'Why Stevie deserves the credit'

The Reds face West Brom at Anfield today, and it was in the corresponding fixture last season that Gerrard produced a rare miss from the penalty spot.

However, after watching the skipper net his 100th top-flight goal with a calmly converted spot-kick against Newcastle last Saturday, Achterberg insists Gerrard deserves all the plaudits when it comes to mastering the art.

"We give Stevie the information with the analysis department and he can then have a look at the penalties and the goalkeepers, so all the credit goes to him really," the goalkeeping coach told Liverpoolfc.com.

"He handles the pressure well. If he asks me something I'll give him my opinion, but he has enough experience to most of the time make his good choices.

"He is one of the best so he trusts himself as well when he steps up to take a penalty."

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The Reds will be mindful of the fact that West Brom did the double over them in the league last season when they face Steve Clarke's side this afternoon.

Having recorded a victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford as well as holding a rampant Arsenal to a creditable draw, Achterberg insists it's up to Liverpool to make sure they return to the Midlands pointless.

He added: "It will be a tough test because we have to find the remedy to break them down.

"They will be defensively deep and try to be organised. They will press us and play on the break like they have done well this season, but we owe them one after they beat us twice last season and hopefully we can put it right.

"We know what to expect so hopefully everyone is on their game and we can get the win with a new clean sheet to start."

After keeping three clean sheets in their opening three top-flight games of 2013-14, the Reds have not recorded a shut-out in their last six matches.

While not becoming duly concerned over conceding goals in recent weeks, Achterberg noted that the team have been working hard to try to eradicate the defensive errors.

He added: "After the first three clean sheets everyone was talking about it and after that we didn't keep one, so if we keep clean sheets I never like to talk about it.

"But you just have to have your mind set to be really focused and determined to think we can't concede, and limit mistakes and be on the front foot at all times during the game to make sure you don't make the mistakes."

The Dutchman also had words of praise for former Anfield assistant boss Clarke, who is conducting an impressive job in his own right at the Hawthorns.

He said: "Steve is a very organised coach and professional in what he does. He is focused and wants to do everything perfectly and is doing a good job for them."