Glen: He's made players smile
Glen Johnson believes getting the players smiling again has been the key to Kenny Dalglish's success in his second stint as Liverpool manager.
The Reds have scored in every league match since Dalglish returned to the dugout and a 3-0 victory over Newcastle at the weekend lifted them into a European spot.
Johnson thinks Liverpool are playing their best football since he arrived in 2009 - something he attributes to a new spirit in the dressing room.
"Since I've been here we've had good and bad times but with the last few games you could say this is the best we've played," the full-back told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"Kenny has just brought the belief back, let the lads enjoy themselves and training has been good. The lads are happy day-to-day and look forward to the games.
"He's given us a bit of confidence and put a smile back on the lads' faces.
"We've got a great bunch of lads here. On and off the pitch we work hard for each other and off the pitch we're enjoying life with each other as well. It's a good group of boys."
Sunday's victory saw Liverpool leapfrog Tottenham into fifth place, and though Spurs have a game in hand, Johnson is confident he and his teammates can hold on to secure European football next season.
"There is definitely a feeling in the dressing room that we can stay there," he said.
"It bodes well for next season. With the confidence we've got now we'll try and finish the season strongly and start where we leave off next season."
Maxi Rodriguez, Dirk Kuyt and Luis Suarez were the scorers against Alan Pardew's men.
Kuyt's penalty was his 14th strike of the season - and his eighth goal in his last seven league outings.
Johnson added: "We've been laughing and joking about it because normally he shoots from anywhere. But he's a fantastic player. He's been brilliant for Liverpool over the years and I'm sure he'll continue to be.
"He's a great player to have in a squad. He can play on the left, the right and up front. He does a job for the team and wherever he plays he wears his heart on his sleeve."
The Newcastle clash was Johnson's first appearance since pulling his hamstring against West Brom on April 2.
In his absence 18-year-old John Flanagan has shown maturity beyond his years.
And Johnson said: "It's been brilliant. Obviously John, Jack Robinson and Kells (Martin Kelly) who came in before have all been fantastic and it's great for Liverpool Football Club to have players like that coming through.
"I feel good - it's fantastic to be back and the hamstring feels good now."