Johnson backs Brendan business
Glen Johnson has described Brendan Rodgers as 'very clever' for the signings he completed during the January transfer window, which the defender believes could boost Liverpool up the table next season.
The boss swooped for Johnson's England teammate Daniel Sturridge and Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho at the beginning of the year - with both making instant impacts at Anfield.
With just seven matches remaining in 2012-13, the 28-year-old expects the Reds to maintain their momentum and build a platform for the next campaign.
"Brendan has been very clever with the signings he's made and the squad is getting to where it needs to be," Johnson told Liverpoolfc.com.
"We've won six out of seven games at Anfield so if we can finish the season with a record very similar to that then that would put us in good stead for the start of the campaign at Anfield for next season.
"We're playing well at home, dominating games and picking up most points so the longer that continues the better.
"Then pick plenty more points up on the road and hopefully we'll be a fighting force again.
"Nine times out of 10 we're putting in good performances - we haven't always picked up the points but more times than not we've played well.
"Next season, if we can play well and pick up the points, we'll be a lot further up the table."
Liverpool welcome West Ham to Anfield on Sunday in the Barclays Premier League, pitching the international defender against one of his former clubs.
Loan striker Andy Carroll will be unavailable for the fixture against his parent club, although Johnson has nevertheless identified threats within the team currently sitting 11th in the division.
"It's always nice to play against your previous clubs - I always look forward to either going back there to play or for them to come to our ground," he added.
"They've got plenty of good players. Andy poses an obvious threat but he won't be there on Sunday. They've got Matty Taylor, who can shoot from distance. They've got a lot of good players."
Known for his attacking exploits from his starting right-back berth, Johnson has joined the forwards to significant effect during recent meetings with the Hammers - scoring on each of his last three appearances against the London outfit.
It's a statistic both the defender and his family were already aware of.
Johnson explained: "I was aware of it because most of my friends and family are West Ham fans.
"It's one of those moments where you always love scoring goals but at the same time you don't celebrate against your previous clubs.
"It's difficult to say how many you want to score - the more, the better. I guess almost anyone on the park would say the same.
"The manager's message is to get forward and be dangerous, more importantly, and then I think by doing that the goals will come."