'Jordan and Stewart know what's wanted'
A former Liverpool midfielder who turned his Anfield career around has heaped praise on Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson for achieving similar transformations.
The duo joined the Reds in the summer of 2011 and helped the club to Carling Cup glory last February, but found themselves on the fringes following the arrival of Brendan Rodgers as manager.
Both have excelled during 2012-13, however, establishing regular positions in the starting XI - progress which the Australian Craig Johnston can particularly appreciate.
"It gives me great pleasure to see lads come through tough patches like they have," Johnston told the Liverpool Echo.
"I think there is a lot to be said for Brendan Rodgers' style of management that he has managed to get Henderson and Downing showing the kind of form they have.
"I think, personally, people, and even managers, underestimate the mental side of football. I really do. Changing clubs is a huge thing, whatever your age. It's a major upheaval, and that's just the off-field stuff.
"Then there's the added pressure, the expectancy, the media spotlight. It all piles up onto players. It can be a downward spiral if you don't start fast at a new club, believe me.
"It can take time to settle down after you move. I experienced that first-hand, and I know all about how hard it can be to win people over.
"I was never the manager's favourite at Liverpool, I had to work hard to prove my worth to the team, and it has been the same for Jordan and Stewart.
"Liverpool fans appreciate hard work. They are knowledgeable, and they can see if someone isn't giving 100 per cent. Jordan and Stewart will know that too, and they have had to give everything they have to try and turn things around.
"I have great respect for them, coming through the tough times and coming out the other side stronger. I also think that Brendan's style deserves a lot of credit."
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Now seventh in the Barclays Premier League, Rodgers' side have seven fixtures remaining for the campaign - with European qualification still a possibility.
Johnston has observed positive progress under the boss and, while acknowledging that further hard work is required, insisted that 'signs are promising'.
"Brendan has come in and done some good things. I think things are looking good, personally. It is not perfect, and it will need more hard work, but I think the signs are promising," he added.