anfield since being restored to the hotseat in January.

"I think only he could have come in at the time and lifted the club," Keegan told Liverpoolfc.tv. "They needed someone who the fans believed in. Only Kenny could have come in and made that immediate impact because of his knowledge of the club.

"For example, when I went to Fulham, I had to learn about the club - but you don't need to learn about anything if you've played and managed here before.

"I wasn't surprised to see him return because it's in your blood. He was at the club and he was seeing things - things he knew probably weren't quite right or that if he was making a certain decision, it would be a different one.

"So he had that big advantage of being there and getting an overview of all of the club. When he came in, he hit the ground running."

Watch the video here »

Liverpool currently sit in sixth position in the Barclays Premier League, just one point behind fourth-placed Chelsea, following an impressive start to 2011-12.

Keegan is confident the Reds can secure a top-four finish this season - and believes not being involved in European competition this term could ultimately prove beneficial in their quest to seal a return to the Champions League.

Asked where he felt Liverpool would finish this season, he replied: "Fourth or third. The reason I think they've got a great chance is because they're not in Europe, although it seems to me as though Kenny is treating the Carling Cup as Europe by putting strong sides out.

"But it's not the same pressure and you're not shooting over 2,000 miles to play in Russia, then come back and have to go to London on the Saturday - that's tiring.

"Not getting into the Europa League was a big plus for Liverpool, I think, and why I think they have a chance of getting into the top four."