BIRMINGHAM: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is adamant his playing philosophy can help the Reds close the gap to the top four as he prepares for his first Premier League match in charge at West Brom today.

Rodgers was hired after establishing Swansea in the Premier League with an impressive debut season and Liverpool's American owners expect him to deliver the eye-catching play that earned so many plaudits for the Welsh club last term.

While Liverpool won the League Cup and reached the FA Cup final last season, Kenny Dalglish was still sacked in May after finishing a woeful eighth in the league.

So far the only additions Rodgers has managed have been the captures of Roma's Italy striker Fabio Borini and Swansea's Wales midfielder Joe Allen.

But he believes the playing style that won his old club so many admirers can help Liverpool at least challenge for a Champions League berth.

"For us it's about being competitive this year in every competition we're in. The challenge at the top of the table is greater than ever," Rodgers said.

"It was the top two, the top three, then the top four. Now there are seven or eight teams involved in that.

"The top four is certainly not something we'll shy away from. It's where a club of this status wants to be, but it's always easier said than done. The reality over the past three seasons or so hasn't been that.

"It's important that if you don't have the money, you have got to be different. That's the idea of trying to find a style. One of the ways in which we can hopefully gain an edge is in how we play and control and dominate games.

"I've got some wonderful players here, some world-class players, and I'm excited about the young players that are coming through. There are always ways in which you are trying to make the difference.

"Everyone wants the money but you can't always have the money. But it won't stop our hunger and desire to improve and be better, and one of the ways in which we'll look to do that is to define our model of play."

Swansea prevented Allen from playing in last Sunday's friendly with Bayer Leverkusen.