Former Liverpool winger Steve McManaman believes that Kenny Dalglish has been successful since his return to the management with the Reds 14 months ago.

The Scottish boss guided Liverpool to their first trophy in six years last month as his side defeated Cardiff City in the final of the Carling Cup at Wembley.

However, they are currently seventh in the Premier League table, some 28 points behind joint leaders Manchester City and Manchester United.

Despite accepting that Liverpool's league form must improve, McManaman exclusively told Sports Mole that Dalglish has done a good job so far.

"Kenny has delivered [a trophy] within 13 months of his tenure," said the former England international. "That is a successful year in charge without a doubt.

"What are they now, 28 points behind Manchester United? That's certainly not good enough. We associate Liverpool with getting into the Champions League. I know they are in Europe next year so that's a start.

"After 14 months I certainly think it is going in the right direction. At the start of the season I didn't expect miracles from Liverpool or for them to be challenging for the title. I wanted an improvement on last year's form and I think I've got that. Next year they can build on the league form because we're flagging behind in the league without a shadow of a doubt."

McManaman scored 66 goals during a ten-year stint at Anfield.